Special education teachers are responsible for helping gifted students and students with disabilities to achieve their utmost potential in educational settings. If you have always had a desire to help others to overcome challenges and meet their goals then you might be asking, “How do I become a special education teacher.” If you have asked yourself this question before, then read on to discover how you can make your dream come true.

What’s it like to be a special education teacher?
Special education teachers work with young children and adults with varying skills and abilities. They must be flexible and able to work with a variety of other supportive people in their student’s life such as therapists, families and other teachers. They have also worked hard to become a special education teacher, knowing that remaining up to date on the latest research will help the students that they teach. Depending upon their student’s abilities, special education teachers develop and carry out lesson plans designed to facilitate learning and foster independent living skills. Special education teachers can specialize in behavioral, learning and physical disabilities. Many special education teachers also focus on content mastery in the areas of reading and math. Special education teachers can be found working in schools, daycares and adult education centers.

What are the education requirements?
The education requirements for a special education teacher will depend upon several factors. First, the age range of students that a prospective special education teacher would like to teach will play a role in what degree plan should be followed. If you are interested in working with young children, then a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or elementary age education should be earned in order to become a special education teacher. Teachers who would prefer working with older children or adults should pursue a bachelor’s degree in either the subject that they would like to teach or in an education field. Many universities and colleges also offer degrees that are specifically in special education.

Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree in an education related field, then it is important to follow the state’s requirements for special education teacher certification in your area. These requirements typically specify how many hours of student teaching are needed along with any tests that are required to be passed in order to become a special education teacher. Depending upon the area of specialization that you have selected, most schools also offer additional post-graduate programs that offer certificates in areas such as learning and behavioral disorders that will certify you to be able to become a special education teacher. Most public and private schools strive to hire the most highly educated special education teachers possible so pursuing the best degree to fit your needs is the key to success in the education system.

What is the career outlook for special education teachers?
Special education careers are currently in high demand in both public and private education systems. People that have completed a degree program to become a special education teacher can find positions working in any geographical area and in a variety of educational environments. The average starting salary for a special education teacher is between $35,000 and $50,000. Many schools offer a pay schedule that accounts for years of experience and school district loyalty. Volunteering at a school program and student teaching are two of the best ways to gain experience while going to school to become a special education teacher.

Most public schools are outfitted with professional, caring individuals who act as counselors for the many students who attend the school. Because students, especially young children, are constantly adjusting to the pressures at school and at home, it is important for schools to have qualified counselors available to help children deal with their changing lives. School counselors have rewarding careers, but you may be wondering, “How do I become a school counselor?”

What’s It Like to be a School Counselor?

If you hope to become a school counselor, you must first evaluate whether or not this career path is right for you. School counselors do not make as much money as professional psychiatrists, psychologists, or marriage and family therapists with their own practices. Because school counselors are considered to be government employees, their hours are often long and their pay less than desirable. The reasons why individuals decide to be school counselors have nothing to do with money or recognition. Instead, school counselors are concerned with helping children and parents through difficult life moments.

Education Requirements

To work as a school counselor, a student must receive a Master’s degree in psychology, psychiatry, or marriage and family therapy. Dealing with the mind is a very complex and complicated field of study. It is important to receive a thorough education from an accredited institution of learning. Many schools will not accept applicants who have received their counseling education online. If you want to become a school counselor, you must be sure to select an accredited institution of learning with a reputation of matching their students with jobs upon graduation.

In addition to a Master’s degree, school counselors must receive their counseling credentials before they can begin work. Often, an accredited institution of learning will help students receive their credentials as a part of the Master’s degree program. If your school does not offer this service, you will be responsible for receiving your credentials on your own. Thankfully, most schools do not require any previous work-related experience or on-the-job training for school counselors. After an individual receives his or her degree and credentials, that person can immediately begin applying to become a school counselor.

Salary and Job Hunting

Because the job scenario for school counselors is projected to grow in the next twenty years at an above average rate, it may be easier for you to become a school counselor if you begin your education now. School counselors are finding their services needed more and more as the educational system becomes increasingly difficult for many children to cope with. A school counselor can expect to make more than $50,000 a year if hired as a salaried employee. However, some school systems only hire counselors on a part time basis. In these instances, school counselors may work at several different schools throughout the week, rotating from one school to the next to spread their services over a wider area. An hourly paid school counselor will likely make at least $25 per hour in the public school system. There is a need for private school counselors, and these counselors may be able to secure a higher salary and more consistent work hours.

Nurses have long been associated with caring, helpful individuals who strive to provide personal care and attention to patients and families. Because hospitals are often large and impersonal, a kind and attentive registered nurse can make all the difference. Perhaps you have had a positive experience with a registered nurse and are wondering, “How do I become a registered nurse?”

What’s It Like To Be A Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse will work long hours throughout his or her career. Registered nurses are responsible for many different tasks at a hospital, and these varied tasks are quite demanding on a nurse’s schedule and life. Registered nurses may be responsible for answering the phones at a hospital and taking messages, organizing patient files, acting as an intermediary between patients and families, performing routine tests, cleaning long-term care patients, or setting up patient visits. Within the community, registered nurses often participate in public education seminars, assist with mobile blood banks, or act as educational resources.

Education Requirements

There are three basic roadways that an individual can take when attempting to become a registered nurse. Many students today opt to become a registered nurse by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This course is the longest, but it often provides the most job opportunities after graduation. Some students choose to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing. An associate’s degree takes about half the time when compared to a bachelor’s degree. Other students attempt to become a registered nurse by participating in a certification course. This coursework is often very intensive and takes place over the course of just a few weeks. Regardless of the education you receive, registered nurses must take a national nursing examination before they can be hired and work in a hospital or doctor’s office.

Nursing is a field of continuing education. Registered nurses must often complete coursework, attend seminars, and receive certification in medical subject matter while they are employed. Because the medical field and responsibilities of registered nurses is changing so rapidly, these continuing education courses are necessary. A registered nurse may have to pursue many different avenues of education at once, but this education serves to make him or her a better nurse.

Salary and Job Hunting

Because registered nurses are so crucial to the efficient function of a hospital or physician’s office, the job outlook and salary outlook for registered nurses is projected to grow rapidly. If you hope to become a registered nurse, you can expect a median salary of about $60,000. Additionally, the number of registered nursing jobs in this country is projected to grow by nearly twenty percent in the next ten years. This data shows that highly qualified and well-educated registered nurses should have no trouble securing a job position after their training has been completed.

Many accredited post-secondary institutions will help their students find jobs in the field after graduation. You can talk to the Dean of the nursing department at your college or university to inquire about job placement programs and hiring percentages of students that have attended the same program you will be attending. With assistance, registered nurses will have few difficulties finding jobs.

If you are asking yourself “how do I become a psychiatrist?” there are many things that you need to learn about this interesting and engaging career. A psychiatrist is a medical professional who works with people in need with regards to their mental health, and it might be the ideal career for you.

When you want to become a psychiatrist, the first thing that you need consider is the job itself. This position brings you into contact with people with mental disorders, which may range from mild to the dangerously severe. As a psychiatrist, you will be called upon to counsel the people who are meeting with you, providing them with support and guidance. As a medical professional, you may prescribe drugs were needed and order medical diagnostic tests if you feel it is a appropriate. Your end goal is to help others towards a richer and more fulfilling life through helping them find solutions.

If you want to become a psychiatrist, you’ll find that you have a great deal of training and schooling in front of you. At the most basic level, you need to finish four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of medical school. After that you, you will need to serve an internship and a residency at a hospital or clinic. When you want to become a psychiatrist, it is often helpful to volunteer in hospitals or free counseling clinics in your city. Some people volunteer throughout their education, something which helps them stand out when they are applying for a residency.

Besides the schooling, you must also undergo a national exam in your area of expertise, after which, you will be allowed to apply for a license in the state where you intend to practice. Not only do you have to go through a fair amount of training, your residency and your internship are places where you need to develop a feel for casework and how to deal with people. This is an intensely high-contact, people-focused career, and it is not for everyone. Gaining certification as psychiatrist is something that is very challenging, and it requires perseverance and patience.

When you want to become a psychiatrist, it is important to know what life as a psychiatrist is like. The median salary is around 180,000 dollars per year, and the outlook for these positions is very good. While many psychiatrists move to private practice, they often start with jobs in established firms or hospitals. Working at an established location is often considered essential for a psychiatrist who is just starting out. When looking for a job as a psychiatrist, past volunteer work can be very fruitful when it comes to looking up contacts. There are many job opportunities for people with a psychiatric background, especially if they are willing to work in the public sector.

The type of work that a psychiatrist can do varies greatly; in many ways, it will depend on your interests. Some psychiatrists choose to specialize in certain portions of the population; other psychiatrists chose to work with law enforcement and lawyers as professional witnesses. The range of opportunity available in this type of career is vast.

The United States legal system is a complicated and ever-changing field. There are thousands of job opportunities at legal firms and establishments throughout the country. A job as a paralegal can be a great way to boost your career potential, but you may be wondering, “How do I become a paralegal?”

What’s It Like To Be A Paralegal?

If you want to become a paralegal, you must prepare yourself for hard work, long hours, and a grueling pace. Paralegals at large law firms may frequently work more than sixty hours each week. The reason why paralegals are willing to work these extra hours is that hard work and dedication often pay off. Paralegals exist to support the lawyers in a firm. They may help to draft important documents, organize file systems, plan meetings with important clients, or even do significant research on approaching cases. A paralegal must have good organizational skills, good research skills, and excellent communication skills. Paralegals, through the combination of their education and their work experience, will learn a great deal about the United States legal system.

Education Requirements

If you want to become a paralegal, you will most likely need to receive some form of education past high school. Now, this education does not necessarily have to end in the reception of a bachelor’s degree. Many paralegals find work after receiving an associate’s degree or even after participating in a simple certification program. To become a paralegal does not necessarily require hours and hours of post-secondary education.

It is important, however, to remember that many paralegals hope to one day become lawyers with practices of their own. For this to happen, paralegals will need to receive a bachelor’s degree and then go on to attend an accredited law program. Some paralegals choose to begin work with just an associate’s degree and then use online programs to finish achieving a bachelor’s degree. Other paralegals complete their education in stages. If you simply do not have the time, energy, or money available to go to school full time, a certification program for paralegals may be your best option. It is crucial to find out which firms and practices accept paralegals who have only completed certification courses. Large law firms with competitive hiring processes may not accept paralegal applicants with any education lower than a bachelor’s degree. Still, certified paralegals will have an abundance of options available to them.

Salary and Job Hunting

The salary you receive as a paralegal will likely depend on the size and history of the firm at which you are employed as well as the education you have received. These two items are connected, as a higher education will improve your job prospects. Hourly paralegals can expect to earn more than $20 per hour. Salary-paid paralegals often earn between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. Paralegals also often receive a wide range of health benefits and investment opportunities.

To become a paralegal, you must interview at many different firms. There are paralegal job opportunities throughout the country. You can check the American Bar Association website for job offer postings at highly qualified and reputable law firms and legal agencies.

There are a lot of good reasons to become a lawyer. Many lawyers earn top salaries and are well-respected in their communities. Several U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, went to law school. If this job sounds right for you, then you may be wondering, “How do I become a lawyer?”

First, it may help to learn what lawyers actually do on the job. Whether lawyers are employed by a large corporation, work for the government, or operate their own law firm, they help clients with questions or problems that involve laws. They do this by giving advice, interpreting laws for their clients, and representing clients in criminal or civil court proceedings. Lawyers generally work in offices most of the time, where they research laws about their clients’ cases and prepare legal documents, but they may also travel to clients’ offices, courts, and jails. Many lawyers put in long hours, working 60 or 70 hours weekly.

It takes years of schooling to become a lawyer. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. It’s also important to get top grades in order to be accepted to law school. You can study any subject, but most pre-law students major in political science, history, or English to prepare for the competitive atmosphere in most law schools. In your last year of college, you must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and send the scores to all law schools to which you apply.

After three years of law school, you’ll earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Your coursework will include general classes that apply to all areas of the law, and you’ll have an opportunity to choose electives that focus on a particular area, such as environmental law, family law, or immigration law. After graduation, the next step is to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to work in order to become a lawyer licensed to practice law in that state. Most students spend several months preparing for this crucial exam, and many take it more than once before passing it.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for lawyers in May, 2010, was $112,760. However, this can vary widely depending on what type of legal job you have and its location. Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas, in large corporations, and in law firms that work primarily with wealthy clients. Rural areas, small law practices, and legal aid offices have lower salary ranges.

Finding a job after you become a lawyer can be challenging, too. Lawyers are employed by corporations such as manufacturing and insurance companies, at the local, state, and national levels of government, and in large and small law firms. Many law students find internships during their summer breaks in private or government law offices, which may lead to a permanent job later, especially if you want to specialize in that office’s type of law. In addition, law school career offices will have a schedule of recruiters from law firms and corporations looking for promising new lawyers.

Forensic pathology is a subfield of pathology that concentrates on determining that cause of death of a human being. A forensic pathologist is a medical professional that offer their services to the legal field to determine the cause of death for legal cases. Due to the increased popularity of criminal investigation, more and more individuals often ask, “How do I become a forensic pathologist?”

Recommended Forensic Programs

1. Kaplan University – BSCJ Crime Scene Investigation
2. American InterContinental University – BSCJ Forensic Science
3. Kaplan University – BSCJ Forensic Psychology

What it is Like to Be a Forensic Pathologist?

A forensic pathologist examines deceased bodies in various conditions such as recent deaths to decomposed specimens. The most important task is performing an autopsy to determine what caused the death of the individual. The cause of death is categorized into two forms: proximate cause of death, which is the initial incident that lead to the series of events that led to the death and immediate cause of death, the injury or medical condition that finally led to the death of the person. A forensic pathologist must also determine the manner of death, if it was from natural causes, accidental, self-inflicted, or homicide. Other responsibilities include analyzing sample tissues, collecting evidence for special evaluation, and acting as a witness in legal proceedings. An important thing to remember if an individual is seeking to become a forensic pathologist is it is not a career for individuals who are squeamish or have a weak stomach.

Education Requirements to Become a Forensic Pathologist

To education requirements to become a forensic pathologist is very long and rigorous, taking at least 13 years of higher education to become board certified to practice. An individual must first complete a bachelor’s degree in any field, but it is important to understand that medical school requires certain classes such as chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology. Medical school is typically four years and results in a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Some medical schools offer forensic pathology elective courses, particularly institutions that have forensic anthropology departments. During medical school, students learn how to deal with families in a sensitive manner

A three to five year residency training in anatomic, clinical, or forensic pathology follows medical school. After completion of medical school and pathology residency, aspiring forensic pathologists must complete a one-year specialty training program in forensic pathology at an approved medical facility such as medical examiners office. This specialty training provides a legal background as well as advanced study on autopsies and determining the cause of death. Forensic pathologists must also pass a board examination to become licensed to practice.

Salary and Job Aspects

Indeed.com states as of June 2012, the average annual salary for forensic pathologists is $169,000. Exact annual salaries will vary greatly on geographical area, employer, experience, and level of responsibility. For individuals who wish to become a forensic pathologist, there are a variety of job options such as private crime laboratories, private group practices, federal or local government organizations, universities, hospitals and coroner’s offices. Individuals who have recently graduated typically start out as general forensic pathologists in hospitals or state controlled facilities and those with experience and demonstrated skills may move up to chief consultants or chief medical examiners in private group practices or other organizations.

In a rapidly changing post- 9/11 world, demand for national security professionals remains high. Immigration officers play a vital role in protecting the nation’s borders and enforcing the legal immigration system. For those wondering, “how do I become an immigration officer?” the path begins with US citizenship and a clean background, supported by education in a related field.

Recommended Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

1. Kaplan University – BS in Criminal Justice
2. Walden University – B.S. in Criminal Justice – Crime and Criminals

Immigration officers work with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as local government and social services as needed to protect US interests at home and abroad. An immigration officer might work at border checkpoints, in the field to detain illegal immigrants, or in airports or other points of entry. Qualification to become an immigration officer includes physical fitness, good judgment, and, in some positions, computer or forensics experience. Additional languages are a plus as well.

Although it is possible to become an immigration officer in some areas with a high school diploma or associate’s degree, those with a bachelor’s degree are better prepared for the demands of the job. A bachelor of science in areas such as criminal justice with concentrations such as Homeland Security or Policing, international law, political science or even social services can provide the necessary background to become an immigration officer. Bachelor’s degree holders can also continue their studies on the Masters or even the Doctoral level for additional career opportunities such as research and policy setting, agency management and teaching.

Coursework appropriate for a career in immigration can include classes in criminal or international law, political science, topics in sociology, multicultural studies or psychology. Criminal justice courses in areas such as forensics, computer technology and corrections can also be helpful. Foreign languages can improve career prospects as well. Because many immigration officers are posted at checkpoints on the Mexican border, Spanish skills are valuable, but any proficiency in a second language can open doors in the field of immigration enforcement.

A degree in a related field is only the first step to become an immigrations officer. Once hired, new officers must complete a 9-week on the job training program provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. This training emphasizes practical fieldwork, preparing students to use good judgment and decision-making skills in a variety of sometimes-risky job situations. Once students have completed this training, they are assigned a rate of pay and a work location based on their interests and qualifications.

Salaries for new hires in immigration vary depending on location and job duties, but generally fall between $47,000 and $60,000 annually. As federal employees, immigration officers also have access to healthcare, leave and retirement plans. Immigration officers are also encouraged to return to school for additional education, funded by a program intended to support officers needing to complete degree requirements or adding qualifications in additional areas.

Qualified immigrations officers can work in variety of locations in the United States, and those with degrees in fields such as criminal law or corrections may also work abroad, representing the United States’ immigration policies in a variety of areas beyond national borders. With a variety of career options at home and abroad and demand for qualified professionals on the rise, preparing to become an immigrations officer can be the first step to a long-term and stable career.

Many exciting television and movie productions show the exciting world of the FBI. While watching these shows, you might have wondered what real FBI Agents do each day. You might have even asked yourself, “How do I become an FBI Agent?” With the right skills and education, you can pursue a career as an FBI Agent.

Work as An FBI Agent

FBI Agents are trained in a number of fields dedicated to preserving the security of the United States. Agents may deal with Internet crimes, domestic terrorism, civil rights violations, bribery, drug-trafficking and many other challenging situations. It’s rare to have a dull day at the office. Agents split their time between office and field work. Every day as an FBI Agent may bring entirely new and unfamiliar problems. If you wish to become an FBI Agent, you need to have the skills and attitude to handle this non-traditional job.

Education and other Requirements

To become an FBI Agent, you must possess a four-year degree from a university recognized by the United States Secretary of Education. The FBI requires certain degrees or experience to meet the qualifications of one of the five Entry Programs. The five Entry Programs are Accounting, Computer Science, Language, Law and Diversified.

The Accounting Program requires CPA certification or a four-year accounting degree with significant experience. Graduates with computer science or electrical engineering degrees may apply for the Computer Science Program. Those with certain Cisco certifications and a four-year degree may also apply for the Computer Science Program. Students with degrees and proficiency in a qualifying foreign language may apply for the Language Program. Qualifying languages include Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and many more. Those interested in the Law Program must have a Juris Doctor degree from a law school. Finally, college graduates with other degrees and three years of additional work experience may apply for the Diversified Program.

All applicants wishing to become an FBI Agent must be United States citizens between the ages of 23 and 37. Additionally, you must meet certain physical fitness requirements and pass an extensive background check.

Geting the Job and the Salary

The FBI requires a series of applications and tests before you can become an FBI Agent. If you successfully pass these tests, you will be hired based on a priority system that depends on what special skills are most in demand. You can increase your chance to get the job quicker by having experience in these special fields, which may include the military, foreign languages, and more.

The FBI assigns new agents into five different divisions: Intelligence, Counterintelligence, Cyber, Counterterrorism and Criminal. Each of these divisions has their own duties. The Intelligence division analyzes and researches security threats. Agents in Counterintelligence specialize in preserving the United States intelligence community. Cyber FBI Agents defend the country against computer attacks. Counterterrorism Agents work on detecting domestic terrorist cells. The Criminal division focuses on tracking violent and financial crimes.

FBI Agents make about $50,000 a year while training at the FBI Academy. After the Academy, most agents can expect to make about $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how do I become a zoologist, then you must certainly be interested in the fields of science and in learning about animals. Working with animals and helping them live healthier and happier lives is one of the most rewarding pursuits a person can strive for.

A zoologists day on the job will rarely ever be routine. Depending on where a zoologist works, whether in a University in a teaching capacity, or in a zoo or museum, or for government agencies that specialize in wildlife conservation, the daily routine will always be varied.

Although the jobs are very different, one similar aspect is that zoologists will usually spend a part of their time doing research. Exploring animal diseases and various facets of animal behavior requires different types of research activities. Duties will be divided according to the type of animal species being studied.

To become a zoologist, students will need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a science or zoology field. Ones major focus of study should be on zoology if a student plans to stop after they have earned a bachelor’s degree. Traditionally, bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees have both been available to become a zoologist, and it is often recommended to choose the bachelor of science degree. The bachelor of science degree offers the student more options upon graduation.

Most colleges that offer programs to become a zoologist offer basic programs including classroom study and science laboratory study. Once a student receives a bachelor’s degree, they can decide if they want to move forward in a certain specialty and receive a graduate degree. A graduate degree is required if a person wishing to become a zoologist wants to go into specific scientific research fields. Master’s degrees usually require an extra two years to earn, and some choose to go further than that by earning a doctorate degree.

The level of education needed will depend on the specific career field a prospective zoologist is interested in entering. A program that includes some fieldwork is always a great choice, giving students a competitive edge over those that don’t have this added experience.

Zoologists employed by government can normally expect a salary range of $61,000 to $75,000. Those zoologists working in large cities and in more highly visible positions and in positions with higher levels of responsibility can sometimes make over $100,000.

The employment outlook for zoologists is positive, with future increases expected due to factors such as desiring to help protect the environment. Advances being made today in biotechnology fields also factor in to the future employment outlook for zoologists. A zoologist can expect to work in a variety of positions from teaching to research to caring for animals in zoos or wildlife care facilities.

Some become wildlife rehabilitation specialists, while others become involved in research to help achieve a better life span for animals and in biomedical research to understand disease processes in animals. Job opportunities are as varied as the many species of animals that can potentially be studied. A career focused on becoming a zoologist is an admirable and exciting endeavor.