We are lucky to live in a time where there are plenty options for acquiring new knowledge and skills through both traditional and what is considered to be non-traditional education. Furthermore, non-traditional methods of education are becoming more widely recognized and accepted as legitimate and worthy programs for all ages. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) acknowledges that there is not necessarily a precise definition for non-traditional student anymore. They did, however, outline common elements and by this foundation they determined that in 2000, 73% of undergraduates could be considered non-traditional. This statistic shed new light on what a typical student looks like, and has paved the way for many innovative and highly effective methods and new institutions to be utilized for educating students of all ages and backgrounds.
Since the current job market is ever-changing regarding which careers are in demand, it is beneficial to understand which jobs have the most potential for future success and longevity. Additionally, it is becoming the preferred option among employers to hire those who have a degree in a specific trade. Lynn Willey, Placement Specialist at Southeast Community College, says, “Health care is always in demand. Associate Degree Nursing, Home Health Aide, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Secretary, Dental Assistant, Healthcare Administrator, Medical Records/ Health Information Technician, and EMT/Paramedic are the top ten in-demand health care occupations. Southeast Community College provides programs for each of these areas. The SCC Employment/College Transfer Outcomes Report verifies that students in any of the Health Occupations Division programs have an exceptional opportunity to begin their careers with salaries ranging from $15 to $30 per hour. Many students choose to continue their education after completion of their associate’s degree, and graduates often comment that they are very happy to have the security and confidence in knowing that they have excellent skills to begin their careers. Many students begin their healthcare career at SCC by completing their Academic Transfer degree. This helps them meet entrance requirements at four-year institutions to get the bachelor’s degrees in various health fields. Agriculture is and has been a trending field for some time. Even with declining numbers of farms and farmers, the acres in production are managed by fewer “farmers” with the use of more technology. The Agriculture Business & Management Technology program offers precision farming methods to teach students what employers, farmers, equipment dealers, and cooperatives need for successful employees. Moreover, there continues to be a demand for graduates in the Computer Information Technology and Computer Programming Technology programs as network managers, computer support specialists, web application programmers/developers, software developers, and programmers/analysts.”
She adds, “We continue to hear from the manufacturing sector that there are consistently more jobs available than skilled workers to fill those positions and the shortage of talent is recognized as the #2 threat to businesses and their growth. A recent statistic indicated we have 70 million baby boomers retiring and only 40 million workers joining the workforce. The Construction/Electronics Division and Transportation/Manufacturing Division offers education in twenty-four program areas. All programs, whether it is Welding, Electrical, Electromechanical, Computer Aided Design Drafting, Precision Machining, Diesel or Automotive require technicians with quality skill sets and work ethic to thrive and be successful within their career choice.
Financing your education is always a major concern, but there are many options that will help you complete your education while only assuming a reasonable amount of debt. Nicole Austin, Loan Analyst in the Financial Aid Department at Southeast Community College, advises, “In order for a student to qualify for financial aid they must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This will determine a student’s eligibility for grants and/or loans. Parents of dependent students also have the option of taking out a Parent PLUS loan to assist in the cost of a student’s education. Students who have qualified can also apply for work-study positions where they will work on campus and earn a paycheck rather than taking out student loans. If you choose to further your education at SCC, we offer foundation-based scholarships which are awarded every term based on the online scholarship application which a student completes. Students can also explore outside scholarship opportunities as well as third-party assistance. We can provide recommendations and additional guidance by appointment if you do not know where to start or which options are best for you.”
For those who want to acquire additional skills and knowledge that will give them an edge in the job market, or will help them be more proficient on the job, Assurance Software Training provides just what you need to keep your skills current and marketable. They offer QuickBooks Training to anyone, whether you have a degree or background in a financial field of study or not. The mission of Assurance Software Training is to help small businesses and non-profits maximize their accounting software by offering a unique hands-on classroom style setting.
Jason Irwin of Assurance Software Training explains, “Assurance Software Training is unique to QuickBooks training. Many companies use QuickBooks Training as a tool to get accounting customers for their financial institution. Other training companies teach QuickBooks in a lecture style seminar, and this format really doesn’t provide students with the opportunity to learn hands-on. We believe that the hands-on style is the best method to make sure that the most amount of information is retained. One of the top reasons that many small businesses fail today is financial neglect caused by poor bookkeeping. Inaccurate figures or negligent outsourced accounting is the root cause of many ill-advised decisions that lead to small businesses failing. It is important for business owners to have a firm understanding of their accounting books at all times. It is impossible to run a successful company without the assurance that your financial information is 100% accurate. This is why it is vital for businesses today to have accurate, up to the minute financial information that is easy to access.”
Irwin also provides five main reasons why their courses are very popular and helpful for their students:
1. Learn to use QuickBooks with confidence!
You get confidence. Our customers come to our QuickBooks classes for many reasons. But they all want the same result…CONFIDENCE. They want confidence their numbers are right, they’re doing a good job, and they’re productive and efficient. And they want to feel confident in the decisions they make. The Mastering QuickBooks class is simply the best way to gain the confidence you need…and deserve.
2. We make learning quick and easy.
You get power. We know that time is money, which is why our Mastering QuickBooks training is designed to get you “up and running” on QuickBooks the quick and easy way. How do we do it? By using proven training techniques that have taken years to master so that you can take advantage of the power and flexibility of QuickBooks.
3. We’ve taught users (just like you).
You get results. We’re also proud of the fact that our student approval rating for our QuickBooks courses is higher than 99%. But, that’s no surprise when you consider our QuickBooks training instructors have consulted businesses just like yours and we have a passion for teaching QuickBooks.
4. We offer a no-risk guarantee.
You get quality. We’re so sure you’ll master QuickBooks with our QuickBooks classes, QuickBooks courses, and QuickBooks seminars…we guarantee it. If, after attending the first half of the first day of any of our QuickBooks classes, you are dissatisfied for any reason, return your materials to the instructor and you’ll receive a full refund.
5. We offer the best training at the best price!
You get it all. QuickBooks training is all we do! You get a true QuickBooks training expert to teach you…at a fraction of the cost for a consultant or CPA.
Another great option for pursuing your education is through Concordia University, Nebraska. Concordia University provides excellent professional and liberal arts programs in an environment that richly supports the Christian growth of its students. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate programs both in the classroom and online.
The university also offers a degree completion program for adult learners wishing to complete an undergraduate degree. The program is dedicated to helping adults continue their learning by offering educations programs developed specifically for working professionals. Obtaining a college degree is not only a dream for many adults, but also a necessity in order to succeed and advance in the professional world. The Concordia University Degree Completion Program gives adults the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Professional Studies or Gerontology while continuing to work and maintain a family and social life.
Additionally, students are eligible to receive all minors listed in Concordia’s undergraduate catalog. These classes meet on-site one night a week or online; most classes are currently eight weeks in length.
According to Jodi Groeteke of Concordia University, Nebraska, classroom-based courses meet in Lincoln but you can also combine online and classroom courses. She recommends this hybrid for working adults as it will allow them to obtain a bachelor’s degree no matter their location or schedule. The same courses offered at the on-site locations are offered online and in most cases taught by the same faculty. Additionally, these classes are enhanced with significant in-person educational experiences.
Concordia University At A Glance
• More than 2200 students from 43 states and several foreign countries are studying here.
• Ninety percent of their graduates in the natural sciences gained employment or positions in health careers programs, graduate school, science education, and the science industry.
• Concordia is ranked in the top tier of the Midwest Regional Colleges category in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings
• Concordia’s student/faculty ratio is 17:1
• Concordia has more than 50 undergraduate programs and numerous pre-professional programs from which to choose—majors range from art to education, chemistry and theology, and many other disciplines in between
• Students fill more than 500 on-campus part-time jobs
• Nearly 99% of their students receive financial assistance
• Nearly 80% of their faculty have earned the highest degree in their respective fields of study
• Close to 100% placement rates in mathematics, biology, physics, computer science, and pre-seminary.
Depending on what your goals are for the future, there are many options for furthering your education. You just have to look around and find the best fit for you, which isn’t that hard to do considering most current programs are designed to meet the needs of many different types of “non-traditional” students. Taking the opportunity whenever possible to keep learning, expand your skills, continue your education, and striving to be the absolute best person and professional that you can possibly be will likely be very rewarding for plenty of reasons—the sky really is the limit!