Choosing Paths

With an online Associate's degree in Health Care Administration and Management you will be qualified to apply to positions in Health Practitioner's Offices, Health Care Centers, Clinics, Hospitals and Assist Medical Case Worker's or Occupational Health Counselors. Not to mention that you would be well on your way to earning a Bachelor's degree.

It is essential that you are clear on whether you should pursue a Vocational or Transfer Associate's degree program. In a vocational program you will be learning specific skills for your profession, but the credits are not transferable. In a Transfer program you maintain your ability to apply those 60 or so credits to a Bachelor's degree down the road.

A sample of course that will aid in your attaining your Educational and Career goals with an online Health Care Administration and Management Associate's degree are:

• Law and Ethics in Health Services, Accounting and Statistics
• Medical Terminology and Billing Procedures
• Public Policy
• Business Management Techniques
• Medical Transcription
• Computer Courses

An online Associate's degree in Medical Assisting will set you on the road to a Bachelor's degree if you choose, but be aware of the differences in the two types of programs: vocational and transfer. Vocational programs build specific profession skills but credits do not transfer.

Transfer programs are the stepping-stone to a Bachelor's degree and you might be able to apply some or all of the credits earned toward general education requirements.

• Medical and Dental Coding
• Medical and Dental Terminology
• Law and Ethics In Medicine and Dentistry
• Clinic Procedures and Practices

An online Medical and Dental Associate's degree can open doors for you to entry level positions like; dental assistant, working in a Nursing Home, within Home Health Care Industry or for a Medical Group Practice. Gain firm footing in the basics of the field while earning your online Medical and Dental Associate's degree:

• Medical and Dental Coding
• Medical and Dental Terminology
• Law and Ethics In Medicine and Dentistry
• Clinic Procedures and Practices

While earning an online Medical and Dental Associate's degree you just might finish in less time than the tradition student with on-campus courses who usually completes 60 credits in two years. Another bonus is the freedom of schedule that online flexibility gives you.

Furthering your education with an online Medical and Dental Associate's degree will not only nurture your professional communication skills, but give you an understanding of medical claims processing, the smooth functioning of a professional health care office and strategies for being an outstanding member of a health services agency.

• Law enforcement is one of the basic functions of the criminal justice system, and is a function of government agencies ranging from the local police to the FBI. Law enforcement degree programs focus on the prevention of crime and apprehension of suspects, and provide a broad understanding of the criminal justice system at all levels.
• Criminal Investigations is one of the most critical tasks in law enforcement. These degree programs focus on topics such as crime scene management, forensic evidence analysis, witness and suspect interrogation and computer forensics.

If you currently work in the criminal justice system, an Associate's degree will enhance your qualifications for more specialized positions and supervisory roles. If you want to make a career transition into criminal justice, an Associate's degree will differentiate you as an applicant for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, insurance investigation and private security.

Associate's degrees are either transfer or vocational degrees. If you want your credits to be apply toward a Bachelor's degree, make sure that you choose an Associate's program that offers a transfer degree. If your goal is to acquire specific job skills and you don-t need the credits to be transferable, a vocational or profession Associate's degree may be your best choice.

An online Crime Scene Associate's degree would set you up for entry level employment in; Crime Scene Technician, Law Enforcement Professional, Creime Scene Specialist or Forensic Science Technician and could turn you on to the course for a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or another field of your choosing.

An education with an online Crime Scene Associate's degree will enhance your professional communication and provide you with the skills necessary to; understand scientific principles and procedures to solve problems logically, and conduct valid testing with proper documentation.

Not only will you be able to take advantage of a more flexible schedule for your school work but you just might be able to finish your online Associate's degree in Crime Scene more quickly than the traditional student with on-campus courses who normally takes about two years.

With a solid training in the essentials, an online Crime Scene Associate's degree will include:

• Biology
• Crime Scene Evidence
• Introduction to Investigation
• Crime Scene Analysis
• Forensics
• Scientific Methodology

In addition to providing general business skills, these online Associate's degree programs focus on specific topics and skills applicable to HR administration in business, government and nonprofit organizations, such as:

• Personnel recruitment and retention
• Team building
• Organizational psychology
• Principles of employee compensation and benefits
• Labor law
• Records management

Graduates with an Associate's degree in Human Resources may qualify for such entry-level positions as: Human Resources Representative, Benefits Administrator, Personal Records Administrator, HR Coordinator and a variety of other positions.

Associate's degrees are either transfer or vocational degrees. If you want your credits to be apply toward a Bachelor's degree, make sure that you choose an Associate's program that offers a transfer degree. If your goal is to acquire specific job skills and you don-t need the credits to be transferable, a vocational or profession Associate's degree may be your best choice.

Online Associate's degree programs in Human Resources are designed for working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility and want to complete their degree in less time than is usually required for on-campus programs.

With an online Associate’s degree in IT Management you can be prepared for hire in entry level positions like; Information Systems Manager, Research Coordinator or working in Internet Operations or Network Security, plus get you on track for getting a Bachelor’s degree in this field or others. With transfer Associate’s degree you could apply your credits toward the general education requirements for a Bachelor’s degree.

An Information Technology Management Associate’s degree education will give you a firm introduction to the field in these topical areas:

• Computer and Networking Design
• Basic Programming Concepts
• Business Strategies in Programming
• Develop Functional Software Applications

You will be more capable with job skills such as: software development technologies and industry related software development tools, with an online Associate’s degree in Information Technology Management and enhance your professional communication.

An online Associate's degree can qualify you for entry level positions such as cartoon animator, multimedia artist, storyboard creator for TV commercials and computer games creator. Not to mention putting you on track for earning a Bachelor's degree in these or other jobs.

Get a solid introduction to these professional opportunities with an online Associate's degree in Animation with topical education in:

• Computer Systems and Typography
• Design Basics and Drawing
• Digital Publishing for Print and Graphics
• Digital Video Production
• Geometry

In addition to giving you skills that can help you communicate more effectively with supervisors, co-workers and other professionals, an online Associate's degree in Animation will enable you to gain familiarity with Software Programs such as; Adobe Flash, Premier, Illustrator, After Effects Final Cut Pro and Quicktime.

It is important to keep in mind that there are two types of Associate's degrees and the appropriate accredited college or university will assist you in finding out which one is best for you. The two types are transfer and vocational. In a transfer Associate's degree program you will have the option of using some or all of your 60 or so earned credits toward a Bachelor's degree in the future. Some programs will allow you to apply those credits toward general education requirements. However, in a vocational Associate's degree program you will acquire specialized job skills and do not plan to need those credits to be transferable to another program.

Working on your online Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia will give you a solid introductions through these course topics:

• Drawing and Painting
• Computer Programming
• Page Layout and Typesetting
• Two-Dimensional Design and Page Composition
• Computer Illustration and Digital Technologies
• Art History

Earning an online Associate’s degree will give you the job skills you need with training in creative print methods, computer software and fine arts mediums as well as developing effective communication to be used with your supervisors, co-workers and other Graphic Design professionals.

It is important to be sure of the type of Associate’s degree program you are entering, either vocational or transfer. With a vocational program you will gain skills you need for your profession, with a transfer program you will be able to move on with your education to a Bachelor’s degree level if you choose.

You will receive a solid introduction to this field with an Associate’s degree in Web Development and Design with course subjects such as:

• Drawing and Design
• Visual Image Manipulation
• Interactive Design
• Graphics Design and Animation
• Color Theory
• Writing for Media
• Computer Applications

An online Associate’s degree in Web Development and Design will give you the skills you need to use software to integrate text, sound, images, animation and video.

Important: You should be aware of the two types of Associate’s degree, vocational and transfer. The vocational degree will build your professional skills within Web Development and Design. With a transfer degree you can choose to transfer your earned credits, usually 60 credits, into a Bachelor’s degree program. In addition, you may be able to use those credits toward general education requirements for a BA or BS degree.

Wine Appreciation
This course introduces students to terminology and principles used in the wine industry. Focus will be on names and characteristics of grape varietals, differences between Old World and New World wines, qualities and characteristics of Old World wines, and principles of wine and food pairing. In addition, students will cover a brief overview of other alcoholic beverages, including beer and distilled liquors. Many classes will include a tasting of four to eight wines so students may experience the flavors, bodies, and aromas that appear in different wines.

Catering
This course introduces the skills needed to manage both on-premise and off-premise catering operations. Subject matter includes marketing and sales, recipe costing, menu development, kitchen and dining room layouts, staff requirements and cooking and serving skills particular to catered events.

Presentation & Plate Design
This course focuses on traditional and contemporary plate and platter presentations as well as buffet presentations. Students will prepare to meet the exacting standards of the industry through competitions, both in-house and national. Domestic and international standards will be introduced as they apply to upper level chef positions.

American Regional Cuisine
This course introduces the production of American regional cuisine dishes through a focus on various cooking methods, food textures, flavor combinations, and plate presentations.

Culinary Skills Externship
This course provides students with the skills needed to succeed in a culinary environment. The student will have an opportunity to work in an actual restaurant setting. Working in an actual food service environment will afford a student the necessary skills for success.

Fundamentals of Baking
This course examines the preparation and production methods for baking. It includes bake shop layout, work flow, and equipment; theory and production of yeast breads; theory and production of quick breads; theory and production of cakes and cookies; production of fruit, pudding and custard pies; production of puff pastry and pate choux items.

Pastry Arts
This class focuses on techniques and fundamentals of classical and contemporary plated desserts, cake decorating, sorbets and mousses.

Nutrition and Menu Planning
This course provides the basics of nutrition and application of the basics in the food service industry. Topics include preparation methods, modification of recipes using alternative preparation methods and ingredient substitutions to lower fat and salt content, and application of the principles of Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Also included are seasonal menus with emphasis on diverse vegetarian dishes and low-fat, low-cholesterol entrees.

Dining Room Service
This course develops the skills of the future dining room server and creates a common language between the dining room and the kitchen for future chefs. Through theoretical and practical application of table service, students will gain an appreciation of the elements of the front of the house.

International Cuisine
This course exposes students to the preparation of international dishes made in the traditional manner. French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Asian, Slavic, German, and Portuguese cuisine will be covered. Emphasis is placed classroom production, cooking techniques, mise en place, and presentation.

Product Preservation Technology
This course introduces students to the growing field of packaging and preservation of food. Students will view preservation procedures both from the consumer's perspective, discussing pros and cons of using pre-prepared foods, and from the producer's perspective. Students will learn the technology and techniques for preparing irradiated, sous vide, cyrovac, frozen, freeze-dried, and oven-dried foods. In addition, students will gain hands-on experience using one or more of these techniques.

A la Carte Production
This course provides the students with the practical skills and knowledge to work in an a la carte production kitchen. Students will rotate through several kitchen stations to refine previously acquired cooking skills. Students will develop a menu and produce menu items. Students will design, produce, and serve a weekly menu around a specific theme.

Chocolate & Sugar Arts
This course introduces students to the art of working with chocolate and sugar. Topics include chocolate, tempering, cutting shapes, transfer sheets, display pieces, candies, and sugar doughs. Students will be exposed to the idea of sugar as art covering techniques in poured sugar, pulled sugar and spun sugar.

Purchasing and Receiving
This course examines the basic aspects of procurement within the foodservice industry. Topics include ordering, menu forecasting, and delivery schedules. The course also introduces receiving, proper storage and handling techniques, and inspections of deliveries and invoices. Students will learn basics of electronic purchasing, inventory controls, FIFO, security, legal and ethical aspects of procurement and resources available in the industry.

Hospitality Computer Applications
This course explores several computer applications that would assist a manager in the use of spreadsheets, computer ordering systems, menu layout and design. It also introduces the use of Internet materials and resources useful in the hospitality industry.

Culinary Theory
This course focuses on basic food service sanitation practices, discussion of selected topics On Cooking and Internet research of related culinary topics. Students will prepare for a nationally administered sanitation examination.

Introduction to Cooking Techniques
This course examines the basic aspects of fruit and vegetable preparation including salads, cold sauces, and dressing. The fundamental aspects of breakfast cookery are also introduced.

Garde Manger
This course examines the advanced aspects of garde manger and includes hor d'oeuvres, sandwich presentation and the basics of ice carving.

Sauces, Soups & Stocks
This course introduces production methods for sauces and stock production. It includes basic stocks and soups, reduction and clarification of stocks and the five leading and small sauces. Also included are the three main categories of soups and their production and the basics of meat fabrications.

Elements of Entrée Production
This course examines the various aspects of a la carte and production cooking skills with a focus on the principal cooking methods.