Here is some info about this blog: I have setup this blog for everyone to use as a central resourse while trying to make your fortune on the Net (Isn't that why we are all here in the first place?). I will be opening up a membership site soon that will have more IM Material from all the most successful Internet Marketing people than you can shake a stick at! The site will also include a ton of website templates that you can use to build your VRE empire! (VRE means Virtual Real Estate). Welcome! ~SG

Medical Degrees Can Be Completed Online


It’s well known the acute need for medical and health care professionals is reaching pandemic levels. Compounding this difficult issue is the fields are coming up extremely short when it comes to racial diversity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3.5% of all doctors are black and 5.0% are Hispanic, percentages that need a boost. While nursing has seen turnaround, there are a number of upper tier online master careers that are highly disproportionate when compared to the general U.S. population.

As a key reason for this shortage is considered financial, a number of private societies and industrial institutions are offering their share of financial assistance. These should be considered supplemental to Federal and state aid programs already out there. As such, these organizations are literally putting up millions of dollars to help educate high school students into doctors through other skilled health care professionals. The American Physical Therapist Association put up a major list of them, including:

National Institute of Health – They are considered the largest biomedical organization in the world. They offer 15 scholarships annually based on grades and need. The upper limit on these grants is $20,000 a year (with students able to reapply with each year). They also have two very important side programs: The first is a 10-week new medical college internship program and the other provides an immediate job after graduation.

Coca Cola Scholars Fund – The soft-drink manufacturer leads a coalition of diverse corporations that also has Delta Airlines, Cargill and more as co-sponsors. They have put together a wide variety of programs, including 50 plans that give $20,000 a year and another that is made of 200 grants providing $10,000 each. Students who keep a 3.0 grade average up through their junior year can then reapply for more each year.

American Physical Therapist Association – This professional association offers a wide variety of programs as part of a total student outreach program. They range from conventional academic scholarships and grants based on needs, to such eclectic specialties such as neurology, to even one for therapists who will specialize in treating people in the performing arts.

AmeriCorps – This organization actually offers hundreds of programs that will pay a health care student’s tuition and expenses in exchange for one year’s volunteer service with them. Basically, any student who does 10 to 12 months service will receive an education voucher from AmeriCorps good at a number of on campus and online colleges.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program – Founded by Microsoft and administered by the United Negro College Fund, the program is a $1 billion trust fund for those pursuing public health. It gave out 1,000 grants its first year. A student must have a 3.3 grade point average and fill out a FASFA form to apply. Still, at only one year old, it’s already making an impact.

As with any courses online student out for financial assistance, doing a little homework can yield more institutions besides these four. It’s also a good idea to sit down with a college career counselor or financial aid advisor. They can help steer the student through the process of filling out the paper work and filing deadlines each organization demands.


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Get Your Degree In Criminal Justice With Ease


There is a definite increase in interest regarding forensic careers since the inception of crime shows like CSI; they show an exciting view of forensic science at work.  However, it’s important to note that most of the work that a forensic scientist does is in the lab, not in the field, except under certain circumstances.  A person who is interested in working in forensic science or a similar field must complete a thorough and well-defined university degrees in order to qualify for a job in a forensics lab.

Many students who are interested in forensics may not be aware that forensics degrees from accredited online colleges are available for a variety of forensics disciplines.  Forensics is the application of scientific principles to law.  The scientific principles are used to analyze evidence from crime scenes in order to solve criminal cases.  The forensic evidence is usually very technical, so it is not uncommon for forensic scientists to testify as expert witnesses in criminal cases.

Many online school are available at every level, from two-year associate degrees to masters and doctoral degrees and other graduate certificates.  Students who are interested in a beginning career in forensic science can complete a two-year associate degree program that will qualify them for a position as a forensic technician.  A forensic technician will usually work in a lab, but may sometimes work in the field collecting evidence, under the supervision of either a more experienced technician or senior forensic scientists.

Forensic scientists and technicians works in a lab setting examining evidence that is generally collected at the scene of a crime.  They may analyze various tissue or blood samples, or a variety of other things like ballistics evidence or fingerprints.  From that evidence, they must write detailed reports with conclusions that are presented to the interested parties of a case, like prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, or the particular police department or other government agency that is working the case.

Forensic science careers have a promising outlook for the future.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics concludes that the field is projected to see a growth rate of 20%, which is much faster than normal.  A median hourly wage for forensic technicians of $23.97 is also reported, with more experienced scientists in forensic specialties earning a higher wage.

People who are interested in pursuing a career in forensics will need to make sure the online degree program they enter is accredited and has a strong foundation in the sciences, including biology, chemistry, genetics, and biochemistry.  At the bachelor and graduate levels, students more generally focus on a particular area of study within the field.  Forensic scientists work for a number of different entities and agencies that involve law and crime, from attorney’s offices to law enforcement agencies and medical examiner’s offices.

For students who have already attained a science degree or a forensics degree at the bachelor level and who wish to continue their education at the graduate level in forensics, there are a number of accredited online degree programs available in various forensic specialties.  Some of the graduate programs may confer an actual degree, but many of them confer an online certificate in a particular study at the graduate level.  Some of the graduate certificates that are available in forensics are Forensic Death Investigation, Forensic DNA and Serology, and Forensic Toxicology.

The resolution of criminal cases using the exacting methods of scientific investigation is a field that has grown rapidly over the last two decades.  Technological advances are sure to keep it growing now and in the future.  The right degree in forensic science can lead you into a career that will be rewarding and fascinating for years to come.


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Earning Your Degree In Online Databases Is Simple

Over a century ago, there was no such thing as a car mechanic. If your flivver wouldn’t work, the best one could do was call a bicycle mechanic. Before World War II no one had ever heard of nuclear engineers or computer scientists and a rocket scientist wasn’t a term of derision. These days’ people still can’t discern the difference between a web designer and web developer. Another new occupation that’s still in its nascent form is the energy engineer and their online education.

An energy engineer’s responsibility is to audit how machines utilize power and get then figure out how to get the maximum use of it. Simple examples are the energy ratings on refrigerators and air conditioners, or when a utility company sends an expert to see how you can conserve energy in your house. Energy engineers also work on making cars more gas efficient, developing alternative sources of power and even the upcoming overhaul of this nation’s power grid.

Anyone interested in this growing field should have done well in basic STEM (science, technology, energy, math) courses while in high school. From there, their undergraduate studies should include core mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering courses. Minors should include, believe it or not, some accounting/auditing and business management courses. From there, some sort of professional certification is advised.

Nearly 82% of energy engineers went on for their Online Instructional Technology Degrees. This is where they take the specialized courses needed to round out their education, including more business courses. As the current presidential administration has made having a green economy a major plank in its platform, a number of schools have started up Energy Engineering programs at this level. As they are still relatively few such programs out there, many pros counter this by working at their jobs and then taking courses with online schools who offer them.

Due to this being a STEM field with a worldwide need rapidly emerging, there is ample financial assistance out there beyond the standard Pell and SEOG grants. A good place to start is National Science Foundation for a STEM grant. The Association will also point students to independent sources from organizations such as itself as well as private corporations. 

While the education aspect is a very long process, after all is said and done the salary and benefits will make it feel worthwhile. The average energy engineer salary is just short of $90,000. If they establish good reputations, many go on to become freelance consultants, with six figure salaries.

Interest in this field is growing tremendously. In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth in energy engineering as slow, between 3% to 6% by 2018. In a new report published this last December that number has shot up to 9% and rising.

At the core of this issue though, is new times are creating new professions. The health of the world is hinged on developing new technology that makes better use of disposable energy resources. When one sees everything from the U.S. overhauling the national power grid to the Gulf Coast oil spill, one can see energy engineers with their online classes having a very important role in the world’s future.


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School For Parents Allows For Lifelong Learning

College for parents could be as important as it is for their children. Returning to online school can allow them to improve their skills or acquire new ones. Lifelong learning in this Information age, many say, is necessary in terms of keeping jobs or moving into new and growing fields.

The workplace is highly competitive, highly technological and rapidly changing, a May article in the Press Republican noted. What we learn in high school no longer equips us for a lifetime of work. The answer, according to writer Paul Grasso, is lifelong learning. College, for parents challenged by the demands of work and family, might be more convenient when studies are taken through online educational programs.

A recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted that executives have returned to online university in the area to enhance their master's-level math and business skills to better help them carry out the demands of their day to day careers. Some lifelong learning programs are intended especially for seasoned adults who enjoy learning and aren't necessarily looking to work toward a college degree. Programs such as these are offered by the Bernard Osher Foundation, which has Lifelong Learning Institutes at colleges and universities throughout the country.

The illiterate of the 21st century aren't going to be those who can't read and write, but those who can't learn, unlearn and relearn, according to a quote attributed to writer and futurist Alvin Toffler in a “32 Trends in Distance Learning” report. Employers, according to 2003 information cited in the report, have been coming to view employee training as a good investment. Wal-Mart is one of the most recent to demonstrate this.

Recently, Wal-Mart established a Lifelong Learning Program. Through a partnership with an online university, the company plans to pay tuition for employees to study between work responsibilities and to allow them to earn credit for what they learn on the job, according to a June report in The Money Times. Wal-Mart surveyed its 32,000 associates and found that more than 70 percent of them favored online college studies over other options, the Money Times article reported. Many other employers who offer tuition reimbursement make this assistance available to online college and universities as well, according to a recent human resources survey.

Joan Lunden, journalist, author and television host, spoke in May about lifelong learning during a Pennsylvania college commencement speech. “You may think that your education is over, but believe me, the learning continues.” she told college graduates. “That's what I loved about my job. It nurtures my curiosity, it challenges my ideas, and it constantly exposes me to new ways of thinking.”

College for parents might be easier with online programs that allow them to study at their own pace and place. Parents can continue their work or family demands, such as preparing meals and helping children with homework, scheduling studies while children are at school or after they're tucked in for the night. There are also many scholarships, fellowships and grants that might help put college for parents within easier financial reach.

Many scholarships, fellowships and grants for online degree are available when institutions are accredited, which signifies to the U.S. Department of Education that its programs are of a quality that merit tuition assistance. With universities and career and technical schools, students are also more likely able to transfer credits, according to the U.S. Department of Education, which maintains a list of accredited institutions and programs on its web site. The federal government, along with large corporations, non-profit organizations and community and civic groups offer scholarships, fellowships and grants for college based on a variety of factors, such as financial need, demographics, leadership and community service.


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Military Degrees Aided By Financial Aid Programs And Scholarships On All Levels

Military men and women join the service for many different reasons; whether it’s because they want to travel, have a steady job and income, or learn a new set of skills.  Whatever the reason, one aspect of military life is clear: the amount of personal sacrifice that each member makes when they commit to serve our country.  Being a military service member means continually improving the knowledge that is needed to succeed.  That’s why online school benefits are so important.

It’s a well-known fact that the GI Bill has for decades provided assistance to veterans.  What many veterans may not be aware of is the vast array of financial aid that is available in addition to their GI Bill benefits.  Not only are there a multitude of scholarships and grants available to military members, but also to their family members, including spouses and children.  In fact, it doesn’t matter which branch of the service a military member joins; each branch has grants and scholarships that are available to its specific members and their families.  There is also federal financial aid that is available to members of every branch of the military, whether it’s the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.  All are eligible.

There are so many grants, scholarships, and other money for college packages available to military members and their families that it can get confusing trying to figure them all out.  Having a plan may be the best first step. Knowing what each branch of the service offers its members is key; for example each branch of the service has its own service aid organization which may offer grants, scholarships, and financial aid to its members or to their families.  This financial aid may come in the form of a cash payment to the beneficiary or it may be paid directly to the school or university upon enrollment, with any remaining balance after payment going to the student.

One avenue that may be beneficial to military members is finding schools that are willing to give credit for military experience or that have online degree programs that a military member can access from an overseas deployment.  When a military member is deployed, there is no extra time for a traditional classroom education; being able to access courses between missions can enable a military member to pursue the higher education they’ve always dreamed of.  Military spouses can also benefit from an online degree program.  When a military spouse is left to take care of everything during a deployment, there may not be time for classroom study; an online degree may be the best program to suit a military family.  Grants and scholarships can be applied to accredited colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

A key component to a military member’s success in furthering their education is the financial aid office of the university or college they decide to attend, as well as the Veterans Affairs office.  Some universities have VA offices right on campus as part of their administrative support staff.  By utilizing these two vitally important support systems, military service members can maximize the benefits they may be eligible for.  There’s no need to limit the applications to merely military connected grants or scholarships.  Military members are also eligible to apply for any financial aid package that is available to the general public, as long as they meet the specific requirements of that particular program.

There are several steps that a military member must follow to be eligible for grants and scholarships.  After deciding on a course of study and researching which grants or scholarships they may be eligible for, the military member must fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  This form is required for all types of government financial aid, as well as many private grants and scholarships.  Although somewhat time-consuming, the benefit of filling out this form far outweighs any inconvenience.  The information provided on the FAFSA gives proof of financial eligibility for the various grants and scholarships.

When submitting multiple applications for different financial aid packages, it’s important to remember that having a system that keeps your paperwork in order will be very helpful.  Having deadlines for different applications on the calendar is a great way to keep track of what needs to be completed by a certain date.  Once a deadline passes, there usually isn’t another opportunity to apply until the next application date.  These application dates might be once a year or once a semester; it varies from program to program, so keeping track is important.  Sometimes scholarships are awarded based on a written essay.  If that’s the case, it’s important to get started long before the due date.

The right online degree is obtainale. While many millions of dollars in financial aid is awarded each year to deserving military families, millions more are not used at all.  Some grants and scholarships are not awarded because of a lack of knowledge of a particular program on the part of the military service member.  Besides millions of dollars in federal money that is available, each individual state also has a Department of Veterans Affairs that may have money available that is funded through a state budget allocation.  Fortunately for our active military service members, their families, and our veterans, their sacrifice is recognized and awarded through financial assistance programs that will help them attain their college degree.


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