Online schooling is becoming more and more popular because it allows individuals to keep their current job to continue paying their bills, but also go back to school during their free time to earn their degree. Returning to school for a degree, another degree, or even just professional certification can be a daunting time commitment, made easier by online programs. Health care programs are also becoming more popular as the demand for such professionals increases and the careers prove to have stable long-term opportunities.
Instructions
1. Research the career first. Many online programs are not entirely honest about what it will take to make it in your chosen career after completing a training program. Look at the programs offered in traditional training locations like community colleges so that you have something to compare online courses to. Look up job postings for the career and see what employers in your area are looking for. It may be acceptable in some places to only have a certificate when associate and bachelor degrees are available, but in other areas, employers might require a degree. Get a good feel for the field you're looking into so you'll be able to judge the online schools more accurately.
2. Research the programs. There are a lot of online schools available, but there are also a lot of scams on the Internet. EKG technicians should be eligible to sit for a certification exam upon completion of their training program, but that is only allowed if the training program is accredited. Do not assume that just because a school is offering an EKG technician training program, it is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, or JRC-CVT. If you have doubts about their accreditation, or something seems amiss, contact the JRC-CVT to verify whether it is an approved school.
3. Complete the coursework at the rate assigned by your instructors. Some programs are self-paced and you can take as much time as needed to get through them, but other programs are as rigorous as a classroom setting with firm deadlines for your work and an allotted time in which you must complete the program. Know what you're getting into before you sign up and make sure it will work with your life.
You may also be able to choose a specialization outside of the standard studies, depending on the program you choose to enroll in. There are various specialties for EKG technicians, including noninvasive or invasive cardiovascular, noninvasive vascular, and other cutting-edge technologies that you should at least be aware of.
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