Sunday, March 28, 2010

Firefighter Training Video: Ladder Bailout Close Call

This amazing video documents a firefighter bailing out of a 2nd floor window. The firefighter fell while trying to bail out of the window. This video serves as a reminder of the importance of training on the proper procedures of a ladder bailout and should be used as a training video for firefighters everywhere.

Female Firefighters Have the Hottest Job in America




















Photo Credit: Lauren Greenfield/INSTITUTE for Marie Claire

Today, women make up only 6,000 of the nation’s 1.1 million firefighters. But California is leading the way in reversing this trend. The ladies of Oakland’s Fire Station 29 are turning the tables of the predominantly male-dominated profession. On some shifts, there are twice as many women as men on duty at the station. Proof that these ladies can take the heat!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Career Navigation: From Training to Landing a Job

A group of scholars gathered Wednesday to propose a set of Federal government reforms which would help people move from career training to landing a job. They proposed a “career navigation service” which would compile all national training, education, and job-placement resources into one, easy to navigate, online source. Vickie Choitz envisions this “career navigation service” to be set up much like a social networking site, with each user creating a profile page which could serve as a resume, as well as a platform for interactions with possible employers, peers and counselors.

Everyone needs career counseling at some point. Some may need more than others, but coordinating an accessible, one-stop resource for career navigation is the first step in leveling the playing field for those looking for career advice.

How to Choose an EMT Stethoscope

Learn which type of stethoscope is optimal for EMT professionals as well as stethoscope basics for those entering the EMT profession:

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kaplan Continuing Education Shows Trends for Top Online Education Programs

Kaplan Continuing Education provides insight into trends for top online education programs. With the economic downturn, many professionals are now looking for ways to become a more valuable asset by advancing their skills. The demand for training in IT careers and health care professionals is leading to increased enrollment in related certificate programs.

“The trends for online education continue to rise. Many people are looking for alternative education methods where they can be home with their family or continue to work a full-time job, while getting the schooling and enhanced preparation needed for advancing their career. Training for a career in IT and health care can become very lucrative as the baby boomer population needs help in both of these areas,” said Ron Trautman, president of Kaplan Continuing Education.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Online Enrollment Booming in Looming Economy

With the unemployment rates at all time highs and the economy in the dumps, more and more college students are looking to online courses. Online education continues to be a growing trend nationally.
The Babson Survey Research Group reports on recent enrollments, showing that 4.6 million college students were enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2008. This shows a 17% increase from a year earlier.
Online courses offer opportunities for current students to fulfill degree requirements as well as opportunities for those who have been laid off from a job or are currently working and are looking to further their education.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exams


In order to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must pass a national certification exam. Two of the most popular pharmacy technician certification exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Examination for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

The PTCE is a computer-based, 90 question multiple choice exam offered by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board). The exam assesses the core responsibilities of the technician, including the responsibilities to both the pharmacist and the client, how to maintain medical inventory and control systems, and their role in overall administration. There is no limit to the amount of times the exam can be taken, but there is an exam fee for each attempt.
The ExCPT provides immediate results to candidates and is offered by the ICPT (Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).

5 Tips to Increase Your Medical Coding and Billing Salary

Medical Billing and Coding are two of the most sought after professions in the medical industry, likely to increase in demand by at least 3% each year until 2016. The typical salary for a medical biller or coder is generally between $26,000 and $33,000 per year. However, this salary can be influenced in a variety of ways. Here are 5 tips to increase your medical coding or medical billing salary:

1. Location, Location, Location: Geographic location plays a part in your salary. Medical billing and coding salaries are higher in cities, where the cost of living is higher.
2. Institution: Medical billers and coders who work at large government hospitals or nursing homes make more than those who work for a private specialist center or small insurance corporation.
3. Education: The higher your education and certification, the higher your salary. Amount of training and work experience also play a role.
4. Specialization: Those who specialize in cancer registry, physiological registry, mental sickness registration may reach a higher salary range.
5. Industry: Pharmaceutical; Professional, Labor or Political Organizations; Federal Government; and Business Support Services professionals earn more than your average medical biller and coder. Pursuing a career in any of these industries could result in a higher salary.