Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

The nursing field has drastically changed the last few decades. Today, nurses have earning opportunities that rank amongst other high-paying healthcare jobs. With the proper education and training, you can become a top-earning nurse.

Below is a look at a few high-paying nursing jobs.

Top Earners

The below figures were sourced from PayScale in November 2019.

Nursing Jobs That Pay $100,000+

On average, the below jobs have a salary of over $100,000.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $147,603
• Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $103,526
• Certified Nurse Midwife – $102,390
• Orthopedic Nurse – $100,035

Nursing Jobs That Pay $60,000+

On average, these jobs pay a salary of over $60,000 annually.

• Gerontological (Geriatric) Nurse Practitioner – $95,000
• General Nurse Practitioner – $93,495
• Informatics Nurse – $77,712

The Registered Nurse (RN)’s Earning Potential

Whether or not you choose to pursue additional schooling or certification to become a top earner, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that RNs earned a median income of $71,730 in 2018. This is about $30,000 more than the average occupational income.

Get Started

Prepare for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Northwestern College. Regardless of if you specialize or jump right into the nursing job of your dreams, this degree you will provide a great starting point for your career.

Click now to learn more!

 

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How to Become an X-Ray Tech

Radiology, which harnesses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases, is one of the medical industry’s most exciting fields of study. Tapping into interpersonal communication skills, patient care techniques, and technical expertise, allows x-ray technologists to experience the best elements of the industry..

Three Simple Steps to Become an X-Ray Tech

 

Seek Training

The first step to becoming an x-ray tech is proper training. Whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, it is important that you choose an accredited program.

Typically programs focus on diagnostic imaging basics, also teaching you how to act as a liaison between patients and physicians. As such, most programs are made up of didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction, which gives students comprehensive training.

Secure Licensure & Certification

While most states require licensure, requirements will vary. To obtain your national certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), you’ll need to be proficient in anatomy and positioning, patient care, radiation protection, radiation physics, digital imaging critique and evaluation, medical terminology, medical ethics, radiobiology, pathology, registry review and professional development.

Specialize

With specialized training, you may continue to advance your career in medical imaging.  Training in mammography, radiation therapy, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or cardiac and vascular imaging, are just to name a few.

Take the First Step

Northwestern College’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Click now to learn more!

 

 

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How to Become a Dental Assistant

Did you know that you can become a dental assistant in a matter of months? The key to a speedy success is taking the right steps. To help you become a dental assistant, we’ve mapped out the course you need to follow.

Two Simple Steps

 

Select an Accredited Program

With 270+ accredited dental assisting programs to choose from, you’re sure to find a school that suits your needs. Available at most community colleges, vocational schools and universities, you can study dental assisting nearly anywhere. There are sometimes even standalone dental schools.

On average, dental assisting programs usually take 9-11 months. Over this relatively short duration, students learn a lot of information. From dental technology and diagnostic procedures to subjects like dental health maintenance, infection control and bedside manner, the end result is a comprehensive education in dental assisting.

 

Get Certified

Upon graduation, many students opt to take the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) certification exam offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RDA (AMT) certification is designed to signify entry-level competence in basic dental assisting competencies. Another popular option is the Certified Dental Assistant exam offered through the Dental Assisting National Board.

State certification requirements for dental assisting professionals vary. Additional certifications are also available for students who wish to specialize. Examples include certification in Orthodontic Dental Assistant, Preventive Functions Dental Assistant and Restorative Functions Dental Assistant.

Learn More

Northwestern College’s Dental Assisting certificate program provides students with a strong foundation in dental assisting.

 

Click now for more info!

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Are Medical Coders in Demand?

You review patient medical records, assigning the proper medical codes to their corresponding medical treatment, diagnosis and more. The data you code is used to determine everything from billing to population health statistics. Most importantly, your work directly affects patient care.

You’re a medical coder and it’s 2019. Your skills are very much in demand.

Job Outlook

In 2018, 215,500 professionals were amongst those proud to work in this growing line of work. As the authority on labor outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the Medical Records and Health Information Technician industry will grow approximately 11% between 2018 and 2028.

Comprising this 11% of medical records and health information technicians are medical coders who are the lifeblood of the healthcare industry. The good news? This 11% increase is much higher than the national occupational average. And by 2028, 22,500 more are expected to join this burgeoning line of work.

Employers

As the older population requires more medical care and the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly regulated, all corners of the healthcare industry continue to employ medical coders. While hospitals and doctors’ offices are the largest employers, nursing care facilities, surgery centers and more require the expertise of these professionals. In some instances, there are even opportunities to work for healthcare players who need medical coding auditors or practice managers.

How to Get Started

Ready to become a medical coder? To work as a medical coder you have to pass the Certified Coding Specialist exam and secure certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

With the proper training, you’ll be exam-ready in no time. The Health informatics training at Northwestern College meets the core values as identified by AHIMA.

Learn more today!

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How to Become a Registered Nurse

Whether you’re an LPN looking to advance your career or this is entry into healthcare, becoming a registered nurse (RN) is easy. The key to success is knowing the right steps to take before you ever even enroll.

 

4 Easy Steps to Becoming an RN

        1.  Complete an Accredited Program

Once you’ve decided to become an RN, you’ll need to apply to an accredited nursing program.  At this point, you’ll choose between an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Both options are sufficient. As such, the most important step is assessing your situation and determining which path best aligns with your needs.

For instance, if you’re looking to expedite your education, an associate may be best. It can usually be completed in two years, getting you workplace ready in no time. A bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, is longer. It can lead to a higher-paying salary in the workforce, so weigh your options accordingly.

        2.  Pass Your Exam

After graduating from an accredited nursing program, there’s another important step ahead of you. The NCLEX-RN examination is required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.  With just over a hundred questions and a pass rate of about 75%, most nurses have no trouble achieving this milestone.

        3.  Obtain a License

After passing the NCLEX-RN, students must contact the state they wish to practice nursing in to secure their license. Licensure requirements vary state to state. And in many cases, fingerprinting and background checks are part of the process.

        4.  Seek Employment

With the growing demand for registered nurses, new graduates often have abundant employment opportunities. Better, many nursing programs work with graduates to guide them through their employment search, providing additional support.

        5.  The Work is Never Done

While you can become an RN in four easy steps – the work is never really done. The reason? Learning doesn’t stop after graduation. In addition to the many skills you’ll learn at your new job, RNs are required to fulfill continuing education requirements.

A Nursing Student Today, an RN Tomorrow

Northwestern College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing. Approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation Illinois State Board of Nursing, NC sets Nursing students up for success.

 

Learn more today!

 

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Why Become a Dental Assistant?

Wondering if dental assisting is right for you? Tune in to learn a few of the reasons dental assistants love what they do.

3 Reasons to Become a Dental Assistant

Flexible Schedule

Many jobs in the healthcare industry require shift work that sometimes falls on holidays, over weekends or evening hours. But don’t let that deter you! Dental assistants typically keep normal business hours, giving these professionals the freedom to enjoy time with friends and family.

Not wanting something full-time? There are often part-time positions available for dental assistants. Whether you’re full- or part-time, dental assisting allows you to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Variety

Unlike many nine-to-five jobs, dental assisting offers great variety. Within the field, there are opportunities to work in specialized areas that span everything from orthodontics and oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry. Periodontics and pediatric dentistry are other specialty areas. Adding even more diversity are the various employers. Hospital clinics, traditional dental practices and public health dental offices are just a few common employers. With all of this in mind, dental assistants have the opportunity to work in many exciting environments.

Relationships

No matter where a dental assistant works, their role is solely patient facing. In many cases, these professionals work with a diverse population that spans many generations, cultures and backgrounds. As such, client interaction is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work. Some dental assistants go on to forge lifelong relationships with the patients they care for.

Become a Dental Assistant Today

If this sounds like a good fit for you, learn more about Northwestern College’s Dental Assisting Program.

 

Speak with an expert today!

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How much do medical assistants make?

 

Want to earn a living while making a difference? Working as a Medical Assistant allows professionals to make money and an impact in the healthcare industry.

 

A Look at the Numbers

In May 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Medical Assistants earned an average salary of $33,610, While this equates to an average of $16.16/hour, earning potential varies by industry.

For instance, on average, those working in outpatient care centers and hospitals had the highest salaries. Salary averages at outpatient care centers and hospitals were $35,600 and $34,980, respectively. Physician offices followed suit at an average income of $33,650.

Earning Potential

The same report found that Medical Assistants categorized as top earners made more than $47,250. This puts their salaries at $8,610+ more than the national occupational average.

Other Benefits

Between 2018-2028, the field of medical assisting is expected to grow 23% faster than the national average. In addition to creating job security, this growth spurt may create more earning opportunities for existing professionals in this field.

Become a Medical Assistant

A Medical Assistant certificate from Northwestern College can give you the tools you need to start your career.

 

Call today to learn more about our program.

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Is Medical Coding School Worth It?

 

Medical coding school is one of the many fields within the burgeoning healthcare industry. So, is it worth it? We’re not going to answer that question for you, but we will provide you with some information, allowing you to decide for yourself. 

What It’s All About

Unlike other programs, medical coding school has a very defined scope. As such, programs often focus on industry-standard coursework. 

Coursework

At its core, medical coding courses focus on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology. Students also learn how to become compliant with medical law and ethical standards as set out by national health service organizations. Additionally, coursework is designed to help students become proficient in the CPT coding system and understand the ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems.

Applying Skills

You take the coursework and learn the material. For what? This is the exciting part. Acting as a gatekeeper of sensitive health data, you will be prepared to review patient records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure, document health information with accuracy and integrity. In today’s healthcare industry, this opens doors in a variety of work environments, such as physician offices, hospitals, and insurance companies. 

Earn a Living

Once you graduate, you’re close to the finish line. All that’s left is proving your proficiency by taking the Certified Coding Specialist exam. With this certification, you’re free to work as a medical coder. More, a 2018 survey conducted by the AAPC reported that certified medical coders earned an average salary of $54,401.

Start Your Career

If you want to leverage your technical skills to make a difference in the healthcare industry, medical coding school is worth it. Northwestern College’s certificate program is designed to work around the schedules of traditional and working or returning students. Depending on your timeline, you can earn your medical coding certificate in no time. 

 

To learn more, call (888) 205-2283.

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Northwestern College held Pinning Ceremony for September 2019 Nursing Graduates

 

Check out these articles written about Northwestern College’s Violet L. Schumacher School of Nursing’s pinning ceremony on September  7th. To learn more about Northwestern’s Nursing program, you can visit the Nursing program page.

Career Education Review

 

The Patch – Palos Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Northwestern College extends 100 Days of Giving Challenge, launches Crayola ColorCycle Program

 

Northwestern College extends 100 Days of Giving Challenge, launches Crayola ColorCycle Program

Learn more about these exciting initiatives at the links below!

Career Education Review

The Patch – Palos Edition

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Is Medical Assisting School Worth It?

Something we’re asked a lot is whether or not medical school is “worth it.” While we can’t answer the question for you, we can provide you with the information needed to answer that question for yourself. 

Know the Facts

It’s important to understand the scope of medical assisting, so you can understand what it is and is not. When you get your medical assisting degree, you are prepared to work in both the clinical and administrative capacity in a healthcare setting.  

Provide Patient Care

As a medical assistant, you will serve as the primary point of contact between a patient and his or her healthcare provider. From providing hands-on patient care and conducting laboratory work to handling follow-up communication, medical assistants play a key role in the overall patient experience. 

Join a Growing Industry 

In addition to providing patient care, graduating with a medical assisting certificate allows you to become part of a growing industry. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 29% growth rate by 2026, you can enjoy job security that other industries can’t offer. More, this demand opens up job opportunities in various work environments. From hospitals and physicians’ offices to outpatient facilities and more, medical assistants have the freedom to choose an employment setting that best suits their needs. 

Earn a Living

In addition to projected industry-wide growth, medical assistants earned an average salary of $33,610 in May 2018. The highest 10 percent earned more than $47,250, leaving room for salary growth. 

Make a Change

If you want to make a difference in patient care while earning a living, consider a medical assisting certificate from Northwestern College.

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What jobs are in Health Information Technology?

The healthcare industry has evolved to meet the demands of today’s patient care needs. Amongst the areas affected by these changes is the health information technology industry. The reason? One of the biggest drivers behind recent changes has been the industry-wide transition to the electronic medical record (EMR), sometimes called an electronic health record (EHR). 

How the EMR Shaped Jobs in Health Information Technology

To understand the potential this industry has, you must first familiarize yourself with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, something many people don’t even know by name, has left a global footprint. As part of the Act, public and private healthcare providers in the United States were required to integrate EMRs in 2014. Motivated by the desire to maintain existing Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement levels, institutions everywhere have adopted the new technology and demonstrated a “meaningful use” of it. Consequently, clinicians, healthcare administrators, and patients alike have seen the benefits of a more standardized system. 

Where a Health Information Technology Degree Comes into Play

With everyone from top research hospitals to grassroots-level, nonprofit health clinics relying on electronic record keeping, there is an exponential demand for individuals who are trained in the management of EMRs and overall health data. When you secure your health information technology certification, you’re able to meet the needs of this demand. 

Putting Skills to Work 

Once you receive an education and training, you’ll have the knowledge to:

• Apply medical terminology
• Code patient records according to standard classifications
• Comply by medical law and ethical standards
• Manage health data and statistics
• Work across departments and health information systems

Picking Your Path: Jobs in Health Information Technology 

From entry- to executive-level roles, there is a career for nearly any qualified candidate. When it comes to securing a health information technology job, it comes down to education, training, and personal interests. 

A common career choice is the role of a health information technology specialist. These individuals are responsible for managing a healthcare facility’s computer systems and software. 

Other industry roles include: 

• Data analyst 
• Medical coder
• Medical coding compliance auditor 
• Medical records abstractor
• Medical research analyst

Make a Difference

With the health information technology industry playing a critical role in overall healthcare, a health information technology degree is your chance to make a difference. The good news? Northwestern College can help. 

Speak with a specialist about our associate and bachelor’s programs in health information technology and health information management.

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What’s the Best Nursing Degree to Get?

 

What’s the Best Nursing Degree to Get?

With the nursing industry booming, we get a lot of questions about the best nursing degree to pursue. Because going into nursing is already such a personal choice, we cannot answer that question for you. However, we can lay out some key distinctions that may help you choose the education that best satisfies your future career needs.

Overview of Education-based Nursing Careers

Certificate Programs

Did you know that you don’t have to have a college degree to work in the field of nursing? Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are able to provide patient care without a college education. Both careers require the completion of a state-approved diploma or certificate program, but the requirements differ for each occupation. Generally, LPN programs last longer and demand a more in-depth knowledge of nursing. Consequently, LNPs make a salary that’s approximately $16,000/year more than their CNA counterparts.

Associate Degree

By completing a more comprehensive program, those with an associate’s in nursing are eligible to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). But like CNA and LPNs, they must first pass a state-administered exam. In 2018, the average salary for RNs was $71,000.

The good news is that once you have this foundation in nursing, you can continue your education with various certifications in specialty areas. Doing so typically opens up more advanced career opportunities. It’s also not unusual for RNs who have an associate to continue their education at some point, securing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

BSN

Securing a BSN also makes you eligible to work as an RN. However, a big difference is that those who pursue this advanced education are sometimes rewarded with more responsibility and higher salaries.

While you’re able to continue your nursing education through a master’s or a doctoral degree in nursing, certificate, associate and BSN programs are the most common educational paths.

Learn More

To launch your nursing career with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing, contact a Northwestern College representative today.

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New White Coat Ceremony for Dental Assisting Students

 

Northwestern College is always looking for new ways to honor our students and assist them with the transition into the profession they have chosen. Thanks to Dental Assisting Program Director Carol Wooten, Northwestern College has initiated a White Coat Ceremony to acknowledge and honor its Dental Assisting students as they complete the lecture classes of their education and move into strictly lab training courses. You can read about the ceremony at the links below!

 

Career Education Review

The Patch – Palos Edition

 

If you’d like to learn more about our Dental Assisting program, click here!

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Radiologic Technology Degrees

What can you do with a degree in radiologic technology?

We’re glad you asked about the outlook for those who graduate with a degree in radiologic technology, as this field presents exciting career opportunities. A lot of your career opportunities come down to your education and training background. The good news is that no matter how far along you are in your radiologic technology journey, there is always room to grow your career and continue learning.

Types of Degrees

First, it’s important to understand the different education paths you can pursue in this field. Like many healthcare professions, you can begin with a certificate or associate-level degree, working your way up to a bachelor’s, or master’s degree

 

Career Opportunities

Radiology Technologists

Radiologic technologist’s do far more than make exposures on patients, they are highly qualified imaging professionals who play an integral role in surgery, assist radiologists in special procedures, operate mobile radiography units, assist in cardiac catheritzation procedures, and so much more! . A radiologic technologist must be truly committed to: professionalism, patient care, safety, and exercising a holistic approach to all patients through empathy and compassion.

Additional Careers

The field of radiologic technology is anything but limited. Professionals in the field can go on to further their education and become specialized in areas such as sonography, mammography, bone densitometry, computerized technology, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, cardiac and vascular intervention, radiologic education or administration…

Launch Your Career

To learn about Northwestern College’s associate in Radiologic Technology, contact an education specialist today.

 

 

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How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

There’s no requirement of formal education to become a dental assistant. However, what dental assistant candidates may lack in formal education, they make up for in hands-on training and national certification.

Average Timeline

Because these candidates are often expected to have comprehensive training from an accredited program, it typically takes between nine months and two years to complete a certificate program. Upon completing a certificate program, graduates are eligible to take the Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) certification exam offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RDA(AMT) certification is designed to signify entry-level competence in basic dental assisting competencies.
Your Timeline

Most dental assistant certificate programs have the flexibility to accommodate your personal schedule. Your timeline can often complement the program’s timeline. In some instances, coursework can be spaced out, allowing you to still work a part- or full-time job. In other instances, you may graduate and then take your certification exam at a later date.

Skills Learned

Regardless of how long it takes you to become a dental assistant, you can rest assured that you will graduate from your program with chairside skills and a foundation in oral anatomy. Successful completion of dental-specific laboratory procedures, an understanding of infection control fundamentals, and comprehensive medical charting are just a few of the learned skills you can apply in your post-graduate career.

Start Charting Your Dental Assistant Career

Take the first step toward becoming a dental assistant, and enroll in the Northwestern College’s certificate program for Dental Assisting.

 

Experts are ready to answer your questions.

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Northwestern College 2019 Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Northwestern College held Pinning Ceremony for June 2019 Nursing Graduates

To read more about this ceremony, follow the links below!

The Patch – Palos Edition

Career Education Review

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Northwestern College 115th Commencement Ceremony

Northwestern College just conducted its 115th Commencement Ceremony. Check out these article that highlighted the celebration!

Career Education Review

Chicago Tribune’s TribLocal – Daily Southtown Edition

The Patch – Palos Edition

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Northwestern College’s Spring 2019 Career Fair Was A Success!

Northwestern’s Spring 2019 career fair was a success! Read more about this career fair at the following links.

Chicago Tribune’s TribLocal – Daily Southtown Edition

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-northwestern-colleges-spring-2019-healthcare-2019-05-20-story.html#nt=oft13a-4gp1

 

The Patch – Palos Edition

https://patch.com/illinois/palos/announcements/a/88459/northwestern-college-s-spring-2019-healthcare-career-fair-was-a-success

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Northwestern College to host free 2019 Spring Healthcare Career Fair

Northwestern College will once again host a healthcare-related career fair in order to assist those students graduating at the conclusion of the spring quarter. Check out the links below for more information.

• Career Education Review
• Chicago Tribune’s TribLocal
• The Patch – Palos Edition

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Northwestern College & Bridgeview Chamber partner to present networking workshop

Chicago Tribune’s TribLocal – Daily Southtown Edition

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-northwestern-college-bridgeview-chamber-par-1-2019-03-26-story.html#nt=oft13a-2gp1

The Patch – Palos Edition

https://patch.com/illinois/palos/northwestern-college-chamber-partner-present-workshop

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Northwestern College held 2019 Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates

Chicago Tribune’s TribLocal – Daily Southtown Edition

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-northwestern-college-held-pinning-ceremony-fo-2019-03-25-story.html#nt=oft13a-2gp1

The Patch – Palos Edition

https://patch.com/illinois/palos/northwestern-college-held-pinning-ceremony-nursing-graduates

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Three Steps for Increasing Your Entry into Nursing School

To increase your chances of getting accepted into the competitive field of nursing, it’s imperative that you understand today’s admission requirements. Like anything you plan to invest your time and money in, being prepared is of the utmost importance. With this in mind, consider the following steps as you pursue entry into nursing school.

Taking the Pulse: Entry into Nursing School

In 2017, nursing schools rejected nearly double the average number of qualified candidates they turn away, affecting over 56,000 undergrad applicants. These numbers aren’t designed to scare you – they’re here to paint a clear picture of the acceptance landscape.

This increase in rejections is driven by lack of resources. There are nursing faculty shortages in many parts of the country and schools also face limited clinical sites willing to accept students for clinical placements. Cost containment in healthcare is one variable that influences this limitation.  Nursing schools have been inundated with applicants, making it difficult to keep up with growing application. As such, it’s critical that you make thoughtful choices as you pursue your education in nursing.

Where to Start

1.   Selecting a Program

Something that makes nursing unique are the many education paths that can lead to a career in this field. With this in mind, be sure to assess which education satisfies your needs. For instance, are you considering launching your career as a registered nurse through an Associate Degree Program, or do you plan to dive into a Bachelor’s of Nursing? While associate degrees are good launching points, they’re often complemented by a bachelor’s or master’s degree that allows for advanced career placement in the field of nursing.

Fact: If you’re considering the latter, some accelerated associate programs can be successfully completed in as little as two years.

Regardless of the path you choose, be sure to select a nursing program accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Also make sure the state’s Board of Nursing approves the program. 

2. Understand Entrance Requirements

When it comes to accepting nursing school candidates, most institutions require a few standard criteria. This usually includes the following: high school diploma/GED, an application, minimum-required scores (or higher) on the school’s standardized testing, college transcripts, and a minimum-required score (or higher) on the ATI TEAS Exam, this exam tests academic performance in Science, Math, Reading and Language Skills.

3. Find the Right Match

If you don’t fulfill all of the criteria, don’t sweat it – chances are, you can still become a nurse. There are flexible entry solutions available for non-traditional students. For instance, some schools like Northwestern College, grant “conditional entrance” into their nursing programs.

This means that students can enroll in the nursing program and begin taking their general education credits. To stay enrolled, students must maintain the minimum-required letter grade (or higher) for at least two quarters of pre-nursing coursework. And then, only after securing the required ATI TEAS score, will students be officially admitted into nursing school.

Learn More

There are no guarantees of getting accepted into a nursing program, but these steps may better position you among other qualified candidates. With the United States requiring an estimated one million more trained nurses by 2022, this is your chance to enter one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare.

To learn more about Northwestern College’s nursing program, complete the form on this page.

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Tips for Postsecondary Education Success

As you enter your postsecondary education, you’re likely to get a lot of advice about ways to succeed. And while it may be easy to feel overwhelmed from competing advice, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your success in this exciting chapter.

Choose a Program That Interests You

First and foremost, choose a program that interests you. This is especially true if you’re in a trade school or certificate program that is designed to provide training around a very specific skill set. Not only are you more likely to stick with an area of study that interests you, but you’re also more apt to enjoy it. Because trade schools are set up to hone specialized skills for a specific job, you’ll want to be sure that your program is something you feel will bring long-term pleasure.

Build a Schedule That Works

The next rule of thumb is building a schedule that works with your other obligations and resources. For instance, if you’re not likely to make an 8 a.m. lecture, schedule afternoon and evening classes. And if reliable transportation is a concern, coordinate classes with public transportation schedules.

Alternatively, consider online classes. With popular programs and certificates now available entirely online, you can often swap an in-classroom class for an online equivalent.  An entirely online program may even be something to consider. On the brink about which solution is best for you? Consult a college counselor, who has expertise in building individualized schedules and solving for logistical challenges.

Tap Available Resources

These same college counselors can also be a great resource for students who need guidance on financial assistance. No matter what budget you have, there are tools available to make a higher education more affordable. Most college websites have an entire area dedicated to providing information on loans, grants and financing. Some even provide tuition calculators.

Perhaps you have good grades and don’t want to acquire debt? There are many scholarships available through colleges and outside networks. Just do your research to find the best fit for you.

With these three tips in mind, you’re likely to find a rewarding education path that sets you up for long-term career success.

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Taking the Plunge into Trade School: Important Considerations

From career fairs to campus tours, by the time you’re a junior or senior in high school you’ve heard a lot about college. Something less discussed is trade school – sometimes referred to as vocational school or vocational college. This shouldn’t be written off as a lesser education than traditional college programs, though. The main distinction between trade school and traditional college lies in its focus.

Providing a Job-centric Focus

While college is where some students go to “find themselves,” or try on different majors for fit, trade schools are often designed for students with a clearer focus on their post-graduation goals. When it comes down to it, a main distinction between trade school and traditional college is that they genuinely focus on helping students secure the education needed to find a career in their field of study after graduation.

This isn’t to say that other postsecondary institutions don’t share some of the same underlying goals. Rather, trade schools typically have a curated education offering that supports fields where they see placement success and long-term opportunities for career growth.

Emphasis on Technical Skills

Another difference is that many programs offered by trade schools -by proxy- hone more technical skills. These technical skills can include pipefitting, skilled nursing, dental hygiene or medical coding, to name a few. The important thing is that students in these programs are securing technical skills that directly translate into employment. Even better, these skills often present different employment opportunities unavailable to the masses. Additionally, a certain level of job security often accompanies individuals with these skills. The reason is because trade school provides specific training that’s usually not offered to students in a traditional education program.  

Whether you feel that trade school or a traditional college education is right for you, it’s important that you take time to assess your post-graduation career goals. While something may be fun or interesting to study in college, it’s important to evaluate if it presents quality employment opportunities after graduation.

To learn more about trade school programs, complete the form on this page. A lifelong career is just a click away.

 

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Picking a Program: In-Demand Education & Training

A higher education is important to your career success; however, not all programs are created equally. Some require more lectures and labs, while others provide more post-graduation opportunities for employment. Although post-graduation employment shouldn’t be your only criteria as you evaluate education programs or certificates, job outlook should remain a key consideration. After all, you don’t want to find yourself newly graduated and unemployed, or worse, newly graduated and unemployed with amounting student loan debt or other bills.

To help guide you as you make this important decision, we’ve created a shortlist of some in-demand programs. To kick off this series, we will take a look at programs focused on one of the fastest growing areas of employment in the United States: medicine and healthcare.

 

Medical or Healthcare Programs

As boomers age into assisted living or just require more healthcare services, the need for trained medical and healthcare personnel is crucial.

Medical Assisting

Becoming a medical assistant is a good entry into the promising world of healthcare. Medical assisting is a great program for individuals who may not have decided whether their interest lies in the clinical or administrative side of healthcare. The reason is because these roles often marry some of each skill set. As such, programs that prepare students for this career blend clinical and administrative training.

In terms of earning potential and job growth outlook, there’s also great opportunity here. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook for this profession over the next 10 years is 29-percent, which is much higher than other areas in healthcare. More, medical assistants can earn approximately $32,500 a year, with some earning upwards of $45,900.

Nursing

Perhaps you have an interest in healthcare, but aren’t ready to take the plunge into a comprehensive program. Nursing is as rewarding as it is a smart career path. Even better, there are a number of programs available for all levels of nursing.

For instance, did you know that you can earn a good living while working as a nursing assistant? In 2017, nursing assistants made an average annual salary of approximately $28,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projected an outlook of 11-percent job growth for nursing assistants the next five years.

Registered nurses, on the other hand, can earn anywhere between $48,690 and $104,100 a year. With a reported median salary of $70,000 in 2017, the Bureau projects an outlook of 15-percent hiring growth during the same time span.

Begin a Lifetime of Caring

The field of healthcare has lots of opportunities, and these are just a few of them. To learn more about higher education and training healthcare programs, complete the form on this page.

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