What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a business management strategy originally developed by Motorolla in 1981. It is a systematic, statistical method for improving the operations of a business by eliminating waste. It is especially beneficial for manufacturing companies as a method of quality control.

For more information about Six Sigma Certificate Programs, visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information.

Happy Holidays from Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE)!

What is Project Management?

Project Management is the discipline of planning, organizing and managing resources to complete tasks or objectives and attain goals. Businesses rely on project managers to ensure that projects are completed on time and done correctly.

Good project managers are naturally organized and are good at planning and overseeing the completion of work. If this sounds like you, why don’t you consider getting a Project Management Certificate from Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE)?

For more information about Business & Finance Certificate Programs, visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information.

What are CISCO Certified Certificate Programs?

Kaplan Continuing Education offers a variety of CISCO Certified Certificate Programs, including CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCDA and CCDP. But what exactly does it mean to be CISCO Certified?

CISCO Certifications are IT professional career certifications for Cisco Systems products. They are certifications for IT professionals in specific areas such as networking, security and design.

For more information about our CISCO Certified Certificate Programs or other information technology certificates, visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information.

What is CompTIA?

CompTIA stands for Computer Technology Industry Association and is a non-profit trade association.

CompTIA is currently the provider of many professional certificates in the field of information technology including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Server+ and more.

For more information about CompTIA Certificates, visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information.

Happy Holidays from all of the faculty and staff at KCE!

What is Forensic Nursing?

Forensic Nursing plays an integral role in bridging the gap between health care and the legal system. Forensic nurses provide care for patients who have been involved in a violent crime, whether they be victims or perpetrators of the crime. This type of nurse offers psychological, physical and social care and collects evidence to use in court.

The most common use of forensic nursing in the United States is in sexual assault cases. Other branches of forensic nursing deal with domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, death investigation, mistreatment of the elderly, corrections, emergency services and mental health.

Visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information about Forensic Nursing Certificates.

Don’t forget to follow KCE on Twitter and Facebook and YouTube!

Meet the KCE Business & Finance Faculty

Over the next few weeks, we will be getting to know the staff at Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE)!

Let's begin with the Business & Finance Faculty:





Meet Ralph Edwards, MBB, Six Sigma!








This is Allison Jones, Six Sigma!







Meet Dr. Garrett "Gus" Rathgeber, Six Sigma!






This is James Kallman, PhD, ARM, CRM, Risk Management!












































Meet Sharon Bonnem, CFP®, Financial Planning!




This is Samuel E. Keller, Sr., Six Sigma!

Meet Matthías Eggertsson, Business Management!

This is Diane D. Menendez, PhD, MCC, Executive Coaching!

Meet Michael L. Wilson, CFP®, MBA, Financial Planning!







This is Greg Lane CPA, CFP®, Financial Planning!






Meet Julie Wiebell, MBA, PMP, CSM, Business and Finance!

This is Peter Blackwell, Financial Planning!

Meet Jeff Mershon, CFP®, MBA, CPA, Chair, Financial Planning Program!







This is Gary Harris, MEM, PMP, CSSLP, CEI, CCP, Associate Dean, Business and IT!








Meet Hal Lenhart, Financial Planning!

This is Jesús Longoria CFP®, MS, Financial Planning!

Visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information about KCE faculty and staff.

Medical Billing Service Outsourcing

This video shows the importance of medical billers to eliminate unnecessary paperwork for doctors and nurses.



Kaplan Continuing Education offers medical coding and medical coding certificates to help you become part of the solution! Visit kaplancontinuingeducation.com or Call us at 866.542.4042 for more information.

KCE Provides Professional Business Education Certificate Programs

Kaplan Continuing Education’s (KCE) Business and Finance Certificate Programs set you apart as a professional in the highly competitive fields of business and finance.

Our Business Career Training Programs are well respected and are designed for professionals interested in expanding their opportunities.

KCE offers certificate programs in high-demand fields such as financial planning, risk management, project management, environmental sustainability, executive coaching and Six Sigma.

Visit www.kaplansolutions.com or contact us at 800.671.9411 for more information.

KCE at American Ambulance Association 2010 Convention & Tradeshow

Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) is proud to announce our attendance to the American Ambulance Association (AAA) 2010 Annual Convention & Tradeshow at the Las Vegas Hilton on November 15-17!

The event provides networking opportunities for ambulance owners and managers, in addition to showcasing the latest products and services the healthcare industry has to offer.

Don’t miss keynote speaker Daniel “Rudy” Ruettieger and be sure to stop by the KCE booth while you’re at the event! Visit www.kaplansolutions.com or contact us at 800.671.9411 for more information.

Kaplan is a Military Spouse Friendly College

Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE), a participant in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program, is proud to support the educational pursuits of military families.

As a MyCAA student at KCE you may benefit from the following:
• MyCAA special pricing
• Programs that are less than $4,000 and include the cost of instructional materials. Most certificate programs apply.
• Dedicated MyCAA Advisors and support staff

Please call 866.318.7196 (toll-free) or visit Kaplan Solutions today for more information.

NEW Program: Administrative Dental Assistant Certificate

Kaplan Solutions is proud to announce the launch of the Administrative Dental Assistant Certificate Program. The online continuing education program is designed for individuals with a high school diploma or GED who are looking to get online career training to secure an entry-level job in the dental health field.

Jobs in the dental health field are projected to be some of the fastest growing jobs for the future. In six months or less, you can be one of the many entering the dental health field with Kaplan’s Administrative Dental Assistant Certificate Program.

NEW CompTIA Certificate Programs

Kaplan Solutions is proud to announce the launch of four new CompTIA certificate programs. These online continuing education courses are designed to prepare you to sit for the CompTIA certification exams. The programs are designed for IT professionals who are already working in the field and are looking to pursue CompTIA certification.

Kaplan’s new CompTIA certificate programs include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Server+, and CompTIA Network+.

5 FAQs About Medical Billing Career Training

If you are interested in medical billing career training, you may have questions. Here are the answers to five frequently asked questions about medical billing:

1) Does a career in medical billing require certification? Yes, a career in medical billing does require certification by a nationwide accreditation board.

2) Are there medical billing jobs available today? Yes, especially in larger towns and cities which have extra clinics and opportunities for jobs.

3) Is there financial aid available for medical billing career training? Yes, the government provides financial aid for those pursuing career training online.

4) Can I work from home with a career in medical billing? Yes, but you will need medical billing software to use at home.

5) What does medical billing career training typically cost? Medical billing courses and programs can cost as little as $2000.

Stay-at-Home Moms Have Much to Offer the Working World

Stay-at-home moms play a valuable role in the household, taking care of kids, cooking, cleaning, appointments and more. However, stay-at-home moms often don't realize how much they have to offer the working world. With the current economic situation, stay-at-home moms may feel pressure to enter the workforce and bring home a second paycheck.

All stay-at-home moms need is a little training in high demand fields such as healthcare, information technology or business to get on their feet and enter the working world. Medical billing and coding are popular careers for stay-at-home moms because there is the possibility of working from home. Plus, training is available online through continuing education programs such as Kaplan Continuing Education.

Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2010

The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2010. This year's theme is Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With and deals with the importance of smoke alarms in the home.

According to the NFPA, 2,755 people were killed and 13,160 were injured in home fires in 2008. 2/5ths of these deaths were in homes with no smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can reduce the risk of death by fire by half and knowing how to install and test smoke alarms can make your home a safer place.

Wednesday Webinar: The Importance of Cover Letters & Thank You Notes

Past, Present and Future Kaplan Continuing Education students can benefit from this week’s Wednesday Webinar on the importance of resume cover letters and thank you notes in landing a job.

Employers don’t just look at your resume any more. Now they come to expect a cover letter where you can showcase your personality, as well as a thank you note after your interview. These two additional steps can make you stand out as an applicant and will put you that much closer to securing a job.

Tune in Wednesday, September 22 at 9:00 PM EST for insider tips about writing the perfect cover letter and thank you notes.

Follow the link in your classroom: Basic Training – Cover Letters and Thank You Letters to attend.

Medical Billing Continuing Education Programs

Medical billing continuing education programs, like those offered by Kaplan Continuing Education, offer courses which prepare students to work in the healthcare field including hospitals, doctors’ offices and insurance companies. Thanks to widespread use of the internet, many medical billers are also able to work from home.

The medical billing field is projected to grow through 2018 and salaries for medical billers average around $25,000 a year.

7 Tips to Succeeding in Online Continuing Education

While the online continuing education program you choose can determine how successful you will be in completing a continuing education certificate, your personal motivation also plays a tremendous role.

Here are some tips for success in an online continuing education program:
1. Get to know the process – Online learning is different than traditional school, learn the ins and outs of communication and how to get help before enrolling in courses.
2. Take notes – Although your lectures and courses are online, you should still jot down notes and any questions you have.
3. Be active – Actively participate in online lectures and discussions.
4. Improve your writing skills – Communication between students and instructors are usually via email and many assignments submitted are in the form of formal essays.
5. Be courteous – Watching your tone is important when communicating online via email, IM and video conferences.
6. Respect your instructors – Have a good repertoire with your instructors, be polite in communication and they will be valuable references for future career opportunities.
7. Be committed to education – The bottom line is, you are taking an online education program to learn.

EMS Expo September 27 - October 1

The 2010 EMS Expo will be held September 27 - October 1 at the Dallas Convention Center.

EMS Expo is the largest EMS conference and trade show in North America and features educational programs and exhibits.

September is National Preparedness Month!

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). The purpose of NPM is to raise awareness and promote action involving emergency services among communities nationwide.

The theme for 2010 is “Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.” For more information about NPM visit the Resource Center.

IAFF Convention 2010

The 50th Annual International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Convention was held this August. Check out some of the photos from the convention.

Pharmacy Tech Career Review

US News & World Report interviewed Pharmacist Sarah Phelps about her career. Sarah shares information including her job description and hours, as well as the path she took to become a pharmacy technician. Watch the video for the full interview:

National Firefighter Health Week Podcast: Behavioral Health

National Firefighter Health Week aims to promote overall health for fire and emergency service personnel. This podcast focuses on the psychological and behavioral health of firefighters and first responders who witness traumatic events in the field. Listen to the Behavioral Health Podcast here.

It’s National Firefighter Health Week!

August 16-20th is National Firefighter Health Week. This is a weeklong initiative to educate fire and emergency service professionals, as well as the community, about safety issues first responders face.

This year’s theme is “Only You Can Keep It Strong. Are You Up For The Challenge?”

Each day of National Firefighter Health Week is dedicated to a different health issue firefighters and emergency service personnel face:
Monday August 16th is Head Strong (Behavioral Health)
Tuesday August 17th is Respond Strong – Put it On (Protective Equipment)
Wednesday August 18th is Strong at Heart (Heart Health)
Thursday August 19th is Stand Strong Against Cancer (Cancer)
Friday August 20th is Strength for Life (Nutrition & Physical Fitness)

Pharmacy Tech Flashcards Quiz

This video can be used as either flashcards or a quiz to test your knowledge of medication terminology, brand names and treatment uses. This information would be of the utmost importance for Pharmacy Technicians and anyone who works in the healthcare field.

Pharmacy Technician Job Description

Pharmacy technician is a great career for people graduating from high school or looking for a career change.

The primary responsibility of a pharmacy technician is to assist the pharmacist. Depending on the different career settings of pharmacy technicians, there may be different job descriptions. Pharmacy techs may answer phones, handle money, stock medicine, perform data entry, fill orders for medications, and prepare and file charge slips.

Pharmacy techs are also responsible for providing medicine and other health care products to patients, including checking medication before giving to the patient as well as providing counsel for proper usage and dosage.

Why Employers Like Online Continuing Education Programs

Online continuing education programs and tuition reimbursement are being advocated by many employers. One of the reasons for this is it allows for employee advancement on the employee’s time.

Workers are still able to continue to work through the workweek and can complete online continuing education programs after work and on the weekends. Traditional brick and mortar colleges do not offer the flexibility that online courses offer, and employees would have to quit their job or work part-time to further their education.

This results in employees that are more satisfied at their workplace and employers who are more satisfied with their workers. Employees who receive tuition reimbursement often have to commit to staying at least 2 years with their current employer.

What is Medical Coding?

Medical Coding is a language used by health insurance providers and doctors. It is system of numerical codes which document the patient’s illness as well as the care received.

Patients are usually unaware of the codes used in their file; this information generally stays between the doctor and the health insurance provider. These codes are a way of ensuring that the doctor is reimbursed by the patient’s health insurance for all services rendered.

Medical coding also helps to track the spread of diseases on a broad scale and detect epidemic outbreaks.

In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandated the use of medical codes. This mandate ensures patient confidentiality.

Medical Billing & Coding Jobs on the Rise

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for medical billing and coding will continue grow with the rest of the healthcare field, and will pay very well.

Education is key to securing one of these prestigious jobs. Online continuing education providers, such as Kaplan Continuing Education, offer medical billing and coding certificates which can prepare you for a career in the field.

Different Types of Careers for Pharmacy Technicians

The number of jobs for pharmacy technicians is expected to double or even triple in the coming years. There are many different settings in which a pharmacy tech can work, including drug stores, health clinics, hospitals and laboratories.

Pharmacy techs that work in local drug stores or health clinics are referred to as community pharmacy technicians, those who work in hospitals are known as hospital pharmacy technicians, and those who work in laboratories are called pharmaceutical industry pharmacy technicians.

2009 Saw Lowest On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities Since 1993

According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there were 82 on-duty firefighter fatalities in 2009, the lowest total since 1993. Of the 82 fatalities, 41 were volunteer firefighters and 31 were career firefighters.

NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg was quoted saying, “I am pleased that the number of firefighter fatalities in the United States went down in 2009. I hope and pray that it will continue to decrease because even one line-of-duty firefighter death is too many.”

The leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters continues to be sudden cardiac arrest, accounting for approximately 40% of the fatalities.

CPF Firevision Video: Terrorism Consequence Management

The following video is the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) online news update documenting the terrorism consequence management training scenarios which are part of the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee’s online terrorism response training program.

Sign Up for the National Junior Firefighter Academy

Attention Junior Firefighters! If you are between the ages of 13-18 you can have the opportunity to meet firefighters actively in the service and see products, services and technologies used to keep our cities safe on Saturday, July 24th from 9:00 AM - noon. The Junior Firefighter Educational Session will be held at the Firehouse Expo and is limited to 75 students at a cost of only $10 per person ($15 after July 18th).

Firehouse Expo is also looking for 50 program advisors for the educational session. Information about Jr. Firefighter and Program Advisor Registration can be found on the Firehouse Expo website.

Don’t forget to stop by the Kaplan Continuing Education booth #2104 while you are at the Firehouse Expo! Kaplan team members Jim Redgate and Rhianna Dallaire will be on site.

National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15

An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by house fires. In addition, nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by pets. In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15, here are a few tips to keep your pets safe in the event of a fire and prevent your pets from accidentally starting a fire in your home.

To Prevent Your Pet From Starting Fires:

• Extinguish open flames – Pets are curious about candles and other flames and may knock them over while trying to investigate.

• Remove stove knobs – Stoves are the most common way a pet can start a fire.

• Invest in flameless candles – These create the illusion of a flame without causing danger if the pet knocks it over.

• Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – The sun’s rays can reflect off a glass or stainless steel water bowl and ignite a wooden deck.

• Pet proof the home – Hide any loose wires and other dangerous objects around your home.

To Keep Your Pets Safe in Case of Fire:

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home – When leaving pets home alone, keep them near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

• Secure young pets – Keep young puppies and other pets in crates where they do not have access to loose wires and other dangerous objects.

• Practice escape routes with pets – Keep collars and leashes near the door in case you have to evacuate quickly.

• Consider using monitored smoke detection services – These can help save pets when you aren’t home.

• Affix a pet alert window cling (pictured below) – You can get a window cling here and label the number of dogs, cats and other animals in your home so firefighters know how many pets to look for.

EMS Careers

Check out some of the career options you can pursue with an education in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

• EMT Basic – A first responder who takes care of patients at the scene of an accident or emergency situation.

• EMT Intermediate – Able to perform more tasks and handle more equipment than their counterparts at the basic level.

• Paramedic – Provides more extensive premedical care to patients. Paramedics can administer medicine orally and intravenously, interpret EKGs, and work with more advanced equipment and machinery.

Chronicles of EMS: Season 1 Episode 1

Check out Episode 1 of the EMS reality series Chronicles of EMS:

Chronicles of EMS - The Reality Series (Season 1 Episode 1) from Thaddeus Setla on Vimeo.

iPhone & iPad App for EMS Professionals: Triage Link

Triage Link is an App for iPhones and iPads that allows EMS professionals to quickly track vital signs of patients and other patient care data, eliminating the need for estimations on “crib sheets”.

The App collects patient data including age, gender, chief complaint, level of consciousness, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, pupils, lung sounds, skin color, temperature, moisture, Glasgow coma score, and triage status in real time.

The patient’s data is organized in a time-sequenced report which can then be emailed from the phone.

iResQ: The iPhone App for EMS Professionals

The iResQ iPhone App is a must have for all EMS professionals, paramedics and first responders. The app allows the paramedic to enter patient information such as height, weight and age to get preloaded information about medications, drips, vents, and other critical procedures.

If you are a paramedic, first responder or other EMS professional, the iResQ App can help you be prepared for emergency procedures. Simply search iTunes for iResQ to download.

National Fire Service Resource Guide

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is offering a free National Fire Service Resource Guide for download. The guide serves as a reference for fire and EMS professionals and offers quick tips for fire and emergency procedures.

The guide covers topics including training, health and safety, recruitment and more. Click here to download the guide.

Kaplan Continuing Education at SEAFC 82nd Annual Leadership Conference

Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) will be at the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs’ (SEAFC) 82nd Annual Leadership Conference on June 24th-25th, 2010 in Louisville, KY.

Stop by the booth to learn more about the various Fire & EMS courses that KCE has to offer and receive an overview of the dynamic learning management system (LMS) functionality.

The SEAFC’s mission is to provide leadership, education, information, and networking to career and volunteer chief fire officers and managers of Emergency Service Organizations throughout the Southeastern United States.

EMS Garage Podcast: Canadian C-Spine Mythbusters

Listen to EMS Garage’s Podcast for EMS professionals featuring great discussion about EMS life. This week the EMS Garage discusses the Canadian C-Spine rule of spinal immobilization.

Medical Terminology Podcast: Week 1

Over the next few weeks we will share a series of Medical Terminology Podcasts. These short podcasts will help you pronounce, interpret and break down medical terms in the medical field.

This week’s podcast teaches you how to break up medical terms into common prefixes, suffixes and roots which can clue you in to the meaning of the term.

Medical Billing Errors Cost Patients

Errors made by medical billers can create undue costs for patients. This is why it is of the utmost importance for medical billers to be highly qualified and thoroughly trained.

Kaplan Continuing Education offers a medical billing certificate which can help you to further your education and prepare yourself for a career in the medical field. Students who have earned a medical billing certificate at Kaplan Continuing Education may find themselves prepared for the challenges they will face in a career in the medical field.

Let’s take a look at what happened when one medical biller made an error:

A pair of transposed digits in a medical identification number created unnecessary medical costs of over $100,000 for Mike Dziedzic, a husband caring for his dying wife.

This type of error is not uncommon.

Medical Billing Advocates of America estimate that 8 out of 10 bills audited from hospitals health care providers contain errors. Approximately 3% of all health care spending, or $68 billion, is lost to billing errors annually.

This is why it is so important that medical billers are well trained; to save money for patients, hospitals and health care providers. With a medical billing certificate from Kaplan Continuing Education, students will better understand the claims and reimbursement processes associated with commercial and government health insurance.

NEW Courses: Fire Officer and Hazmat

Kaplan Continuing Education has launched two new online fire training courses designed to keep your skills current: "Hazardous Material (Hazmat)," and "Fire Officer: Principles and Practice."

The Hazmat course satisfies NFPA's requirements for first responders and the Fire Officer course addresses topics such as the IAFC/IAFF Firefighter Safety and Deployment study and more.

EMS Podcast: Mitchell Waite, PhD

Fire Chief, Paramedic and EMS Educator, Mitchell Waite, PhD chats about his books: 400 Days a Call to Duty, The EMS Leadership Challenge, and Fire Service Leadership Theories and Practice; as well as his life in the fire and EMS profession in this podcast. Chief Waite leads the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and has been in the fire and EMS service for over 25 years.

Medical Billing Minute - Elimination of Medicare Consultation Codes

Medical Billing Minute explains the changes that medical coders need to be aware of as consultation codes are eliminated by Medicare. This video explains the new regular office visit codes and hospital admit codes that need to be used by medical billers and coders.

New Medic Monthly Course: DNR Orders for Patients with Terminal Illnesses

Kaplan Continuing Education's new medic monthly course will focus on Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders for patients with terminal illnesses. The training will be for paramedics and first responders and will teach them how to deal, both legally and ethically, with these types of cases. Nothing is harder than standing over a patient and not being able to do anything; but with this training, paramedics and first responders will be well prepared should they face this tough situation.

Poll: “What is the Best Thing About Continuing Education Online?”

Kaplan Continuing Education wants to know, ”What is the Best Thing About Continuing Education Online?” Voice your opinion and be heard!

What is the Best Thing About Continuing Education Online?

• You can complete courses at your own pace
• You can continue to be employed full-time if you choose
• You can do coursework after the kids are in bed
• You can complete programs in a year or less
• You can access the virtual classroom from anywhere in the world

View Results
Create a Blog Poll

Computer Security Certificate - Same Great CISSP Certificate Program, New Name

Kaplan Continuing Education’s Computer Security Certificate, formerly called Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certificate, is designed for IT professionals with at least 4 years work experience as a network security professional or system administrator. KCE Computer Security Certificate Program prepares IT professionals for CISSP Certification.

According to Foote Partners LLC’s “Hot Technical Skill and Certification Pay Index,” the CISSP and other security certificates are the highest paying certifications, with an average annual salary of $70,000.

Being a computer security system professional is a demanding job but a rewarding career. There is a never ending need for computer security professionals, which ensures that the pay scale will remain in the top ranges.

10 Things Every Six Sigma Green Belt Should Know

The current trend in Six Sigma education is to incorporate “Lean” methodology into Six Sigma training, combining the Lean management principles of waste reduction with the Six Sigma tools of process improvement.

Here are 10 things every Six Sigma Green Belt should know:

1. Why the y=f(x) formula is important for process and business.
2. The Kano diagram and how it relates to customers.
3. How to create a histogram and pareto diagram, and know the difference between the two.
4. Basic equations, how to quantify project benefits, and speak the language of management.
5. The data collection process of projects and how to validate the measurement system.
6. How to calculate the mean and standard deviation of process data sets.
7. How to calculate short term and long term Sigma value of projects’ process.
8. How to perform basic statistical tests using a statistical software package like Minitab or JMP.
9. How to create a Cause and Effect (Fishbone) diagram to identify possible causes of process defects.
10. How to use graphs to show process improvement in a highly visible and easily understood visual form.

For Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate course descriptions and more information about Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Programs, please visit KaplanContinuingEducation.com

Kaplan at the Quest Ed Fair in Colorado

Kaplan Continuing Education is an active participant in educational fairs and conferences. Here are Curits Lernardson of Kaplan University and Amy Steinberg of Kaplan Continuing Education providing information about Kaplan’s programs and answering questions at the Qwest Ed Fair in Colorado!

Now is the Time to Seek Employment in the Healthcare Industry

Because of the current social and economic climate, now is the perfect time to seek employment in today’s thriving healthcare industry. The industry is expected to see major job growth in the future.

Why is the healthcare field growing?

Our population is aging as the Baby Boomer generation retires, creating a need for better health care solutions. Another factor is that our economy is moving from the production of goods to the provision of services. Health care and other service industry jobs are replacing the factories and assembly lines of our nation’s past.

At a time when the rest of the economy is struggling, the health care industry is expanding. Medical coding and medical billing are great entry level careers to get into, providing many opportunities to work in the healthcare field. Kaplan Continuing Education offers Medical Billing and Medical Coding certificate programs which will give you the health care education you need to compete in this thriving industry.

Continuing Education Training

Even if you have a degree in your field, you can still benefit from continuing education training and course programs. Continuing education allows professionals to further increase their knowledge and skills, as there is always more to learn.

In fact, many fields require you stay current by completing a continuing education course.

Fortunately, Kaplan Continuing Education makes it easy to complete continuing education courses online at your own pace.

Kaplan Sponsors National EMS Week

Kaplan Continuing Education is a proud sponsor of the American College of Emergency Physicians' National EMS Week.

KCE will honor the EMS community, including EMTs, first responders, paramedics and firefighters, between May 16 and May 22, 2010 for their dedication to providing lifesaving services.

Kaplan Continuing Education at the CFED Conference & Expo in Palm Springs!

Kaplan Continuing Education's Fire & EMS Division and Kaplan University are at the CFED (California Fire, EMS, Disaster & Law Enforcement) Conference & Expo this week to continue to raise awareness of the educational offerings that Kaplan provides to meet the unique needs of California First Responders, EMS and Nursing personnel. If you're an Emergency Responder wishing to stay on top of the most current industrial information concerning their individual field of practice this conference is beneficial for you.

Whether it is higher education degrees or continuing education that is needed to meet your requirements, Kaplan University provides high-quality, effective learning solutions.

Visit our website to learn more about Kaplan Continuing Education.

Take a Tour of Kaplan Continuing Education's Online Campus!

Kaplan Continuing Education gives you an insider tour of their online campus. Since all of KCE's courses are online, it is necessary for students to know how to navigate the online portal. Taking courses online is convenient and easy for the busy professional looking to further their knowledge with online career training in areas such as business and finance, health care and internet technology.

Online Continuing Education: EMS Courses for Paramedics & First Responders

Kaplan Continuing Education provides EMS online continuing education courses for paramedics and first responders as a part of their EMT continuing education programs.

As a part of this online training for paramedics and first responders, KCE's Dr. Steven Katz has created Medic Monthly modules focusing on topics such as infectious disease and hepatitis.

Information Technology Certificates from Kaplan Continuing Education

In recent years, the demand for Information Technology professionals has been increasing. Kaplan Continuing Education’s Information Technology (IT) Certificates are designed to prepare you for a career in this growing industry.

KCE offers a variety of IT training programs in areas such as systems engineering, systems administrators and information security. KCE’s IT training programs are also designed to prepare you to sit for Microsoft Certification Exams, including the MCSE and MCSA certification exams as well as several Cisco Certification Exams, including CISSP, CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCDA and CCDP certificates.

KCE also offers Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Certificates for systems engineers and database administrators. These certificate programs are designed to help you pursue MCITP Certification.

NEW Program: Veterinary Assistant Certificate

Kaplan Continuing Education’s Veterinary Assistant Certificate program and courses are designed to further your knowledge and skills in areas of veterinary technology, client communication and scheduling. Your love of animals can turn into a lifelong career in the field of veterinary health care. The veterinary health care field is growing rapidly with faster than average projected employment growth of 20% from 2008-2018. It is estimated that there is a need for 21,000 additional veterinary employees in the US by 2016.

As a student in KCE’s Veterinary Assistant courses, you will learn key terminology used in the veterinary profession, how to treat animal diseases and health issues, emergency care, physical exams, surgery and office procedures. Courses also include animal physiology, pharmacology, animal behavior and sanitation procedures.

NEW Program: MCITP Windows Server 2008 Administration Certificate

Kaplan Continuing Education’s Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Windows Server 2008 Administration Certificate shows prospective employers that you are experienced and qualified in the IT field. The certificate proves that you have the ability to perform critical IT roles using the most up to date Microsoft technology. The certificate program is designed to prepare you to sit for the MCITP certification exam and teaches you how to install, manage and optimize any company’s network.

Job growth is this field is projected to increase 23% to 53% from 2008 to 2018, adding 234,700 positions. Median annual salaries for network and systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008, ranging from $41,000 to $104,070. Median annual salaries for network and data analysts were $71,100 in May 2008, ranging from $41,660 to $110,920, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and 2010-2011 Occupational Handbook.

KCE offers three program tracks which can help open doors in your professional career:
• Server Administrator Track where you will learn how to plan, design, install, maintain and administrate the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise platform.
• Enterprise Administrator Track where you will learn infrastructure design, client/server technology, operations and support for the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise platform.
• MCITP Certified Enterprise Administrator Track where you will also learn infrastructure design, client/server technology, operations and support for the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise platform. NOTE: Candidates must have MCITP Server Certification prior to enrollment.

NEW Program: MCITP SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Certificate

Kaplan Continuing Education’s Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) SQL Server 2008 Database Administration Certificate shows prospective employers that you are experienced and qualified in the IT field. The certificate proves that you have the ability to perform critical IT roles using the most up to date Microsoft technology. The certificate program is designed to prepare you to sit for the MCITP certification exam and gives you the tools to manage the SQL Server Database of any company.*

Job growth in this field is projected to increase 13% to 20% from 2008 to 2018 adding 51,900 positions. Median annual salaries for Database Administrators was $69,740 in May 2008, ranging from $39,900 to 111,950, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and 2010-2011 Occupational Handbook.

KCE offers three program tracks which can help open doors in the IT field:
• Database Administrator Track where you will learn how to implement, maintain, and administer the Microsoft SQL 2008 Database Management System.
• Database Developer Track where you will learn advanced skills in developing databases and solutions in the Microsoft SQL 2008 Database Management System.
• Business Intelligence Developer Track where you will learn how to work with business intelligence technologies in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Database Management System, including analysis, reporting, and integration services.

Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, KCE does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all. Although certain Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) programs are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, KCE cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams.

NEW Program: Environmental Sustainability Certificate

Globally, people are waking up to the damaging environmental effects of our consumer-driven society. Now is the time to "go green" and establish yourself in the field of environmental sustainability.

Kaplan Continuing Education’s newest program, our Environmental Sustainability Certificate, can help you and your business show concern for the world's future and make a much needed positive impact on the environment. The program is designed to offer a solid foundation in environmental sustainability with applications in business, project management, and Lean Six Sigma.

NEW Program: eCommerce Certificate

More and more people are choosing to shop online each day. It is estimated that on-line customer spending will grow to over $400 billion and online business spending will grow to over $6.3 trillion by 2012. With eCommerce gaining in popularity, you need to know how to make the most of your eCommerce business.

The eCommerce Certificate Program offered by Kaplan Continuing Education will help you better understand internet marketplaces and teaches you how to develop and manage platforms, as well as online marketing strategies, search engine optimization (SEO) and everything you need to take your eCommerce business to the next level.

Five New Online Programs Focused on Emerging Careers

Kaplan Continuing Education added five new online programs focusing on today's emerging careers. These online certificate programs are offered in the health care, business and information technology fields.

These new online career education programs include:

• eCommerce Certificate
• Environmental Sustainability Certificate
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Windows Server 2008 Administrator Certificate
• Microsoft Certificated IT Professional (MCITP) SQL Server 2008 Database Administrator Certificate
• Veterinary Assistant Certificate

Poll – “Why Do You Choose Online Education?”

Kaplan Continuing Education wants to know why YOU choose online education from KCE. There are many advantages to online education including convenience, freedom from scheduling, and the ability to work while continuing education.

So tell us: “Why Do YOU Choose Online Education?” Voice your opinion in the comments!

Course Spotlight: Information Technology (IT) Training

The Information Technology (IT) field is one of the most in-demand industries right now. Kaplan Continuing Education offers IT training programs which keep you one step ahead in fields such as engineering, systems administration and information security. KCE also offers programs which prepare you for success on Cisco and Microsoft Certification Exams, including the Micosoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) exam.

Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that students will pass the certification exams that we use on our website.

Kaplan Continuing Education Connects With Students Through Twitter and Facebook

Kaplan Continuing Education is now able to connect with students through Facebook and Twitter. Education experiences are changing and by using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, students can build relationships, share information and collaborate on the many career training programs provided. Twitter and Facebook have changed education, and have changed the way people communicate and learn.

EMT Basic Skills: Airway Management with Endotracheal Intubation

This video offers step by step demonstrations of various methods of airway management available to EMTs, including endotracheal intubation.

Fund Your Education with Tuition Reimbursement from your Employer

You may not feel like you have the money or time to return to school, but paying for an online certificate program with tuition reimbursement from your employer can help. Your work schedule and income will remain the same, but you will be furthering your education without emptying your pockets.

Statistics indicate that nearly half of workers in the U.S. get some form of tuition assistance from their employer. Some businesses will pay for work-related courses, or any courses toward the completion of an online certificate program.

Many workers do not even think to ask their employer if they would offer tuition assistance, but may be surprised to find that they do. Employers and employees alike benefit from furthering education, so it is no surprise that employers are willing to reimburse tuition costs.

It is important to approach your employer with your plan in mind. Present your desired online certificate program along with the prospective courses you will be enrolling in. Also emphasize how it will make you a more efficient and productive employee and how your employer will benefit from you furthering your education. Your employer will more than likely be happy to offer some form of tuition assistance or reimbursement for your online certificate program.

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!

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:

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.

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.

Paying for College Through an Online School

Online schools, such as Kaplan Solutions, know that you have financial restraints, including bills and family expenses. This is why online schools offer payment plans and other options to help fund your education.
Another way to cut the costs of online education is to have a third party reimburse your education. If you are currently employed, you may qualify for employer tuition reimbursement.
Of course, online students can also benefit from scholarships, grants and loans that traditional brick and mortar students take advantage of.

Job Spotlight: Pharmacy Technician Salary

Pharmacy Technicians play a pivotal role in pharmacies, retail, hospital, and mail-order settings. But what is the average Pharmacy Tech's salary? The average Pharmacy Tech makes $27,710 a year according to the 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics. However, Pharmacy Techs working in hospitals can expect a higher salary of about $32,180 per year.

Invest in Yourself with Continuing Education

With today’s troubled economy, now is more important than ever to reinvent and invest in yourself. Don’t become the next victim of the widespread layoffs; take proactive steps to ensure you are the best, and the most qualified, at what you do.
Think of continuing education as “career maintenance.” You wouldn’t drive your car for 10 years without getting an oil change, so why would you still be running your career on outdated qualifications? Investing in your education is one of the best ways to secure your job and advance yourself.
Thankfully, Kaplan Solutions offers continuing education courses online at your convenience. Completing an online continuing education course on your own time in the convenience of your own home couldn’t be easier. Schedule your career maintenance today with Kaplan Solutions!

Poll – “Would YOU Recommend Online Continuing Education to a Friend?”

Kaplan Solutions wants YOUR opinion! If you have experience with online continuing education with Kaplan or any other educational provider, we want to know if you would recommend continuing education online to a friend.

Respond to the question “Would YOU Recommend Online Continuing Education to a Friend?” in the comments!

Course Spotlight: Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Pharmacy Technicians are at great demand due to ever increasing prescription medications. The pharmacy technician continuing education program at Kaplan Solutions teaches students to succeed in the medical field and teaches students medical and pharmaceutical terminology so they can serve as a valuable liaison between medical professionals, pharmacists and patients. The pharmacy technician training offered by Kaplan Continuing Education is designed to prepare graduates to pursue careers in the ever expanding health care field.

Courses include:
• Introduction to Pharmacy
• Fundamental Pharmacy Concepts
• Pharmacology
• Top 200 Drugs
• Pharmaceutical Calculation, and more!