Continuing Education: Opportunities in Education and Healthcare

Looking for a salary increase? Want to unlock new job opportunities, or enhance your current position? Continuing your education through online programs could be your best option. The Internet is a medium that offers a high degree of flexibility. It allows you to reap the rewards of an education without the restrictions of a campus-based education.

Flexibility With Online Programs

Unlike the traditional approach to education where you are immersed in a classroom setting, online continuing education allows independent learning in the setting and time of your choice. Oftentimes, you cannot take the time out of your busy schedule to meet the daily classroom requirements and still pursue other obligations such as family and work. You may prefer to work in the comfort of your own home or office, learning at your own pace. With an online education, you have the ability to study anywhere you can find Internet access.

Reduce Education Costs

Traditional campus facility maintenance costs are at an all-time high. The cost of maintenance is passed on to you, the student, in the form of higher tuition. The use of online instruction does not diminish the education you obtain, but does enable an institution to cut costs considerably, thus allowing you the opportunity to receive your continuing education at a fraction of the cost you might incur if you chose a traditional campus-based education.

Reap the Rewards

Online continuing education can offer multiple rewards that a traditional program cannot. The convenience and accessibility of an online degree allows you to maintain flexibility of choice while still obtaining necessary credentials. It may also afford you the opportunity to explore an advanced degree or career position that may otherwise be unattainable. You can gain qualifications that will allow you to practice in varied educational and healthcare settings, including nursing and social work, with the greatest of ease. It can help to advance careers and earning potential. Of course, you will probably reap great personal satisfaction when you complete your certification or degree program.

Nursing Online

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation. More new jobs are expected to be created for nurses than for any other occupation, however it will be critical that you are registered and have all your credentials up to date. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination, by the endorsement of a license issued by another state, or through a multi-state licensing agreement. All states require periodic renewal of licenses, which usually involves continuing education. So why not study online? It will allow you to continue working while updating your credentials quickly, conveniently, and cost effectively.


Additionally, an increasing proportion of sophisticated procedures, which once were performed only in hospitals, are being performed in physician's offices and in outpatient care centers. Accordingly, nurses will be required to keep their skills up-to-date in order to meet these new challenges and opportunities. Online continuing education is an excellent way to update your skills and provide you with increased career choices.

Social Work Online

A bachelo's degree in social work is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may be adequate to qualify for some entry-level jobs. Today, however, an advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. You can obtain advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. from an online university. Online programs usually take less time to complete and can help get you on your way to pursuing the position of your dreams, earning more money, and benefiting society.

Education Online

With about 1 in 4 Americans enrolled in educational institutions, educational services are the second largest industry. Education is an important part of life and the amount and type of education that you receive is a major influence on both the type of job you hold and your respective earnings. According to the Department of Labor Statistics Handbook 2004-2005, individuals with a bachelor's degree will earn almost twice as much as workers with a high school diploma over a lifetime. And while education spans a wide variety of career opportunities, possessing a degree and keeping your certifications current means more than merely meeting mandatory requirements for license renewal and certification. It also opens doors to many new possibilities for future professional positions and career growth. Online continuing education allows you to focus and cater your learning to meet your exact goals and then utilize those skills to further your career in ways that a traditional education is unable to offer.

Decide on Online Today

Whatever your reason is for pursuing continuing education online - flexibility, cost, career advancement or achieving a personal goal - the right curriculum in education, health or social services could be pave the way to an advanced professional career sooner than you can imagine.

About The Author

Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects and operations including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. In this capacity, she oversaw a five state operation, utilizing her extensive knowledge of healthcare, billing, A/R management, and human resources. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.