Thursday, June 24, 2010

Learn Ready to Use Skills with an Accounting Certificate Programs

An accounting certificate program is a very efficient way to gain the comprehensive skill sets needed to succeed in the world of professional accounting. The program allows you gain the knowledge without requiring the same amount of time or monetary constraints as an accounting degree or other, more traditional. This program was designed for the more non-traditional students. For those already juggling family and work commitments, accounting certificate programs offer a flexible schedule with classes on both nights and weekends in an effort to be more affordable for a wide range of potential students. This approach to providing the education may be more flexible than a four year degree, but the quality and real world application that students find in typical accounting certificate programs is uncompromised.

Most of these programs are very comprehensive in their approach, providing students with the opportunity to develop core competencies in all aspects of business accounting, business management, and organizational operations. Students who complete an accounting certificate program leave with a wealth of valuable, hands on experience that more often than not puts them high in the running for any number of professional accounting positions.

Some programs that focus on honing skill sets more specific to a particular type of accounting in an effort to further specialize their students. However, most programs provide a wider range of studies focused on the core concepts of accounting. This approach ensures that certificate holders have an in-depth understanding of the foundational accounting practices as well as have experience with the nuances of working in different areas of the field. The full curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive, experiential learning process that gives students ‘real world’ learning experiences that cover everything an individual may encounter as they enter the world as a full-fledged accounting professional. This combination of skill sets allows certificate holders to be a valuable asset across all spectrums of accounting work, including the non-profit world, government, and the for profit sector.

Students in this type of program can expect a top notch introduction to key accounting competencies. They should also plan on a thorough examination on relevant practices to ensure that certificate holders have been duly tested and certified to provide adequate and appropriate accounting services at all levels. Candidates are exposed to high levels of training and education on core accounting topics that include budgeting, corporate accounting practices, financial statements, and income tax accounting.

High quality accounting professionals are coming out of accounting certificate programs every year and the demand for this program grows as well. Not only do these program graduates possess a very well rounded skill set which affords them the opportunity to build promising careers within the accounting field, but they have also earned college credits in the process. These programs provide a complete and accessible way for individuals from all walks of life and background to develop a lucrative accounting career.

Colorado Christian University provides students with the education and experience they can rely on to make it today's growing world of business. Arming students with the proper tools to be competitive in today’s workforce, CCU offers both graduate degree programs and undergraduate degrees. From a beautiful Colorado campus to online education programs, they give you everything you need to be successful.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

How Alternative Licensing Programs are Creating Teachers

Before this new program was put into place, the only way to become a teacher was to major in education at a university and carefully follow the four-year process of education classes. Along with that was student teaching and then the subsequent licensing process. Unfortunately, such a rigid model for licensure created issues and resulted in national shortages of public school teachers. To correct the problem, states began implementing alternative licensing programs which are new means by which teachers could gain a teaching license without having to go through the formerly required education process.

What is an alternative licensing program?

Before the mid to late 1980's, there was no other way to become a teacher than with a teaching degree. Now, alternative licensing programs allow teachers to become teachers without the traditional route of becoming a teacher. The biggest goal of the program is to equip prospective teachers with a license that will enable them to find a job as an educator. Every state now has their own alternative licensing program, albeit each program is different. Most programs include a period of training for the applicant, during which he or she works under a veteran teacher.

Who is alternative licensing for?

Alternative licensing is for anyone who wants to be a teacher but did not receive a teaching degree in college. The program allows those with a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to turn that into a career in education. In order to qualify for most alternative licensing programs, the candidate must pass a Board of Education-approved exam such as the PRAXIS. The candidate must additionally pass a criminal background check.

How long does an alternative licensing program take?

Before one can ever begin an alternative licensing program, they must have the proper qualifications regarding education. The first phase of the program is the application phase. This may take several months and will require submitting paperwork, completing a background check, and passing an examination. Once this phase is complete, the teacher will become an alternative teacher. This is more of a trial and training period. The trial could take as long as nine months to a year but once completed, an the candidate will be eligible for an official teacher’s license.

Colorado Christian University offers an Alternative Teacher Certification for those with a bachelor’s degree, a teaching position, and need a teaching license in either early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education. Check out CCU for information on their degree programs and how they can help you further your education.