Whether you are thinking about enrolling in an online school or are just about ready to get your degree, being able to find a job or career when you are finished is a top priority. Online schools are great for getting a degree easily and comfortably from home but how many of them will actually help you find that job? Well, not all of them, but many of the online schools have an amazing wealth of career services that can help with job placement, skill assessment post-graduation, and can tell you what you can expect to be making. Here is a list of the top online schools with job placement assistance.

DeVry University

DeVry is one of the most popular online schools for a few reasons. They use the latest technology, offer fairly cheap tuition per credit, and also have one of the most comprehensive career services areas you will find in any online school. While you attend DeVry, you will be able to speak with DeVry Career Services experts that are located all around the US and Canada. These experts have given DeVry a 92% employment rate for all graduates within just 6 months. That’s pretty impressive. DeVry also has it’s own website for job postings of various levels and many companies will hire exclusively from this site. In addition to these services, you can get resume help, links to salaries for various jobs, and tips for interviews.

For More Information Click Here and Fill Out a Short Form

Walden University

Walden University Online starts you down the road to career placement long before you graduate. You will technically begin planning for your future career immediately. You will work closely with the Career Development Services Office throughout your enrollment at Walden. The people in this office will tell you what the hottest prospects are for someone earning your degree and what specialization you might want to pursue if your degree has many branches. Walden has a great reputation for turning out graduates with the motivation and drive to succeed in almost any area related to their degree and companies recognize this.

For More Information Click Here and Fill Out a Short Form

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has long been an extremely popular online school that offered people the ability to get a degree from home long before the Internet was widespread. Even in the 1980’s U of P had a very good Career Services division and they are even better today. When you enroll at University of Phoenix, you will begin preparing for your future career almost immediately and the helpful staff will make sure you are taking the right classes for what you plan to do. You can get job seeking assistance but you will also learn skills and techniques to keep you employed in this competitive age. Long after you graduate U of P will provide you with services to help you find a job if you decide to move, switch careers, or are just unhappy where you are now.

-> For More Information Click Here and Fill Out a Short Form

Most online schools will provide you with some type of career assistance but these three schools really go the extra mile. It can be very handy to learn how to prepare a resume correctly, ace an interview, and really make a great impression on potential employers. These three schools are fairly heavy with technology and in this ever changing digital age, that’s what many companies are looking for.

By the year 2020, there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses?  With the world population living longer and needing more care, the healthcare field is one of the best places to get a job, and will likely stay that way for many years to come. With over 100,000 vacant positions and a ever-growing need for healthcare workers, the career outlook is excellent for the nursing field. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Statistics on Registered Nurses.

Because of the increasing need for nurses, some hospitals are offering signing bonuses of up to $14,000 for experienced nurses. To get more facts about the nursing shortage and its effect on careers in healthcare, visit the Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow site.

Nursing is a highly regarded profession. A 2004 Gallup Poll announced that the public again voted nurses number one for “honesty and ethical standards of various professions.” (source:Gallup Poll)

Today, with online education, a prospective student can obtain an online nursing degree quickly and easily.  Several online colleges such as University of Phoenix offer various online nursing programs and courses.  Browse the schools listed on this site for more information.

There are many quality nursing programs around the country which allow you to get your nursing degree from a school that is in your state or local area. Before picking a nursing school, make sure that it is well reviewed and accredited. Also make sure that they have a reputation not just of book smarts but also of giving their students plenty of hands on experience.

1. University of Washington, Seattle

The University of Washington at Seattle has a long history of excellence. The school has an award winning research record and offers cutting edge technology to their students. The educational goals of the school include providing a new generation of nurse educators as well as skilled nurses for the various health fields currently experiencing a short fall of trained professionals. The school offers 19 master’s degree specialties. Graduates and nurse professionals can benefit from the numerous continuing education courses offered and taught by experts in the fields.

2. University of Pennsylvania

The Penn nursing program offers a unique, state of the art, nursing program with the latest technologies available to provide the best possible nursing education. Penn has a lab with mannequin patients nursing students are able to use for practice. The mannequins respond as real patients would. Additionally, Penn’s school of nursing uses the Philadelphia Children’s hospital to teach and train their nursing students. The school also teaches their nursing students how to use the latest electronic medical record technology.

3. University of California; San Francisco

Recognizing the need for more skilled professional nurses, The University of California at San Francisco has expanded their nursing program to increase the number of new students the school is capable of accepting. The program is based on the idea that teaching, research, and practice provide the groundwork for a skilled nursing workforce. The school offers advanced education programs helping nurses with associate’s degrees to obtain their bachelors and masters degrees. And the school offers nurses the opportunity to obtain a masters or doctorate degree in the field of nursing.

4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill strives to instill leadership qualities in their nursing students. Students of the nursing program are prepared for careers in various medical positions varying from entry level nursing to scientists or educators. The University emphasizes the need for research in advancing the capabilities and offerings of the medical field. Students can earn a two year BS degree in nursing or opt to pursue an advanced degree in the nursing fields. Individuals with bachelor degrees in other fields can earn a nursing degree in as little as 14 months. The school also offers continuing teach classes to keep their graduates abreast of the latest in the nursing field.

5. University of Illinois, Chicago

The University Illinois in Chicago offers a number of opportunities in terms of nursing education programs. The school’s faculty is leaders in the nursing field who teach from experience. Students are required to participate in clinical opportunities for hands on experience. The curriculum focuses particularly on practical experience as well as a comprehensive academic course curriculum. Admission to the program is competitive; ensuring students are surrounded with peers who are dedicated to learning.

6. Columbia University

Columbia University’s school of nursing is located on the prestigious Health Sciences campus of the University. The college boasts a practical clinic experience at the NY Presbyterian Hospital which is located at the school’s campus also. The school is proud to claim being the first in many aspects; first with a universal faculty nursing practice plan and first school named a WHO collaborating center for the international nursing development of advanced practice. Though the school doesn’t offer undergraduate nursing degrees, the advanced studies programs offer a superior accelerated program with many opportunities.

7. University of Texas, Austin

The University of Texas offers programs to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Philosophy and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program. There are more than 70 students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program. The school is involved in a number of research projects focusing on the more vulnerable populations; quality of life for disabled people, disease prevention in poorer communities. The school offers a nurse run clinic where students can provide a service to the community while earning practical experience.

8. University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh’s nursing program offers many learning opportunities and resources to their students. The school proclaims the program to be challenging and comprehensive. Students are expected to participate in a number of clinical experience offerings to gain experience in many areas of the medical profession. The school also offers research opportunities. Students can earn a bachelor or masters degree in nursing and can take advantage of continuing education offerings at the college after graduation.

9. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University school of Nursing seeks to provide skilled nurses who will become leaders in their fields. The program has a comprehensive curriculum which covers research, practical application, service, and academics. They endeavor to improve available health services both on the local and global fronts. Students have the option of entering the two year baccalaureate program or the accelerated 13.5 month program. Also offered are several master’s degree programs, PhD programs, and certificate programs.

10. Yale University

Yale is credited as the first school to offer an academic nursing program instead of the traditional apprenticeship programs. The school has continued in this pioneering tradition ever since. Yale provides many collaborative opportunities for students to learn and meet leaders in the health industry. The school has a reputation as a leader in nursing education and instills this quality in their students. Students and faculty work side by side in clinical environments as well as in research. Yale fosters an environment of discipline and hard work resulting in an education of distinction

We can all agree that the US economy is hurting right now and for those in the workplace these uncertain times bring a lot stress and anxiety. Just in the last month, several of America’s top corporations (Citigroup, Merck, Yahoo, Xerox, Coca Cola, Bank of America, Whirlpool, Goldman Sachs, Alcoa) have begun to announce layoffs and the current unemployment rate of 6.5 will continue to increase over the next year. Like with all difficult times, the current financial situation also presents opportunities for growth and development. Without a doubt, this is the perfect time to pursue a degree – whether it’s a bachelor’s or a master’s, an online program or a traditional campus-based program – a degree from an accredited school will boost your standing both in your current job and set you up for future opportunities.

Still not convinced?

According to statistics from the 2004 US Census Bureau, the median annual income earned by college graduates is $50,394. Compare that with the $60,514 garnered by those with a master’s. PhD’s average $77,445, while those holding professional degrees, including lawyers and doctors, earn $97,443 on average. Within each degree level, specializing can increase your return on education investment (ROEI). For example, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, business or information technology will generate a 20%, 18%and 24% ROEI respectively. In these examples, investment in self education provides a significantly higher rate of return compared with investing in the stock the market (especially now!).

So which occupations are growing?

According to the Bureau of Labor, the fastest growing occupations include Networking and Communications, Home Care, Software Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Financial Advisors, Medical Assistants, Forensic Assistants and Family Therapists. These industries are expected to expand rapidly with rates of growth exceeding 30% annually. Many these careers require a minimum of post-secondary education and or advanced degrees as pre-requisites for hiring.

So how do you get started?

Going back to school or pursuing an online degree will require a significant investment of time and money. Similar to other investment, you need to do you homework . Successful graduates research various schools, degrees, and programs. Researching online is easier than ever, there are many quality website that provide free information about both campus-based and online schools, degrees and programs. You can request free information from a few different schools and wait for an enrollment advisor to call you. You should also read school reviews. But ideally, you should travel to the school and check it out for yourself – meet professors and students and ask lots of questions.

Online or campus-based?

Obtaining a higher degree has become more accessible and more flexible via schools that provide online education. Online enrollments are growing at 10% annually, and far exceeding the 1.5% overall growth rates. Many accredited schools are taking their curriculums online and offering both hybrid and online-only programs. Growth in online education has been tremendous due to the obvious benefits. Students can manage their own schedules without giving up their day jobs. The number of schools is huge. Even with the above mentioned benefits, online schools are still not for everyone. Again, do you research and homework and make an educated decision.

The Bottom Line

Times like these force everyone to assess their own situation and develop a plan of action. Investing in education will not only benefit you in your current job but will position you better for the future, when the economy turns around. There are several online education portals that provide resources and free information about various campus-based and online degree programs

The time to start working on your future is now – better schools and better degrees deliver a better future. You can succeed but you need to start now – and believe in yourself.

Henry