Continuing Education for Cosmetology – Online and Traditional Classes

There are a lot of factors to consider when you are in need of continuing education credits for cosmetology. The first would be your state or local board requirements for cosmetology license (that is if there are requirements in your area). If you do not check what’s expected of you, there are different requirements in the different states in the US for example, you might end up taking up the wrong cosmetology courses or continuing education programs. Another thing you should take up is if you can take courses from specific providers (online or traditional). Some providers may not be approved or their courses may not be accepted in some locations.

It is very critical that you complete your cosmetology continuing education requirements in keeping your license up to date and your knowledge in the field updated. By taking the time to determine what is required of you and short listing the options that are accepted in your location, you can lessen the time you would need to finish your requirements.

Here is a quick comparison to help you determine how you should take your training with either traditional or classroom training and online courses.

Training on a classroom may tend to be more expensive compared to online courses but it’s not just because of the actual cost of the training. There will still be expenses in terms of transportation as you would have to be in one location at a specific time on a specific day. This means that you might have to be away from work just to attend the class. So in short, you would have to pay for gas or the bus, be absent for work and miss revenue, pay for other expenses such as food and snacks, and even pay for miscellaneous fees included in the tuition.

Training online allows you to control your budget and your schedule. You can train at your own pace and you can do it after or before office hours. This means you wouldn’t have to miss a day at work. Since online training programs are portable, you can do it anywhere there is a computer and an Internet connection. You wouldn’t have to burn gas or pay for commute to get to that location of training. You can eat your dinner while training at home or drink your coffee while studying on your lunch break.

The requirements for renewing cosmetology licenses are different for everyone. Aside from the credit hours and type of courses they can take to fulfill requirements, they can also choose courses that can help improve their skills and help them be successful in the industry. cosmetologycampus.com is one of the providers approved to sell in most states that provide packages that can fulfill state requirements and help provide new knowledge in the industry for the professional’s career advancement.

Online courses maybe more affordable, faster and easier to access but if you need a hands on learning environment or a student teacher interaction, then traditional classroom courses should work best for you. But at the end of the day, regardless of how you choose to take the cosmetology continuing education you are required to take, you would need hard work and focus to successfully renew your license and learn the program that will help you grow as a professional.

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Electronic Health Records Technology

The systematic collection of patient’s health information that can be generated by one or more medical encounters from one or different healthcare facility is the idea for Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Patient’s Record (EPR) or computerized patient record.

As technology continues to improve our daily living, it has been able to transform many things such as our means of communication, transportation, and living. One technology that is now helping the medical industry is the electronic health record. It has improved the way information is communicated in the medical facility that helps leverages how patient care is provided. The EHR system does not only provide better ways of storing, accessing and communicating information but it also provides privacy and security for the patient.

Because of the EHR system, jobs and tasks for medical coders and billers and/or medical records and health information personnel is now easier. But that doesn’t mean there is no longer need for workers in the health information industry or that the technology is going to replace them. 

According to the occupational outlook handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry”

Benefits of electronic health record include:

•  Accurate information on patient’s health
•  Improved coordination of care/medicine required for the patient
•  Security and privacy of patient information
•  Easier access to the data
•  Better communication of patient’s data between two or more healthcare facility
•  Reduction of operation costs
•  Environmentally friendly (paperless)

If you are planning to take advantage of this new technology by starting a career in the healthcare industry, you can work with career training providers such as Meditec school to get you the training you need for the field.

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What are the TOP IT Certifications Online that IT Professionals are taking?

With myriads of IT training available online, it’s confusing to pick the one that suits you. It may also be a good thing, because you can always have variety in terms of IT skills that you can readily apply at your current job. Here are Meditec’s top picks for IT professionals and newly grads:

1.    Microsoft certifications

These certifications include anything from Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, which provides students competencies in navigating and using Microsoft office programs like PowerPoint, Excel and Word, to Microsoft Certified Trainer certification and MCDBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. As their name suggest, these certifications are given by Microsoft to training participants who would like to broaden their skills in utilizing Microsoft technologies.

Since we’ve already provided you some idea about MOS, we’re going to skip that one. Let’s discuss MCT and MCDBA certifications.

MCT training teaches professionals on how to train other IT people of using Microsoft programs. To qualify for the course, however, the student has to complete a pre-requisite course like an MOS certification course. The student also has to keep their certifications for that course current. As with other Microsoft training, MCT training provides students access to Microsoft learning products as well as updates on discounts, events, and access to forums and community resources.

The MCDBA, meanwhile, allows students to gain the necessary skills and techniques in maintaining and operating company’s database servers and software that facilitate the company’s daily business operations. Prior to taking the MCDBA, the student, however, needs to complete and prove his or her competency in managing SQL Server databases.      

2.    CISCO certifications

Cisco is a known network systems provider and trainer and is a respected certification body for IT professionals. Its CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional certification is one of the most in-demand certifications globally. It’s relatively complex and some professionals have to retake it, well, unfortunately after failing the first time around. But don’t let this fact intimidate you, because once you pass the training and final exam for this type of certification, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding IT career.

CCNP teaches students of how to plan, implement the design and troubleshoot networks inside a large-scale global enterprise environment. In most instances, CCNP professionals work with CISCO specialists for ensuring network security and utilizing top products for voice and video. In the United States, CCNP-certified professionals earn as much as $89,000 annually.     

CCDA or Cisco Certified Design Associate meanwhile gives certified individuals a strong foundational knowledge in designing networks. It is recommended for electronics engineers, computer technicians and technical support specialists who want to improve their skills in network troubleshooting (LAN, WAN and broadband connections) and design. CCDA-trained individuals have the potential to earn over $90,000 annually.  

3.    ITIL Certification

The Informational Technology Infrastructure Library ITIL v3 Foundation is a course that essentially focuses on IT service management. It equips professionals with the necessary skills in designing IT libraries and becoming more adept in how to create processes for IT service life cycles. This IT certification has many levels, and is actually the third of four levels. Individuals with this kind of certification earn over $90,000 annually. 

4.    DoD Certification

IT professionals who dream of serving the US Department of Defense can enroll in DoD Certification programs packages across the states that mix and match network security, PC troubleshooting and ethical hacking courses that are essential in field. Called Department of Defense Directive 8750.1 training package, the training often covers CompTIA A+ courses such as CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application, CompTIA Network, CompTIA Security, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CEH Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures. Obtain this type of certification, gain experience in a state office, and you’ll surely up your chances of getting hired by the prestigious US Department of Defense.

Hope this list has given you some insight on which IT training you should take following graduation or years of working as an IT guy or girl in a corporation. Which of the certifications do you already have or plan on taking? Did we miss anything? Share it with us in the comments section below!

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Cisco Training Online Certifications FAQs

Many IT, Engineering and Communications professionals are taking Cisco to amp up their skills and knowledge in their chosen career. Cisco, an American IT company that offers networking technologies to enterprise and small business, has become a big name in the industry that the company’s certifications has become a benchmark for measuring competencies in networking.

For some of you who may think that your background on Cisco certifications is lacking, here are some frequently asked question about Cisco training:

What types of certifications does Cisco offer?

To understand Cisco certifications, you have to consider its two areas: network installation (support) and network engineering (design). Certifications in each area are offered at three levels: associate, professional and expert.

What are my associate level certification options?

For those who wish to pursue a network/hardware troubleshooting track, Cisco offers CCNA and CCNA WAN Switching certifications. The company offers CCDA, on the other hand, for individuals who are more inclined to a design/engineering track. 

What are my professional level certification options?

Professional levels include CCNP and CCNP WAN Switching for those who are pursuing a networking/hardware installation track. CCDP and CCDP LAN Switching are intended for individuals who are pursuing a networking design career track.

What are my expert level certification options?

Cisco offers CCIE Routing and Switching, CCIE SNA/IP integration, CCIE WAN Switching and CCIE ISP Dial for individuals who would like to work and operate complex networks. CCIE Design is the highest level of certification for individuals who are pursuing a networking design track.

How do I earn a Cisco certification? What modes of training are available for me?

Cisco classes can be taken both online or onsite. For further information on Cisco training sessions and schedules in your area, you may search for it online. As for exam requirements, visit the official website of Cisco.

Basically, you only need to pass the certification exam to earn your certification. The exams may be too complex to most takers, however, so training helps a lot.

How much money can I earn from being Cisco-certified?

According to Globalknowledge.com, Cisco professionals earn around $79,000 and above. Indeed.com meanwhile estimates Cisco-certified individuals’ salary at $80,000 up to as much as over $100,000 annually depending on certification level. The salary rates tend to increase depending on the demand and the jurisdiction.

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Medical Transcription Schools: Your Way to a Better Portable Career Future

In this rebounding economy, it’s expected of us to hold on to whatever resources we have. After all, we may not be in the clear for now and a secure future may be anything but a dream. So if you’re planning to switch to a medical transcription career, it’s only wise to choose a quality training provider that offers value for money. The best way to go is to enroll in online training.

Online medical transcription schools offer students an enormous amount of savings in terms of enrollment and other miscellaneous fees. Just imagine how much money you would have to allot to transportation, allowances, books and other supplies if you go to a physical, onsite school. With just over $1,000 dollars in tuition fee, you save a huge chunk of your budget and use them more important things like your monthly rent or current work stipend.

When choosing medical transcription schools, a rule of thumb is to check the credibility of the training provider. Some research is definitely in order so that you can make sure that you’re getting top-notch training. Check the e-learning provider’s background and find out how long they’ve been in the industry. You should also search testimonials and reviews written by past students on the e-learning company.

Next, check the background of the company’s subject-matter experts. More or less, the profiles of these said experts will be posted on the training provider’s website, and it wouldn’t hurt you to check them for past affiliations, educational background, etc. Knowing your trainer’s background will definitely give you peace of mind.

Meditec transcription school offer a wide variety of financing option so you won’t have to worry about it. These financing options include installment plans, federal educational assistance and military grants like the MyCAA grant.

Another thing that you should consider is to check whether or not the training provider’s courses are up to date and at par with US education standards. You don’t want to enroll in a school that still utilize dated teaching techniques, topics, and courseware. Remember: never settle for less especially if your future depends on it.

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Steps in Obtaining Medical Coding Certifications

If you want to explore a career in the health care industry but do not want to get involve with the more clinical aspect of the industry, then a career in medical coding and billing may be the right fit for you.

Medical coding and billing ensure the financial health of the health care industry. Without dedicated medical billers and coders, the whole health care business will be in chaos.

Assuming that you’d rather pursue coding than billing, here are some of the steps that you needed to do in order to become a medical coder:

1. Medical Coding Career Training

Training is your first step to starting a career as a medical coder. Start by finding local classes. It’s up to you if you want to get into a coding certification program or obtain an associate’s degree. You can check with your local community college or trade school too if they offer medical coding classes.

E-learning institutions also provide quality medical coding training if you prefer to study at home. Meditec for one is a leading career training provider in the United States that caters to aspiring allied health care professionals. You’d be surprised at how much money and time you can save from these portals.

Now the next step is to determine the type of certification you wish to go for, meaning, if you’d want to be certified as a medical coder for a hospital or physician. By the way, in case you didn’t know, you can also work as a coder for an outsourcing company.

Whatever the case may be, a medical coding training program usually includes the following basics:

• A Study of the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Diagnostic Coding (ICD-9 or ICD-10)
• CPT or Procedural Coding
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Healthcare Reimbursement
• Basic Computer Software

2. Internship

On–the-job training may also be offered by your training provider, in partnership with a testing center or employer. Although unnecessary, you can find internship opportunities in local healthcare institutions to increases your chances of getting hired in the long run.

3. Select the Certifying Body.

The next step for you is to select the national certifying body whose exam you’ll be taking. In the US, you can choose to take your exam with the American Academy of Procedural Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). These two certifying bodies have different criteria for the certification exam.

4. Passing the Certification Exam

Finally—on to the exam. If you review hard enough, you should be prepared to take the exam. Remember that when you pass your certification—whichever you chose—your certification will get your foot right in the door.

Just to give you an idea of what to expect from the exams, the AAPC and AHIMA consists of over 100 multiple choice questions. The coverage, as you may expect, focuses on coding terms, billing, reimbursement and solving medical records cases. You will be notified of your status if you passed or failed the exam. Then you will receive your certification in the mail.

Medical coders will only become more in demand in coming years. Good luck on your endeavor!

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