Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Career Schools on the Rise
Thursday, December 18, 2008
IT Industry Continues to Thrive
Monday, December 8, 2008
Kaplan Survey: More Considering Grad School
Monday, November 17, 2008
Online Courses Appeal to Soldiers
Recent veterans, who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and are trying to focus on their career or family life, are drawn to the out-of-the-classroom aspect of distance learning as well as the fact that they can work at their own pace.
Online courses also help deployed soldiers continue their studies from anywhere in the world. Just because a soldier is serving overseas, doesn't mean his or her education is over. Thanks to distance learning, a soldier will have no trouble keeping up with higher education classes from their base.
Read more about Soldiers and Online Courses.
Friday, November 14, 2008
High Demand for IT Jobs
While the IT field is very large, this statistic is evidence that computers are becoming more widely used for a variety of tasks. Although the economy has experienced a downturn, the IT job market has not been as affected as expected.
Another surprising trend in the IT field is the starting salary. Even in this down economy, IT professionals can still expect to make over $50,000 annually.
The demand for qualified IT professionals is growing and it is not showing any signs of slowing.
Read More.
Friday, November 7, 2008
KCE Announces Two New Cisco Certificate Programs
Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) now offers two new Cisco Certification programs: Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP).
KCE's CCDA certificate program is a six month course designed to prepare students for Cisco certification exams and to qualify them for design-level jobs in the IT networking departments. The coursework is meant to provide graduates with a foundation of network design for the Cisco converged network, fundamentals of implementing VLANS, configuring wireless client access and configuring security features in a switched network. The CCDA is a prerequisite for CCDP certification.
The CCDP certificate program is another six month advanced professional certification course designed to provide students with more sophisticated concepts of Cisco network design and to prepare students for Cisco certification exams. This program is ideal for professionals already working in the IT networking industry seeking the skills needed to perform advanced Cisco network design in complex, multi-layered systems. EIGRP operations implementation, multi-area OSPF operations and integrating IS-IS are also covered.
For more information on any of KCE's Cisco certificate programs visit Kaplan Continuing Education's IT program page.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Get Kaplan University Credit For Life Experience
Life Experience credit can be in the form of:
1. Past college courses or a previously earned Associate's degree
2. Military training, on-the-job training and work experience
3. CLEP, DSST or AP Exams
Friday, October 10, 2008
10 Reasons to Get an Online Education in a Slowing Economy
Here are 10 reasons why getting an Online Education may be the best career move considering today's economy:
1. Invest in Yourself - Stocks are down. Invest your money in your education and reap the benefits later.
2. Keep your Job - Make yourself a more desirable and motivated employee by learning new skills or earning a certificate.
3. Prepare for the Worst - Layoffs are a reality. Keep your competitive edge by going back to school.
4. Increase your Potential - Higher education can increase the chances of a promotion or raise.
5. Change your Profession - It might be worth your while to become qualified for a career in a more "recession proof" field.
6. Learn Now, Pay Later - You might not have the money for school now, but student loans can help until you are in a secure career.
7. Employee Tuition Reimbursement - Check your employer's policy on tuition reimbursements. You would be surprised how many employers would pitch in for your education.
8. Defer Current Loans - If you are already paying back student loans from the first time around you may be able to defer your payments until even later if you return to school.
9. Save Gas - With today's prices who has the money to drive to class? Online classes offer a more convenient and affordable solution to $4 a gallon.
10. Spare Time - Scheduling classes around a full time job is nearly impossible. If you choose online education you can learn at your own pace in your spare time and you can keep your day job.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Cisco's Top IT Mistakes
The study found that changing security settings on computers, using of unauthorized applications and unauthorized network facility access contributed to data loss.
Reasons for loss of network security included sharing sensitive corporate information with outsiders and sharing corporate devices.
Cisco also offered solutions for preventing network security and data loss. They recommend educating employees about the connection between data loss and money earned or lost as well as where data and backups are stored.
Read More.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Kaplan Warns About Social Networking
You never know who may be looking at your Facebook or Myspace page, including 10% of admissions officers, says Kaplan. In most cases, the social networking pages of applicants lessened their chances of admission.
With more adults using Facebook this practice has emerged in the career world. 12% of hiring managers check similar sites, resulting in 68% of applicants checked not being offered the job.
Jeff Olson, the executive director of research for Kaplan says, "If you post the off-color story, party picture, or trash talk between friends, you may be posting something your future admissions officer, future employer, future spouse or future children may have access to."
Read More
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Online Health-Care Education
The research showed that Internet-based instruction compared favorably to traditional instructional methods.
"Our findings suggest that Internet-based instruction is an effective way to teach health care professionals," says lead author David Cook, M.D., an associate professor of medicine. "We now can confirm that, across a wide variety of learners, learning contexts, clinical topics, and learning outcomes, Internet-based instruction can be as effective as traditional methods."
Dr. Cook also noted the advantages of online learning, including flexible scheduling, adaptability of instruction and readily available content. "As health care workers balance challenging practice demands, the ever-expanding volume of medical knowledge requires us to find more effective, efficient ways to learn," says Dr. Cook. "Internet-based instruction will be an important part of the solution."
Read the article and visit Kaplan Continuing Education to begin your health-care career.
Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Companies
TechWeb's InformationWeek, the market-leading business technology media brand, released the 2008 top 10 most Innovative U.S.-based businesses using information technology to deliver business value.
The 2008 InformationWeek 500 top ten companies are: 1. National Semiconductor Corporation 2. Hilton Hotels Corporation 3. Highmark Inc. 4. Fiserv Inc. 5. Unum 6. Southwire Company 7. Advocate Health Care 8. PC Connection Inc. 9. Principal Financial Group Inc. 10. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
Kaplan Continuing Education can prepare you for a job in the IT field.
Friday, September 5, 2008
"Women and Information Technology"
Despite efforts over the last 25 years to encourage women to study information technology, IT still remains a male dominated field.
Get more information about the book, or change the statistic by studying IT with Kaplan Continuing Education.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
IT Field Escapes Recession
Based on Gartner's projections, worldwide IT spending in 2008 will surpass $3.4 trillion, an increase of 8% since 2007.
Despite recent economic downturn and threat of recession, it seems that the Information Technology industry will escape unscathed.
The highest increases were in software and update spending which analysts say should increase by 10% this year.
Read the full article or prepare for a career in the growing Information Technology field.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Economic Downturn Means Fewer Jobs for Grads
A recent study from Alabama University discovered that an alarming amount of the university's recent graduates were out of work.
The results showed that students who had a job opportunity waiting for them after graduation had the best chance of being employed 3 to 6 months after earning their degree. Many students were able to do this simply by planning ahead and taking some bold steps in the right direction.
The article suggests scheduling job interviews a month or two prior to graduation. This allows the student to become comfortable and familiar with the interview process and builds the foundation for valuable networking.
To get the education you need for the career you want visit Kaplan Continuing Education.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Higher Education Opportunity Act
The most noticeable changes are:
1. The FAFSA will be available in a simpler, two page format
2. Pell Grants will be available year round, not just in the Fall and Spring semesters
3. Textbook bundles must be available in separate parts
These changes will save most students (including me) valuable time and money!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Learning Never Stops
If you feel like you already know it all - think again. While there is no substitute for real world experience, a degree or certificate can always help.
The bottom line is, we could all use a tune-up and academia is constantly evolving and always offers fresh ideas and new points of view.
There is much to be learned from learning.
Visit Kaplan Continuing Education and take the first step.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Kaplan Continuing Education Now Offers Online Medical Billing Certificate Program
Online CISCO Certification Programs
The Online programs include:
· Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) Certificate
· Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate
· Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Certificate
The Kaplan Continuing Education certificate programs offer online career education and training to professionals looking for a real-world education coupled with the flexibility of web-based learning.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Gas Prices Boost Online College Classes
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Department of Defense Adopts Six Sigma
According to an article published on June 2, 2008 in Federal Computer Week magazine, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England has ordered all Defense Department components to adopt Lean Six Sigma, considered a failsafe methodology for quality and cost management.
The directive issued May 15, England instructed all DOD components to use Lean Six Sigma in order to improve productivity, mission performance, safety, flexibility and energy efficiency. The Six Sigma process-improvement methodology aims to improve operations by reducing defects and eliminating waste.
The DOD implemented a large scale Lean Six Sigma project in June of 2007 combining efforts from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management to re-engineer the government’s security clearance process.
The Six Sigma system has moved to the forefront because of its overall applicability in a wide range of business environments and for revolutionizing operations for companies such as Motorola and General Electric (GE). As the number of organizations employing the Six Sigma methodology increases, so does the demand for Green and Black Belt Six Sigma quality professionals. As a Six Sigma professional, you can systematically increase the quality of an existing process with the basic Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, improving the performance of business management processes and helping to generate higher net income by lowering operating costs.
Unlike quality improvement efforts of the past, Six Sigma provides tangible business results and savings directly traceable to the bottom line. Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) offers Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt certificates online designed for completion in just 12 months or less. For more information, call 866.542.4042 (Toll Free) or visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Certification = Hot Careers. High Salaries.
According to Payscale.com, a career as a Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are at the top of the salary list when it comes to professional certification.
PMP's earn an average of $91,050 while MCP's earn an average of $80,538 per year. CISCO CCNA certification was also ranked among the top paying careers with professionals earning $69,482 per year on average.
As approved education providers for both the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Microsoft IT Academy, Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) offers Project Management & Microsoft IT training online to help students achieve these high-demand certifications in just 12 months or less. For more information, visit http://www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com/.
Coming soon to KCE! CISCO CCNA certificate. July 2008! Stay tuned!
Kaplan Continuing Education is a part of Kaplan University, which is a part of Kaplan Higher Education Corporation. Kaplan Higher Education Corporation is a division of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. Kaplan University was ranked #1 for quality and value in a survey of online students according to Higher Education Survey Report, February 2006.
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC can be reached at 312.263.0456.
PayScale is a market leader in global online compensation data. For more information, visit http://www.payscale.com/.
Financial Adviser Best Profession to Have in a Recession
In an article dated April 8, 2008, Money Magazine ranked financial advisors as the best profession to have in a recession based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of fastest growing occupations combined with PayScale’s projections of white-collar jobs with the best combination of high salaries and high security. According to these statistics, employment for financial advisers is growing much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2016 at a rate of 41% and median income is expected to grow to $74,000 annually.
Why is Demand for CFP’s Growing Despite Recession?
oDemographic shifts - baby boomers retiring and are looking to protects their assets with investment and retirement plans planners offer
o13.8 million households expected to retire over the next 10 years
oThose households have $4.4 trillion in assets, or about a quarter of all financial assets in the country.
oRelatively few baby boomers have company pensions to supplement savings and Social Security income meaning a more important role for 401K investments.
Baby boomers are also facing:
-Increasing health care costs
-Longer life expectancies
-The uncertainty of financial markets
Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) offers students the option of obtaining their CFP education on site, on campus, or online.
•Accelerated Traditional Classroom – this 9 month traditional classroom program combines pre-study with classroom instruction taught in major metro areas throughout the US.
•Accelerated Virtual Classroom – this 9 month virtual classroom program is delivered via the web by a live instructor. Playback feature allows you to make up missed classes and review key lectures.
•Self-Paced Online Classroom – this 12 month interactive, online program features discussion boards and email. Coursework is available 24/ 7 so students can study anytime, anywhere.
•University Partnership Program – in partnership with prestigious universities across the country, this 9 or 12 month comprehensive program features live lectures and comprehensive case studies.
For more information on KCE's Certificate in Financial Planning program, visit http://www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com/bf/FinancialPlanning.aspx.
To view the full Money Magazine Article, visit: http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/01/pf/best_careers.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2008040809
Friday, May 30, 2008
CFP Firms Lead in Revenues
A CFP certificate and an aggressive strategy for recruiting new clients are among the traits that are helping financial advisors grow their businesses, according to a new study.
“The results also suggest that firms will need to find ways in which to accelerate their revenue growth in order to combat rising costs.”
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Recession-proof job: Personal Financial Adviser
Baby boomers want to safeguard their financial future and are actively seeking to protect their assets and prepare for retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in this category, which includes Certified Financial Planners, will surge 41% between 2006 and 2016, adding 72,000 jobs for a total of 248,000. Salaries are competitive, according to the BLS, which estimates median earnings at more than $66,000.
With hundreds of thousands of jobs being lost during this shaky economic period, it's no wonder people are looking for career stability and high income potential to supplement for outrageous prices for commodities such as gas and food. The financial planning profession is not all about making money, said President Mark Johanneseen of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), it's about helping people.
"We're like doctors, but for your personal finances," said Chuck Bender, a personal financial planner at The Financial Consulate.
Professionals are looking to make themselves more marketable and stand out from the competition in hopes of landing a more rewarding, stable career. Certification is a great way of achieving this goal. Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) guarantees success on the CFP Certification Examination through focused curriculum, esteemed faculty and cutting-edge technology. KCE's Certificate in Financial Planning program can be completed online in as little as 9 months. For more information on Kaplan Continuing Education programs, please visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com or call 866.542.4042.
To view the full CNN Money article, please visit http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/28/news/economy/financial_adviser/.
Friday, May 16, 2008
IT job growth amid uncertain economic times
Spherion’s New York Employee Confidence Index increased in April. One of its findings: 72 percent of workers surveyed were confident in the future of their employer, up 13 percentage points from the previous month.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Employer's View: Online Education
There are a variety of education programs that can be taken online. Undergrad and graduate degrees, professional certificate programs, you can even go to law school online. The Sloan Consortium found that fully online degree and certificate programs are offered by 34 percent of institutions. For profit institutions, like Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) according to the report, expect to increase their online programs more rapidly than any other type of institution, anticipating an increase of more than 40 percent. Additionally, three quarters of academic leaders at public colleges and universities believe that online learning quality is equal to or superior to face-to-face instruction (The Sloan Consortium: Entering the Mainstream, October 2004.)
An increasing numbers of professionals choose to pursue their education online. Technology is becoming more advanced and demand for these programs will continue to grow forcing employers who may be uncertain of online education to re-evaluate their position.
For more information on Kaplan University 70+ degree programs, please visit www.kaplan.edu.
For more information on professional certificates in six sigma, project management, health care, IT and more, please visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.
Online Education and The Environment
Today, almost every business is looking for a way to help the environment and go green. Kaplan Higher Education is proud become part of this movement and do our part.
As part of this initiative, we are eliminating Styrofoam cups from the break room of all our corporate locations. Americans use enough Styrofoam cups every year to circle the earth 436 times! Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) is non-biodegradable; it will never break down, no matter how long it sits in a landfill. To combat the use of these cups, Kaplan will distribute “Tumblers” to all of its employees. The “Tumblers,” which are reusable will carry both the Kaplan name, as well as a continual reminder that “Everyday is Earth Day.”
Kaplan's green efforts do not stop in our corporate offices. As an online education provider, we have made a committment to go "paperless" by shifting our focus from traditional paper enrollment forms and brochures for students to electronic clickable PDFs. Let's take a look at the environmental benefits of online education:
• No commute; no car exhaust. Car exhaust is an enormous contributor to global warming. As an online student, the commute is generally from the front door to a home computer.• A smaller footprint. Habitat loss threatens wildlife all over the world. A school that operates only online has administrative offices, but no need for a showcase campus. With a smaller physical presence, these schools also have a smaller environmental footprint.
• Online classes mean less energy usage. A laptop does use energy. But it doesn’t compare to the energy that a traditional university campus uses: lighting for classrooms and buildings; heating and air conditioning for immense lecture halls.
• Online education is a paper saver. Traditional classrooms still rely heavily on paper.
With an online school, most of the communication is digital.
Instead of printing out and handing in assignments, a student can simply email their professor a document.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Is Online Education Right for You?
In today’s fast-paced world, we have more choices than ever--and more ways to succeed. If you’ve been hearing a lot lately about online/distance continuing education, but weren’t sure what it was all about, here are some things to consider, compliments of Kaplan Continuing Education (part of the well-known Kaplan University that’s been around for decades):
Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) believes that the ability to achieve your goals at your own pace and on your own schedule is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. But how do you know if an online education at KCE is right for you?
First of all, Kaplan Continuing Education’s (KCE) online certificate programs are designed to target professional development in high-demand, high-reward fields, from business and finance to health care to information technology (IT). KCE courses are created and taught by individuals in the field, with a focus on the practical needs of both employees and employers in professional settings.
KCE’s self-paced, online programs are a solution to effective learning and advancement without any interruption to your current professional and personal obligations.
The school has a flexible online ‘classroom’ that’s available 24/7. The programs can be completed in 12 months or less, and you have the convenience of self-paced completion. It’s up to you when and how you fit in each lesson.
They also have experienced, professional faculty that teach KCE’s proprietary academic curriculum.
Kaplan University was ranked #1 in quality and value in a survey of online students.
What about the cost? KCE offers monthly payment options or alternative loans for those who qualify.
If you want to get into a new field, or take your career to the next level by standing out in today’s competitive job market, increasing your earning potential and expand your career options, you owe it to yourself to learn more about what Kaplan Continuing Education has to offer. Check out their website by clicking here.
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Open a world of opportunities to impact your career, your organization, and you. It is all powered by Kaplan’s 70-year history of success in test preparation, professional development, and adult education. It is The Kaplan Advantage. Learn more at kaplancontinuingeducation.com.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Kaplan Continuing Education Offers Certified Financial Planner Classes Online
Prepare For A Career as a Certified Financial Planner™ With Kaplan Continuing Education And Pass The CFP® Exam.
KCE’s Certified Financial Planner™ online classes are designed with your career goals in mind covering the latest topics from the CFP® Board.
“The goal of our programs is to help professionals accelerate their careers in high-growth industries like those in the financial sector,” said Ron Trautman, Vice President and General Manager of Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE).
Certified Financial Planner™ online classes are accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the worldand include extensive training in the principles, techniques and strategies for financial planner careers.
Financial professionals who attain their CFP® certification stand out in a competitive marketplace and increase their earning potential. Certified Financial Planners™ can leverage their skills to provide clients with comprehensive financial plans, including advice on tax management, insurance, estate planning and retirement.
With more than 70 years of innovative education experience, Kaplan University’s programs empower professionals to take their career to the next level by giving them a real-world education with the flexibility to earn th on their own terms, in their own time. Programs can be completed as little as 9 months.
Enroll and take the first step in earning your Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Online classes begin immediately. For more information on Kaplan Continuing Education, visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.