Do More than Teach with a Master's in Special Education

Most people who pursue a master’s in special education do so with the intent of becoming a special education teacher. After all, most states require such educators to have completed, at minimum, a special education training program if a master’s degree isn’t required. 

However, earning such a degree presents a number of opportunities outside the classroom as well. Law enforcement, health care, social services, and the media are all in need of experienced professionals with a background in special education. 

Not convinced? Check out some of the doors that your special education credential can open up.

Social Services Providers

When children are hospitalized due to illness or injury, their medical team relies upon social services coordinators to help the patient and his or her family access necessary programs and services, and to

help them provide the best possible care to their young patients. With your degree in special education, you can help determine patient eligibility for extra services, advocate for patients’ educational needs, and help coordinate treatment plans. A special education program also helps prepare you for certification as a Child Life Specialist, a health care professional who helps children and families as they deal with illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization. 

Depending on the agency or organization, a social services provider earns an average of around $40,000 per year, with those who earn the Certified Child Life Specialist credential among the top earners overall.

Writer and Tester

In order for children to receive special education services, in most cases they must undergo a series of diagnostic tests designed to pinpoint the issue and identify appropriate measures. The tests are usually administered by trained professionals with a background in special education who can effectively interpret the results and make appropriate recommendations.

Not only do special education professionals deliver exams, they also help create them. Using their in-depth knowledge and experience, they devise exams that are both effective and developmentally appropriate. Special education experts are also in demand as writers of textbooks, and training and informational materials. In most cases, these roles also require some degree of classroom experience in addition to a degree, but the earning potential is competitive. A full time writer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earns about $50,000 per year. However, many special education teachers provide writing, editing, and testing services on a freelance basis, earning a steady income in addition to their full time jobs.

Rehabilitation

For people with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities, a rehabilitation counselor can mean the difference between being able to care for themselves and relying on others for everything. If you hold a special education degree, you may be able to work as a rehab counselor, helping children and teens with disabilities develop strategies for managing everyday life or participate in certain activities. 

You might find these positions in schools, where you would work with a single student or a small group in a classroom, at a rehabilitation center, or in private practice. Private practice usually requires that you obtain a license, which may require additional education and training. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow by 20 percent within the next decade, but salaries are still on the lower end of the spectrum, averaging in the low to mid $30s. Counselors in private practice tend to earn substantially more money each year.

Law Enforcement

It might seem strange that you can use your special education degree in the law enforcement field, but it’s true. Correctional facilities often hire people with a background in special education to teach or provide rehabilitation services to inmates. Studies show that more than a third of all inmates in juvenile correctional facilities received special education services at some point prior to incarceration, and the law requires that children with disabilities continue to receive those services while they are in detention. 

This is an extremely challenging, yet rewarding specialization, with above average earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salaries for a corrections officer is about $48,000 per year, with the region, level of security, and level of education all factors in actual salaries.

Earning a special education master’s degree does not mean that you are limited to working in schools. From hospitals to jails to your own private practice, a special education degree is a versatile credential that offers a wealth of career opportunities.

 

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Tips and Strageties for Those Preparing for the GRE

The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination and is the exam by which most universities in the United States judge a candidate's qualification into a graduate program. The GRE tests vocabulary, reading comprehension, text completion, mathematical abilities (ranging from geometry to algebra to numeric problem solving) and writing. There are very few graduate programs in the United States which one can enter into without having taken the GRE (with the exception of business schools, which tend to prefer the GMAT). Therefore, adequate preparation for the exam is essential. Read on for the best GRE preparation tips.

Familiarize Yourself

Before taking a practice test, simply look through each section of the GRE and get a feel for what the content is going to be and how the test is going to work. There are three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. You can familiarize yourself with the questions online, through a website like ETS, or by purchasing or borrowing a GRE test preparation book from your local bookstore or library.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the scoring process. Realize that it's not a simple +1/-1 system for correct/incorrect answers. Rather, your score is assessed by the difficulty of questions answered, and the questions will either get easier or harder depending on how you're doing as you move through the test. More correct answers on more difficult questions will yield a higher score.

Take a Practice Test...

…a real one, where you have a timer and move through the material exactly how you would on test day. Kaplan and the Princeton Review both offer practice tests in their study books and online. Most universities also have GRE courses you can sign up for just to take a practice exam through the university's testing center. As you take the test, pace yourself. Take your time with the questions, and don't worry about answers that you don't know. If you can't make a good guess, skip it, and move on. After you take the test, review the questions that you missed and the ones you excelled at, familiarizing yourself with your strengths and weaknesses.

Study

Now that you've taken a practice test and familiarized yourself with the content on the test, you should have a pretty good idea of what you need to review. Make flashcards; use online resources; have a friend quiz you on vocabulary; or get a tutor. Again, Kaplan and the Princeton Review both offer GRE preparatory courses and tutors if you need them. If your quantitative score is low, ask a friend or family member for study help, or use your university's tutoring center.

For vocabulary practice, one of the best things you can do is read. Read your local newspaper or books of literary merit. If you come to a word you don't know, look it up. Find essay prompts from previous years, and write practice essays. Then compare your response to answers that have been published. Ask a friend or professor to read over your essay, assessing it for grammatical, spelling or sentence structure errors. Become confident in your ability to master the content.

On test day, eat a good breakfast; get a good night's sleep, and go into the testing center prepared and ready to excel!

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Franklin Tomlinson is a freelance writer based in Tacoma, Washington who frequently contributes articles on education, graduate school, SAT test prep, student loans, university rankings and other important topics.

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How Tough is it to be Accepted Into Medical School

Getting into medical school represents a significant challenge for many undergraduate students. Medicine is a highly competitive field, and a relatively low number of students are granted admission to medical schools each year. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), less than half of applicants go on to become students. The strict requirements serve a purpose. Medical school is grueling, with academically challenging coursework and long hours.

Demand for Students

Nevertheless, there is a significant demand to increase enrollment numbers. The AAMC is working towards a 30 percent increase in first-year acceptance rates. Schools are rising to meet this demand by adding more classes, and new schools have applied for LCME accreditation. There are currently 125 fully accredited medial schools in the United States and 8 preliminary accredited institutions.

While some schools are more selective than others, it is critical to understand that they are also highly competitive with each other. Using objective data from the AAMC, it is apparent that there are two main areas influencing over 80 percent of acceptance rates: undergraduate grades and Medial College Admission Test scores. Secondary to these considerations is the race of the applicant and their area of focus.

Requirements for Admission

While it isn't necessary for an undergraduate to obtain a degree prior to applying, applicants do need to complete at least 90 hours of coursework. Some students are able to complete this in three years. However, a minimum GPA of 3.7 is required in all coursework. Bad grades are simply not an option. Students must stay ahead of the pack to be considered for medial school admission.

The Medial School Admission Test, or MCAT, is the other important factor schools use to evaluate prospective students. The majority of 2012 MCAT scores for all test takers fell between 20 and 30. A minimum of 27 is generally expected. The MCAT can be taken more than once, but ideally a student wants to pass this exam the first time around.

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Opportunities for Minorities

For the few remaining students whose GPA and MCAT scores are not in the top percentiles, there is still some opportunity for minority races. Since schools encourage diversity in both race and gender, lower GPA and MCAT scores can be supplemented by an applicant's minority status. In particular, blacks and Hispanics are almost five times more likely to be accepted than whites and Asians with similar objective scores.

Historically, women were significantly under-represented among medical school applicants. During the 1980s, only 32 percent of matriculated students were female. Today, this number has grown to 47 percent of all enrollments. While there doesn't appear to be any significant advantage to being female, it may make admission a little more likely if combined with a minority status.

Getting into medical school is difficult but primarily a numbers game. Students in the top 20 percent of GPA and MCAT scores will get the first slots. While state universities may be less competitive than private schools, it is still advisable for potential applicants to begin planning years in advance. Staying on top of grades is crucial for optimizing admission rates.

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Christian Spinney is a freelance writer who focuses on medical education, medical science, the medical profession, nursing, student issues and other kindred subjects; those curious about the nursing profession may want to take a peek at the resources from Vocational Nursing Online.

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A Basic Guide on Prepping for the MCAT

If you're planning on going to medical school, one of the most important tests you will take in your academic career will be the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT. The MCAT has been around in some form since the 1920s, and as one would expect it has undergone a lot of changes over the years. The MCAT as it exists today is a standardized test made up of multiple choice questions and a writing section that is meant to test a student's scientific knowledge, writing ability and problem solving skills. The test isn't technically required to get into medical school and become a doctor, but passing it will greatly improve your chances of being accepted to the school of your choice.

It's definitely in your best interest to take the MCAT exam, but preparing to take it can be a nerve-racking experience. There's definitely a lot riding on the test, so you will want to get it right the first time you take it. Here are some tips that might help you get ready to take the MCAT and hopefully settle some of your nerves when the exam date approaches.

1. Take a Practice Exam

One of the best ways to prepare for any exam is to know what you're up against, and the easiest way to do this is to take a practice exam. Fortunately, there are plenty of practice MCAT tests available. Some of the more comprehensive exams will cost you some money, but for most people the prices will be reasonable. These tests are updated versions of retired exams, but they will at least give you some idea of what you're up against. If you want to take a free online MCAT exam, you can find one at www.e-mcat.com.

Don't get too discouraged if you don't score well on a practice test. The goal is to become familiar with the exam, not ace it on your first time out. If you don't do well, you will at least know where your weaknesses lie and focus on them as you study.

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2. Don't Go for Rote Memorization

The administrators of the MCAT are less interested in your ability to memorize complex formulas and other information than they are in your ability to understand the physical and chemical properties and reactions they are meant to describe. One good strategy for preparing for the MCAT is to see if you can explain some of the more complex concepts in a way that a fifth grader will understand. It sounds strange, but if you can explain a process in a way that is easy to understand, chances are that you have your information down pat.

3. Use Your Old Notes and Textbooks

A lot of medical school candidates spend thousands of dollars on cram courses and materials shortly before taking the MCAT. Some of these courses and materials are useful, but there's a much cheaper solution if you want to cram the week (not night) before your MCAT exam. Hopefully you saved at least some of your notes and textbooks from your previous college courses. In most cases, this is actually all you need to study for the material on the MCAT. You can just dig them out and start studying without spending $2,000 for a last-minute cram course.

The thing to remember about preparing for the MCAT or any other exam you plan to take to further your career is that the process is a marathon, not a sprint. Set aside some time every day to study for weeks or even months before the exam. Cramming the night before will just stress you out with information overload and a lack of sleep. In the end, you'll be doing yourself a disservice by engaging in a last-minute cram session. Feel free to look over your notes for a refresher course the night before your exam, but by then you should know what you're up against and what you need to do to get a decent exam score.

Sources:

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/

http://www.e-mcat.com/starttest.aspx?cmd=login&checkclient=true

http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/medical-school-admissions-doctor/2012/03/19/3-tips-for-successful-mcat-preparation

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Elliot Chambers writes on medicine, medical science, medical education, health and fitness, wellness and other related topics; those interested in the medical profession can learn more by visiting CNACertification-Training.com.

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4 Expectations of Office Administration

Office administration is an essential skill to learn for the workplace. The office administrator is a vital part of the office team, keeping supplies and schedules alike organized and supporting the entire team on their projects. If you’re thinking about enrolling in an office administration program, here are a few of the components you should expect to find in any program.

1.         Business Lectures and Professional Conduct

To properly prepare you for the workplace, schools will teach you the basics of business theory and professionalism. The most important part of your course is support skills. You need to be able to support your colleagues in whatever they’re doing to help the company as a whole achieve its goals. The key to this is dealing with people who are working on different jobs.

Other skills you should expect to learn include computer software skills and communication skills in writing, telephone etiquette, and face-to-face conversation.

Every course differs slightly. Program lengths will vary, but as a general rule, they usually range between 6-14 months of full-time, uninterrupted study. This shorter time frame helps students get out of school faster to begin applying their skills in the real world.

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2.         Relevant Skills for the Workplace

Office administration programs focus strongly on skills training, including a variety of software programs. As outcome-oriented programs, students are also prepared to take certain certification exams, such as for accounting software and spreadsheets. Support skills like communication and professionalism are reinforced throughout the program.

A good course will show you exactly what you can expect to experience on the job. They’ll teach you how to apply your newfound skills to a real office environment. This makes the transition from the classroom to the workplace smooth and fast for new graduates.

3.         Certification and Degrees

An office administration degree or relevant certification will never guarantee you a job, but having them is a great way to show a potential employer you have the skills to take the challenges of office administration. In general, employers view certification favorably when filling positions because it objectively demonstrates that applicants possess the skills that they are claiming to have.

4.         Professional, Indutry-Experienced Instructors

You want to be trained by the very best. The people teaching you shouldn’t just be teachers who have learned how to teach a course. They should have some real world experience in their field. Students in these programs will benefit from the experience of business professionals who will help guide their pupils. They can also serve as mentors while students hunt for jobs and encounter problems in their new line of work.

About the Author:

Michelle Patterson is an office administrator from Tennessee and a holder of an office administration degree. She went to MTI College and she believes the right training has a direct influence on your ability to get a job and flourish in your new profession as an office administrator. Other topics that she writes on include alternative energy, healthy living, home design, career advancement, finance, travel, SEO marketing and website content.

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Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse

Student life has never been easy for most of us. There are those, who are pressed by financial burdens, do not want to take student loans and cannot proceed with their education. And then there are those who can’t cope with the matter, but still want to delve in the field they have chosen. This applies especially to medical students who were not capable of making the cut. If you are one such student, then perhaps you should take a look at some easier and yet still lucrative opportunities. One of them is becoming an LPN.

What is an LPN you would ask? This abbreviation stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. These specialists apply their skillset to provide sub-expert help for people who are sick, crippled or handicapped in some other way. The exact services which the LPN provides are dependent on the country and state the professional resides in. What matters most, however, is the establishment you work in. Whether you are in a specialized hospital, or a doctor’s office is going to be all that matters. Still, you can become familiar with some of the main tasks which the licensed practical nurse will commit to.

What you need to know above all, is that LPNs are not Registered Nurses and therefore do not have that level of expertise. LPNs work directly under the command of a superior, be it an RN or a doctor. A beginner LPN will commonly serve to provide comfort to patients in different establishments. This will include changing bed sheets, helping them with stool and providing overall comfort and hygiene care. Even though it might seem as a dull, or even revolting job to some, it is actually extremely essential for today’s healthcare. There are many people who cannot cope with their daily activities by themselves.

When it comes to becoming an LPN and why it is useful for people who are impeded from finishing university, there are a few simple facts that need to be stated. First of all, unlike doctors, LPNs get their licensing in no more than a year. There is a large number of licensed programs dedicated to training LPNs all over the world. Based on the requirements derived from your location, you will undergo a course with varying levels of complexity. In the end, you will need to sign up for the NCLEX-PN and take it. If you succeed, you are capable of applying for a license as an LPN.

When it comes to studying during the program, as stated above, different courses will have varying levels of complexity. In all generality, however, you will undergo an extensive course in basic medicine and first aid so that you can commit to your duties. This course will include a practical part in a real hospital environment, which is essential for all aspiring professionals. Keep in mind, though, that despite the fact that you have successfully completed the course, employers might still require you to go through more training once you begin work.

Once you have completed your training and have gathered some experience in the working field, you can then specialize even more. There are LPNs who get an increase in pay after undergoing special training to handle more complex tasks. This will include placement of IV drips and performing some more advanced first aid operations. Such continued specializations are usually demanded by the employer once he or she decides that the specialist deserves a promotion. LPNs can afterwards progress even further by applying for special RN training and becoming registered nurses themselves.

So, you might be wondering why you would want to go through all this and lose a year of your life in training. If helping people in need isn’t stimulus enough for you, then perhaps some statistical facts will be of help. Research has shown that the work of the licensed practical nurse is among the most demanded in the world, and demand keeps rising every day. On average within the United States, the licensed practical nurse working in a hospital will have an annual income of over $40,000. The job also opens up a lot more doors within the healthcare industry.

This is why you should consider this if you are wondering where you can go with your life. This is one profession that is only going to get better over time.

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A Documented 4 Step Technique to Prepare for the CSET Test

The California Examinations for Teachers is needed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for you to get a teacher credential. A passing score demands extremely efficient CSET prep. That means cramming and forcing yourself to memorize tons of information in a brief time will never do.

Sadly, many test takers don’t know the most efficient manner to prep for the CSET, what test taking skills are required or what evaluation guides will cover the domains tested. They end up frustrated in exam preparation and then demoralized after they fail. Worse however, some turn out to be chronic test failures and lose their dream of being a licensed teacher in California.

Do not let that materialize to you.

You’ve invested a large number of dollars in college tuition and years from your life preparing to be an educator. You'll want to toss out the window the idea that a $21 CSET test prep guidebook will be the only thing you need to study in order to pass.

How Should You Begin Your CSET Prep?

Before anything else register for the examination. Do not wait till you really feel you are ready before you really register. There will by no means be a perfect moment. Once you have registered and see the time ticking, it'll create a force field which will compel you to prepare.

4 Top Notch Tips To Prep For The CSET Exam

1.) Know and understand the content of this assessment to save yourself from feeling lost and studying the incorrect information.

A.) What specific skills and knowledge will probably be tested in your specific exam?

B.) What domains and subsections account for almost all exam points? (Use this information to figure out exactly where you need to put most of your CSET exam prep time.)

C.) How is your test scored?

Understanding what sections of your exam account for by far the most} points will help you allocate your CSET test prep towards the content material knowledge that will increase your general test score the most. Further, understanding how the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Evaluation Systems Pearson measure the tested competencies will can dramatically turbo increase your exam evaluation and also your probability of a passing score.

D.) What will be the format, structure and way CSET examination questions are worded?

Your exam will either have multiple choice questions, constructed response questions or perhaps a mixture of both. It pays to know how to answer constructed response questions. This can be a distinctive test taking skill you'll need to discover and demo. Be very familiar with Constructed Response questions and in what format, structure and style to answer them.

E.) How much time is permitted to finish your specific CSET test? Calculate just how much time you have to answer each exam question. (Use this info to practice pacing yourself with practice exam examination question and how you can allocate your time in the test center.)

NOTE: Whether you are taking the science, social science, math, Spanish, Bilingual Authorization, Multiple Subjects Test or additional, most of this CSET prep information may be discovered in downloads from the official CSET (or Evaluation Systems Pearson) site.

2.) Locate The Best CSET Prep Books:

The best CSET prep classes, workshops, practice tests, flashcards, books and tutoring are produced by California teachers who passed your particular exam. After all, it doesn’t make sense to buy one of the most generally utilized preparation books when too many fail after utilizing these guides.

In fact, most authors from large publishers who create CSET prep books rarely ever took your exam! They’re not an expert within the Single Subject exam they’re supposedly teaching you how to pass.

3.) Create Your own Customized CSET Practice Plan:

You currently have other responsibilities each day and week. You will find lots of competing demands on your time especially when everyone expects a piece of your life with text messages, social media, emails and cell phones. Consequently, you must make CSET preparation a priority and put much less important activities aside until following your testing date.

You have to proactively schedule test practice time each week. Aim for at least 2 hours per day in case your exam day is really a month or less away. Allot a realistic amount of time for each area from the exam you'll need to study.

Discipline yourself to close your pc browser, turn off e-mail, social media, text message alerts and cell phones. Do not get caught up within urgencies of the moment (which are not essential in the big picture) that steal your concentration and possibly your profession as a teacher.

Each interruption (whether a live individual, telephone call or perhaps a computerized communication) robs you of crucial CSET prep time. Typically, you’ll need 10-20 minutes after every interruption to obtain your mind in the state of concentration it was in before the interruption. As you can see following a series of continuous interruptions, your test prep productivity is in the gutter. It requires you three hours to complete what you could get done in 1 hours of uninterrupted time.

By the time you walk into CSET testing center you are only half as prepared as you'll need to be in order to pass. It’s too late whenever you realize your CSET exam prep time was lost in partials and piecemeal in the weeks leading up to your testing date.

You always need more time for prepping estimate now, so steer clear of procrastination by forcing yourself to plan and schedule test practice.

4.) Force Yourself To Put 80% Of All Your CSET Exam Prep Time Toward Your Weakest Areas:

Identify your weaknesses and strengths when it comes to the subject matter competency requirements. Strive to boost your understanding and skills in your locations of weaknesses.

Why?

You will increase your test score 2-5 quicker in each hour of reviewing low areas vs. making mediocre improvements in sections you’re currently proficient in.

This also applies for your weakest test taking skills too. For instance, in the event you tend to run out of time taking the exam, practice on pacing your self according to how much time you get for each test question. If understanding how you can format an effective essay in the Constructed Response questions is a challenge, double and triple your concentration and time enhancing that ability.

The danger is we always gravitate to topic matter and practicing abilities we currently feel comfortable in. The key to peak overall performance CSET test prep is forcing yourself to do what’s not comfy, but necessary to ramp up your areas of greatest difficulty so you pass.

Use these CSET prep helpful tips from http://www.cateachingsolutions.com/csettestprep.html as a checklist to increase your productivity and quit risking a failing score. Just utilizing just one of these strategies regularly might be enough to pass the CSET test and get you in front of the} class.

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What Are You, a Brain Surgeon?

People often joke about brain surgeons' intelligence, assuming that because they operate on brains, they must be smart. The fact is that it's true. However, "smart" is a relative term. While it may be true that neurologists need a certain level of mental prowess, it doesn't mean that neurologists are smarter than average people. Becoming a brain surgeon requires a certain kind of intelligence. A career in neuroscience demands the ability to work in high-pressure situations and think rationally through life-threatening situations. This kind of intelligence differs from that needed for a career in business or teaching. While the mind of a brain surgeon is as complex as anyone else's, neurologists do need to meet certain prerequisites in order to be successful. The following outlines some of the characteristics shared by brain surgeons.

Aptitude

Neurologists must possess an inherent ability to think analytically and critically. Faced with thousands of different scenarios over the course of a career, a neurosurgeon must be able to figure out not only what's wrong with a patient's brain but how to resolve the issue. Analytical thinking encompasses taking an issue and analyzing it to find a solution, and in this case, brain surgeons have to master this skill. Otherwise, they won't be able to think through complex problems. The human

brain is a maze of information, and being able to work through it is a prerequisite for becoming a brain surgeon. Like everyone, neurologists don't always perform as well in every subject. Performing poorly in a certain subject doesn't preclude one from becoming a brain surgeon. As long as someone has the ability to learn new information daily and solve problems analytically, he or she should be successful as a neurosurgeon.

Education & Training

Those wishing to become brain surgeons should be aware that neurology requires a lot of post-secondary education. Brain surgeons spend between 11 and 16 years after high school training to become a neurologist, but the training doesn't stop once the finish medical school. Neurology demands constant learning as new information is discovered and practiced. In order to deal with this constant barrage of information, a brain surgeon should have a natural love of learning and the ability to retain sophisticated information. In addition to medical conditions and cures, brain surgeons need to know how to operate complex technology and perform in-depth research. People who don't enjoy learning new things will not excel in this field.

Side Effects

Besides the mental capabilities of being a brain surgeon, some outcomes will take a heavy emotional toll. Brain surgeons should be prepared for death, as operating on a human brain can lead to serious consequences even in routine procedures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, "Physicians and surgeons must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding." Empathy is an important part of becoming a surgeon, especially when dealing with something as tenuous as the human brain.

Becoming a brain surgeon takes years of education, training and practice. It demands excellent coordination as well as outstanding mental faculties. The prerequisites for becoming a neurologist might sound demanding, but they are necessary to ensure that people receive quality care. Unless someone is able to stand for long periods of time, enjoys a high-pressure job and excels at mental prowess, he or she should reconsider becoming a surgeon. The compensation may be excellent, but a neurosurgeon requires intense aptitude that some people simply lack.

Jacob Stafford is a freelance writer who focuses on medical research, medical education and training, medical careers, medical record retrieval service, health & wellness, nutritional science, medical science and other kindred subjects.

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Best Schools for Veterinary Medicine

In the United States, there are a total of 28 veterinarian schools. Although there are many different schools of veterinary medicine to choose from, not all of them are created equally. If you are thinking about becoming a veterinarian, consider applying to one of the following three schools, each ranked on U.S. New and World Report’s Best Grad School List.

Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ranked #1

At the very top of the list is Cornell. Located in the State of New York, Cornell was the first school to award a degree in veterinary science in 1876. Over the years, the College of Veterinary Medicine has maintained its outstanding reputation as being one of the best schools that offers a degree in veterinary medicine. The College of Veterinary Medicine has remained at the top of the list of schools offering a veterinary degree. Currently, the school continues to rank at the top of the U.S. News and

World Reports list since 2000.

Each year, close to 5,000 students graduate from the Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Students who graduate from Cornell have their pick when it comes to where they want to work. Graduates from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine can be found across the United States. Some have set up their own practice and others work for veterinary hospitals.

University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Ranked #2

Another school that follows Cornell closely is University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Although this school is second in the rankings, the school received a score of 4.2 and Cornell received a 4.5. As such, this school is intensely competitive. The school opened its doors in 1948. At that time, the main emphasis was taking care of livestock. Since then the school has expanded its program and now focuses on animals, birds, and fish. This school offers several different degrees in veterinarian medicine; in addition it has many different clinical programs for the student who wishes to specialize.

Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Ranked #3

Colorado State University’s veterinary program was ranked number 3. Although this school ranks third on the list of veterinary schools in the country, the school achieved an overall score of 4.1 and is highly competitive. The school has an outstanding veterinary program offering students the choice of several veterinary degrees. This school also has a Veterinary Teaching Hospital as well. The teaching hospital treats small animals, horses, and livestock. The teaching hospital offers 24 hour emergency appointments and also treats animals during the day. The school also has plans to expand its critical care unit in the near future as well.

If you plan on pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine, then you should consider the three schools discussed above. These schools have ranked the highest on the list for a reason. In addition to their outstanding reputation in the field of veterinary medicine, they each offer an outstanding curriculum and different degrees in the field of veterinary medicine.


Paul McGraw focuses his efforts on educational issues, particularly medical education. Those interested in pursuing nursing should view the resources available at practicalnursingonline.com.

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Joining the Peace Corps After Graduation

The Peace Corps can seem like an excellent option for some graduates, and it can be, but whether or not it is the best move for the new graduate depends on a number of factors. There are a few important questions you must consider carefully before making a decision to join the Peace Corps.

Are You Planning to Go into Development Work or Another International Career?

For people planning to join the Foreign Service or do development work, experience as a Peace Corps volunteer will be invaluable. It is an excellent opportunity to get a look at the pros and cons of both development work and the experience of being a representative of the United States in a foreign country. Peace Corps experience can put you on a fast track for a number of government positions including in the Foreign Service, and if you’re interested in development work you can make significant contacts. The foreign language learned as a Peace Corps volunteer may be a benefit as well.

Do You Have Significant Debts or Financial Obligations (Other than Student Loans)?

Many types of student loans can be deferred or forgiven for Peace Corps volunteers, but it's important to look into this ahead of time. For other types of debt, such as credit card debt, the Peace Corps stipend will not be sufficient to cover debt payments. In fact, it will only pay for maintenance in the foreign country. You need to be realistic about your financial situation before making the decision.

Are You in a Serious Relationship, or Do You Have Family Obligations?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, that doesn't automatically mean that the Peace Corps is out. It simply means that joining should be considered more carefully. Total commitment is important for Peace Corps volunteers. A community will be depending upon the you, and if there is a situation at home that makes you more likely to leave early, it may be necessary to reconsider the Peace Corps. Of course, some people do complete Peace Corps terms of service successfully with a significant other at home, and you should weigh your family obligations against your future goals.

Should You Get Some Work Experience First?

For both the good of the program itself and the individual, it may be better to get two or three years of work experience before joining the Peace Corps. A teacher with a few years in the classroom or an agricultural adviser who has worked with a local extension office in the United States may be more effective than a volunteer fresh out of college. There may also be benefits on both sides; a volunteer may get more out of the experience by having more to offer.

Are You Prepared for the Living Conditions?

As with the question about loved ones, if the answer to this question is "maybe not," that's not an automatic disqualifier. Part of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer is adapting to situations that you might find uncomfortable or alien. However, you should be prepared for the fact that living conditions are likely to be significantly different from what you are accustomed to.

The Peace Corps can be a life-changing experience for both the volunteer and those with whom the volunteer works. However, it can also be difficult and disappointing. If you are thinking about becoming a volunteers, carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider them against your present life situations and future plans to make a fully informed decision.

Ralph Vincent understands what a tough decision joining the Peace Corps can be. When not writing about the Peace Corps Ralph enjoys contributing articles on education, travel, volunteering and other kindred subjects; to learn more visit ARCC.

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Do You Want to Go to Dental School?

After watching their older siblings, other relatives and friends struggle to find a job after graduating from college, many young adults are starting to seriously question whether their intended career is the right choice. Therefore, before they enroll in such a program, they want to know if dental school is a desirable option.

The Job Outlook

One of the major components that goes into determining whether or not a job is desirable is the employment outlook. Are there going to be a lot of jobs available when you graduate? Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 21 percent projected rate of employment increase exists in this field for the years 2010 to 2020. The average job growth for occupations is 14 percent, so the field of dentistry is clearly above average. Though, to be sure, the outlook differs according to region, so those looking to become a Dentist in College Station, TX will likely have different options than those looking in the Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, or New York City regions.

The Salary

When individuals attend college and dental school, they often have to take out a lot of loans. Therefore, they want to know that they are eventually going to be able to make the money back and pay off their debt. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has positive information to report in this field as well. The site notes that the median salary of a dentist is $146,920 per year or a rate of $70.64 per hour. These numbers are as of 2010, so you could expect a possible slight increase in the future.

The Ability to be Self Employed

The American Dental Association, in its article "Ten Great Reasons to be a Dentist," reminds dental students that they have the ability to eventually become self employed. Many people want to work for themselves, set their own hours and have high levels of control over their business. When you choose to work as a dentist, you will have the opportunity to do so. You will likely have to work up a reputation in the community at another practice or with a partner before you open your own practice.

An Understanding of the Sciences

You also must consider your own strengths, abilities and weaknesses when you are deciding if dental school is the right option for you. Making a high salary and owning your own business certainly seem like two positive points; however, if you do not have the necessary tools to become a dentist, your endeavor is likely to fail. Evaluate how well-versed you are in the sciences and other disciplines related to the field of dentistry. Be prepared to take some extra courses if you have not succeeded in these types of classes.

A Passion for Dentistry

Ultimately, you also need to want to be a dentist in order to succeed at dental school. No matter how much money you make or how excellent of a schedule you have, your time spent at work is going to be miserable if you do not enjoy the job. Enroll in a college that has a pre-dental program, so you are able to take some courses in the field. If you are unable to find a college with such a program, you must at least look into taking some other classes that are related to the field in order to determine if this is the occupation for you.

Basically, whether or not dental school is a desirable option depends upon what you think. In terms of salary and job availability, yes, it is. However, if you do not like the field, then it is simply the wrong career for you to pursue.

This piece was composed by Reginald Wadsworth, a freelancer who focuses on education, professional training, employment trends and other topics. Those concerned about their oral hygiene should consider obtaining the services of an experienced dental professional with impeccable credentials and an established track record of success.

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Interior Design Career: Licensing and Certification

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"You should be an interior designer.” How many times have you heard that when someone walks into your home and sees the beautifully decorated rooms? Or how many times have you watched the professionals on home and garden programs, or flipped through a magazine, and thought, “I could do that!”

With the proliferation of TV shows, magazine, books and online sources these days, it seems like almost anyone can call themselves an interior designer or decorator. However, what many people may not realize is that in order to be considered an interior designer in most states, you need to hold a license, or at least be registered with the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Reasons for Regulation

If you’re not familiar with the interior design profession, you might be thinking, “Why do designers need to be licensed? Aren’t they just choosing furniture and decorating rooms?” And while yes, those tasks are certainly part of the equation, they are just the tip of the iceberg.

Professional interior designers do more than just paint and hang curtains, especially when they are hired for a major remodeling job. Designers need to have a fundamental understanding of the principles of architecture, as well as building codes, plumbing, electrical work and other regulations, in order to manage projects. Without that knowledge, the outcome could be dangerous -- even disastrous. Requiring those who carry the designation “interior designer” to meet certain requirements helps to protect consumers, and ensure that buildings meet the minimum safety standards set by the government.

State Laws

Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the practice of interior design – and about half don’t have any laws at all. However, of those that do have laws, most place strict restrictions on who can use the term interior designer and some actually limit the practice of interior design to those who meet the state licensing requirements.

To determine your state’s requirements, contact the licensing authority, or the American Society of Interior Designers, a professional organization that maintains a comprehensive listing of state requirements.

Getting Certified

Qualifying for licensure in interior design is much like earning a license in other fields. You can only qualify for the designation after meeting strict education, experience and testing prerequisites.

Of the states that do regulate the profession, most require at least two years of education in interior design; some states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and Virginia, actually require four years. Some states specify a minimum number of years of combined education and experience, but all states require at least six years of experience.

In addition to completing an education at one of the accredited interior design colleges, most states require licensed interior designers to pass an examination covering the fundamentals of the profession. The most commonly required exam is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam, a multi-day exam that’s limited to those who hold a degree and have a minimum number of years of experience.

While the NCIDQ is generally required by state licensing boards, there are other certifications that designers can seek within their areas of specialization. For example, those who work in the kitchen and bath design field, and meet the education, experience and training requirements, can seek the National Kitchen and Bath Association certification, while those who work exclusively in residential interior design can seek certification through the Council for Qualification of Residential Interior Designers.

A growing field of design is “green,” or environmentally friendly design, and experienced designers can seek certification in that area as well. The National Association of Green Designers sponsors a certification for those who specialize in eco-friendly design, the Certified Green Designer designation, which indicates the designers’ commitment to environmentally friendly design and use of sustainable materials.

Of course, completing all of the licensing requirements for your state doesn’t always mean you are licensed for as long as you practice. Most states require continuing education or professional development courses to keep the license current.

In the end, states enact certification and licensing requirements to protect both consumers and designers. Earning the right to call yourself an interior designer is a major achievement, and one that all designers and students should take seriously.

Image from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Yvette Conolly is an award-winning licensed interior designer. The owner of a successful residential design firm, she serves as an advisor to aspiring designers. Her work has been featured in several magazines.

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