Career Opportunities Through Geriatric Social Work

For most people, when you say “social worker” you think of someone working with children and families — your first thought might even be an incorrect image of an overworked caseworker removing children from their homes and placing them in foster care. 

However, there is a much wider range of opportunity for social workers outside of the realm of children and families. In fact, social workers are committed to helping all people in need. They help people at all ages and stages of life access the services and tools they need to thrive and live healthy lives. Yet there is one population in dire need of help, and a shortage of qualified workers could mean that many people do not gain access to the services that they need.

As the population ages, seniors have a greater need than ever for help managing the social, financial, and health issues that come with old age. Whether it’s someone facing a chronic disease who needs daily medical care, or someone facing the isolation that can come from the loss of family and friends over time, the range of services required by older adults is vast, and there’s a great need for social workers trained in gerontology and aging issues. Add in trends such as the increase in elder abuse and the desire of many people to “age in place” rather than in assisted living or nursing care facilities, and the need for qualified social workers becomes even more apparent.

So how do you get involved in geriatric social work? The first step is understanding what social workers do.

Geriatric Social Work Overview

Geriatric or gerontological social workers are focused on meeting the physical and social needs of older adults. They can be found in a wide variety of settings, such as hospitals, state agencies, service and referral agencies (i.e., agencies on aging), rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and private practice.

Depending on the agency and the specialty of the social worker, some of the services that one might provide include:

1) Referral to necessary services, including health care, financial advice and assistance, and legal services.

2) Functional evaluations to determine eligibility for services.

3) Mental health evaluation and counseling.

4) Discharge planning after hospitalizations.

5) Support and advocacy in matters of health, money, and social lives. For example, social workers are trained to identify signs of elder abuse and take action when necessary. 

Social workers often work closely with other professionals, including health care providers, attorneys, and financial advisors, as well as families, to ensure that older adults are well-cared for and have everything they need.

Becoming a Geriatric Social Worker

At minimum, to begin a career in geriatric social work you need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, in a field such as social work, psychology, or gerontology. In some cases, nurses have moved into social work roles as well. However, every state requires social workers to be licensed, and that means earning a master’s in human services or social work and passing the licensing exam. In addition, to be eligible to take the social work examination, you generally need to complete a minimum number of supervised practicum hours; in most states, the minimum is 3,000 hours, but the specifics vary. 

In any case, you will be expected to have specialized knowledge of the issues that affect older adults, including mental and physical health issues. You will generally complete coursework not only related to working with the elderly themselves, but also in social policies and current issues relating to older people, ethics, and gerontological research.

Career Opportunities

The number of people age 65 or older is expected to reach 72 million by the year 2030, comprising 20 percent of the U.S. population. This means that going forward, there will be a wide array of opportunities for gerontological social workers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts demand to increase by 19 percent, which is faster than average. 

Salaries vary for jobs in this field. The BLS reports a median annual salary of about $44,000, with the highest earners topping out at around $57,000 per year. Earning potential varies according to the employer, region, and level of experience, with those working in private practice or for private agencies earning the most.

Geriatric social work is a rewarding and growing field. If you have the urge to help, but aren’t sure you want to work with children, you have other options — and senior citizens need your help.

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5 Things You Must Do to Work in Government

 

Working for the government has several advantages over private sector employment. From opportunities for growth, advancement, and job security, to competitive salary and benefits, working in the public sector is an ideal way to build a satisfying career while also making a difference in the lives of others. And considering that more than 80 percent of all government jobs are located outside of Washington, D.C., there’s a reasonably good chance that you can find a government job wherever

you happen to live.

However, just because there are plenty of government jobs, that doesn’t mean that they are easy to get. Landing a position in the public sector is slightly more complicated than landing one in the private sector, as the requirements tend to be a be more stringent, and there is a bit more red tape to cut through. You can improve your chances, though, and help streamline the process by taking certain steps ahead of time.

1. Keep a Spotless Reputation

Clearly, most people don’t deliberately cultivate a poor reputation. However, when you want to work for the government, how you conduct yourself before you’re hired can make a significant difference in whether you’re hired or not. Some positions require extensive background checks, and unfortunately, your wild “party days” during college could come back to haunt you. That doesn’t mean you need to be a stick in the mud, but as you make decisions, consider how the fallout during a background check. If you think you might be embarrassed or that it could hurt your chances, don’t do it.

2. Earn Your Degree

Most well-paying government positions require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, though, a master’s degree will move you higher up the list. Government leaders — city managers, agency directors, and the like — need the skills in decision-making, communication, leadership, and problem-solving provided by degrees like a Master of Public Administration. With such a degree, you stand a better chance of landing your perfect governmental position.

3. Develop an Appropriate Resume

It might sound bureaucratic, but when you apply for a government job, your standard chronologically formatted resume isn’t going to get you interviews, especially when you are applying for federal jobs. Applicants generally have to include additional information on their resumes, particularly if you have ever held a position within the government before. In addition, this is one area in which creativity doesn’t really count, at least when it comes to your resume. Your best bet is to visit a site like USAjobs.gov, the central hiring database for government jobs, and use the tools there to format your resume properly.

4. Become an Intern

It might seem unfair, but many government agencies and departments rely heavily on their internship programs to find new employees, hiring primarily from the pool of successful interns rather than seeking outside applicants. This means that you may never have the chance to even apply for certain positions, or at the very least, face fierce competition from those who have direct experience. This is just one reason that you should seek internship opportunities in the public sector. Not only do you gain a competitive advantage when it comes to employment, you also gain insights into the inner

workings of a department or agency that you may not otherwise have. In addition, you can begin building your network, which is a vital component to success in any field.

5. Develop In-Demand Skills

It’s not difficult to determine what the federal government’s priorities are. Just pay attention to the news and follow the development of government programs and initiatives. For example, current government priorities fall within the realm of health care, education, cybersecurity, and the Middle East. Therefore, applicants with experience within those areas have a better chance of standing out in a crowded talent pool. Consider studying a second language, particularly one in high demand, such as Arabic or Farsi, and building your expertise in a specific area. Look for skills that will allow you to stand out and help you do your job better. 

Of course, even if you do all of these things, landing that plum assignment can still be challenging. Above all, you need to be persistent and patient. The hiring process can be slow, particularly with federal jobs, and it might be three months or more before you hear back on an application. However, when you have the right skills and a commitment to public service, you shouldn’t have any trouble landing a government job.

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5 Tips to Become and Efficient Human Resources Manager

The world of business today is moving with such rapidity that multiple industries are constantly taking innovative strategies to score high in terms of work efficiency. One such efficient strategy that companies adopt out of necessity for better productivity is hiring Human Resource managers. 

Administering the overall strategy of company assets is one of the key responsibilities of an HR manager. Right from training employees, controlling employee costs to bringing new hires from abroad, a human resource manager possesses the ability to identify new efficient ways that can meet his/her organization goals. Moreover, the Bureau for Labor Statistics has predicted that the demand for hiring HR professionals in top-notch organizations will go high by 22% by the year 2018.

Well, reality says that justifying the role of a human resource manager is not a child’s play. If you really want to ensure success in this profession, you need to keep a few things in mind. So, here are 5 tips that will help you become an efficient Human Resource manager:

Businessman: Stockvault

1.    Strengthen your business knowledge – A business organisation is bound to face challenging times at anytime of the year. So, if you can gather extensive knowledge in business, it will be easier for you to enhance your contribution to your partners. In fact, you will acquire a thorough understanding of your business which in turn would help you meet the organisational goals.

2.    Develop your networks through social media – If you want to succeed as a human resource professional, try expanding your network with social media as much as possible. In fact, it would be easier for an HR manager to identify the most talented candidates to be hired for the organization. Over the years, social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook have brought exceptional results in enhancing one’s professional network. So, an HR professional can simply create a profile and keep networking regularly.

3.    Communicate with your employees – To become a successful human resource manager, what is important is possessing communication skills. It’s only through communication that HR mangers will be able to identify the values and objectives of their organisation. In fact, this is counted among one of their key responsibilities in managing an organization. 

4.    Improve your skills & grow your thinking – While working in an organisation, HR managers will have to work in such a manner that they will be distinguished as the real strategic partners for their concerned employers. In an organization, certain decisions are solely taken based on the ideas and opinions of a human resource manager. Therefore, possessing high thinking abilities is necessary for HR managers who would then only remain in their employers’ good books.

5.    Gather necessary knowledge in HR management – Without obtaining proper knowledge in HR management, it would not be easy for you to justify the above mentioned points. So, what you need to do is enroll in a business management course with a specialization in human resource. Graduates usually opt for MBA in HR management with the intention to later qualify for managerial positions, while working professionals enroll in online courses. In fact, the one who has an online degree in HR management usually remains exposed to high career prospects among potential employers.

So, if you have always thought of serving an esteemed position in a top-notch business house, just follow these 5 steps and you are sure to succeed as a human resource manager. Good luck!!

Author’s bio:

The author Jan Felton is an educationist as well as a professional blogger who writes blogs and articles on various topics related to education.

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Accountant Job Satisfaction

While accounting may appear to be a career that lacks in overall employment satisfaction due to a perceived tediousness, there are studies and surveys that suggest that crunching numbers may be more fulfilling than individuals may speculate.

According to a U.S. News and World Report annual 100 Best Business Jobs of 2013 survey the top five jobs based on data provided by the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) are:

1.  Market Research Analyst
2.  Financial Adviser
3.  Accountant
4.  Compliance Officer
5.  Bookkeeping, Accounting, & Audit Clerk

BLS data further shows that the median pay for accountants is around $61,690 (2010) or $29.66 per hour and that the number of accountant jobs in 2010 was 1,216,900. An employment change for 2010-2020 shows that an additional 190,700 are expected to be added for a total growth rate of 15.7 percent.

Are Accountants Relatively Satisfied with their Career?

Based on the BLS and US News information, one would believe that being an accountant is a very good career choice that pays well and offers stability and opportunities for growth. The role of the

accountant is important one, particularly after this country's recent flirtation with economic disaster and the need for the books and records of corporations, banks and governments to better reflect what is being done based on substantiated, not phantom, accounting methods and practices.

The existence of five big and four narrow traits determined the career satisfaction of an accountant. These traits (by "big" and "narrow") are:

Five Big Traits of Accountants

1.  Agreeableness/Teamwork
2.  Conscientiousness
3.  Emotional Stability
4.  Extraversion, and
5.  Openness

Four Narrow Traits of Accountants

1.  Assertiveness
2.  Customer-Service Orientation
3.  Optimism, and
4.  Work Drive

This suggests that the need for new accountants in light of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projection of nearly 200,000 new accountants for the profession by 2020 requires recruiters to focus on those individuals in possession of the above traits.

Big Five Personality Traits as a Predictor of Accounting Career Satisfaction

Personality tests have been administered by human resources professional, such as the well-known Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MPTI) as a way to assess ability and determine if a candidate will fit in the work environment. The big five traits are an adaptation of standard personality tests applicable to the workplace. Of the five big traits, emotional stability, which relates to a person's emotional state on the job and their ability to adjust to their surroundings and function, especially when faced with stress and pressure, had the highest correlation to career satisfaction for accountants.

In addition to a high pay rate, accountants are also equipped with a steady employment rate that is expected to increase in the coming years. In an economy with an uncertain outlook, accountants and other similar positions are afforded job security rather than high unemployment rates. These factors, combined with personalities that function well under the conditions required for the position, are reasons that accountants have a high career satisfaction.

Ray Pilkington is a freelance writer based in Biloxi, Mississippi who concentrates his writing career on personal finance, taxation, tax reform, savings, economic development and other related topics; to learn more about taxation view the following information on R&R Income Tax.

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Is Law School too Theoretical?

Many people involved in the legal profession now believe that law schools in the United States provide a legal education that is too theoretical and not practical enough. Somewhat surprisingly, those who protest of a lack of practical skills among recent law school graduates are judges and senior partners at law firms. Many of those who advocate retaining the theoretical nature of a legal education are law students.

Lack of Writing Skills 

Judges are becoming increasingly frustrated with novice lawyers who cannot write. They complain of legal briefs crammed with spelling and grammar errors, slang and poorly constructed paragraphs. They also complain of unnecessarily lengthy briefs containing unnecessarily elevated language. Judges often become frustrated with young lawyers who seem to be unfamiliar with the basics of courtroom procedures.

Senior partners at law firms also complain of poor writing skills among new hires. They also complain of freshly minted attorneys with poor people skills and poor math skills. They do not want to leave new associates alone with clients because they do not listen well enough to learn what clients want to accomplish. They are also unable to articulate a strategy for accomplishing the client's goals. They often do not get along well enough with opposing counsel to be able to negotiate effectively. Senior partners are reluctant to let inexperienced attorneys handle trusts because they are inexperienced as to how to balance trust accounts. They also have issues with keeping accurate timesheets, thereby making billing problematic.

Law Students Want to Learn Legal Theory 

Many law students and the deans of law schools believe that new lawyers need to understand the reasons for the law in order to understand how to practice law. An attorney needs to understand the ideals of due process in order to understand whether due process has been followed or not. An attorney needs to understand what society has agreed constitutes property and what rights individuals have in regard to property in order to understand whether property rights have been violated. It is essential for law students to understand the theory behind contract law if they are to understand whether any particular contract is valid or not, or whether the terms of a contract have been violated.
 

Practical Skills as Requirements for Admission to Law School 

Perhaps law schools could do more to prepare law graduates for the reality of practicing law, such as through increased internship programs. However, most law schools do offer courses in legal writing and courtroom procedures. Many law students choose not to avail themselves of these courses. Many of the skills that senior law partners and judges complain that new attorneys lack may be beyond the scope of law school, or should be incorporated into the admission procedure for law school. A law student should have basic writing skills before he or she is admitted to law school. A law student should be able to balance and reconcile a bank account. 

A lack of skills in interpersonal relationships cuts across all professions and occupations. It may be necessary for law schools to lead the way in remedying this situation, as law school graduates at some point in their law careers will need superior interpersonal skills. They will need to deal with clients, superiors and colleagues in law firms and judges.


Christian Sharpe is a freelance writer who focuses on legal education, legal history and assorted legal topics such as Securities Fraud, Financial Regulation, Banking Law, Corporate Law and others as well.

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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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Industrial Engineering: A Failsafe Degree?

Individuals seeking a new career path in the engineering field may contemplate earning a degree in industrial engineering, believing this industry offers failsafe job options. Are the job prospects as positive as most individuals believe them to be, especially in the present struggling workforce?

What They Do

Industrial engineers focus on the design, development, implementation, and improvement on integrated systems, taking into consideration people, information, materials, energy, and equipment. From the factory assembly lines to hospital operating rooms, industrial engineers help improve complex processes to eliminate wastefulness in a wide range of industries and production processes.

Opportunities

Industrial engineering offers individuals a wide range of career possibilities. The greater your experience and qualifications are, the more job opportunities are available to you; however, with the multitude of choices and much-needed commitment required in this field comes tough decisions that could impact your prospects. In order to increase your chances of finding a position as an industrial engineer, you need to focus on opportunities that are best suited to your strengths and skills, allowing you to be the most effective.

Industrial engineering is predicted to increase by approximately six percent between the years 2010 and 2020, which is less than the overall occupational average; however, being versatile in both the pertinent industries and work nature, industrial engineers are attractive to most employers because their work can help businesses increase efficiency through cost control. Besides playing a crucial role in providing a corporation with a competitive edge, industrial engineering offers individuals many positive prospects in this career.

Career Versatility

Industrial engineering offers a wide range of career choices. Because industrial engineers do not specialize in a specific field, as do other engineers, they can seek employment in various industries such as hospitals, major manufacturing industries, research and development corporations, and consulting and engineering services.

Industrial engineers focus on reducing a company’s internal costs, which makes them a valuable asset to even the fastest growing industries. For those contemplating industrial engineering as a career choice, individuals need to take into account that finding a job in this industry may be hindered because many employment opportunities in manufacturing industries are projected to decline or only slowly grow through over the next few years.

Exceptional Pay

Those who are seeking a position as an industrial engineer can expect to earn a decent annual salary. The median annual salary for an industrial engineer was approximately $76,100, as of May 2010. Median annual salaries for industrial engineers in the top employing industries as of May 2010 were as follows:

• Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing - $83,620
• Navigational, electromedical, control instruments, and measuring manufacturing - $81,850
• Engineering, architectural, and related services - $80,990
• Aerospace parts and products manufacturing - $80,940
• Automobile parts manufacturing - $72,840

Promotion Opportunities

After obtaining the proper amount of experience, it is not uncommon for industrial engineers to be promoted to a managerial position. For those who are seeking a management position, industrial engineering offers an easy solution. Aspiring industrial engineers obtain similar business training and education as business students, and many times industrial engineers will minor in sales or businesses administration. Additional math, technology, and science training make industrial engineers more marketable to employers, and many will complete their educational experience by earning an MBA.

Nigel Cunningham is a writer and blogger currently penning articles for Allight Sykes, a company which supplies a range of products such as light towers, mining pumps and other equipment.

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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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Degree in Petroleum Engineering

The petroleum industry is experiencing robust and sustained growth as the international and domestic demand for petroleum products, ranging from gasoline to lubricating oil, continues to rise. Because of this, petroleum engineers are in great demand; some students have even been able to obtain well-compensated and secure employment before their graduation.



Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS ) estimates that there are over 30,000 petroleum engineers employed in the United States. The job opportunities for petroleum engineers are expanding at a robust 17 percent with over 35,000 positions expected by 2020. In addition, job openings due to retirement and other sources of attrition help ensure a wide range of opportunities for individuals seeking to enter this field. The BLS has also determined that petroleum engineers enjoy excellent salary and benefit packages, with the median annual salary for a petroleum engineer exceeding $114,000, while the upper 10 percent of engineers earn over $166,000. In many cases, these wages do not take into account very generous vacation, housing, and medical plan options. 


Get Them Before They're Gone


However, because the market for petroleum engineers is such a competitive one, and obtaining a skilled staff so vital to the effective exploitation of petroleum resources, many companies prefer to hire students before their graduation in order to avoid the risk that another business will secure the student’s services first. In addition, this competitive job market helps ensure that students and graduates alike can obtain very promising compensation and professional packages as a part of their hiring contract. 



In addition, offering a job to a student who has not yet graduated can allow a company to help the student focus on those areas of expertise that the employer finds most important. Given the wide range of specialties within the field of petroleum engineering, this can allow a company to dramatically reduce the amount of training required for a newly hired engineer. It also allows the student to prepare him or herself for the job by learning about the employer’s corporate culture and mission. 


High Demand means High Value


The growing demand for petroleum engineers is largely due to two factors. The first is the continued growth of the national and international energy development sector. The need for petroleum engineers, whether it is to work in traditional oil fields or to work in research and development for more efficient methods of oil extraction, has created an insatiable demand for highly qualified employees. Because of the specialized knowledge and skill base required to work in the petroleum industry, retraining other engineers for this field is unfeasible in most cases. 



In addition, the highly skilled faculty needed to train students in petroleum engineering has created a bottleneck in the supply of new graduates. From 1957 until the last decade, enrollment in petroleum engineering programs suffered a steady decrease in class sizes. When coupled with retirement and other sources of attrition among currently employed engineers, this educational decline contributed to the current shortage of qualified petroleum engineers. While many schools are attempting to expand their programs, the need to secure experienced instructors and facilities places a limit on how quickly these programs can expand.



Although it is likely that the supply of graduates will eventually match the current demand, for the foreseeable future, petroleum engineering students will continue to enjoy excellent job and salary prospects offered by employers who continue to face a shortage of qualified engineers. Furthermore, the continuing expansion of petroleum extraction operations into previously untapped areas, coupled with the growing energy demands of the developing world, make it certain that this career field will continue to experience robust growth. This makes becoming a petroleum engineer an excellent choice for students seeking a secure career in today’s business environment.


This piece was written by Eric Satterberg, a freelancer who concentrates on education, engineering, mathematics, science, oil and gas, energy, alternative fuel sources and other related issues; to learn more about engineering visit Audubon Engineering.

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