Answer: We all know college costs in general are increasing Dana – as a matter of fact, 46 percent over the last decade. If federal and state education money continues to dwindle each year, it is safe to assume the cost of a college education – both online and on-campus will continue to rise over the next decade.

On average, the undergraduate today proudly walks across the stage with a diploma in one hand and $19,016 in college loans in the other hand. As I said, that is average; for many, that amount is much higher. In a survey by Princeton Review, 86 percent of parents and students stated they thought financial aid is “very necessary”. Sixty-six percent said the recession impacted on which college they chose to attend.

Those are scary facts. But, there is a better way to get a good college education and not step out into the working world with a boat-load of debt, struggling right off the bat to keep your loan-laden boat afloat.

The Secret to Funding a College Education

Most military veterans and servicemembers can get a four-year bachelor’s degree with very little, if any, out-of-pocket cost. Their secret – either using the Tuition Assistance and Tuition Top-Up programs while serving their country or the Post 9/11 GI Bill after getting out (or both).

Tuition Assistance and Tuition Top-Up Programs

All the service branches offer tuition assistance (TA). It pays up to $250 per credit (up to the $4,500 yearly cap). If your per-credit tuition costs more than $250, or you reach your yearly maximum early in the academic year, you can use the Tuition Top-Up program. And while the amount over what TA will pay does come out of your GI Bill entitlement, it is a good way to maximize the use of your GI Bill as benefits are used up at a much slower rate (because TA is picking up most of the costs).

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the VA pays 100% of public school resident tuition costs and eligible fees up through the doctoral degree level. If you are paying non-resident tuition rates, then you are responsible for the difference, unless your school is a Yellow Ribbon school as explained below.

If you attend a private school, the VA pays up to $17,500 per year in tuition costs. Whether you attend public or private, each month you will also receive a housing allowance averaging $1,200 per month and up to $1,000 per year in book stipends.

To show the value of the New GI Bill, take a 12-credit semester course at an average of $408 per credit. The VA would pay $4,896 in tuition, $4,800 in housing (assuming a 4-month semester) and $500 in a book stipend for a total of $10, 196 per semester. Over the 9-semester life of the GI Bill, that is $91,764. On both the East and West coasts, the housing allowance can be double the $1,200 average, driving the Post 9/11 GI Bill value even higher.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

If you are paying out-state tuition or private school tuition costs over the VA maximum rate, then another great feature of the Post 9/11 GI Bill  is the Yellow Ribbon Program. Ask if your school has a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with the VA and if it includes your degree plan. If so, your school can pay up to 50% of the difference between what they charge and what your GI Bill pays. The VA will pay an equal amount leaving you with very little, if anything, left to pay.

The secret to an almost free four-year education is serving your country. In return for three years of service, not only can you get a degree by using the TA and Tuition Top-Up programs, but you also get 36 months of education benefits that you can use once you are out. Not only will you serve your country and be able to get an education, you earn an entitlement to further your education in the future. It is something to think about – if you don’t have that rich uncle.

I am in my third year of graduate school now, studying for a doctoral degree in psychology. I plan to practice in my home state (Minnesota) but my husband and I might move in the next ten years to a more southern climate in the United States. If I am licensed in Minnesota soon will I be able to be licensed in another state later on? Will it cost more money? What other options do I have for practicing clinical psychology across state lines?

Best wishes, Susan

Answer:
Dear Susan,

Yes, there are many regulations and guidelines when it comes to practicing as a psychologist. As you mentioned, the first steps are finishing your doctoral program (which includes an internship approved by the American Psychological Association, a dissertation, and supervised post-doctoral hours). Once these requirements are completed you study for and take the state licensing exam. At this point, there are no national licenses and you therefore must meet state requirements.

Transferring your state license

Let’s say that you get licensed in Minnesota. You can certainly re-license later in another state, although what this entails will vary depending on the region.  While you are in Minnesota you are governed by the Minnesota licensing board. You will be required to take a certain amount of continuing education credits to keep up your license, and yes, the annual (or bi-annual) license renewal and the continuing education courses themselves cost money.

If you want to obtain a license in a new state, you can keep your old one or turn it in. Let’s say that you want to work in North Carolina as a psychologist. Look up the requirements at the licensing board for North Carolina. A state psychological association (such as in this case, the North Carolina Psychological Association) could be helpful to you. You may have to vouch for your experience and credits or work under supervision for a while. Some states make it hard to re-license while others are easy with reciprocal arrangements (if you are licensed with another state already they approve you). Part of how easy it is to transfer will depend on what need the state has right then of clinical psychologists.

Joining a national organization

Finally, consider joining an organization such as the National Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology. This organization keeps all your paperwork on file, and once you are approved through them you can more easily transfer your license to another state. As a bonus, they provide free continuing education credits and a listing on their web-site– both assets for the professional psychologist.

Next steps

One of the nice things about the field of psychology, actually, is how portable it is. People need mental health services in all regions. You are wise to look into the boundaries of your license now; however, do not worry too much about it. Just keep good records and consider joining a national organization to give you mobility.

Good luck in your developing career as a clinical psychologist.

Answer:
Your situation is not unusual; most of us tend to put off updating a resume until we see a need to apply for something new. A better practice would be to update frequently, every year or so, so as not to loose track of experiences. It’s also helpful to keep a file of training and continuing education courses, certifications, publications, letters related to your work, and performance appraisals.  Here are some other tips for putting together your nursing resume.

Start with identifying information

Keep this section at the top of your resume straightforward;  name, address, phone number and email address.  This is your contact information.  Personal information such as marital status and family information is not relevant.

Experience

List your nursing positions, from the most recent to previous positions.  Give the date and the job title, with a brief job description.  This is the place to emphasize your accomplishments and skills, particularly those pertinent to the position you are interested in.

Education

Now it’s time to list your degrees.  Give the name of the school, the location, and the date the degree was obtained.  List certifications and continuing education courses that document your additional qualifications for the position you want.   If you are currently taking courses toward an advanced degree in nursing, state the program (for example, RN-BSN) and expected date of completion.

Affiliations

Professional memberships come first, but you can also include community groups and volunteer activities that relate to your skills and interests. 

Publications and awards

If applicable, these recognitions demonstrate your professional expertise and achievements.

Be brief

A rule of thumb is that a resume should be one page in length.  If you have held multiple positions over the years, you should describe in more detail the most recent experience, or the most relevant, and simply list other positions held.  The same concept applies to certifications and educational courses.  Routine required CEUs are not useful to include, but out of the ordinary training and specialty certifications are important to describe your knowledge base.

Be accurate

Don’t shortchange your accomplishments, and don’t embellish them either.   Your integrity as a professional and employee is easily fact checked, so be sure your resume is an honest reflection of your education and work.

Make your cover letter count

This is the place to state what position you are applying for, why you are interested, and why you think you are an outstanding candidate for the job. Briefly, you are introducing yourself, and catching the interest of the reader.   Be sure you have the appropriate name and title for the person to whom you are addressing the letter.  Also be sure that your form, spelling, and grammar are spotless.  Look as sample resumes and cover letters.  The American Nurses Association nurses career center offers more advice on writing resumes.  You can also post and update your resume at the career center site.

I have an associate’s degree and work in a company doing sales. I recently got promoted and now I have to give some sales presentations to big groups. The problem is, I am so scared, and no-one ever taught me. Should I take an online course or what can I do to improve my public speaking? I do need help. Thanks, Peter

Answer:
Dear Peter:

Congratulations on your promotion! Public speaking is a wonderful to skill to develop for job success. There are many possible ways to improve your abilities and I will try to take you through them here below. As you have probably heard, public speaking is one of the biggest fears that many people have, so you are in good company. So what can you do to overcome the fear through practice and evaluation?

1) Mentor/coach

While many fine classes exist to help you with your public speaking skills, some people prefer to work one-on-one. A boss who is a good coach, a trusted peer, or a mentor might be willing to give you feedback on your presentations. You can also watch videos of excellent speakers online.

2) Toastmasters

Toastmasters is a wonderful international non-profit organization which helps people of all backgrounds and levels to improve their public speaking abilities. There are toastmaster meetings in every city (often several) and most towns are close to a meeting place as well. The cost is relatively low compared to a university class, are ungraded, and the people tend to be supportive. I participated in Toastmaster meetings for many years and found that the exercises also helped with confidence.

To find a Toastmasters club near you look at the Toastmasters Website. Try out a couple of clubs and see which feels like the best fit. Though the material covered and the structure used is the same in all clubs, each one has its own personality and feel.

3) Community college, adult education

Formal classes range from university public speaking classes to community college courses to ungraded adult education workshops. One of these options might feel like a good fit for you; check out your local community college catalogue and adult education brochure. In a traditional class setting, you will have assignments, an instructor and peer students.

4) Online classes

Another way to take classes is to look for programs online. However, please make sure that any online class you sign up for in public speaking has a way for you to practice the actual speaking part as it is important for you to try things out and get feedback. For instance, I have seen some online classes that make it an assignment to videotape your speech and share it with your class in an online forum.

Next steps

You are making a good investment in yourself by addressing your public speaking skills. Improving these skills is a do-able project but you will need focus, practice, and feedback. As you become a better and more relaxed speaker you will grow in confidence and self-assurance.

Answer:
Dear Melissa,

Ahh, the ups and downs that come along with becoming a teacher.  I am sure that many educators know where you are coming from are right there with you on this one.  In my experience it seems that no classroom management plan works 2 years in a row since they dynamics of each class changes every year.  That’s why it is important to stay several steps ahead of the group, or individual child,  and be willing to do a lot of trial and error when it comes to management. It sounds like you’ve already figured out the hardest part, which is what motivates the child.  Try these 5 incentives to help keep all your students working hard and  in-check.

Become a mentor to a younger student. Often times “big kids” are more than willing to show the “little kids” the ropes. This kind of reward builds confidence for your student and gives him attention in a positive light.  Try setting up some time where your student can read to the younger student or even help him in the classroom.

Earn extra time to spend on enjoyable activities. Figure out what your student enjoys and then allow him the chance to earn extra minutes for these special activities.  Perhaps he likes computer games, extra reading time, or learning games inside the classroom.  Worried about how other students are going to react?  A “fair, but not equal” motto is something that students should learn.  Everyone has different needs and may require different tools to be successful in the classroom.

Work towards a private lunch date with a teacher or friend. If attention is a big one for this student maybe a lunch with the teacher will motivate him to follow the rules.  If you don’t sense that eating lunch with you would be much of a reward to the student, maybe he could earn the chance to invite one friend to have a private lunch in the classroom  Something like this often works with students who love the limelight, but feel they are constantly competing for attention, which no doubt is happening in the lunchroom too.

Work towards a “No Homework”  pass. What student wouldn’t jump at the chance to earn a night of freedom from school work?  It could be that this reward is just what your student has been waiting for.

Become a teacher assistant. Most children like to feel needed and important and, based on the information you’ve shared, it is possible that your student would love to be a teacher assistant.  Maybe he’d like to make announcements to the class for the day, which would give him the opportunity to be front and center in a way that is productive for everyone in class.  Or perhaps he’d rather be in charge of special jobs like watering the plants, organizing book shelves or cleaning the wipe boards.  Once again, it is most essential to find out what this child responds to through trial and error.  Best of luck, Melissa!

Answer:
Cardiovascular care is a big field in more ways than one. First of all, the numbers of cardiovascular disease are rising and expected to continue, at least in part due to lifestyle issues in the US population. Secondly, given the needs in this field, there are many and varied opportunities for nurses to make a difference and have rewarding careers. Let’s look at a spectrum of roles ranging from prevention through rehab care.

Prevention

Nurses in primary care and community health settings are in the business of promoting wellness.  Encouraging people to adopt heart healthy nutritional habits, engage in regular exercise, and avoid smoking are among the basic measures in preventing cardiovascular disease.  More specifically, nurses may be involved in identifying at risk communities and populations, setting up screening programs, and implementing preventive measures.  Nurses in primary care help those identified as high risk to understand and uses statins or other medications along with lifestyle changes to lower their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  Interestingly, there is an group for nurses whose specialty is preventive care , the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association.

Acute Care

Acute care of the cardiovascular patient happens in the specialized environment of the the hospital.  Nursing roles include emergency room intervention, cardiac critical care, cardiac catheterization and surgical specialties.  Nurses in these areas develop skills in assessment and intervention techniques, expertise in medications, and the ability to work with patients and families in the crisis situations of cardiac events. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation

With acute care stays shorter and shorter,  excellent care from the cardiac team in the time after a cardiovascular event is increasingly important.  At discharge, nurses help the patient and family to understand the plan of care and to identify obstacles to followup.  Will home care services be needed?  How about transportation to follow up appointments?  Cardiac rehabilitation involves regular monitoring, supervised exercise, and stress test assessment  to reach defined goals.  Patients are adjusting to new medications, so evaluation of efficacy, side effects, and compliance with medication schedules is important.

Within each field and across fields, nurses may also specialize by population group.  Much of cardiovascular disease affects adults and the elderly.  However, pediatric cardiac care nurses work with children who often have congenital heart disease, typically in specialized pediatric facilities and referral centers.

Qualifications 

With an RN license as a starting point, cardiac nurses are also required to keep current certification in Basic Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.  RNs may be certified in cardiac vascular nursing and cardiac rehabilitation nursing after meeting experience and continuing education criteria, and passing a certification exam through the ANCC.  To advance your career in cardiac care specialties, you would be wise to complete a BSN degree.  Advanced practice roles such as clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner require an MSN degree.  Teaching and research positions for nurses in cardiac care may require a nursing doctorate degree, although many nurses in clinical roles also participate in research studies.

Some nurses are perfectly suited for the preventive or rehab roles that involve working over time with invidiuals and families to assess risks and effect change.  Other nurses thrive on the fast paced, high tech, intense atmosphere of the acute care and critical care cardiac units.  All of these roles and skills will be needed in decreasing the incidence of heart disease and improving outcomes, so find the job that is the best fit for you.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art and music but I want to try something different. I have considered becoming a psychologist, though I know it takes a lot of training. I am wondering, what kinds of theories do psychologists study these days? What do psychologists believe– are they mostly still doing that Freudian kind of therapy? If not, what is new in the field? What kind of program should I consider? Sincerely, Martha

Answer:
Dear Martha,

You have asked a lot of different questions here but it sounds as though your primary concern is to make sure that becoming a psychologist is a good career fit for you. First ask yourself: “Why do I want to become a psychologist?” Do you want to help people to grow and to change, to look at and overcome their old patterns for a more fulfilling life? Are you interested in human development and motivation? Do you like learning about theories and applying them? The study of clinical psychology  incorporates all of these issues.

History of psychology

In the beginning of the field, most clinical psychologists did indeed get a more psycho-dynamic training, which means that they were taught to focus on past causes as reasons for current distress. As you mention, this kind of psycho-therapy had a Freudian basis. In fact, there are many programs in psychology that still train clinicians this way.

However, there are many other kinds of training for psychologists as well. Some programs emphasize behavioral models, or existential theories, or offer special courses in neuropsychology. You can choose to specialize in group or family dynamics, to work with organizations, or to follow a mind-body health model. Most doctoral programs of psychology cover a range of theories and treatment approaches, allowing you to pick a particular focus later on in your internship or post-doctoral training.

What psychologists believe

Some principles are core to all psychologists, including the code of ethics. This code emphasizes practicing within one’s area of competence and caring for the patient in a way that no harm is done. Professional boundaries are an important concept as is confidentiality. A client can reasonably expect a psychologist to be licensed, well-trained, competent in the area advertised, and generally ethical.

Next steps

I suggest that you think carefully through what kind of program might be best for you. While a doctorate in psychology is necessary to become a licensed psychologist, you can also become a clinician by getting a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling. Check out the school(s) of your choice carefully by seeing what kinds of courses are offered, what the backgrounds are of the professors, and what the alumni are doing professionally. For instance, a Psy.D. program focuses on practical application, tends to have professors who are active clinically, and has many alumni who are working in the psychology field. Some schools feature a particular theoretical model.

The American Psychological Association can be a good source of information for you as well. You might want to look at their website to get a better sense of options in the field. Good luck with your career planning!

I recently started drawing up a business plan to start my own pet bath business. I’ve looked into financing and have already met with the Small Business Administration, so I feel that I am headed in the right direction. However, I am not much of a marketing person and don’t really know where to start. Could you give me some low-budget ways to promote my business? By the way: I am a bit of an introvert.

Thanks so much for your time!
Marketing introvert

Answer:

Dear Marketing introvert:

Thanks for your message! I’ve seen several do-it-your-self pet bath businesses pop up around my neighborhood, and it sounds like a very promising business model (especially to someone whose dog is always dirty!). I am delighted to hear that you have taken all the necessary steps to draft a proper business plan and are getting outside help to get started. Now, read on for some marketing advice that will help you kick-start your business:

*The internet is your friend. In this millennium, there’s no better way to spread the word about your business in a low-cost way than the internet. Sign up for a free Twitter account and start tweeting about what’s going on in your business. Have some giveaways on Twitter, or give special discounts to your followers. This will also allow you to track how effective your marketing is. Get your business page set up on Facebook and increase your circle of influence by posting valuable content.

*Simple techniques work, too. I am a huge fan of online marketing, but for neighborhood-based businesses like yours, simple strategies can work like a charm as well. Have inexpensive flyers made (check out Vistaprint, my favorite site for marketing materials at low prices) and distribute them at events held at doggie parks, post them on bulletin boards at the grocery store and the ice cream parlor, and even consider putting them on people’s doorsteps — perhaps with a little doggie treat attached to them.

*Join forces. Start thinking about other pet-related businesses that you could approach about joining marketing forces. For instance, a pet photography business would be a natural fit. You could refer business to each other simply by having each other’s flyers available at your respective retail businesses.

*Sponsor an event. Nothing builds goodwill and spreads the word about your services quite like donating to a good cause, whether it’s money or time. It’s always nice to have the name of your business associated with a good cause, and it might get you future customers, too. Consider being a sponsor of a local charity walk, a health fair or supporting any other good cause, whether it’s related to your business or not.

*To learn a bit more about formal marketing strategies that might help you succeed, it’s always a good bet to take a marketing class or two. Many of them are available online, making it easy to fit them into your entrepreneurial schedule.

I wish you much success with your business. Keep me posted and here’s to clean pets and successful small business owners!

Answer:
Most nurses would agree that one of the best things about the nursing profession is the variety of opportunities open to registered nurses.  More and more in today’s health care scenario, those opportunities involve a high degree of specialized knowledge.  Inpatients are sicker, hospital stays are shorter, and outpatient care is also increasingly specialized.  Nurses work in administration, education, and information technology as well as in direct patient care.  Certification is an avenue of recognizing and validating that specialized knowledge and increased skill. 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the largest and most recognized organization that certifies RNs.  The ANCC is affiliated with the American Nurses Association (ANA), and offers certification in 25 specialty areas, as well as certification for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, which require MSN degrees.  It’s important to note that NPs must be certified in order to practice.   RNs, however, practice based on their state nursing license, with certification providing many advantages, but not required.

What are the requirements for taking certification exams?

Requirements vary by specialty.  The nurse is required to have an active RN license.  Some specialties may require a bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher.  Most specialties require the equivalent of 2 years of full time nursing practice, as well as 2000 hours of experience in the specialty field within the last 3 years.  Evidence of continuing education in the specialty area may also be required for eligibility.

What is the certification process?

Once you have become eligible, you can apply to take the certification exam at the ANCC website.  ANCC offers assistance with exam preparation in the form of review courses, books, and test content outlines.  Online study groups are also available.  Testing is offered at hundreds of sites around the United States.  Fees ranged in 2011 from $270 to $395 with the lower fees available to ANA members.  Be sure to find out if your employer has funds to assist with expenses associated with certification. Exams are given in a 3 1/2 hour time frame, consisting of 175 questions.  Results are available as you exit the exam site.  Once you have completed certification in your field, be prepared to renew every 5 years.  Renewal criteria will include evidence of continuing education and practice in your specialty.

What difference will certification make in my career?

Certification allows you to be recognized not only as an RN but also for the experience and continuing education that qualifies you as a specialist in your field.  Your name tag may now read RN-BC, which indicates to patients and professional colleagues that you are board certified.  Certification will advance your career in that managers will see you as someone who is committed to excellence in the nursing profession.  You will also be used as a resource for other nurses, who may look to you as a mentor and preceptor.  Certification shows that you value excellence and that you are interested in continuing to learn, rather than settling into familiar but perhaps outdated routines.

I have a bachelor’s degree and have been working in a human resources department for three years. I would like to get a new career as a coach, maybe a life coach or an executive coach. What are my steps? What kind of education do I need?

Thanks, Deanna

Answer:
Dear Deanna,

Coaching is a fairly new field and it is a fast growing one. It attracts people from all backgrounds, but primarily from psychology, business, social work and human resources. As you point out, there are different kinds of coaching. Of course, we are not speaking of athletic coaching which is a different area. Personal, career, and executive coaching, however, have a lot in common as fields. They focus on a client’s potential, on his or her future life, whether personally or in the workplace.

What sets coaching apart

Coaching is not the same as therapy. Therapists help clients to alleviate symptoms and dysfunctions, often looking to past causes. They generally work with diagnoses and a medical model. Coaching is also different than pure consultation or business advice. Coaches do not come into a session with their own agenda but serve as professionals who help clients move past stuck points towards their goals.

The education of coaches

Because coaching is such a new field, it is still largely unregulated. Business leaders, psychologists, and social workers all enter the field with their own ways of seeing the world. Sometimes a person with no related experience will want to become a coach.

At a minimum, a coach should have a bachelor’s degree although a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a related field would be desirable. For instance, a professional with a master’s in business administration (MBA) or a doctorate in psychology (Ph.D.), could get some extra training for a year or so and become a leadership coach.

Programs specializing in coaching are springing up in universities, colleges, and free-standing schools all around the nation. Some of these programs are even offered on-line or as hybrid courses. There are schools that give master’s degrees in executive coaching and there are also certificate programs offered. In addition, some organizations such as the International Coaching Federation train and certify coaches.

Do coaches need certification?

Presently, certification is still not a requirement to practice coaching. However, this situation is likely to change and just as therapists need to prove competence so will coaches, even if they have a master’s degree in the field. There will be a body of knowledge that personal (life) or executive (leadership) coaches will have to master, as well as obtaining a certain number of hours in hands-on coaching experience. As in clinical work, certified coaches will keep up with continuing education hours.

For now, though, certification is still optional it could be wise to make sure that you are accredited by a reputable organization. There are several organizations that certify coaches including the Center for Credentialing and Education.

Next steps

Do you want to help people reach their potential? Do you like to listen? Are you able to make rapport with all kinds of people? Do you care about helping people to change? If so, coaching indeed might be a good match for you.