One of the first major tasks could be deciding which college to attend — but choosing the right school, program, or degree can be an overwhelming process when there are so many factors to consider.

To help guide your decision-making, here are some things to keep in mind when determining which school is right for you.

School environment 

As a missionary fresh from the field, it’s critical to maintain your relationship with God as you re-enter everyday life. Look for a college that aligns with your standards, so you can stay on firm spiritual footing as you advance toward a career.

Social aspect

In addition to maintaining your relationship with God, it’s important to cultivate healthy relationships with your peers and fellow classmates.

During difficult and uncertain times, it can be helpful to have someone who understands what you’re going through. At LDS Business College, many students are returned missionaries from all over the world, so you will quickly find others who share the common bond of missionary service.

Value for your investment 

There are several questions you should ask yourself when you’re considering different colleges and degrees. 

First, research scholarships and financial aid options. Some colleges offer opportunities specifically for returned missionaries. 

Think about how many semesters are required to get your degree, and how marketable that degree will be at graduation. Look for a program that possibly includes internships, apprenticeships, or other opportunities to network with professional contacts.

The connections you make and the experience you gain in college will have a profound impact on the professional opportunities you have after graduation. Jobvite’s 2018 Job Seeker Nation study found that 35% of professionals secured their current or most recent job through a professional connection.

Focus on market-ready skills 

According to an article by the American Psychological Association, the presence or absence of certain skills often determines whether new college hires succeed or fail on the job.

Today’s job market demands graduates with hands-on, relevant experience in their field. It’s important to find a program that not only provides an industry-based curriculum, but invaluable interpersonal skills such as leadership, communication and critical thinking.

Keep your career in mind 

Simply having a degree is no longer enough to ensure a lucrative career. Think about what you want to do when you graduate, then look for a school that offers degrees or certificates targeted to that specific field. 

A program with professors who actually work in your field of choice is a big plus.

Discover opportunities for returned missionaries

Whether you have a clear picture of what you want to do or you’re still deciding, taking some sort of action is a good starting point. Gather information, do your research, and then make the decision that’s right for you. 

LDS Business College is dedicated to helping all returned missionaries make a smooth transition into the post-mission world. To learn how LDS Business College can help you, check out their Returned Missionary offerings today.

As a natural solution to these issues, many savvy students and ambitious people are finding schooling that directly results in good jobs. Careers are always changing with the fast-moving world of technology, but there are certain careers that will continue to be in high demand in the years to come.

The best part about many of these career choices is that students can receive the appropriate training in less than the standard four years. Less time in school means less money spent and an earlier start to a profitable career. Here are five types of degrees or certificates that require less schooling and have lucrative starting salaries.

Software development

As the age of technology continues to drive the economy and even how people socialize, IT degrees are increasing in demand. Hardware and software are always getting an upgrade or change, so it helps if you are on the right side of that equation — the one making the changes. 

Graduates with a software engineering degree can earn a significant paycheck upon graduation and getting an entry-level job. Glassdoor data suggests the median annual salary for entry-level software engineer salaries is nearly $75,000. Learn more about this associate’s degree and other IT options here.

Cybersecurity

In a world that’s increasingly complex, digital security holds more and more weight. New scams and phishing schemes pop up every day, and the workforce needs more people to help keep sensitive information safe.

Jobs in cybersecurity are lucrative and readily available. Getting an Associate of Applied Science Degree with a cybersecurity emphasis from LDSBC is a fast track to getting a job in the field. According to Salary.com, an entry-level cybersecurity job pays an average of $63,000 annually. 

Project management

If juggling projects, checking in with people and keeping everyone on task is something you enjoy doing, you might have a promising career in project management. The job isn’t built for everyone — many people aren’t efficient with their time, they don’t know how to pace the work out to meet deadlines and they need some guidance when working with others. Project managers make sure work is completed on time and that the majority of people working on the projects are satisfied.

For this long list of responsibilities, project managers can expect to be paid well — especially at an entry-level position. According to Glassdoor, the average entry-level project manager takes home $60,000 a year. This is a great starting salary for someone who likes the compensation of tech jobs but has a different set of skills.

Supply chain management

This is one of the behind-the-scenes jobs that nobody realizes is a vital key to making any business work. As a result, they are compensated well. Supply chain managers work with manufacturers, vendors, transportation and other businesses to make sure the product they work with is made well and delivered to viable markets.

The Global Supply Chain & Operations program at LDSBC teaches students to become valuable and successful employees. Not to mention supply chain managers/analysts can make an average of $57,000 in an entry-level position in the Salt Lake City area. Not only is the salary encouraging, but so is the job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is supposed to grow by about 5% by 2028.

Network administration

Even if you already have a base understanding of networks, routers, and all of the nitty gritty computer essentials, getting a certificate in network administration can boost your skillset. The Network Administration certificate from LDSBC prepares students to take and pass the Cisco CCNA certification exams. 

For those who already have some knowledge in this field, the addition of a certificate can boost your chances of taking home a better paycheck. Ziprecruiter says the average salary for an entry-level position as a network administrator is $52,000 annually.

When it comes to choosing a career that you like and one that pays well, you don’t have to settle for one or the other.  Browse through all of LDSBC’s certificates and associate degree programs to find the course that fits your timeline and needs.

According to the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the average annual tuition and required fees for a four-year degree from a public university for the 2019-2020 school year were $10,440 for in-state students. That price increases to $26,820 for public out-of-state students and $35,860 for private institutions.

These prices don’t include textbooks, room and board and transportation.

Luckily, there are other routes available for those looking to launch themselves into a better career. Here are some viable alternatives to the traditional four-year degree that could give you the toehold you need in for your dream job.

Earn a two-year degree

One option people overlook is the two-year degree. It offers the best of both worlds: advanced education with specialized classes that allow you to get ahead in your career without putting you tens of thousands of dollars in debt. The College Board estimates the annual tuition and fees cost of a public two-year university at about $3,730 annually. Many private two-year schools are even less. LDS tuition at LDS Business College is $3,440 per semester. According to the United States Department of Education, this makes it the least expensive two-year degree option in Utah.

Additionally, the time and opportunity cost of pursuing a two-year degree is also much less than a four-year degree. It’s half the time of a traditional degree because it tends to “trim the fat,” or in other words, leave out classes that don’t specifically pertain to your chosen degree. And the quicker you graduate, the quicker you can start turning that educational investment into a profit.

Apply for scholarships

Scholarships are an important aspect of paying for your college degree. Two-year colleges offer a variety of scholarships depending on factors varying from financial need to academic success to personal circumstances.

At LDS Business College (LDSBC), scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, low income, being a returned missionary, being a single parent, transferring to LDSBC from BYU Pathway Worldwide, demonstrating a commitment to service or leadership, or the completion of a Self-Reliance Services course.

The first step to qualifying for scholarships is to fill out an online FAFSA form. Contact a college financial advisor or scholarship office for more information on finding and applying for scholarships.

Choose a degree that prepares you quickly

At LDSBC, there are two types of degrees offered. An Associates of Science (AS) degree is a customizable program that allows you to choose and combine certificates with a few general education courses. This degree is transferable, should you decide to continue your education at another institution.

The second degree path allows students to earn an Associates of Applied Science (AAS). This skills-based degree has a set curriculum that will prepare students for a specific field of work with no further education required.

Falling in the latter category, the Cybersecurity AAS is meant to give students the education and hands-on training needed to jump right into the (lucrative) field. According to salary.com, entry-level cybersecurity analysts start out at about $57,000 annually. With only two years of school required, this payoff is a simple way to spend less on college and quickly earn more right after.

For LDS tuition, finishing this AAS would cost $8,600 and would take approximately five semesters. That price alone is still less than one year (two semesters) of tuition at a public, in-state university, according to Student Debt Relief.

Acquire a certificate

Certificate programs can offer another way for people to further their education without the long-term costs and commitment to a full degree. LDSBC more than 20 different certificates ranging from 15 to 29 credits to complete the certification.

For example, the medical coding certificate prepares the student for a job that’s in high demand — and only requires 28 credit hours. According to LDSBC, this certificate is direct preparation for the national certification exam. Medical coding specialists can start earning as soon as they get a job, and the average pay for a coding specialist is about $53,000 according to salary.com.

For LDS tuition, you can finish the whole certificate in two semesters for $3,440. The average tuition cost per year a public, in-state, four-year university is $9,970 according to Student Debt Relief. You can get a certificate in two semesters for nearly one-third of the cost that one year of college costs at a four-year university.

If you don’t have years of time to spend in school but want to get a start on your high-paying job, it’s a no-brainer to consider getting an associates degree or certificate.

When you’re ready to take the steps toward landing your dream job, visit ldsbc.edu. Don’t let college costs and requirements hold you back from achieving your potential.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Pursuing higher education is one of the smartest and best things you can do for your future. You’ll learn valuable skills that will benefit both your personal and professional life. In addition, college graduates’ starting salaries are higher than they’ve ever been, according to a recent study by Korn Ferry.

Smaller, private schools also avoid the bureaucracy for which larger universities are renowned. "At small colleges you will be spared the endless lines at registration, the hand-to-hand combat to get into closed classes, and the sprinting between innumerable offices to try to get your simplest questions answered," explains an article in USNews.com.

Because attending college is a significant investment of time and money, it’s essential to do your homework and research a variety of colleges. When assessing colleges, consider a small, private school, such as LDS Business College.

Here are three advantages of choosing a private college over a public institution.

Smaller class sizes

Private colleges have smaller class sizes, ranging from 20 to 50 students at the most. Compare this with public colleges that might have hundreds of students in one class.

Smaller classes enable students to get to know each other better, collaborate more and participate in discussions, rather than just listening to lectures. Students can interact with each other frequently, study together and build close relationships that will extend past graduation.

In addition, smaller classes allow professors to get to know each student on a more personal level. Teachers and students are able to interact throughout the semester, developing professional relationships that will benefit students in their careers.

Students have more one-on-one time with their professors, which will benefit their coursework and learning experience. Small classes create an uplifting and positive environment that enables students to learn course material with the help of fellow students and professors.

Classes focus on practical, job-related skills

College is a great time to learn skills that will benefit your future career and life. Students choose classes each semester that help them progress and become experts in their majors. While learning in the classroom is great, on-the-job learning is even better.

Smaller schools often teach real-life work skills in the classroom. Students learn the textbook material but also learn practical, job-related skills that will transfer directly to their jobs on graduation.

Because private colleges have smaller classes, professors can work with students on a personal level and teach them skills that will be applicable in their chosen careers. This hands-on experience can make students more competitive when seeking jobs after college.

Credits transfer from school to school

From choosing majors to changing schools, a student's college years can be a time of frequent change. Because LDS Business College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges, credits will easily transfer when students change colleges or pursue postgraduate schooling.

This is a major advantage because some schools do not give credit that transfers. When that happens, students lose the work they’ve done and cannot use it to pursue higher education. Because credits earned at LDS Business College are easy to transfer, students have more options after graduation. Everything learned at LDSBC will benefit them in their future endeavors.

Choosing a college is a major life decision. Large universities can be very alienating places. There it's easy to feel that no one cares about you and whether you learn anything. By choosing a small, private institution like LDS Business College you'll be recognized as an individual by instructors and other students who care about your academic success.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Want a career that is in high demand, offers good pay and only requires a short but intensive educational track? Consider the field of medical coding. This niche in the healthcare field is something of a best-kept secret in great career choices. There are many aspects of the job that must be understood to consider medical coding as a career. Here are a few that are sometimes misunderstood.

When most people hear about medical coding, they often imagine a programming job where creating software, applications and interpreting various technical languages and jargon is the daily grind. This assumption is false. "Medical coding is not programming," states Lynita Ellis, medical coding program coordinator at LDS Business College.

If medical coding is not programming, then what is it? While there is an aspect of learning a "new language," a medical coder operates more as a translator and not anything a programmer might do.

"Medical coding is a little bit like translation. Coders take medical reports from doctors, which may include a patient’s condition, the doctor’s diagnosis, a prescription and whatever procedures the doctor or health care provider performed on the patient and turn that into a set of codes, which make up a crucial part of the medical claim," explains medicalbillingandcoding.org.

These codes are universally used across insurance companies and medical institutions. Thus, there is great importance in ensuring each procedure, diagnosis or prescriptions are input correctly for claims to be processed efficiently.

"One of the most appealing aspects of a career in medical coding is that medical coders are always in demand," Ellis said. "Any clinic is always going to need medical coders. The larger the clinic, the more they will need, but smaller operations will also always need their own medical coders."

Because all clinics, large and small, need medical coders, there is a great opportunity for variety in the job. Large healthcare organizations might have centralized medical coding and billing locations, while smaller organizations might even allow for working from home. This is especially beneficial when someone with a disability or for someone who needs flexibility in his or her schedule. The nature of the job means anyone with good reading and language skills has the opportunity to excel..

One of the best benefits of pursuing a career in medical coding is that while the training and educational track is intensive, it doesn't last forever. Ellis highlighted that through LDS Business College, the "certification process can be completed in as little as two semesters." LDSBC prides itself in making this a comprehensive course to a successful career with higher-than-average expected job growth for the future.

In addition to learning how to assign codes to all manner of medical procedures, processes and prescriptions, students are "prepared to sit for the Certified Coding Associate professional certification exam through the American Association of Professional Coders at the end of their coursework," states the LDS Business College website. In addition, the college "has an 'in-house' internship experience for our students on the LDS Business College campus. This 120 internship experience may lead to job offers to students who meet the company's qualification criteria."

In other words, this program is purpose-built with the student's success in mind.

With smaller class sizes, personal attention from professors and a fast and efficient training program in place, medical coding can become that career you've been looking for. Reach out to Ellis at LDS Business College for more information or for any questions regarding the medical coding certificate program. She can be reached at lynitaellis@ldsbc.edu.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Designed to “get you in, get you out and get you working in cyber,” the LDS Business College associate degree in cybersecurity seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in education in Utah.

In just two years, students are prepared to work as security analysts, one of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations in the United States with an average salary of $95,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the good news? Demand for cybersecurity professionals is only going to increase.

“We’ve all read the news stories about the different breaches and all the names and personal finance information that has been stolen,” said LDSBC Cyber Security Program Director Spencer DeGraw. “Since technology is always changing, there will always be a job for a cybersecurity professional.”

Forbes has called cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing jobs in the world with a “huge skill gap.” According to ISACA, a nonprofit information security advocacy group, there will be a global shortage of 2 million cybersecurity professionals by 2019. In fact, according to CyberSeek, a security data tool, every year 40,000 jobs for information security analysts in the United States go unfilled.

“There is definitely more demand than there is supply,” said DeGraw. “Cybersecurity has built-in job security. There’s always gonna be that next 'bad guy' that’s found a new way in.”

Of the various programs and schools in the area offering cybersecurity training, DeGraw said a few things set apart the associate degree at LDS Business College and make it a strong competitor with other cybersecurity programs in the region. In 2017, the LDS Business College cybersecurity team placed second at a regional competition with 17 other teams.

“We’re always the only two-year school at these things, but we’re competing with the big boys,” said DeGraw.

DeGraw said the program’s top priority is to prepare students to work as an analyst in a security operations center, one of the most common entry-level jobs in cybersecurity.

“Our degree is designed to get students SOC-ready by the time they graduate,” said DeGraw. “We have good working relationships with local security companies who are always looking for qualified candidates.”

For students who need a better-paying job right away, DeGraw says the LDS Business College Cyber Security program is a “hardcore, meat-only degree,” meaning students are just coming to get skills and no time is wasted with general education requirements. He said students can enjoy an LDS environment and smaller class sizes.

For students who want to continue on and get a four-year or advanced degree, credits from LDS Business College are fully transferable to other institutions.

DeGraw said one of the biggest strengths of the program is its experienced faculty with extensive real-world training in IT.

“Most of our teachers are actually adjunct professors, so they’re doing the stuff during the day that they’re teaching in the evening,” he said.

DeGraw said many students will also enjoy the program’s hands-on approach, offering real-world training without the theory and lectures in just five semesters.

“It’s not really a lecture model,” said DeGraw. “We work in a network, attacking and defending against attacks all right in class. We really promote this hands-on experience.”

Finally, DeGraw says the program is seeing a strong job placement rate, with many students getting jobs following graduation as analysts in security operation centers.

So what makes a good cybersecurity analyst? DeGraw says if a person enjoys problem-solving — looking for clues and solving puzzles — a career in cybersecurity might be a good fit.

”We joke that it’s a little bit like being in a spy game, but nobody’s shooting at you,” said DeGraw. “It’s a little bit like being in the FBI or the CIA, where you’re trying to solve a crime before it actually even occurs.”

To learn more about the LDS Business College Cyber Security program, visit LDSBC.edu or call 801-524-8151.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

You know you need education to get ahead, but perhaps you’re stumped because a traditional four-year university just doesn’t seem right for you.

Maybe your situation requires flexibility a university won’t offer, or perhaps you aren’t interested in burying yourself in student loans (the average U.S. graduate has an outstanding debt of $25,000 for a bachelor’s degree, according to the Pew Research Center).

But have you explored two-year colleges? Offering a skills-based education and often the quickest, most economical path to a first career, a two-year college might be what you’re looking for.

See eight reasons below to find out why today’s two-year colleges are better than ever before.

Skills for a job. Now.

Your cousin might impress at your family party with his expensive liberal arts degree from a private university, but did he graduate with any skills for today’s job market? Today’s two-year colleges are communicating with employers to teach students marketable and needed skills, and, according to LDS Business College, employers are lining up waiting to hire students as soon as they graduate. Whether in business, health professions, IT or software development or applied technology, two-year colleges are teaching marketable skills for you to get a better-paying job that’s actually in demand, and right away.

The right price

If the biggest hurdle to furthering your education is funding, consider a two-year college. According to College Board, average tuition and fees for a public two-year college are less than half the tuition of a public four-year institution. Don’t forget about available scholarships and other funding from state and federal sources, making your education even more affordable (and debt less burdensome).

Teachers with time for you (and who might even know your name)

Almost everyone has heard horror stories about university general education courses with more than 500 students, taught by an overwhelmed (and often underwhelming) graduate student. Avoid this scenario at a two-year college, where professors and teachers are hired to teach you. Education Corner says students at two-year colleges get more interaction with quality faculty who generally engage in more discussion and give students more attention in a smaller classroom environment. Plus, faculty at two-year colleges are usually seasoned veterans and career professionals actively engaged in their careers who will give you real-world perspective in real time. That’s priceless when you’re looking to jump into the job market.

Launch into tech

So you know a job in the tech industry is one of the fastest-growing careers in 2018, but maybe you’re not sure how to get the skills you need for one of those hot gigs on the Silicon Slopes. Try a two-year college. For example, LDS Business College prepares students for jobs in information technology, cybersecurity, software development and more with hands-on learning and an education in the language of tech (teaching 10-plus programming languages, methodologies and platforms).

Students can earn industry certifications that lead to high-paying jobs, entering the workforce in just two years. Working hand-in-hand with global companies, LDS Business College and other two-year colleges know what employers are looking for and are preparing students for jobs in the tech industry.

Flexibility

A variety of scenarios can often make the full-time, four-year university track difficult or impossible for some students. If you need to work more than part-time, care for children or family, live at home or take classes in the evening, a two-year college might be the perfect fit for you. For example, are you interested in a career in the legal profession? LDS Business College offers a Paralegal Studies degree and certificate with courses in the evening or online that provides you with great job opportunities.

Prepare for a four-year degree (and earn a certificate that can get you a job)

For years, people have attended two-year colleges, earning the necessary general education components to transfer to a four-year college. But what if you could also simultaneously earn a certificate, allowing you to jump right into your career and start making money while you continue pursuing your degree? LDS Business College offers this track with eight certificates, including accounting, medical assisting, interior design and more.

Diversity

A two-year college can offer a more diverse student body with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. For example, at LDS Business College, students hail from all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Just over 55 percent are from Utah and 25 percent come from outside the United States.

Options, options, options

Think you’ve explored the two-year college option and didn’t find anything that interests you? Look again. Today’s two-year colleges boast more degrees, certificates, programs and technical training than ever before to kick-start your career, jump ahead of the competition or build your own business. Not sure exactly what you want to do? Attend a six-week Discovery Experience workshop at LDS Business College (you don’t need to be a student to attend) to consider possible work paths and explore education plans for only $50.

Learn more about whether a two-year college could be right for you at LDSBC.edu.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Deciding what you want to do for a living has never been simple, but developing skills and going into a sector with good employment prospects is a sure way to make sure that you can provide for yourself and your family.

Here are some well-paying and prevalent jobs that on average only require a two-year degree to get through the door.

Social media marketing

Have you ever wondered who's responsible for the changing architecture, functionality and look of your favorite social media pages? These current and exciting responsibilities fall under the social media management umbrella.

Working as a social media manager puts you at the forefront of the internet's evolution, and because every competitive business today needs a professional to manage its brand's social media presence, available positions are plentiful.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor found that in 2016, social media managers made a mean of $64,680 and available positions were expanding at an 18 percent rate.

Because social media management takes hands-on practice and in-the-moment understanding, applied-science programs are effective at preparing students for these fast-paced positions. Two-year degrees show students for the challenges they will meet and give a solid overview of the social media landscape.

Accountants and financial specialists

Much of the fuel that makes the world go around is green, and a job that makes sure that businesses' books are well-kept will always exist. Accounting is a field that may not prove the flashiest but provides high-paying and stable employment that many people enjoy.

Accountants learn how to use software to see the income and expenses of businesses or people, and learn how to file important financial paperwork and adapt to changing federal and state laws that govern finances.

Accounting professionals garnered $68,150 a year (as of 2016), according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Educational institutions, like LDS Business College, offer accounting applied science degrees and certificates that propel graduates into their first positions and allow them to hit the ground running.

Cyber Security

"Given a surge in digital threats like cryptominers, ransomware, and DDoS attacks, it is no surprise that the field of information security is booming," reports tripwire.com. "Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that there will be 1.5 million job openings across the industry in 2019 up from one million in 2016."

The people who protect companies, agencies and departments against cyber threats are well rewarded for their skills. According to payscale.com, those who work in this industry can expect salaries ranging from $47,000 to $115,000 a year.

Computer user support specialists

Whether customers are using programs or hardware, or employees within a company are trying to set up their work computers, everyone needs help getting their machines up and running from time to time.

Computer user support specialists and IT professionals learn about the most common problems people face when they use computers and software.

From the time they graduate two-year programs, trained professionals navigate systems and troubleshoot problems with callers or employees who come to them with problems, diagnosing and fixing common issues.

If you get a job that's similar to the median computer user support specialist position in the U.S., you stand to make $25.08 per hour, based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Finding a degree program

If you're looking for the right field and degree to propel you into the job market, two-year degrees are often just the ticket. For more information about two-year degrees that lead to high-paying and fulfilling careers, take a look at the LDS Business College's wide range of degree offerings.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

When "back to school" means heading back to college with classmates the same age as one's grown children, it can be daunting.

When the decision is dictated by a need to find a new career or a better way to pay the bills, it can be overwhelming and stressful.

It's easy to feel alone and self-conscious and odd. It can also be more easily done than one would think.

There are a multitude of programs available at most universities and institutions, even some designed specifically for the non-traditional, older student.

LDS Business College has an advisor, for instance, whose job is to counsel and assist the non-traditional student, whatever the circumstance.

The college has a one-on-one mentoring program, known as the STEP program that makes sure at-risk students get the help they need.

Brigham Young University offers a fully accredited Bachelor of General Studies degree that can be finished at home anywhere in the world through independent study courses.

Previously earned credits count. The major is General Studies with an emphasis in American Studies, English, family life, history, or family history.

The University of Utah's program "Returning to the U" has staff prepared to help adult students identify their options and become connected to areas of resource and support.

The "restart" process includes making an appointment with the program administrators, meeting with advisors and campus agency spokesmen who can help with specific needs including financial and social and registration.

Adrian Juchau, Director of Student Support at LDS Business College, said those students coming to the college newly single, coping with a job loss or a divorce or major life shift, can find a home at the college.

He said scholarships are available as well as flexible class options, even day care at many institutions.

He said advisors work closely with new students to make their re-entry easy, including offering testing-out options and the opportunity to get credit for life experience and job skills already acquired.

In his experience, traditional students welcome the input and creativity older, diverse, experienced people bring to student groups and projects, Juchau said.

He had some advice for anyone considering going back to school:

• Ask for help before a situation gets too serious. Take advantage of programs designed to help.
• Make friends and build social support.
• Make decisions early. Register at the first opportunity so as to have the best class options.
• Take advantage of orientation opportunities. Visit the campus.
• Look for ways to pay the tuition. (At the University of Utah, depending on funding availability, RTU Scholarship awards are available to qualified RTU students enrolled in the program. The LDS Business College also offers a full-tuition scholarship with a stipend as do most schools.)
• Recognize and factor in time constraints that come with employment or family obligations.
• Make study time a top priority and insist that others accommodate and respect that need.
• Get sufficient sleep.
• Consider online courses.
• Bring up technological skills.

Juchau said those students willing to work hard and accept help have a fairly high success and finish rate. This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Come October 2014, the medical industry could find itself facing a crisis of not having enough qualified medical coders to meet what will be a burgeoning demand.

Medical coding is the process of translating medical diagnostics into numbers — the codes — that allow hospitals and insurance companies to transfer information for billing. With thousands of different codes to remember, medical coding is a profession that requires the proper amount of training, commonly two-year certification. But as the demand for qualified coders increases, the market in charge of supplying them has fallen behind.

The main reason this is a problem is that by next October, the current coding system — the International Clarification of Diseases 9, or ICD-9, which has been in place for more than 36 years — will be replaced by the more efficient ICD-10 nationwide.

“ICD-9 has about 13,000 three- to five-character codes,” explains Ashok Selvam on modernhealthcare.com. “ICD-10 allows for more detailed descriptions with about 69,000 codes between three and seven characters. The new standard also allows the use of more letters, increasing the uniqueness of the codes and leading to more precision.”

With such large changes between the old system and the new, a large amount of training is necessary, with old coders having to be retrained and new programs created to train new coders. With only a year left until the change is set to take place, “few coders have the needed ICD-10 skill sets,” Selvam says.

Indeed, it is not a lack of potential coders that’s causing the problem; Selvam points out that though Labor Department information shows medical information technical jobs are expected to grow by at least 37,700 jobs in 2020, “there's no shortage of candidates interested in coding jobs.” With an average salary of $48,925 and work-from-home opportunities, for those with certifications it’s an attractive career choice — but lack of adequate training and programs available is holding the industry back.

With drastic losses of revenue expected if the medical industry isn’t adequately prepared for the change, everyone from private training companies to hospital-provided training and better school programs are rushing to be able to properly train the next generation of medical coders.

While having hospitals themselves retrain the current coders is an option, it is an expensive one that not many hospitals have the resources to commit to. Selvam claims that according to independent research, “The ICD-10 transition will cost a three-physician practice $83,290.”

This leaves educational institutions and the coder industry teaming up to be one of the more viable options.

LDS Business College has already started to prepare for training the next generation of coders, partnering with the Utah-based coder training company Aviacode and Florida-based HRAA coding to present a new coder training program for ICD-10. The key part of the new program, according to Louise Brown, director of public affairs at LDSBC, is the fourth and final semester consisting of a college-provided internship, allowing coding students to get on-the-job training and experience before they even graduate. “We call it ‘blurring the lines,' ” Brown says. “It mixes school and work (in a way) that helps them learn.”

In his article Selvam agrees that on-the-job training is vital for new coders. “It's not just the right code sets, but the right skill sets.”

If the health care system is to effectively transition, better training programs have the best potential. But the whole industry will have to work together to ensure success.

This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Jobs requiring two-year degrees and certifications are expected to experience the largest level of growth in coming years, yet the number of public institutions specializing in two-year degrees is rapidly diminishing, resulting in negative effects on the economy.

According to studies — most prominently Harvard’s “Pathway to Prosperity” study — rapid job growth is expected in fields requiring two-year technical and academic degrees. But as the demand for two-year degree and certificate holders increases, the number of public institutions providing them is diminishing.

“If you were here in Utah 20 years, the educational landscape was quite different,” said Craig Nelson, vice president of advancement at LDS Business College, which, along with Snow College, he considers to be the last two-year degree focusing schools in the state.

“When you looked back then,” said Nelson, “you would see many more two-year institutions that were designed specifically to get people in, get them trained, and get them out to work.” That has drastically changed over the years, with once-prominent two-year institutions such as Utah Valley State College and Dixie State now adopting the mantle of universities and moving onto focus on four-year degrees. “And (the situation in) Utah is not that different from other states,” Nelson said.

Part of this is natural movement by colleges to move up the academic ladder, with colleges wanting to move up to become universities Nelson said. “But who’s filling the role left behind?” Vocational schools are there for those looking for blue-collar jobs, but for the white-collar worker — the “professional technician” — their options are limited.

With more and more people moving to four-year degrees and schools, students are realizing there are “fewer and fewer jobs where a four-year degree is the critical (factor).” This is leading to a problem of “academics leaving (the arena of two-year degrees),” Nelson said, while at the same time “you have the market moving to that arena (of seeking two-year degree holders).” This has led to companies having jobs to fill, but no one to fill them.

Another major issue is that students are seeing less and less return on their four-year degree, with high tuition fees not seemingly justified by a weak job market. Public non-profit two-year institutions could help alleviate that, often costing a fraction of the cost. For-profit schools have attempted to fill the vacuum left by public institutions leaving for the four-year arena, but equally high tuition costs there are equally discouraging to students.

In the end, society and the market will likely adjust to meet the growing crisis Nelson predicts, with more two-year institutions popping up to fill the void. However, in an era of government cut backs on education, how certain it is that public schools will fill the void is up for debate, with some predicting that companies will have to provide the necessary training.

Regardless of the mechanism used to fix the problem, the longer the demand for technical workers and academics goes unsupplied — an estimated five million jobs unfilled in 2020 — the more it costs America.

This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Amidst skyrocketing college costs, two-year institutions offer a bargain to those looking for higher education at affordable rates.

According to Bloomberg, college tuition has risen 1,120 percent the past 30 years – to put that into perspective, the cost of health care has risen 601 percent in the same time period. In 2013, 70 percent of college graduates will have student debt averaging $35,200, and total student debt is roughly $1.1 trillion dollars, more than total credit card debt owed in the United States.

But even with skyrocketing costs and the apparent inevitability of taking on debt, high school graduates are still encouraged to attain higher education, if for no other reason than there is a hefty monetary incentive to obtain college experience, with those without college experience handedly out earning those who only hold a high school diploma.

And if you want the best bang for you buck, in-state public two-year schools offer a great way to expand your education and skills without being so fiscally daunting. According to the Christian Science Monitor, in 2012 the average cost of attendance for a year at in-state two-year institution was $3,131 dollars in tuition and fees. In 2012 a year at an in-state public four-year institution averaged $8,655.

And just because they are cheap doesn’t mean they only give you cheap benefits. A recent study looking at two-year college grads and four-year grad by CollegeMeasures has found that those who graduate with technical degrees and certifications often achieve higher first year earnings than those who graduate from a four year institution with a non-technical degree. In some states, “The median first-year wages of graduates from some certificate programs are above $70,000, or $30,000,” more than first year earnings of graduates with academic bachelors degrees.

NerdWallet's “Jobs in Demand” study also predicts a 35 percent increase in jobs requiring two-year degrees by 2020. Getting a degree and knowing there's going to be a market out there for you is always comforting.

And even if a technical degree isn’t for you, attending a two-year institution for the first two years of college is still a solid choice, allowing you to get done with your generals and earn an associates degree at less than half the cost of a four-year school. And assuming you did well with your grades and went to a properly accredited institution you can transfer to a four-year institution to finish off an undergraduate degree.

Of course, two-year institutions and degrees aren’t the answer to everything. It’s up to individual to make the most of their experience and choose a path with good career opportunities, and for those who want to make more money over the course of their working life, a four-year degree is usually still the way to go (unless you’re in the 28 percent of two-year degree holders who will buck that trend).

But if getting into a good paying field for an affordable price is what you are looking for, consider going two-year instead of four, even if it's just to get started.

This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

A college degree is increasingly perceived as essential to success in the job market, and statistics tend to agree. College degree holders tend to out-earn their high school diploma holding counterparts by large margins.

But while many in schools today tend to focus on earning bachelor's degrees, new studies are showing that if you want to make a decent wage, prospective students shouldn't overlook associate degree and related certificates.

A report from CollegeMeausres.org shows the first year earnings of two-year degree holders didn’t just net first year earnings equal to a four-year degree holder, they occasionally out earned them. Coupled with what is to be an explosion in growth for jobs that require an associate degree, suddenly that community college is looking very inviting.

If the idea of earning more money sounds appealing to you, but the thought of spending four years in school and building upwards of $20,000 in student debt doesn’t, consider getting a two-year degree and certification for one of these top-paying jobs that only require a two-year degree and accompanying certificates.

Ten high paying jobs that only require a two-year degree, with info on median earnings from NerdWallet.com’s ‘Jobs in Demand Study.”:

Registered Nurse: One of the most popular two-year job’s out there, an RN has a median income of $64,690 a year. Your job is to provide and coordinate care for patients.

Dental Hygienist: With a median income of $68,250 in exchange for assisting the dentist and providing teeth cleaning and care, Dental Hygienist is a job worth considering if you are up for putting your hands in a people’s mouths.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: $64,380 a year in exchange for providing sonogram tests to help diagnose medical concerns.

Radiation Therapist: Earning $74,980, Radiation Therapists are responsible for administrating radiation to cancer patients or those suffering from other illnesses.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Similar to Radiation Therapists in that your job is to administer radioactive drugs to patients, the median yearly earnings are $68,560.

Nuclear Technicians: And yet another job dealing with everyone’s favorite atomic reaction, Nuclear Technician’s assists nuclear physicist and/or engineers in their jobs for a not too shabby $68,090 a year.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians: $56,040 a year for assisting in the designing of electronic equipment.

Aerospace Engineering Technicians: You just may get the chance the work on something going into space, and you make $58,080 a year.

Construction Manager: As the housing and construction industries rebound from a near total collapse at the start of the recession, any career in construction can net a healthy pay, with Construction Managers making a yearly average of $83,860.

Air Traffic Controllers: In return for safely coordinating the various flight paths of the hundreds of planes crisscrossing the nation, a two-year degree holding Air Traffic Controller will make $108,040 a year.

Jobs in healthcare are a solid bet in the coming decade, with the elderly population expected to increase to 55 million by 2020, and as construction and engineering rebounds it is once again a career worth considering. Honorable mentions also go to computer technicians and graphic designers.

This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College.

This story is sponsored by LDS Business College. Learn more about LDS Business College.

Apply and defer … it’s one of the most important things you can do. – Dawn Fellows, Assistant Director of Admissions at LDS Business College

Two of the most important moments in a young Latter-day Saint's life — going to college and going on a mission — have a tendency to overlap. Especially with the new missionary age requirements, planning for college and a mission simultaneously challenges many aspiring missionaries.

“Have a plan,” said Dawn Fellows, Assistant Director of Admissions at LDS Business College in Salt Lake City. “See what are your ultimate goals. ... You may not know them, but sometimes just taking a few classes (can help).”

It’s a good idea to get your generals out of the way before your mission — or at least a semester's worth — agrees Fellows, who said a solid majority of the incoming freshman students at LDSBC go on missions after that first semester.

“You can take (a) math class so you don’t have to retake a math placement test (once you get back),” Fellows said. “You can take your math and your English classes so that you have those, you have a solid foundation” for when one gets back from a mission. “Hopefully, once you get back you’ll have more of an idea (for a career) … and you’ll already have built a foundation to move forward on.”

Another great reason to consider a semester before a mission is the ability to take LDS institute classes such as mission prep that are offered at many colleges and universities in Utah. Other classes may also come in handy in the mission field. LDSBC offers a free summer course (June-August) called LEAP that teaches students through a foundation of learning class, mission prep and a class on interpersonal communications, teaching useful things to a future missionary.

Another thing to consider is spending that first semester at a two-year institute or a four-year? Two-year community colleges — either designed to help you transfer to a four-year such as Snow College, or help you get a job with an Associates degree such as LDSBC — often come at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university, and have easier admission requirements. This allows a student to get that solid foundation without breaking the bank mere months before having to go on a mission.

But what if you have a scholarship? Don’t panic by putting aside a mission — simply defer enrollment. Deferment allows you to push back important things such as scholarships and starting classes for when you come back from your mission.

“Apply and defer … it’s one of the most important things you can do,” Fellows said. “You may not know what you want to do, but you’ve put things in place to help you with your goals.”

Between college and preparing to leave to the Missionary Training Center, things can seem overwhelming. But as long as you have a plan, as Fellows suggests, it’s possible.

This article was paid for and produced by LDS Business College.