Online school degrees?

[Shainie]

Does anyone know anything about online college degrees? Like pros/cons or whatever, and if there's a reputable one out there, or a website that discusses them?

I'm thinking of going back to school, but can't do it full-time. I would like a college that offers part time with some online schooling. We do have a Tech college near us that does that, but they don't offer the course I'm looking into.

I'd hate to spend money doing a course online, only to have it laughed at by employers, ya know?

I'm clueless - anyone know anything about them?

[hrdlife1]

First of all, GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Secondly, I don't know about any of the online colleges but I DO know that the community college here offers MANY of the regular courses you can take there, online. Instead of sitting in the classroom, what they offer is you "attend class" and do all of your work and send it in via email etc and then when you have to take tests and finals you come in on a Saturday morning or afternoon. It's really convenient and simple for someone who can't get to certain classes at certain times. A friend of mine really needed credit for 2 classes but they both went on at the same time so she did one online and she loved it and said it was so easy she wanted to do all of her classes that way. If she ever had a question or anything she could email or even call her Professor.

So, anyway, now that I've babbled on, you may want to check the community colleges around there and see if they offer courses online. That might be even easier for you

[Shainie]

Steph - thanks for the information! I know more schools are trying to make it easier for adults to get continued education.

The career I'm looking into is Pharmacy Technician. I'm a little confused about what degrees are offered, or if you really even need one. There is an online course called Pharmacytech.org. It looks legit, but of course I hate going into something I'm not 100% sure of.

I was thinking of maybe talking to our local Pharmacist and ask her about what it takes to get a job. I know there's certificatin for it - so maybe the online course would be enough for that? I'm just confused. lol

All I know is when I get back into the working world, I don't want to be a secretary any longer. I would love to be a Technical writer, but I'm afraid there wouldn't be any local demand for that. I don't want to drive to the cities to work.

Anyway . . . I'm 30, but I guess I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

[hrdlife1]

LOL, my momma will be 55 this year and still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up

Talking to your pharmacist is a good idea and maybe when you have some free time (ha now THAT'S a joke isn't it, free time, go ahead and grab your belly and have a good ole chuckle with me lol) maybe you could try and go down to the college and grab a course catalog to see what classes you would need for that.

Otherwise, the only thing else I could recommend would be googling it.

Good luck!!!

[Scoozie]

I have 2 SILs who are getting advanced degrees from the University of Phoenix. Things are going well, and they haven't had any complaints.

[telos2000]

Most accredited universities now offer distance degrees where the majority of your work is done online. Be careful about these online only degrees (where there is no campus or the accreditation is suspect.) Research the accrediting organization. Check with a local employer in the field you are seeking to study about the school you are considering. Call the Human Resources Department and ask them. There have been a lot of people surprised when they degrees are laughed at by potential employers. Try to contact graduates and see how their jobs searches went. Call the Better Business Bureau. Don't sign up on before you are satisfied. Remember that if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

[hmsram]

I once saw a item on I beleive 20/20 about some of the correspondence courses. I would say if you get legit classes from like your community college which you take online , and check everything out with BBB before paying anything or signing up for anything, you will be in good shape.

[bestmidwest]

I agree with Telos. I would go with an accredited "real" university that has distance learning. I think being a pharm. tech would be awesome and I'm sure it's in high demand! There are probably state specific standards...ok, I just found some info about MN!! It looks like certification is optional.....here's the actual link and some info:

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Licensing / Certification
In Minnesota, pharmacy technicians must be registered. Applicants for registration must:

be at least 16 years of age;
be knowledgeable of the pharmacy practice laws/rules regarding duties they can and cannot perform.

Online application
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For more information, contact:

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 530
Minneapolis, MN 55414-3251
Phone: 612.617.2201
Fax: 612.617.2212
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Optional certification is available for pharmacy technicians.

For more information, contact:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037-2985
Phone: 800.363.8012
Fax: 202.429.7596
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Some states require pharmacy technicians to have a license. Requirements vary by state.

Click on occupations listed below to find State of Minnesota licensing information.

Pharmacist
Pharmacist Intern/Technician
Pharmacy Drug Researcher


Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for pharmacy technicians is $14.14 per hour, or $2,451 per month for a full-time worker. Half of all pharmacy technicians earn between $11.95 and $16.33 per hour, or between $2,071 and $2,831 per month

Nationally, the median wage for pharmacy technicians is $1,850 per month ($10.70 per hour). Half of all pharmacy technicians earn between $1,510 and $2,290 per month ($8.74 and $13.19 per hour).

Wages vary by shift, employer, and the technician's level of training. Technicians may receive higher wages for working evenings or weekends. Certified technicians may earn more.

Full-time pharmacy technicians usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who work part time may not receive benefits.