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Common Cents: On-Campus vs Online
When it was time for me to choose a college, everyone – friends, family, the lady standing behind me in line at the grocery store – EVERYONE had to put in their own ‘two cents.’ They would ramble on about large student loan debt and the surge of unemployed graduates. It was enough to discourage anyone from applying to college at all… including myself. It was a few years – and a few minimum wage jobs later – before I realized I could achieve my dream of earning a college degree and I could do it debt-free.
It Came Down to Cents
My research showed that the cost of a two year degree at a state university would have cost me upwards of $12,000 and that did not include books and additional fees. But my Associate’s Degree earned online through Brighton College was a fraction of the cost — $3,900, which included all books and fees. It didn’t take a mathematician to figure out which option would be more cost effective!
It Came Down to Time
We all have busy schedules. I was working two part-time jobs and had a child and husband at home. My calendar was always full of appointments, extracurricular activities, and work functions. Finding time to attend classes at a physical university was nearly impossible. I needed to be able to make my own school schedule. While I will admit that the idea of sitting in a classroom surrounded by fellow students who were interested in the same course of study that I was sounded great, I just didn’t have the time. My accredited, online college offered quality education on my schedule. And as far as the student interaction went, I was surprised to find that it was easy to connect with my peers through Brighton College’s social media.
It Came Down to a Career
While trying to decide between an online university or a traditional university, I never forgot my end goal: to be employable. I quickly learned that with a traditional university, I would be held to their schedule — a long and drawn out schedule. But, Brighton College online offered flexibility which allowed me to earn my degree faster. Trust me: the faster you earn a degree or diploma the faster you will join the workforce.
It Came Down to Brighton College
If you are considering an online university, consider Brighton College. Brighton College offers associate degrees in high demand portable careers such as allied health, business administration, and criminal justice. The cost of credit hour for Brighton’s degree programs is $65.00 per credit hour. This means you can earn your degree for less than $4000.00 (and graduate debt free, like I did). This amount includes all tuition, books and fees. Brighton College also allows flexibility, work at your own pace courses which fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. An additional perk, Brighton College is includes an HP Notebook with tuition for all as part of all diploma programs. What a great way to begin your online college experience! Want more information about the benefits of Brighton College? Simply click here to send an email.
Written by Kellie G.
Evaluating A Course by Course Approach to College
Should You Finish Quickly or Efficiently?
As a teenager it was an overwhelming task when my mom would tell me I could hang out with my friends only after I would clean my room. If you were anything like me as a teen (or any other typical teen) then your room looked like it should be on the list of places a tornado devastatingly tore through. Trust me, I used that excuse for the state of my room to my mom and for some reason got no sympathy. She would tell me, “Cinch by the inch.” I would start in one corner and not move on until that corner was completely clean. This approach stayed with me in most things I have done in my life, including getting my college education.
Cinch by the inch.
I took one class at a time until my certification was complete. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t it take you forever?! I come across that question more than any other with this approach. My answer? No. Here are the reasons why a course by course approach can be extremely beneficial — And I’ll go ahead and add into the list why choosing an online school can benefit you as well, because my mom also taught me that the more you give the more you get in return! — If I give you more great advice I get more readers…no?
- Course by course allows you to focus on one class at a time. You get more out of that class because your mind isn’t crammed with two or three other subjects simultaneously. With all of your focus on that one class you are more likely to get a better grade. By making it an online course you can focus on this class when the time is convenient for you and your schedule.
- Most colleges set up their programs so that the second class you take is relevant to the first one you took, the third is relevant to the second you took, and so on. This can give you a better understanding of the class you are working on. Once you are done with each class, that previous class will benefit the following class.
- You can take the classes at your own pace. If you bang out a class a month then you will be done in no time! However, if you are working full time, a parent, a working parent, or even just work at a slower pace naturally then having one class to focus on will relieve some of the pressures of assignment deadlines. I reiterate that by doing this online will allow you to do these assignments when you are able to.
- Online benefit: There is no time limit to when you have to graduate! In high school it’s usually frowned upon if you don’t graduate in four years. However, in college no one cares how long it takes you! Your slow pace may be what works for you and an online school is very supportive of that. If you work at a quicker pace then an online school won’t withhold your next class until the next semester. You determine your graduation pace.
When I was asked did it take me forever to finish my certification with a course by course approach I didn’t just answer with a “no.” I would say that time spent on education is never a waste of time. Going to college is a big decision. Why would I want to rush through and not give it my all? If you put the time and quality into your education then you will come out with a better quality of job prospects. Most jobs won’t even glance at a low GPA resume. Don’t be that person that finished the fastest just to say you’re first. If we are talking about a hot dog eating contest then finishing fastest will get you the win. In school that’s not quite the case. Take your time and get it done right.
Cinch by the inch.
Rachel G.
Military Spouse Education Advocate
5 Tips for Military Spouse Moms Returning to the Virtual Classroom
The sacrifices you make for your country and family are undeniable, and you’ve decided that it’s time to do something for you. Congratulations on taking a huge step toward achieving your dream career. Despite the difficulties the military lifestyle presents, Military Spouses from coast to coast are defining their idea of success every single day. Now… it’s your turn. Becoming a dedicated and focused virtual college student is not always an easy transition, especially when children (and summer vacation) are involved.
These 5 tips will assist you in setting yourself up for success, as a mother, student and professional.
1. Set realistic goals.
Most online programs are “learn at your own pace”, and like exercise regimens, you have to pace yourself when starting out to avoid burnout. Understanding that online schools define an expected graduation date, for a reason, is the first step. Identify your expected graduation date and determine how many lessons you need to complete vs. how many weeks you have until graduation. This will allow you to determine how much work to complete each week. Trying to juggle a family and extra coursework can result in a frustrated mommy and stressful family environment, but pacing your studies will allow you to complete your program on time and be the kind of mommy your children deserve.
2. Establish a study space that is just for you.
Focusing on school work can become difficult when your “classroom” is located amidst the chaos of everyday life. Identifying your workspace as the family room couch and coffee table, for example, prevents you from establishing boundaries between “home life” and “school life.” Before beginning classes, seek out an empty or unused room or a nook of your house to claim for your studies. Ask your family and children to respect that area as belonging to you and use that space for absolutely nothing else. Having this special place to yourself for any period of time will allow you to focus more easily and be more productive in completing your coursework.
3. Create a schedule and stick to it.
New virtual students think that the flexibility of not having to attend a physical class is the best part of going to school online. The reality is that when you avoid setting up a schedule for yourself, falling behind in your school work is a huge possibility. Our recommendation: Set aside at least one hour each day to devote to school. Use your smartphone to establish a “study calendar” and set your clock to alert your one-hour before your study time begins. This gives you time to get the kids a snack and set them up with a quiet activity before you get to work in your quiet space.
4. Talk to your kids about your goals.
Enrolling in an online diploma or degree program is exciting for you… and your family. It’s no secret that your new school schedule, workspace and frequent distractions from your typical life are going to be noticed by your children, so tell them about it. They love you and just want to be involved. Show them your school books and pictures that relate to your future career on the internet. Tell them how your family will benefit from your graduating college, and let them keep a COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION on a dry erase board. Talk about how you will celebrate this big achievement and how important it is to you. They are listening, and in their own little ways… they do understand.
5. Adopt an exercise routine and clean eating habits.
They don’t call you “Super Mom” for no reason, but life as a virtual student makes even the strongest mom have the occasional rough day. Caffeine will only take you so far, and sometimes it’s just not enough. You’re making a big change by working towards a college diploma or degree, so why stop there? Regular exercise and healthy eating will keep you strong and healthy for your children and your studies. The best part: It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the family! Take a bike ride. Go to the farmer’s market. Go swimming. Cook a homemade meal together. Play a game of soccer. Create a new future for yourself… and memories for your family at the same time
Choosing a Field of Study to Match Your Personality
You are faced with making choices for yourself on a daily basis. What clothes do you wear? Which car do you drive? What kinds of hobbies do you have? Which clubs do you join? The decisions you make reflect who you are and how you represent yourself to the world. “The choice is yours and yours alone.” In the case of your education, the choice, literally, is yours.Believe it or not, all of these decisions you make about yourself can affect the choice you make when deciding on a field of study to pursue.
John L. Holland came up with a theory: if individuals’ personality and the work environment of their job are congruent, the more satisfied and successful they will be. This makes a lot of sense. If you are artistically oriented, for example, then you would be more likely to be happy in the arts, theater, journalism, music, or something else within a creative environment. You would probably not find yourself happy in an accounting job crunching numbers. If you are not happy, how can you expect yourself to feel satisfied and therefore successful?
It is important for you to have a sense of self-awareness when making decisions for yourself. This may seem like a very difficult and in-depth journey to take, but don’t be afraid to take the time to really think about you. Are you extroverted or introverted? Are you social and enjoy meeting new people or do you prefer to keep to yourself? If you are shy, then customer service, for example, would be a bad field of study and therefore unsatisfying career choice. Think about your hobbies. They aren’t just an outlet for how you have fun but an echo of your personality.
Your perfect career may be hidden within the very hobbies you enjoy so much! Do you like to solve problems and do crossword puzzles? Perhaps a career in engineering or law would be a match for you. Do you enjoy working with your hands? You could find happiness in becoming an architect or mechanic. If you can’t imagine living anywhere other than the beach, enjoying the ocean on a daily basis, then a career in oceanography or marine biology would be right up your alley! Who says you can’t major in your hobby? Talk about having your cake and eating it, too (maybe a pastry chef is in your future!).
When the time comes to look internally at yourself to decide which path of education is best for you, know that there are external means in assisting you with your decision as well. Brighton College is an example of such support. Each student enrolled in Brighton receives a ProScan and Motivation Review. What does this mean?! It is a behavioral assessment that contributes in helping you to realize your strengths and personal tools that are within you. This behavior assessment will guide you to incorporate the tools within you to be in the right mind set when considering and choosing your field of study. Brighton believes very much in the success of their students. What better way to succeed than to pursue a career that you enjoy and can find personal satisfaction? It all starts with the right field of study. Just as the old adage says, “Choose a job you’ll love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
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Distance Learning Is Environmentally Friendly
As someone who is considering enrolling in an online degree program, you are probably already aware of the numerous benefits of distance learning. In addition to being affordable and flexible, you receive the same high quality education as students who attend classes in the traditional manner. One thing you might not have considered is how your decision to complete your education via the Internet has a positive effect on the environment. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to saving trees from being made into paper, online learning is an environmentally friendly choice.
Less Air Pollution and Traffic Congestion
In 2011, two professors affiliated with the Online Journal of Distance Education Administration surveyed 100 online students about their driving habits. While some did occasionally drive to campus, most had sufficient resources to complete their work online from home. The professors estimated that over the course of the semester, keeping these 100 students off the road resulted in five to 10 tons in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
By taking classes online, you also do your part to reduce traffic jams. This is especially true if you live in a large metropolitan area. The less you drive your car, the longer you can expect it to last before requiring replacement. That means there is one less vehicle at a local junkyard taking up space that could be used for other purposes.
Reduced Need to Print Paper and Maintain Office Equipment
According to Scholarix, a company that develops curriculum for online learning, 350 million print cartridges end up in landfills every year. This is despite the fact that several companies that manufacture print cartridges give consumers the option of refilling them. When you take classes online, it completely eliminates the need to print tests, study notes and other learning materials.
By reducing the need for so much printing, online schools also help to save electricity. Copiers, computers and printers must be plugged in to work properly, which means they utilize a fair amount of power from local utility companies. Like cars, electronic resources last longer when they are used less often. This means fewer of them end up in landfills, where they would serve little purpose but to contribute to pollution.
No Need for Colleges to Physically Expand
Traditional colleges often lack the funds to make classrooms and common areas comfortable for students. However, the administration may be forced to expand once enrollment reaches a certain level. Often times, this means taking over space that was previously vacant. Adding on to the physical structure requires the removal of trees and natural vegetation in addition to using various types of possibly toxic building materials. Once the expansion is complete, there are additional heating and cooling costs to consider.
Attend Brighton College No Matter Where You Live
Brighton College, which is physically located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers allied health, business and paralegal degree options as well as continuing education programs. Whether you’re a working adult looking for greater flexibility or someone who takes pride in preserving the environment, we invite you to contact us to learn more.
What Are Digital Badges?
What Are Digital Badges?
Badges have been used by organizations for years to showcase accomplishments. Now that we are submersed in an online world, digital badges are the latest way to reward users for accomplishing certain tasks.
Digital badges credentialing mechanism, based on assessments, which are displayed online. Badges are designed to validate learning and acheivements.
How Digital Badges Got Started
In the past, the only way for people to demonstrate mastery of a subject was to produce the original degree or award presented to them. This was sometimes problematic for non-traditional students who completed their degree requirements online. Even though online learners typically receive formal recognition of their accomplishment by mail, many students felt it wasn’t enough. Because much of their networking and pursuing of job leads takes place online, these non-traditional students wanted a way to prove their expertise in their chosen field. Digital badges allow them to do just that.
What Digital Badges Represent
In December 2014, U.S. News & World Report Education stated that digital badges recognize the achievements of online students in the same manner that typical college students are rewarded with academic credentials. Supporters of digital badges feel that this new type of recognition represents a shift in the way society views online learning.
Gone are the days when employers would not accept a degree earned online as being valid. Today, employers and educators alike acknowledge there are multiple ways to acquire new information, including by Internet and through project-based learning. Digital badges serve to further increase the legitimacy and acceptance of degrees and program certificates earned entirely online. Additionally, they offer adult learners the opportunity to choose what to study and decide who gets to see the badges.
How Badges Are Displayed
With digital badges continuing to grow in popularity, several companies now provide people with options for storing and displaying their badges. One such system is the Mozilla Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI). In order to use this program, an adult student must prove that he or she has met all of the criteria required from the grantor of the badge. This typically includes completing required coursework and passing some type of competency test. After verifying these credentials, an OBI employee inputs the following information:
- Student’s name
- Email address
- Criteria met to earn the badge
- Link to a description of the program criteria
- Badge issue date
- Badge expiration date, if applicable
The person who earned the badge then stores it in an electronic backpack. He or she has complete control over where it is displayed and who has access to the information.
Online Learning Opportunities at Brighton College
Brighton College, a distance education provider located in Arizona, offers degree programs in business, healthcare and several other in-demand occupations. We encourage all prospective students to contact us for specific program information and to inquire about digital badge options.
How to Ask for a Letter of Reference
It can be awkward asking someone to give you a letter of reference for work. It can feel like asking someone to be the wingman for your career. Here are some tips that will help you get started on the path to a career you’ve always wanted. Not sure what you want to do? Don’t think you have the right education? It doesn’t take 4 years at a university to find a suitable career. Why not check out all of the online courses that Brighton College has to offer?
Five Career Myths
It’s not always easy to decide on the career or education you want to pursue. Whether you’re considering numerous options or are still undecided, you often have to wade through a lot of misinformation first. Because many career myths still persist, choosing a college major is stressful and confusing for some people. If you feel so anxious about the choices in front of you that you can’t move forward, it’s time to challenge some of those false beliefs.
Common College Major and Career Myths
When you feel pressure from your family, society, and even from yourself, making an informed decision about college is especially challenging. It’s important to take a step back and evaluate each statement objectively. You may be internalizing some or all of the following messages:
- I need to choose a major and know exactly what type of work I want to do for the rest of my life. This is unrealistic for anyone, but especially for people in their late teens or early twenties. You may train for a career and discover a few years later that you want to do something else. There is nothing wrong with changing careers, even several times throughout your working years.
- There is a perfect career for everyone and it’s just a matter of figuring out what it is. In reality, you may be interested in several different careers or college majors. Exploring several different options gives you the chance to clearly define your interests and strengths as well as learn a wide variety of marketable skills.
- It’s more important to choose a major and career based on employment trends rather than my personal interests. While a certain field may be growing now, markets can change quickly due to reasons that are beyond your control. If you choose to major in something you don’t enjoy, you may burn out and have to pursue education in an entirely different field anyway.
- I should choose a major that is directly related to my desired career field. In reality, today’s employers are seeking applicants who have completed college coursework in a variety of majors. Most are more concerned with the skills you developed in college rather than your declared major.
- I can figure everything out by taking a career assessment test. It’s important to keep in mind that this type of test is only a tool. It can help you learn more about your interests and skills, but it can’t tell you the exact career you should consider pursuing.
Brighton College is Here to Help
Brighton College is an Arizona-based distance learning center offering several online career training programs. Many of our students are working adults who are interested in making a career change, although we enroll people of traditional college age as well. If you are just starting to evaluate your options, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about what we have to offer. Our representatives are available by phone, email or live chat to help you begin the career exploration process.
Why Accreditation Matters
According to the United States Department of Education, accreditation means that an institute of higher learning has demonstrated commitment to providing courses and programs that allow students to make practical use of the skills they have acquired. For some students, this means graduating from one college and immediately enrolling in another one to continue training for a professional career. Other students who graduate from an accredited school immediately apply for employment in their field. Although accreditation is voluntary, a college that receives it must demonstrate rigorous standards of excellence.
Different Types of Accreditation
There are two main types of accreditation available to all types of colleges. These include:
- Institutional Accreditation: This status refers to the college or university as a whole. It’s important for prospective students to keep in mind that just because an institution has earned accreditation, it doesn’t mean that every program within it has.
- Professional or Specialized Accreditation: The head of specific programs within a college may choose to apply for separate accreditation. When an accrediting body evaluates a specialized program, its members pay attention to student learning outcomes or expected competencies after completing the program. Since many professions require students to graduate from an accredited specialty program, it’s important for students to ensure that a program is accredited before enrolling in it.
Questions Prospective Students Should Ask Every College
Before seriously considering enrolling in an online or degree program, future students should know if the school itself or a specific program it offers is accredited. If the answer is no, he or she may want to keep looking. While the college may offer some valuable courses and career training, many employers and universities offering advanced degree programs don’t consider credits from an unaccredited college to be valid. Students should also consider asking the following questions:
- Does completing a specific degree or program allow the student to become certified or sit for a required exam?
- Does the fact that the school is accredited have any bearing on financial aid eligibility?
- What percentage of graduates obtains a position in their career of choice?
Brighton College’s Accreditations and Memberships
Brighton College, originally founded under the name Modern Schools, Inc. in 1961, offers certificate, diploma, and degree programs in business, allied health, paralegal and criminal justice, information technology, and continuing education for professionals. As a distance learning college, we offer all of our coursework online. Depending on the specific program chosen by the student, he or she can expect to graduate from Brighton College in 12 to 30 months.
Because we are committed to the ongoing success of our students, Brighton College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Additionally, we hold membership or affiliation with the following organizations:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
- Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Students who are interested in learning more about our various career programs should contact us today.
What Medical Careers Allow You To Work From Home?
According to a recent article published on the website Bankrate, people choose to work from home for a variety of reasons. As might be
expected, parents with young children are the largest group of people who desire to work from home. A flexible schedule, saving money on daycare, and spending more time with their children were the top three reasons cited by people interviewed for the Bankrate article. Others
who reported that they prefer to work from home include:
- People with physical or mental disabilities who find working in a traditional office environment challenging.
- Older Americans who have retired from their careers but still desire to work part-time for supplemental income.
- Military spouses who need the flexibility to move on short notice without affecting their own jobs.
Top At-Home Medical Careers
With the youngest of the baby boom generation turning 50 last year and the oldest turning 70 next year, the need for skilled medical professionals continues to rise to keep pace with demand. This includes both hand-on careers, such as doctors and nurses, and non-clinical positions like coders for insurance claims and medical transcriptionists.
Many of these positions are entry-level and pay well despite only requiring a minimum investment in education. For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that billing and posting clerks earned an average annual income of $33,820 in 2012. Not surprisingly, the greatest demand for billing clerks comes from physician’s offices across the country.
People who are interested in the medical field and prefer to work at home should seriously consider training for one of these careers:
- Medical Billing: Private care providers, clinics, and hospitals all depend on medical billers to accurately process insurance claims. The skills needed for such a position include medical terminology, knowledge about the major insurance company practices, understanding patient invoices, and strong computer skills. In addition to graduating from an accredited program, people interested in this career need to pass a certification exam.
- Medical Coding: Every time a patient undergoes any type of medical procedure, it requires both a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code and an International Code of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) – and soon, ICD-10, code for billing purposes. The job of a medical coder is to evaluate the procedures the patient had done and assign the appropriate billing code to each. Some of the skills necessary for success in this position include anatomy and physiology, third-party reimbursement knowledge, medical terminology, and medical office procedures.
- Medical Transcription: Doctors are busy people who don’t have time to type the medical reports that go in patient charts. This is why they rely on transcriptionists to do the job for them. A medical transcriptionist listens to a doctor’s dictated report and converts it to a typed report. He or she can stop the dictation at any time with a foot pedal, a feature that comes in handy for doctors who speak fast or who are difficult to understand. In a medical transcription training program, students learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, human diseases, keyboarding, and best practices for error-free medical transcription.
Learn More About Our Programs
Brighton College offers these and other medical career training programs in a supportive online environment. Please contact us to request more information.