Saturday, February 6, 2010

Online Education Providers Expand Vocational, Professional Programs

Economic turbulence has led to an increasingly competitive job market, which has allowed employers to be extremely selective in their hiring processes. While experience demonstrates to employers that a candidate has a certain amount of knowledge in their field, many jobseekers with similar qualifications are submitting applications to a limited number of positions.
Consequently, the resumes of individuals who have additional certifications may be more likely to surpass the initial screening process. Higher education can provide a means through which jobseekers and working adults can boost their desirability to employers and enhance their career prospects.
However, many professionals are unable to commit the time and finances that are typically required of traditional degree programs. Fortunately, providers of online education have designed programs that cater to working and nontraditional students.
Recently, many of these institutions have increased the offerings of their professional and vocational studies departments to help workers gain additional qualifications without stunting their career development. Westwood College has announced it will integrate the Blackboard Learn platform to its Professional Education group, which offers associate's bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, justice, design and information technology.
More than 400 courses that are currently available from the online school will be converted to be compatible with the software. The classes will be offered in a Web 2.0 format and be customizable to meet the needs of each individual student. Tim Hill, president of Blackboard Learn, said "the career college market" is the biggest indicator of the needs of the "changing landscape for today's adult learners."
While similar professional and vocational programs can help individuals advance in their current fields, these certifications may also assist jobseekers who are searching for a new career. University Alliance, a company that promotes online programs at several traditional colleges and universities, recently released a list of fast-growing careers that current and prospective workers may consider after they complete online professional training.
Company representatives report positions in government contract management, project management, information technology as well as healthcare will rise in coming years and individuals who have completed online career training programs in these fields may gain a competitive edge in the application process. In addition to these programs, the organization works with institutions of higher learning to provide more than 50 accreditation programs for professionals. "
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