Rankings

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists in helping patients who are recovering from surgeries, brain trauma, diseases, dementia or those who are in need of rehabilitation to learn how to perform the basic activities of daily living.

Some of the key functions of occupational therapy assistants are assisting patients in performing exercises, stretching and other therapeutic activities to improve their mobility and coordination, teaching patients to use assistive devices, work with children patients who have developmental delays/mental problems and record and report the progress of the patients to the occupational therapist.

They are also expected to perform clerical tasks and assists patients in the treatment areas. Occupational therapy assistants are also expected to set up the treatment area and collaborate with the occupational therapist in preparing a treatment plan for the patients.

Most of occupational therapy assistants are employed in the offices of physicians, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists. Others work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, elementary and secondary schools and even provide home health services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of occupational therapy assistants in May 2010 was $51,010. The demand for occupational therapy assistants is also expected to rise to 43 percent within 2010-2020. Since the aging population is growing, the demand for occupational therapy assistant who will help elderly clients with bone problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

To become an occupational therapy assistant, one must be a high school graduate and an associate degree that can be earned in a university or community college. An associate degree can be earned after two years. Occupational therapy assistants need a license before they can practice. The program that they must enroll in must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education to earn a license after finishing the program. To become certified occupational therapy assistants, they need to pass the exam being administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Here are some of the Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Schools

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University ranks 14th among Midwest top regional universities by U.S. News and World Report in 2012. This university offers a two year occupational therapy assistant associate degree program. Their campus is located in Minnesota. They train occupational therapy assistants to have strong leadership skills and high level of ethical values. Students are also given hand-on experience in the clinical field and are prepared well to become certified occupational therapy assistants.

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an occupational therapy assistant associate degree program that’s accredited by ACOTE. Graduate of this program are eligible to take the National Certification Exam that is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After completion of the program and passing the exam, the students become certified occupational therapy assistants.

Touro College

Touro College offers a two-year, occupational therapy assistant associate degree program wherein the first eighteen months are evening courses while the remaining five months include daytime fieldwork. This offers great flexibility in terms of schedule for those students who are working.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers an associate in science degree for those who want to be an occupational therapy assistant. The two-year program is accredited by ACOTE and graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by NBCOT.

Manchester Community College

Manchester Community College offers an Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree program. GPA requirement for admission is 2.5 or better. MCC also offers online learning programs that are great for working students.

Top Nursing Degrees

by David Paul Krug

Nurses are responsible for providing patient care and coordinating the plan of care
within the healthcare team. They also educate clients about their medical condition
and the various procedures that they will undergo. They provide holistic support for
the patient and the family. Some of the basic functions of a nurse includes regular
monitoring of the patient’s response to health management, performing physical
examinations and recording patient’s health history, administering medications and
preparation of care plans for the patient.

The top nursing degrees that are offered to those students who wish to become nurses
are Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree And Doctorate degree
in Nursing. To obtain a degree in Nursing, a student nurse must complete a series of
lectures covering topics about the basic sciences, microbiology, parasitology, anatomy
and physiology and higher nursing subjects. They must also undergo clinical rotations to
practice the nursing skills on real patients.

Since nurses are involved in patient care, some of the most important qualities that they
should possess are: compassion, good critical-thinking, patience and emotional stability.
They must be able to rationalize their actions and make quick decisions. They should
also be able to respond to the needs of their patient adequately.

A license is required by all states to practice as a nurse. After graduating from a
program, a Nursing student must take the National Council Licensure Examination, or
NCLEX-RN.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn $64,690 annually
or about $31.10 per hour. It is also expected that the demand for nursing graduates will
increase by 26% within 2010 to 2020. The number of nurses working in the outpatient
department is also increasing due to the shift in outpatient healthcare to reduce costs
and length of hospital stay.

Top Nursing Schools

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill ranks number four in the US News and World
Report top Nursing schools. UNC offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of
Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as post-Master’s certificate
programs who wish to specialize in the field of gerontology, pediatrics and psychiatry.

University of Michigan—Ann Harbor

University of Michigan School of Nursing offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master
of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as certificate programs.

They even offer double degree programs such as Nursing & Business Administration
(MS/MBA), Nursing & Health Services Administration (MS/MHSA) and Nursing &
Information (MS/MSI).

Duke University

Duke University ranks number seven in the top Nursing schools listed by the US News
and World Report. Duke University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated
BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-Master’s
Certificate and Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics programs. This university
offers scholarship grants as well as loans to students who are in need of financial aid.

Oregon Health and Science University

Oregon Health and Science University shares the seventh spot with Duke University in
US News and World Report’s top Nursing Schools. OHSU offers Bachelor of Science
in Nursing, Accelerated BSN, and Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing
Practice and PhD in nursing programs.

Clarkson College

Clarkson College offers a Practical Nursing program that can be completed online. They
also have BSN, MSN, DNP and Post-Master’s certificate programs. Clarkson College
ranks number four in the US News and World Report’s list of Best Online Nursing
Graduate Programs.

Medical transcriptionists are paid handsomely for their work with handling documents, creating
medical reports and basically just putting down to paper the things that are stated in a doctor’s
recording. A medical transcriptionist or MT is categorized as an allied health professional and
has been thrust into the limelight due to the salary that all MTs take home.

A medical transcriptionist that has undergone an MT training course is known to take an
average salary of $32,900. The salary increases depending on the level of skills the MT has
acquired or the years of experience under his or her belt.

Before being able to enjoy the perks of being a medical transcriptionist a person must first
undergo the necessary training. This will help you in doing your job better and understanding
how things work. The training will also give students some important insights regarding the
workings of the career.

Here are the requirements that you must meet if you want to join the allied health profession
workforce as a medical transcriptionist.

A college degree or a high school diploma
Computer operating skills
Able to follow instructions
Ability to research and comprehend
A good memory and communication skills

If you feel like you are ready to take on the challenges that come along with the medical
transcriptionist training, then there are several things you need to expect. An MT will have
to expect various modules pertaining to medical terms, technology and grammar. Once
the medical transcriptionist training is over, you still have to acquire your MT Certification.
The certification can only be given to you once you pass the certification training from the
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity or AHDI.

Another thing you should keep in mind while training as a medical transcriptionist is the fact that
there are two paths you can take in order to further your career.

1. (CMT) Certified Medical Transcription
2. (RMT) Registered Medical Transcription

Here are some of the best Medical Transcription Schools & Degree Programs

Kaplan University

This university welcomes all students who wish to enrol in their medical transcriptionist course.
Students must present their high school diplomas upon enrolment. Other courses offered
includes BS in Healthcare Administration and BS in Health Science. Associate courses include
AAS in Medical Assisting.

ITT Technical Institute

The institute has campuses all over the United States including 4 in California and Florida
plus one in Indiana and New Mexico. It offers classroom based programs for their Associate in
Health Information Technology.

Sanford-Brown

Offers associate courses in Health Information Technology and Nursing plus non-degree course
in Medical billing and coding. Sanford-Brown has schools in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and New
York. Enrolees must be living near the proximity of the school and should also be a graduate
after 2011. Classroom based education.

Strayer University

Students are required to have graduated from high school before enrolling or have at least
accomplished their GED. Classes are available either online or classroom based. Courses
offered include Health service administration concentration.

MT Advantage Career Center

This career center offers online training for medical transcriptionists exclusively. The school
offers basic and advanced medical coding together with basic and advanced levels for medical
transcription.

Top Medical Assistant Degrees

by David Paul Krug

Medical assistants perform a wide array of administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of healthcare professionals. Medical assistants are expected to take patient history and check vital signs, administer medications as supervised by physicians, schedule medical appointments, assist physician in performing examinations and prepare specimens for laboratory tests.

With the advent of modern technology, the use of electronic health records (HER), the medical assistant’s job is taken into a new level. Since an increasing number of physicians are moving their client’s database online, medical assistants need to know how to work on these electronic records. Since medical assistants have direct access to patient records, they should keep the clients’ information confidential.

Most of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, while other work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of medical assistants in May 2010 was $28,860. The top 10 percent medical assistant earners can earn up to $40,190. Most medical assistants work full-time.
The demand for medical assistants is expected to increase by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020. With the shift of healthcare to outpatient services, more physicians are opening their own clinics and are in need of more medical assistants.

Becoming a medical assistant does not require a formal education. However, employers prefer those who graduate on a diploma or associate degree program that can be obtained from community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools and universities. Some schools even allow distance learning options for these programs.
There are four types of certification that can be acquired by medical assistants, these are: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists, National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association.

Here are a few of the top schools for students looking to become medical assistants:

Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers a Medical Assisting diploma program that can be completed within three semesters (1 year). However, students are also given the choice to study part-time wherein they can complete the program within two years. Students undergo externships every semester to gain more experience in practicing as a medical assistant. This program is offered in their Medical Center Campus while the clinical sites are throughout the Dade County.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School offers an associate degree program in Medical Assisting. The said program is accredited by the Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and graduate of this program are eligible to take the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) and CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) examinations. This program can be offered online.

Mountain State University

Mountain State University offers an A.S. program in Medical Assisting with 66 credits. This program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and graduates are eligible to complete the Medical Assisting Certification Exam. MSU ranks number 5 in The Best Colleges’ Top 10 Ranked Online Medical Assistants Schools for 2013 and number 4 in The Best Medical Assistant Programs in West Virginia by graduate-school.phds.org.

Herzing University

Herzing University offers a 48 credit diploma program that can be completed within twelve to twenty months and a 65 credit associate program. The programs can be offered through online classes. These programs are accredited by the accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants offer learning programs that are affordable and can be done completely online. The certificate program offered in St. Augustine is accredited by the National accreditation and certification board.

Veterinarian technicians assist veterinarians in performing their duties. This title is also
popularly referred to as vet tech, paraveterinary worker, veterinary assistant and veterinary technologist. They help animal doctors in various tasks to ensure animal health. Basically, they are what a nurse is to a doctor.

There are various technical aspects in learning veterinary clinical assistance which include venipunture, processing x rays, animal skin scraping, urine collection and performing lab tests, among other tasks. Veterinarian technicians also need to know how to administer animal tests for microbiology, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hermatology and microscopy. They also assist in animal’s physical examination, administer medicine and fluids as prescribed by the veterinarian. They may also perform catheterization and make use of technological equipments for animal monitoring.

A vet tech can earn as much as $44,030 annually. Per hour rate ranges from $10.11 to as much
as $21.17, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Requirements for applying for veterinary technician degree vary from state to state. In most
cases, it requires a student to have completed a two year or a four year college-level education
program. They should also be legally qualified to aide veterinarians in performing medical
procedures. There are certain states that require a license for vet techs to perform their duties
to ensure that they have appropriate knowledge and qualifications but it is not a requirement
in all states.

There are three credentialed veterinary technicians known to signify level of experience or as
mandated by the state where they reside in. These include the following:

CVT- Certified Veterinary Technician
LVT- Licensed Veterinary Technician
RVT- Registered Veterinary Technician

Colleges and universities offering veterinary technician degrees should be duly accredited by
the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It is a non-profit organization that was
designated by the United States Department of Education to accredit educational institutions
that are offering veterinary medicine all throughout the county. This ensures that there is
quality of education and that the schools produce graduates that are competent, skilled and
equipped to respond to the duties of a veterinary technician.

Top Veterinarian Technician Schools

Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing

MSU is one out twenty schools that offers a 4-year Veterinary Technician program. It is fully
accredited by the AVMA and was ranked 71st among the top universities in the country in 2010,

As reported in US News and World Report.

MSU offers the following programs:
• Certificate of Completion in Veterinary Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology
• Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology (Lansing Community College)

University of Nebraska (UNL), Lincoln

UNL ranked 101st in the 2013 edition of the Best Colleges and National Universities. UNL’s
School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers Bachelor of Science in Veterinary
Technology. Students who have associate’s degree in veterinary technology who wish to
continue their education can enroll in this undergraduate program and earn a bachelor’s
degree after two years.

Lone Star College System’s Tomball College, Texas

Lone Star College offers two AVMA-accredited programs which include 2-year Associate Degree
of Applied Science on Veterinary Technology and Certificate in Veterinary Technology. The
program includes workforce training programs to students. The lecture and laboratory courses
include pharmacology, veterinary terminology, veterinary nutrition, physiology and anatomy,
among others. A clinical practicum is also required to pass the course.

Raymond Walters College (RWC), University of Cincinnati

Raymond Walters College offers Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. From
RWC’s graduates of Veterinary Technology, 100% are placed in various veterinary assistance
jobs in clinics, animal hospitals, zoos and farms. It has an AVMA-accredited program and has an
above average passing rate for the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers distance learning for students who
prefer to pursue their veterinarian technician degree online. It offers Bachelor of Science in
Veterinary Technology with programs approved by AVMA. Students graduating from this online
course were reported to receive a return of investment of 7.4%. The university also offers
financial aid to students who wish to continue their education online.

Top Online Gunsmithing Schools

by David Paul Krug

Are you looking for an trade that can potentially protect the lives of your customers? How about one that allows you to use your hands to build something from the ground up? Well gun smithing is the right trade for you. With trade schools online, the right gun smithing class is just a couple keystrokes away.

What is Gunsmithing?

A gunsmith is some who is in charge of creation, modification and designs of firearms. This is different from an armorer who is responsible for the general up keep of fire arms. The possibility of getting a job in Gunsmithing is very probable as government agencies and arm manufactures are always looking for new people.

Penn Foster has an accrediated online gun smithing program, which allows you to study at your own pace. You’ll get training on how to repair and customize pistols and other types of firearms. How to put stocks and mount scopes on top of certain guns. Finally, you will learn how to refurbish old and worn out guns. This program is designed to be completed within five months, but can take as long as needed. Imagine that in five months you can be working in your new career as a gunsmith. Student also get instruction on how to get Federal Fire arms license.

The American Gunsmithing Institute is another great online school for all your learning needs. This online class not only offers gun smithing courses, but armorer courses as well. What is great about this online school is its free introductory gun smithing lessons. You will receive over twenty different types of mini lessons all designed to teach or show you a different aspect of gun smithing. With the free catalog available on the website, you can get started on becoming an certified gun smith. Gun smithing is not the only course available. You can take classes in welding and machine shop that will help you with the construction of firearms.

Ashworth College is another accredited gun smithing school. Ashworth was founded in 1987 and has specialized vocation classes in armorer and gun smithing. You can study at your own rate, while in the comfort of your own home. Textbooks and advisor fees are included in your tuition. The Finicial aid available comes in three different forms. Interest free tuition, monthly installment payments, and tuition reimbursement. With so many options available to you, why not choose this as your online school?

American Public University helps online study achieve a wide range of goals including: gun smithing, stock maker and gun engraver. The American Public University has no admission fee and everybody is welcome. They offer book grants for those seeking a degree and Federal Student Aid for Armed Forces.

Hopefully this article has helped you see all the opportunities available for those interested in becoming a gun smith. With all the different areas involved in gun smithing, you can choose one and specialize in that field. The gun smithing industry is always in high demand of new people, so you can believe that there will always be a job available for you.

Top Gunsmithing Schools

by David Paul Krug

Gunsmithing is a popular career choice for a number of young adults, and it is a dream of children who have grown up around guns and hunting. There are several specialized schools for the profession in the United States; however, some are considered to be more expert than others in their teachings. Choosing a quality school is the single most essential action that an aspiring gunsmith can take for himself. This article compiles a list of the top three gunsmithing schools in the United States and a description of their respective merits.

1.Yavapai College

Located in the small town of Prescott, Arizona, this college is famed nationwide for its excellent and fully accredited gunsmith certification program. The program proclaims itself to be “the best gunsmithing program in the nation” with a minimum of 40 credit hours being required for the basic program certification. Earning a two-year degree with the program is also an option, and as Yavapai College is highly respected among gunsmithing experts, several students tend to take this route. Students in the gunsmithing program are put to work learning to assemble and dissemble various types of guns, along with learning other skills. The school’s reputation and its successful alumni stand for themselves; choosing Yavapai College would be an excellent decision.

2.Trinidad State Junior College

Slightly more popular among gunsmiths is Trinidad State Junior College, with a significantly smaller student body but a stellar gunsmithing program. It boasts an 81 percent employment rate, though the program itself is a challenging and serious one; the graduation rate is a mere 63 percent. Aspiring gunsmiths from all across the United States travel to this school to be a part of the program, as its reputation is similar to that of Yavapai College- they are both fawned upon by the gunsmith community. It is a two year program designed to prepare its students for employment in the gunsmithing profression, teaching them skills such as customizing firearms, firearms repair, and handling machine tools. Trinidad State Junior College has long been touted as one of the top gunsmithing schools and will be for years to come, due to its flawless educational program.

3.Colorado School of Trades

Another highly respected school for the gunsmithing profession is the Colorado School of Trades; located in Lakewood, Colorado (ten minutes from Denver), their gunsmithing program enjoys a reputation that has been continually built and polished for over six decades. The accredited two-year program bases its education upon hands-on training specialized to suit aspiring artisan craftsmen. The school’s students perform an impressive number of firearm repair operations every year (4,000 to 5,000) due to the program’s preference for students to practice hands-on work frequently. The Colorado School of Trades is second only to Trinidad State Junior College in its gunsmithing program’s prowess and should seriously be considered if one is hoping to enter a quality educational program for the profession.

Although there are several other gunsmithing schools worth mentioning for an aspiring gunsmith, none of the programs are in the same league as the top three. The promise of hands-on experience and quality accreditation assures that these three schools are among the very best choices for those who wish to study the competitive gunsmith trade. Those who have a passion for firearms will undoubtedly feel at home attending any one of these institutions and will learn enough to last a lifetime.

Top Architecture Colleges

by David Paul Krug

The Greenway Group, yearly compilers of DesignIntelligence, released its 2012 list of top accredited architecture schools in the United States. The following list was created based on the rankings of past and present students, university deans and administrators, and successful private designers. This list takes into account many different aspects of architecture education, including planning, design, and the use of sustainable materials, in order to create an overall ranking of programs.

10. Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
This program requires five years of study to earn an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree. Students at the Pratt Institute take the majority of their core classes in the first three years, leaving the final two years for liberal arts electives designed to assist students in choosing a personalized design goal. Possible professional goals include studying historic preservation, building technology, or urban design. The fifth year is spent working on an in-depth design study and research project to be presented to academic critics.

9. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
The Bachelor of Architecture degree at Iowa State requires five years of study, comprised of one year in the College of Design’s Core Design program and four years in the BArch degree program. It is an extremely selective program, only admitting 78 students per year, but graduates can boast of completing architecture school, working as an intern-architect, and passing a comprehensive exam.

7. (tie) Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
Students at Syracuse University spend their first four years working on visual and architectural design training combined with technical design, art history, and theory. These courses are based on a unique core design studio sequence that includes a celebrated lecture series and exhibits by established architects. In the fifth year of the Bachelor of Architecture program, students research and incorporate their ideas into a personal design project for criticism by professors and successful private architects.

7. (tie) Southern California Institute of Architecture, Los Angeles, California
SCI-Arc’s 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree focuses on a holistic approach to becoming a contemporary architect. Students are encouraged to explore their personal growth through self-reflection and theoretical experimentation with technology and materials to create sustainable structures. SCI-Arc combines design studios with classes in history, theory, media, and technology to effectively prepare its architects for the workforce.

6. Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island
Unlike most universities, the Rhode Island School of Design is an art school that focuses students’ studies on artistic sensibility, special understanding, critical visual thinking, and imagination. The program emphasizes the students’ creative processes and the need to find a design passion, all while interweaving some theory and art history during its 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree.

5. Rice University, Houston, Texas
Rice boasts of having the smallest professional degree program, only 24 admitted each year, within a top research university. Students spend the first two years in studio and other elective classes before the third year, in which students travel to global cities as part of their studios. The fourth year students begin a design research project, and the fifth year consists of students’ placements at prestigious worldwide architecture firms. The final year of this 6-year Bachelor of Architecture program sees students in graduate-level studios or study abroad programs.

4. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California
The Bachelor of Architecture degree at Cal Poly is based on the French polytechnic tradition that combines art and science to create an interdisciplinary curriculum and well-rounded graduates. Students in this program represent some of the most diverse cultural backgrounds in one of the largest architectural programs in the country. The 5 years in the program begin with designing and experimenting in a studio and computer lab and end with an independent thesis project created by individual students.

3. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
First year architecture students study in design studios with all the first year students of industrial design, interior design, and landscape architecture before beginning design theory and process in the second and third years. In the fourth year, Bachelor of Architecture students have the option to work in an Extern Program or to study abroad before the fifth year advanced independent study module. Students in that final year work closely with a faculty member to complete a cumulative project.

2. University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Students at the University of Texas can complete a Bachelor of Architecture degree in a rigorous, design-oriented 5-year program. Studio courses focus on architecture in society, construction principles, and architectural history. In the spring of the third year, students complete a design portfolio of all their work in order to be admitted to the advanced design studios. The final two years in advanced studios allow students to have flexibility and focus on topics important to them individually. Study abroad and professional residency placement are also options for students completing their degrees.

1. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
This one-of-a-kind Ivy League program balances theory, art history, and technology in the 5 years it takes to complete the Bachelor of Architecture degree. Design studios help students develop problem-solving skills through conceptual designs, solid models, and computer-generated graphics. Drawing courses and structural exploration make up the rest of the curriculum. Cornell students typically study in Rome and New York City for an average of one semester each before their graduations.

Penn Foster Career School
Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students of Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly,

Programs:
Interior Decorator
Drafting With AutoCAD

Click here for free information –>


Many people decide after high school to go to community college, but more and more people are getting an online associates degree and then transferring to a bigger college. This is a very common strategy used by new high school graduates, and adults pursing degrees for the first time.

Here are the top 5 colleges for most affordable online associates degree.

Baker College Online

Baker College is a private, non-profit college in Flint, Michigan. A career-oriented college, Baker College was originally founded in 1911 to prepare students for work in the booming automotive industry. Since then the school has expanded considerably, founding several new campuses and developing a strong online presence. Baker College is our selection for the best college with the most affordable online associates degree programs.

Associate’s Degrees
Baker College offers several accredited online associate’s degrees in Business and Applied Sciences, including programs in Accounting, Management, and IT Support Services. At only $210 per credit hour, Baker College offers some of the cheapest accredited associate’s degree programs out there.

Ivy Bridge College

Ivy Bridge College is a part of Tiffin University, a private university in Tiffin, Ohio. While the online college has its own name, a degree from Ivy Bridge is a degree from Tiffin, an accredited comprehensive university with an outstanding reputation.

Associate’s Degrees
Ivy Bridge offers accredited online associate’s degrees in General Studies, Criminal Justice, and Business Administration, with a number of specializations. Courses run from $265-$354 per credit hour, depending on number of credit hours completed, making Ivy Bridge one of the most affordable online schools.

American InterContinental University

American InterContinental University is a private university originally founded as a fashion college. AIU has since expanded into a multi-campus career college for working professionals in a variety of fields. AIU has open admissions and is one of the most affordable schools for online associate’s degrees.

Associate’s Degrees
AIU offers accredited online associate’s degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Visual Communication, among other areas, with tuition set at $302 per credit hour.

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private career university founded as a technical college in 1965. Now a comprehensive university, CTU offers affordable degree programs at every level, with many of them available to completed entirely online.

Associate’s Degrees
CTU offers numerous accredited online Associate of Science degrees in Business and Management, Engineering and Computer Science, Health Sciences, Information Systems and Technology, Security Studies, and more, with tuition starting at $305 per credit hour.

Kaplan University

Kaplan University is one of the largest online colleges in the world. Named for Stanley H. Kaplan, founded of Kaplan Test Prep, Kaplan includes 10 campuses across the country and one of the most affordable online programs anywhere.

Associate’s Degrees
Kaplan University offers several accredited online associate’s degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Business, Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Legal Studies, Nursing, and Technology. Tuition is only $305 per credit hour, making Kaplan one of the cheapest online colleges for an associate’s degree.

When today’s students are contemplating career choices, they should consider the healthcare field as it has become a flourishing industry. Students who have earned a nursing degree are eligible for positions that offer more pay. In some cases, current nursing students may qualify for an accelerated curriculum, which will allow them to speed through the next stage of their education requirement.

Once students have made the decision to extend their education, they can sign up for an accelerated nursing program. Students should plan on fieldwork that includes attending local healthcare facilities in order to complete lab and clinical rotations. They may also take online courses. When nursing scholars plan to expand their degree, they should review the top 10 online accelerated nursing programs.

American Sentinel University

With professional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, American Sentinel offers a top nursing program. Nursing students will appreciate the private school’s accessible online access that includes the university’s educational curriculum.

The American Sentinel University’s online tuition is $380.00 for each credit hour. Additionally, the school offers several unique benefits for nursing students such as attendees with a current RN license and two years of professional employment will receive a credit of 30 semester hours. With this advantage, students can complete their degree after 30 more credits. New students can join the program monthly, and the school’s terms are eight weeks long.

Kaplan University

Kaplan’s official certification comes from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. When nursing students choose Kaplan University’s online program, they can expect tuition costs of $315.00 for the school’s BSN program and $368.00 when they take the MSN course.

Kaplan allows registered nurses to finish their undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 36 months. Additionally, scholars may fulfill their credit requirements for a bachelor’s degree along with their master’s during one learning segment. The school focuses on family nurse practitioners, administrators and educators.

South University

Nursing students can feel confident attending South University with its accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is a private school where students will pay $380.00 for each hour of credit.

South University permits students without a current bachelor’s degree to complete a program in order to receive their master’s degree diploma. Busy students will appreciate the University’s flexibility regarding assignments as the school will allow them to work each element into their personal routine. South University provides degrees in nursing administration, informatics and education.

Brandman University

With its start in 1958, Brandman University has plenty of teaching experience. The school can claim accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. When nursing students begin an online program through Brandman, they can expect tuition costs of $500.00 for each credit hour.

Nursing students have the opportunity to complete the school’s RN or BSN program in just one year. At Brandman University, students can begin courses during the school’s fall or winter semester.

Northeastern University

The school began offering classes in 1898 and expanded to include a program that allows nursing students to earn their RN with a follow up of their BSN in 1973. In order to take online classes through Northeastern, students must have a diploma from a certified course or their associate’s degree. The school will only accept students with a Grade Point Average, or GPA, of 3.0.

Students will pay $550.00 for each credit hour, and when licensed registered nurses sign up for the university’s program, they can finish their course load in just a year.

Benedictine University

The university dates back to 1887 and is among the top-rated schools within the United States. Benedictine University’s accreditation comes from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Nursing students can expect a cost of $540.00 for each hour of credit and will appreciate that the school provides three start times during the year.

Students can complete the program without creating a thesis and most nursing scholars will have their degree in just two years. In order to receive a degree, each student must finish a 120-hour capstone plan.

Lewis University

As a Catholic school, the university is a non-profit entity. The school’s accreditation comes from The Higher Learning Commission, and the tuition is $740.00 for every hour of credit. Lewis University permits students to begin courses four times each year and nursing students may choose to turn in a practicum or a thesis in order to finish their degree. The school focuses on nursing education and administration.

University of Wisconsin

With its origination in 1871, the University of Wisconsin offers students a lengthy history. The school is among the biggest public schools within the state and received its accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

When a Wisconsin resident signs up for a course, they will pay $8,890.00 for each semester while students from other states will owe $12,885.00. The school permits students with their undergraduate degree to gain their bachelor’s with the intention to earn their BSN diploma in just a year.

Roseman University

With accreditation approval by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Roseman University will accurately educate nursing students for $45,750.00. The university features an accelerated BCN program, which will allow undergraduate students to gain a major outside of their specialty. Students work in a simulation laboratory and can finish their fieldwork in a Southern Nevada healthcare clinic.

College of St. Scholastica

A team of Benedictine sisters originated the school in 1912, and the school’s BSN course received its certification from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. When students take online courses from the College of St. Scholastica, they will pay $12,515.00 for each semester.

Students who have earned a degree under any specialty can join the fast-track BSN course through the school with an opportunity to finish the program in just 16 months. The course’s theory classes are available online, and nursing students can finish their lab requirements at the University’s St. Cloud Campus.

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