How many people can say that their job is to make people smile? Better yet, you can even be the person who makes smiles even better!
The dental field is one that is continually growing, finding new technologies to help patients and offering new services to improve smiles. Because of these new developments, dental assistant positions have continued to appear across the industry.
If you are interested in the dental field and want a great way to jump right in, training as a dental assistant is an excellent way to get started! But, you may wonder, what exactly does this job mean?
Learn more about this exciting field that promotes health and wellness for patients, while offering great work environments and flexibility for workers.
A Dental Assistant is a role that is essential to keeping the dental office moving. As the name implies, a dental assistant helps the dentist and dental hygienists with a host of important jobs throughout the day.
As an example, here is a picture of what a dental assistant would do when a patient comes in the office. First, the patient is called back to their seat, welcomed, and made comfortable by the dental assistant.
Depending upon the reason for the visit, the dental assistant can do a number of things. If it is a routine dental cleaning and check-up, the dental assistant may take the patient to have x-rays done. If the patient has come in for a mouth guard to be made for sporting activities, the dental assistant may take impressions of the patient’s mouth.
Along the way, the dental assistant does a variety of tasks: chats with the patients; sterilizes the dental tools for cleanliness; updating dental records and patient information; taking notes for the dentist; and, generally, being nearby to answer questions and assist the dentist wherever possible.
Since the dental field is one that requires a steady hand and an understanding of oral health, there is a lot of skill and knowledge that goes into starting this job. Patients can come into a dental office for a wide range of reasons. From toothaches to cosmetic procedures, a patient can turn to a dental assistant for more information and a greater understanding of treatment options.
The dental assistant, most commonly, is on hand to help dentists and dental hygienists perform their jobs efficiently and easily. Being nearby to hand over tools, to hold objects, and to instruct the patient allows the dental assistant to do small tasks to help the dentist do his or her job better.
Not only do dental assistants have to understand the technical side of the job, but they must also have an ability to care for other people. Although it is recommended that patients visit the dentist twice per year, every six months, did you know that many do not? Most people avoid the dentist because of fear.
Since this fear is a pretty common problem among patients, it is the role of the dental assistant to help provide a calm atmosphere and a great explanation of the processes happening. It is advantageous that the dental assistant is personable and kind, willing to make conversation and calm patients when they need it.
Why is a Dental Assistant a Great Career Choice?
Being a dental assistant means you have a few major perks:
Stability
Flexibility
Variety
Stability
A stable profession in a great setting, a dental assistant job is one you will look forward to each day.
With most jobs in small private practices or in larger clinics, dental assistants are greeted with nice working conditions and friendly faces. Since regular dental patients come in twice per year, dental assistants can get to know patients and establish a community feeling in the workplace.
Plus, getting hired as a dental assistant means you are an essential member of a dental team. Continue to bring your enthusiasm and energy to the job, and you will be rewarded with a long and fruitful career.
Flexibility
Dental offices are known for having great hours. With many offices closed on Fridays, weekends, and even some half-days, you can find a place to work that works best for your schedule.
If you are someone with a family, or you hope to have a family one day, dental offices give you the flexibility to still have a life outside of work, with normal opening and closing hours.
As an assistant, you may even be able to adjust hours accordingly to help fit your schedule. When you are ready to begin a job at a practice, hospital, or clinic, determine what your hours are and see if it is a good fit for you.
Variety
The work you do as a dental assistant is just as unique as every patient who walks in the door. There are so many different questions, treatments, and pains that a patient may bring to you – it is your job to listen, offer solutions, and be there to help the patient through it.
Since so many patients come in, all with different concerns, you can be sure that no day is ever the same as another. This variety allows you to feel engaged and excited for the day ahead, always knowing there is something new to learn and experience.
The more variety you have – whether it is in the work you do, the people you meet, or the settings you work in – the more you can grow in your profession. Continuing to learn as a dental assistant can pave the way to additional certifications and trainings, even moving up the ranks to become a dental hygienist.
Our dental assistant program is offered at our convenient Grand Junction location, and only takes 9 months to earn your certificate.
With your certificate in hand and your training under your belt, you can start an exciting career in the dental field. For the rest of your career, you will be surrounded by smiles from people of all ages and all backgrounds.
Start your dental assistant career today, and apply to our quick, convenient program.
One of the most exciting things about a new year is the potential to try new things, meet new people, and achieve new goals. With so much to accomplish and do, why not choose a goal that has clear steps and serious benefits?
Getting your GED, or General Educational Development, opens so many doors on your path to having financial and professional success. Today, with a growing job market and a growing number of graduates with advanced degrees, the competition for a new career can be serious.
The GED puts you on a path towards a skilled position, where you can learn, grow, and lead a fulfilling life. Without a high school diploma or equivalent, many people find themselves shut out of job opportunities.
If you feel like you are capable of more and deserve a better career, consider putting “get my GED” onto your resolution list!
What is the GED?
The General Educational Development test began in World War II as a way to help soldiers who had served in the War earn their high school degree and begin a new career.
Since then, the GED test has remained important for high school dropouts or those who were unable to attend high school and earn their diploma. The exam covers some of the most crucial subjects taught in the high school classroom: social studies, science, language arts (reading and writing sections), and mathematics.
The Social Studies section is 50 questions, multiple choice, which covers topics like history (American, Canadian, and World), geography, civics and government, and economics.
The Science section is 50 multiple choice questions, covering physical science (physics and chemistry), life science, and earth and space science.
The Language Arts, Reading section is 40 questions, in multiple choice format, with 75% of the test covering fictional literature and 25% focused on non-fiction. Subjects covered can range from poetry and drama to visual and performing arts reviews.
The Language Arts, Writing section has two parts. The first is 50 questions on grammatical aspects of writing, including organization, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. The second part of the Writing section is a written essay. You will be given a prompt and then must present your views about the topic, writing in a clear, concise manner.
Finally, the Mathematics section is 50 multiple choice questions, ranging from number operations and geometry to statistics and algebra. This section blends practical knowledge such as formulas and methods with larger concepts like probability and patterns.
Why is the GED Important?
The GED is viewed as the equivalent of a high school diploma. For whatever reason you did not complete high school, now is your chance to accomplish that goal!
For many jobs, a high school diploma is the entry you need to begin a new career. Without a diploma, you can feel stuck in a job that does not pay well or does not make you happy. Or, you can find yourself unable to find any job at all. If you have ever had a regret about not getting a high school diploma, the GED is here to help.
Not only does the GED position you for a better, higher-paying job, but it also instills a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and pride for achieving this goal. By learning all the information the test covers, you are better prepared to take on a new job and to understand the world around you.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power! Taking the time to invest in yourself and your knowledge of history, literature, science, math, and the world around you makes you a well-rounded, educated person. Plus, taking the time to study and take the exam impresses many hiring managers. Knowing that you are a hard worker and are dedicated to being more shows that you can succeed in any career!
What Opportunities Can My GED Give Me?
Getting your GED isn’t just the end of the journey; it’s the beginning! Once you have earned your GED, the opportunities for new jobs open up and the ability to advance is possible.
Did you know that getting your GED doesn’t just help you in the job market, but it also positions you to keep learning in higher education? The GED is the prerequisite you need to attend college and get an advanced degree or certificate.
At IntelliTec College, a high school diploma or GED is required to begin training at our career college. Once you have your GED and apply with us, you are well on your way to a great new career path.
Our wide range of programs are all focused on teaching that is focused on learning and doing. Our instructors give the latest information about the field, while also giving students hands-on experiences to truly be job-ready.
Interested in some of the career paths we offer at IntelliTec? Click here to browse all of our programs and find one that is right for you! All of our programs are geared towards careers that are necessary, hiring, and in need of a hard worker like you.
How Do I Prepare for the GED?
When reviewing the many topics that are on the GED exam, you may have started to feel a little overwhelmed. World history? Sentence structure? Geometry? It is a lot of information to remember, re-learn, or learn for the first time.
But don’t panic. The GED, like any other standardized test, can be taught. Courses, books, and practice tests are all available to help you feel prepared and succeed!
Since we know how valuable the GED can be for so many, we offer GED preparation classes at our IntelliTec College of Pueblo campus. In the classes, you learn the material that you will be tested on, while also getting practice in taking the computer version of the test.
The computer version of the GED is preferred for many, since it allows for easy, online registration and instant test results (with the exception of the written essay portion). In the class, you will get a feel for taking the exam on a computer, while also getting up to speed on the exam material.
How Much Does the GED Cost?
The GED costs $150, breaking down to $37.50 per section. When you schedule your test, you will need to pay for the exam upfront.
If you end up needing to retake a portion of the test, you can simply make up your section by paying $37.50, rather than taking the entire exam again!
Registration and payment for the test is accepted through the GED’s website; check the website for further information or price changes for your area.
Where and When Do I Take the GED?
Just as our Pueblo campus offers GED preparation classes, our Grand Junction campus is a GED test-taking facility. The Grand Junction campus hosts online, computer testing of the GED for your convenience.
Although you can take the test at our Grand Junction campus, you must first register, schedule, and pay for your test at GED.com. Once you have done this, you can come to us on your scheduled date to take the test.
The Grand Junction campus offers GED exams on Tuesdays, 1:30-5PM, and Fridays, 9AM-5PM. Schedule the time that is best for you online, and we look forward to seeing you on test day.
Take the GED Exam in Colorado in 2018!
Resolve to do more, learn more, and be more in the new year. Earning your GED is the beginning of an important step for yourself and your future career!
Taking the time to invest in yourself in this important way will bring you pride and confidence that you can do anything. Challenge yourself this year and become a better version of yourself in the years ahead.
Click here to learn more about the GED, with the preparation classes and test day offered by IntelliTec College campuses in Colorado.
Wondering what doors your GED can open for you? Explore the programs IntelliTec offers to see how one test can change your entire life.
While money is not everything when it comes to finding the right job, it can certainly help support your family and help you feel more satisfied with your career.
Not surprisingly, many careers that require a specific skillset are not only in high demand, but they also pay well, based on experience and talent. When you begin a career program at IntelliTec College, you are able to learn in a hands-on environment. This means that you are learning the necessary skills to enter the workforce, while also practicing these skills in real workplace settings.
If you are trying to decide on a program, the pay can sometimes be a deciding factor; however, it is important to remember that many fields offer room for growth, certification, and further education to increase your expertise and your income level. At IntelliTec, we provide programs that will potentially continue to do well in the economy and can secure long-term employment for our graduates!
The Top 4 Highest Paid Industries
According to a recent article by Forbes magazine, the highest paying jobs often “require many different skill sets, they all tend to demand high levels of study, experience, and inflexible qualifications.” It makes sense that those who earn the most have the skills and experience to do well in the industry.
Starting with an associate degree or certificate from IntelliTec, our graduates are able to move into a successful industry with the right knowledge and many times with more experience than other entry-level job applicants. Get a leg up with us, and you’ll be in a dream job faster than you could have imagined.
In the Forbes article, the following four industries are listed as among the most lucrative. Of course, these statistics can vary based upon location and position held; however, for the most part, we have seen that these industries are continuing to excel across the board.
Software and IT Services
Ranked as the highest-paid industry on the list, software and IT services are continuing to grow. As we have all come to rely on technology and software more and more, the need for technology experts to stay updated, educated, and versed in the latest software is in high demand.
One of our newest programs, Computer Systems Technician, lays the groundwork for a lasting career in software and IT services. With room for growth through additional certifications, plus hands-on training, our graduates have opportunities to go on to fulfilling tech careers.
Our Computer Systems Technician graduates go on to pursue jobs as Information Technology Associates, Computer Systems Administrators, Mobile Device Specialists, and Information Security / Assurance Analysts. From these positions, there is plenty of room for growth in this constantly evolving industry.
Hardware & Networking
Number two on the list is hardware and networking. Similar to software and IT services, these positions also follow the trend of growing technologies and keeping people connected.
By developing specific skill sets, hardware and networking professionals are able to keep businesses running and customers happy through quick, helpful solutions. Having an understanding of the complex networking systems and the hardware that supports these systems gives our graduates a competitive edge when beginning the job hunt.
With the Computer Systems Technician program, hardware and networking careers are just months away. With the associate’s degree, you can find positions like Help Desk Support Specialist, PC Support Technician, Technical Field Support Specialist, Network Systems Administrator, Network Technician, Network Administrator, and more.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing, along with consumer goods and construction (two other industries within the top 10 highest-paid jobs), all signify a stark contrast in the demand for technology jobs: there are still a lot of jobs that require manual work, done by skilled humans!
Specifically, manufacturing is an industry that shows an important trend: knowing how to make things, follow intricate instructions, and create a final product are all skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
That’s why we offer career programs that focus on developing skills and thinking through complicated projects. While they are not directly connected to the manufacturing industry, they still are careers that require skillsets that few people have mastered.
Healthcare is a career choice that is not going away anytime soon; in fact, because of the growing aging population and the continuous battles with complicated diseases, healthcare is more important than ever.
While many people simply think of doctors when they think of healthcare, there are so many more positions that are integral to the patient’s experience. Lending a helping hand or simply being there to listen are important roles that are filled by many people in the medical field.
At IntelliTec, we give our graduates an array of options for entering healthcare. For instance, our Medical Assistant program can translate to positions in many medical settings, like physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, laboratories, veterinarian offices, sports medicine, and other medical specialities.
Along with our Medical Assistant Certificate, you can also become specialized as a Dental Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician. You can also contribute to a patient’s overall health and well-being by training in Massage Therapy or as a Personal Trainer. Focusing on health from every level opens up a variety of career paths for our students.
What Careers Will Be Needed in the Future?
For our students, we want to invest in programs that will put them on the path to a long, fruitful career. While the industries listed above are the highest paying positions in 2017, what about the future?
In a report from CNBC, the news outlet shared findings from Kiplinger and economic forecast group EMSI. In their study, they compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tracking jobs that have the strongest job growth over the next decade.
From this data, they found that all jobs that will be successful in the future have two common properties: a good salary, and a manageable barrier to entry. That means jobs that are easy to start, require low (if any) debt for students, and will have a good return on investment over time.
From this list, the same trends are there: positions that require specialized training in technology and healthcare rise to the top. You can see the full list of positions in the article, found here.
Get a High Paying Job You Will Love – Apply Today
Have you felt stuck in a job and frustrated with no path forward? At IntelliTec, we get it. Jobs can be difficult to come by without the right training, and there is no better way to prepare for a job than through one of our programs.
By starting in a program today, you establish the skills needed to start a new job, grow, and become successful. Making the investment in your education today will pay off in the long run.
Interested in how our programs could benefit you? Click here to learn more about the programs we offer. Schedule a talk with our financial aid and career services departments, too. We are here to give you a full picture of your future. We are here for you every step of the way!
Natalie Huber: Proud graduate of IntelliTec College in Grand Junction. Natalie is currently employed at Montrose Memorial Hospital, where she served her externship as part of the Pharmacy Technician program at IntelliTec.
After Years of Dead-End Jobs, IntelliTec Pharmacy Technician Graduate Gains a New Lease on Life With a Degree Offering Exciting Opportunities
It is never easy to make a complete life change, but to do so with little knowledge of what the future may hold is a whole other story.
Natalie Huber signed up for pharmacy technician classes at IntelliTec College in Grand Junction with “zero knowledge” about a career in pharmacy. However, she knew one thing: she wanted a job that was not dependent on the ups and downs of the economy.
“A huge challenge for me was that when I started taking courses I knew nothing about the pharmacy world. But I hit the ground running by studying hard to make my dream come true. Pair that with excellent teaching and courses geared toward bringing a student up to standards in the pharmacology field, and you can see how IntelliTec worked for me,” says Huber.
Carving Out Study Time is Key to School Success
Huber worked part-time at Safeway in the evenings in order to focus on school and raising her children during the day. Finding time to study meant tackling the books in the very early morning hours.
With the burden of housing costs relieved (her boyfriend let Huber and her children share a home rent-free), she made school a priority.
“Going back to school was my #1 focus [besides my children]. I had to find time to study, even if it was 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning. I tell people who are thinking about going back to school to enjoy the time while learning because it goes by quickly. The late study nights and long days may seem challenging, but if you want it badly enough you can do anything,” says Huber.
Sometimes Your Future is Yet to Be Imagined
The pharmacy technician externship not only allowed Huber to practice her skills on-the-job, it helped land her a job once she completed it. She externed at Montrose Memorial Hospital, and they hired her once she finished her externship hours.
“A year ago I had no idea I’d land my dream job. I didn’t even know what my dream job was then, and now I’m right where I want to be: working directly with patients when they are admitted to the hospital. I’m so excited to be part of this constantly growing career with opportunities,” exclaims Huber.
HVAC and HVACR technicians are in high demand. In fact, in Colorado, more than 1,000 new HVAC job openings are expected to be added by 2017.
Skilled HVAC Technicians Are In High Demand.
For many students, going to college isn’t the best option. This often has nothing to do with someone’s intelligence or ability. Many people are simply better with their hands or may not be interested in a job working in an office.
There are a number of high-paying jobs that don’t require a college education. For example, HVAC and HVACR technicians are in high demand. In fact, in Colorado, more than 1,000 new HVAC job openings are expected to be added by 2017.
Here is information about what these techs do, what types of jobs are available and what you can expect to make as a tech.
What Do HVAC Technicians Do?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Most people who are HVAC techs work on heating and air conditioning systems in either private homes or businesses. Their job is to control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Some technicians work in hospitals or commercial buildings on complex systems.
HVAC technicians are important because they make sure that homes and buildings are comfortable. They are also responsible for keeping air quality high. When HVAC systems fail, it can lead to high power bills, rooms that are too hot or too cold and even illness.
HVAC jobs are in demand. Learn what skills are most needed.
What Are the Most In-Demand HVAC Jobs?
Many technicians choose to focus on installing, maintaining or replacing HVAC systems. These are the most common types of HVAC jobs. However, most are familiar with all of these tasks. For HVAC installation technicians, the job usually involves connecting different systems. Installation techs may connect air ducts, heating and cooling units and water and fuel lines.
HVAC Repair and maintenance technicians normally test that parts of a system are working. If things aren’t working, broken items are replaced or repaired. Techs that do maintenance and repair may also adjust systems so that all rooms are heated and cooled evenly. They may also help keep systems from wasting energy.
Along with installation, maintenance and repair, some people choose specialized jobs. These jobs usually require at least a few years working as a tech. People may also need more education or certifications.
Fabrication mechanics make ductwork and need to be able to use metal fabrication machinery. Another specialty job is working as an HVAC system designer. This job requires techs to use computers to create HVAC systems. People can get both of these jobs without going to a traditional four-year school.
HVAC graduate Daniel Kindred was 26 years old and still working at an hourly job in the food industry, he realized one day he had reached his earning potential. He was bored and depressed and “wanted to make more money by entering a growing career in HVAC”.
The Heating & Cooling Industry is Facing a Shortage of Qualified HVAC Technicians.
One of the many reasons to go into the HVAC field is that many businesses really need employees. A lot of jobs require a four-year degree. However, HVAC technicians can be trained in a much shorter time-frame. There is a shortage of HVAC technicians throughout the country, and Colorado is no exception.
Employers need about 29 days to fill jobs that are like HVAC jobs. For companies looking for HVAC techs, this can take more than 36 days.
What is Causing the Increased Demand for Techs?
The need for HVAC workers is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
There are three major reasons for the shortage of technicians. They are that people are retiring in large numbers, fewer young people are becoming techs and new technology requires more workers.
Workers are Retiring – One major issue is that baby boomers are retiring. This means that large numbers of experienced workers are leaving the workforce. It is estimated that about half of HVAC workers will retire in the next 10 years. Employers will have to replace old technicians and find new technicians as well.
People Assume the Best Jobs Require College – Many high school students aren’t choosing to become HVAC techs. There is a perception that the only way to get a good job is to go to college. In fact, many HVAC technicians make as much or more than people who go to a four-year school. This is especially true after someone has been working as a tech for a few years.
New Technology Requires More Workers – Finally, there have been a number of new developments in HVAC systems. People are more interested in eco-friendly heating and cooling. Ductless systems and heat pumps have also been replacing old heating and cooling systems. New types of units require technicians to install and maintain them.
Employers are you looking for HVAC Tech’s? Did you know about the HVAC-R training programs at IntelliTec Colleges in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs?
HVAC Career Benefits
There are a lot of benefits of being an HVAC technician. They include good pay, benefits and the ability to start a business.
It Pays Well – Many HVAC techs can make anywhere from $42,000 to $67,000 a year. Starting pay may be lower, but people can increase their income with overtime. During the hottest and coldest times of the year, a greater need for techs opens up extra hours.
Good Insurance and Benefits – HVAC technicians tend to have good benefits packages, because they are in high demand. The benefits offered will depend on the employer, but health and dental are often included.
Job Security – HVAC techs don’t normally have to worry about being laid off. Many other workers are being replaced by machines or seeing their jobs outsourced, but HVAC techs have good job security.
Work Environment – You have the opportunity to work indoors and outdoors, you will be on the go working at different locations, and no two days will be the same.
Business Ownership – A person also may find it easier to start his/her own business if he/she is an HVAC technician. About 16 percent of HVAC technicians run their own business. If you are interested in being your own boss, this may be the career for you.
Basic Requirements for Entering the HVAC Technician Field
There are only a few basic qualifications people need to start working or training as an HVAC tech. They include:
A high school diploma or GED
Being 18 years of age
Having a valid driver’s license
Taking and passing a substance abuse test
Passing a basic math test
HVAC technician checking the amperage on a residential heat pump.
Do You Love Using Tools? A Helpful Skill for HVAC Technicians.
To do their jobs, technicians have to be familiar with using a variety of tools. Tools used are:
screwdrivers
wrenches
pipe cutters
Some people will also need to be familiar with more specialized tools. These can include:
voltmeters
combustion analyzers
carbon monoxide testers
acetylene torches
HVAC Technician Training School vs Apprenticeship
While there are a few ways to become an apprentice HVAC technician, most people now attend Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Training programs. This can be easier than being an apprentice. Apprenticeships normally last three to five years. Apprentices also make less money.
Which Vocational Schools Offer Training for HVAC Techs?
These programs can also help you prepare for professional certification tests and various licenses. Getting these can help you get a higher paying job right out of school.
Once you successfully complete your Refrigeration and HVAC training program at IntelliTec college, you will be prepared to sit for professional HVAC industry certification exams.
Look Into Becoming an HVAC Technician: Make a Short-term Investment for a Great Career
You don’t have to spend years going to college to get a good job as an HVAC Technician, because:
There are a lot of job openings for HVAC techs in Colorado and the U.S.
These jobs pay as much or more than some jobs that require a four-year degree.
This career may also allow you to start your own business.
If you do not have a high school diploma, one option for you is to get your GED certificate. GED training holds the key to a better future, for instance:
Getting your GED certificate will open doors to jobs.
If you want to go to college, you must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate to get in.
If your GED scores are good, you also may be able to apply for scholarships and other sources of money to help pay for college classes or trade school training.
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Your GED Certificate Now
Getting your GED will help you for your entire life. It may help others, too.
Here are five powerful reasons to get your GED now:
The job market has changed. In today’s world, most employers will not hire anyone who does not have either a high school diploma or a GED.
A GED can make a big difference in future earnings. For example, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed a difference of more than $6,800 per year in average earnings between non-graduates and persons who held either a high school diploma or a GED. This study included annual earnings from 2000 through 2013 and covered full-time workers ages 25-34. The total difference for those 13 years of earnings comes to $88,400.
The more you learn, the more you can learn. The skills you gain in studying for your GED make it possible for you to be successful in other studies. Your self-confidence grows. You become aware that you have the ability to set career goals and figure out steps to reach those goals.
Getting your GED helps you meet requirements to go to college or join a branch of the armed forces. Although military career opportunities are limited when you have only a GED, the GED makes it possible for you to take college or trade courses that expand your choices.
You set an example for others to follow. Family members who are still in school see that education is important. Your determination to make your life better influences others who are struggling. The ripple effect of your efforts can have far-reaching results, doing much good.
How long will it take you to earn your GED? You might be able to earn your GED in less than three months. Read our suggestions on how to study for the GED. (Image Credit: 123RF.com)
What Is the GED?
“GED” stands for general educational development. “GED” also refers to the certificate that you earn by passing certain tests. Each state oversees testing in that state and determines the test sites. The GED certificate proves that the holder has educational skills that are similar to those of a high school graduate.
You will be tested in these four subjects:
Math
Science
Social Studies
Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA)
Who can take the GED Test?
Anyone who is not attending high school and is age 17 or older may register to take the GED tests.
Sometimes, the age restriction is lowered to 16.
Certain students who are enrolled in school also may be able to test.
Among other questions, you probably wonder whether you have what it takes to earn your GED. Because you dropped out of high school, you may doubt your abilities. People become high school dropouts for many reasons.
Perhaps you left school to help your family.
Perhaps you got in with the wrong crowd or quit because you didn’t like the classroom environment.
No matter why you dropped out of school, you know more now than you did then.
You learned a little about how education helps grown-ups make good lives for themselves and their families.
This knowledge will motivate you to do well in your efforts to earn your GED.
Also, the study materials and the testing program itself are designed to help you succeed.
Getting your GED will help you – and those who depend on you – for your entire life. (Image Credit: Bigstock.com)
How Long Does It Take to Get Your GED?
You might be able to earn your GED in less than three months. How long it takes to get your GED depends on what skills you already have. It also depends on the number of hours you study each week.
Take practice tests to find out what you know and what you don’t. Then, study only what you need to learn.
Each of the four content areas is tested and scored separately. If you do not pass one test, you only need to retake that test, not all four. Some states allow you to retake a test as many as eight times in one year.
National statistics for July 2014 through June 2015 showed that:
77 percent of all GED tests taken received passing scores.
The pass rate for the GED test in New Mexico was 74 percent.
You do not need to schedule and pay for all four tests at the same time.
Free study materials are available at your local library.
Tutorials and practice tests are available at no cost through the GED Testing Service web site.
If you need to take classes or work with a tutor in order to succeed, costs may be a bit higher. Earning your GED, however, will make the results well worth the costs.
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Education Matters
http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/data-on-display/education-matters.htm
Pew Research Center: The Rising Cost of Not Going to College
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/02/11/the-rising-cost-of-not-going-to-college/
Colorado Department of Education: GED Participation and Outcomes FY 2014-15 Report http://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/geddatafy1415
New Mexico Public Education Department: GED Home http://ped.state.nm.us/ped/GED_index.html
Sources Used
National Center for Education Statistics: Fast Facts – Income of Young Adults
https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=77
GED Testing Service: Protect Yourself From Fraud
http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/test-fraud
GED Testing Service: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Test
http://www.GED.com
IntelliTec Colleges: Get Your GED
https://www.intelliteccollege.com/community/ged-classes-testing.php
IntelliTec Colleges Blog: IntelliTec College Offers Improved Online GED Testing to Grand Junction
https://www.intelliteccollege.com/blog/3429/intellitec-college-offers-improved-online-ged-testing-to-grand-junction/
Dear IntelliTec Student:
We are writing to inform you that our current and former students (and even their families) recently have been targets of online and telephone advertising programs that purport to offer student loan repayment assistance and/or debt forgiveness. You may have seen such advertisements on Facebook or on the Internet. Many of these advertisements prominently use IntelliTec’s name and photographs of IntelliTec’s campuses in their ads.
Please be aware that IntelliTec College is not affiliated or involved in any way with any such loan repayment or debt forgiveness offers, nor does IntelliTec College endorse or approve any of these entities.
None of the companies and offers are legitimate. There have been many reports in the last few years of scams in the student loan industry whereby companies charge significant fees (often hidden or undisclosed) for performing tasks that can be done easily or for free without the need for assistance. In worse cases, the people behind the scams are actually just out to obtain social security number and other private personal and financial information.
These “offers” are not just targeting IntelliTec students, but are targeting students from colleges and universities around the country. We are actively taking steps to stop these companies from targeting our students and alumni, including reporting these scams to the appropriate federal and state agencies.
Please always exercise care and caution when receiving or responding to any inquiries or offers concerning student loans or debt consolidation or forgiveness.
WHERE STUDENTS CAN GO FOR INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENT LOANS
All currently enrolled students should contact one of our Financial Services Representatives at their campus with any questions regarding their student loans
Former IntelliTec students should contact IntelliTec Colleges loan repayment advisor, Evelyn Mestas at emestas@intellitec.edu or 719-632-7626.
Evelyn can quickly identify a student’s current loan circumstances and steer you
towards the appropriate official entity for further assistance.
Intellitec Colleges has also partnered with USA Funds to provide free loan counseling assistance and budget planning information.
All students can find information about their existing loans, by contacting their loan servicer (official entity hired by the Department of Education to service federal loans). The Department has currently 11 loan servicers. If a student is not sure who their loan servicer is, they can find that information nslds.ed.gov
For additional federal student-loan repayment resources, visit
Scammers are constantly changing their scams, and sometimes it can be very hard to tell a scam from a legitimate offer. These guidelines may be helpful you. Before giving out your personal or financial information:
Treat all solicitations for debt relief or loan consolidation services as suspect until you can be sure they are legitimate.
Ask for the company’s physical address, direct phone number, and website. Check to make sure they exist and appear legitimate.
Check out the company’s listing with the Better Business Bureau bbb.org to see if they have a record of complaints or if they are registered at all.
For debt management providers, see if they are registered with Colorado Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section, and consider any disciplinary history in the list posted at coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/dm/consumer
NEVER give out usernames or passwords.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF A SCAM
If you already have been the target of a scam, in addition to any money you may have lost, you might be at risk for identity theft. You may want to consider doing the following:
Review your credit reports from all three credit reporting bureaus for fraudulent activity. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report each year from AnnualCreditReport.com
Place a fraud alert with each of the major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Get more information at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert
Report the scam to the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov
Report the scam to your attorney general’s office. Colorado residents may do so at stopfraudcolorado.gov
Dustin Cooper Automotive Technician Graduate – IntelliTec College in Grand Junction
New IntelliTec College Graduate Dustin Cooper Finishes What He Starts – an Associate’s Degree and a New Career
Cooper had a lot of experience working on cars in his free time and at his gas station job, but his knowledge ended at the basics. Now that he’s completed his hands-on career training as an automotive technician and works full-time as an Automotive Technician at Grand Junction Subaru, he’s proud of the new skills in his toolbox.
“Now when you hear that knocking sound in your car, I can diagnose it when you bring it in,” jokes Cooper.
Helpful Colleagues and an Easy-Going Attitude Make Going to Work Enjoyable
According to IntelliTec’s Automotive Program Supervisor Mark Faudree, Cooper can do a lot more than diagnose car troubles. He was a top performer while enrolled in school, and he made sure to both learn and master a skill before moving on to something new.
“Dustin is a self-starter; dedicated, dependable, and steps in willingly to help out. He’s a real asset to the automotive field, and I think any company would be proud to hire him on as a technician,” says Faudree.
Dustin Cooper and fiance – Automotive Technician Graduate Success Story – IntelliTec College in Grand Junction
Cooper Stays Focused in College to Earn a Successful Career as an Automotive Technician
What are the top 3 things employers look for in a candidate applying for HVAC jobs?
Appearance
Attitude
Aptitude
HVAC technicians need to be on-time and dependable. For this reason, some employers may pay more attention to your college attendance and dependability than your grade point average.
How many people can say that their job is to make people smile? Better yet, you can even be the person who makes smiles even better!
One of the most exciting things about a new year is the potential to try new things, meet new people, and achieve new goals. With so much to accomplish and do, why not choose a goal that has clear steps and serious benefits?
While money is not everything when it comes to finding the right job, it can certainly help support your family and help you feel more satisfied with your career.
For our students, we want to invest in programs that will put them on the path to a long, fruitful career. While the industries listed above are the highest paying positions in 2017, what about the future?
