Pharmacy Technician Career Q&A

October 11, 2005
A Q&A session with Cynthia Arroyo, a pharmacy technician, who works at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, CA. Cynthia has been in the field for a year and a half.

Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?

A: When I arrive in the morning I help the pharmacist catch up with the orders that were scanned between 12 AM- 7 AM. Then if there are any IV’s to be made before the IV tech arrives, I’ll mix them or fill any labels that were printed out. While I’m delivering the medications, my coworker starts with the Pyxis refill. In the morning we refill the main floors like ICU, 2N, NICU, ED, etc.

As we are doing all of this, we are also responsible for answering the phone. The pharmacist also answers phones and enters the orders that are being scanned or that need to be verified.

After we fill the buckets with the medications that are low in amounts, the pharmacist checks them off and one of us leaves to fill the Pyxis. The other tech will stay to answer phones, enter orders, or if it’s slow, fill trays and help the IV tech.

At 12:00 PM, one of us goes to lunch while the other one stays to help the pharmacist. Then we switch again. At around this time, an afternoon pharmacist will arrive and help with narcotics that are low in amounts around the whole hospital. As we are waiting to take out the narcotics, we are doing different things, like helping people at the window, refilling labels, checking for outdates, and many other tasks. After the pharmacist is done refilling the narcotics, we deliver them about 2:30. By this time, one of the afternoon pharmacy techs has arrived and will deliver some of the narcs. Then when we return it’s about to go home.

Q: What do you like the most about being a pharmacy technician?

A: The thing that I like the most about my job is the fact that as I am filling the medications, I learn about different medications and what they do and what they are good for. I gain knowledge on what to take for this and for that. Another thing that I like about my job is that I have chance to meet different people from visitors to doctors, to the CEO.

Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being a pharmacy technician?

A: I really enjoy my job, the job itself, I like everything about it, but the people I work with, well that is something else.

Q: What is your work environment like?

A: In the mornings, it can be pretty stressful and busy, especially when pharmacists get a uncommon order that they need to investigate the dose, the route, the strength, etc. And when the pharmacist falls behind, we start getting a lot of phone calls that they need this and that, and we can’t really do anything because it needs to be verified or checked by the pharmacist. Usually the other pharmacist will jump in and help.

Q: What is your work schedule like?

A: I’m supposed to be part time but since we are short one tech, I work full time, 40 hours per week. I usually work from 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, or I even work in the afternoon, from 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM or 3:00 PM - midnight. I gain 5-8 hours (I’m not sure) of vacation time every 2 weeks.

Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?

A: I attended the pharmacy technician program at the American Institute of Health Sciences. The program was part-time and lasted 10 months, plus an internship of 330 hours. I learned about compounding, order entering, presentations, where look for information (all the resources that pharmacists use), mechanism of drugs, and much more. I would recommend the program because it’s challenging but very interesting because you don’t only learn about medicine but about communications skills, writing skills and even math skills.

Q: Would you recommend your job as a pharmacy technician to another person?

A: Yes I would, because, yes it can be very busy, but I see it more like time passes by faster and when you think about it it’s time to go home. Also because all the experiences and knowledge you gain by working at a pharmacy can be applied to your personal life, like you know what the best thing you can give to a family member when they have a cough. Another reason is that you have all the resources to look up when you are in doubt in something related to health. And then you have the pharmacist that you can ask too.

Q: What is the next step in your career?

A: Right now I’m working on my BS in Biology and then I’m going to apply to Pharmacy School. I am planning to work as a pharmacy tech while I’m attending my school.

Pharmacy Technician Schools

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A

Academy of Professional Careers

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Locations:
San Diego, CA
/ San Marcos, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Students will receive the hands-on training and knowledge required to open their own business or to function effectively in massage clinics, spas, hospitals, doctors’ offices, sporting events and more.

American Career College

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Locations:
Los Angeles, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ Anaheim, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Certificate)

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B

BioHealth College

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Locations:
San Jose, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

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C

Career Colleges of America

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Locations:
Los Angeles, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ South Gate, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Upon successful completion of the training, the graduate will be able to identify and understand drug nomenclature, dosage forms, routes of administration, and abbreviations used in pharmacy; identify the most common medications by their trade and generic names; perform conversions and/or calculations of weights and measures; understand California pharmacy law; understand basic pharmacology; and perform pharmacy operations of the Drug Distribution system, sterile product preparation, and outpatient areas.

Career Networks Institute

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Locations:
Costa Mesa, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Central Coast College

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Locations:
Salinas, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Pharmacy Technicians are registered by the State of California and can work either in hospital pharmacies or in retail drug stores. Our intensive program is designed to prepare you for the workplace.

Clarita Career College

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Locations:
Santa Clarita, CA
/ Lancaster, CA
/ Long Beach, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

The Pharmacy Technician program has been designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as an entry-level assistant to a licensed pharmacist. Employment opportunities include positions in hospitals, medical centers, skilled nursing facilities, private pharmacies, outpatient clinics, and pharmaceutical companies.

CSI Career College

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Locations:
Vacaville, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Certificate)

Emphasis will be placed on information necessary for students to take & pass the National Certification Exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

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E

Everest College

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Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ Alhambra, CA
/ City of Industry, CA
/ Los Angeles, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ Torrance, CA
/ West Los Angeles, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Our program will provide you with strong academic and clinical backgrounds in the areas of: pharmacy administration, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and Pharmacology.

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F

Foothill College

Locations:
Palo Alto, CA

Four-D College

Locations:
Colton, CA

Fresno Adult School

Locations:
Fresno, CA

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H

High-Tech Institute

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Locations:
Sacramento, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Pharmacy Technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

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I

Institute of Technology

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Locations:
Clovis, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Roseville, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

InterCoast College

Locations:
Burbank, CA
/ Carson, CA
/ Orange, CA
/ Riverside, CA
/ West Covina, CA

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K

Kaplan College

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Locations:
Riverside, CA
/ Vista (North County), CA
/ Palm Springs, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

The objective of the Pharmacy Technician program is to prepare students with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required for an entry-level position in the pharmacy field or related areas.

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M

Milan Institute

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Locations:
Indio, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Students will receive the hands-on training and knowledge required to open their own business or to function effectively in massage clinics, spas, hospitals, doctors’ offices, sporting events and more.

Mission College

Locations:
Santa Clara, CA

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N

North-West College

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Locations:
Pasadena, CA
/ West Covina, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

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S

San Joaquin Valley College

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Locations:
Bakersfield, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Rancho Cucamonga, CA
/ Visalia, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Associate’s Degree)

SJVC’s Pharmacy Technology program prepares you to work under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist as part of a team responsible for carrying out a doctor’s pharmaceutical orders. Pharmacy Technicians assist in the various activities of compounding, distributing and dispensing of medications.

Pharmacy Technology (Associate’s Degree)

SJVC’s Pharmacy Technology program prepares you to work under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist as part of a team responsible for carrying out a doctor’s pharmaceutical orders. Pharmacy Technicians assist in the various activities of compounding, distributing and dispensing of medications.

Santa Barbara Business College

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Locations:
Santa Maria, CA
/ Bakersfield, CA
/ Palm Desert, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Associate’s Degree)

This program prepares students to support licensed pharmacists by assisting during patient consultation, counter dispensing and prescription preparation. In either a retail or hospital pharmacy, technicians may stock and inventory prescriptive and over-the-counter medication, maintain written or computerized patient medication records, count and pour medication into dispensing containers, assemble daily supplies of medication, repackage medication, prepare commercially unavailable medication, and deliver medication to patient rooms.

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

This program prepares students to support licensed pharmacists by assisting during patient consultation, counter dispensing and prescription preparation. In either a retail or hospital pharmacy, technicians may stock and inventory prescriptive and over-the-counter medication, maintain written or computerized patient medication records, count and pour medication into dispensing containers, assemble daily supplies of medication, repackage medication, prepare commercially unavailable medication, and deliver medication to patient rooms.

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T

Trinity College

Locations:
Fairfield, CA

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U

UEI

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Locations:
El Monte, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ Van Nuys, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ San Diego, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

Pharmacy Technicians assist Pharmacists in a variety of tasks involving the packaging, distribution, compounding, labeling and recording of drugs. UEI’s Program can prepare you to work along side a Registered Pharmacist in just eight months.

Unitek College

Locations:
Fremont, CA

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V

Valley Career College

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Locations:
El Cajon, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Certificate)

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W

Western Career College

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Locations:
Emeryville, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ Antioch, CA
/ Pleasant Hill, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ San Leandro, CA
/ Citrus Heights, CA
/ Stockton, CA

Pharmacy Technician (Associate’s Degree)

The purpose of this program is to provide the student with the theory and hands-on experience necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician capable of working in any pharmacy environment.

Pharmacy Technician (Diploma)

The purpose of this program is to provide the student with the theory and hands-on experience necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician capable of working in any pharmacy environment.

Pharmacy Technology (Associate’s Degree)

The purpose of this program is to provide the student with the theory and hands-on experience necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician capable of working in any pharmacy environment.

Pharmacy Technology (Diploma)

The purpose of this program is to provide the student with the theory and hands-on experience necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician capable of working in any pharmacy environment.

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Online Schools

Anthem College OnlineCareer Vision OnlineOrlando Academy School of Health Professions - OnlinePenn Foster Career School

Photography: Talent, Training and Persistence

Who Should Consider Photography as a Career

Photography is not generally something you will succeed in unless you have more than simply a passing interest. Do not be fooled into thinking that simply because digital cameras have made the hobby less expensive and more accessible that anyone can pick up a camera and take professional-grade photographs. If anything, a digital camera makes this harder in some ways. A photography career will take equal amounts of creativity, technical knowledge, and persistence.

Creativity Can Not Be Taught

Creativity is something that cannot directly be taught. People are generally either creative or they aren’t. If you can see the potential shot in everything around you then there is a very real chance you have the level of creativity required. It may be necessary to take photographs of people, landscapes, nature and even food. It is essential that you can create a professional photograph from any one of these photographic subjects.

Technical Knowledge Must Be Taught

Technical knowledge, on the other hand, can be taught. By gaining a degree from a photography school in California you will be taught all of the finer nuances of digital and film cameras. You will be taught about natural and synthetic lighting and conditions. You will essentially be taught how to make the most boring of subjects or difficult of conditions work in your favor. This shouldn’t, however, be confused with creativity. While photographic techniques can be taught, you cannot be shown how to find the best picture.

Persistence Will Pay Off

Persistence is necessary on many different levels. Not only do freelance photographers have to be persistent in marketing themselves and contacting editors, they must also be persistent in their pursuit of high-quality photography. It isn’t always possible to get the shot you want the first time, or the second time or even the hundredth time. Getting the right light and composition for the perfect shot can take minutes, or it can take hours or even days. Persistence and patience are attributes that will pay off above all else.

Getting a Photography Job without a Photography Degree

If you intend to look for a salaried job then you should be aware that some companies look for very specific degrees. Scientific photographers can walk into a job if they have a degree in science and a strong photographic portfolio. In these cases, candidates that can demonstrate this combination are more likely to get the job than a candidate with a photographic degree.

Freelancing

Becoming a freelance photographer is certainly a viable option. Businesses rarely have an ongoing need for photographers but they do have the occasional need. They generally meet these needs through subcontracting photography work to a freelance photographer. You may be surprised at the number of businesses that require the infrequent services of a photographer. Next time you look at a fast food menu or browse through a company brochure think about the photographs you see. A photographer somewhere was paid money to take photographs of burgers and of people on talking on the telephone. Weddings and other events also provide a good source of income for freelance photographers.

Selling Yourself and Your Pictures over the Internet

The Internet is a superb place to sell your photographic wares. In particular there are many stock photography sites that give web designers and advertising/marketing professionals the opportunity to purchase photographs for use on websites or company collateral. These stock photography companies will take a commission each time one of your photographs sells; however, the value of the marketing power that they provide generally far exceeds this fee. You never know who might purchase your photograph and whether they will need more pictures in the future.

A Final Word of Advice for Aspiring Photographers

The best advice that anyone can offer an aspiring photographer is to take photographs. Take as many photographs as you can and of as many different subjects in as many conditions as possible. Not only will this help you to develop style and skill but will also provide you with the photographs you need to compile your portfolio. A strong portfolio is absolutely essential in any photographic job.

Additional Resources

If you are interested in pursuing a career in photography, you may want to view a list of schools in California offering degrees and diplomas in photography.

Accounting Career Q&A

October 6, 2005
A Q&A session with Dennis Tapia, an accountant, who owns and operates Legal & Tax Services in Vista, CA. Dennis has been in this field for the last 20 years.

Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?

A: As a tax preparer I gather data from my clients and input this data into the proper IRS form. I also teach my clients what they can and cannot use as a deduction, make sure they pay the proper tax to the IRS and FTB. As a bookkeeper, I input my clients’ data to show them where they are spending their money, and make sure that their business is producing a positive cash flow. I also balance their checkbooks and provide my clients with financial reports.

Q: What do you like the most about being an accountant?

A: I enjoy helping my clients with their taxes and books. I teach them what to look for and keep in contact with them throughout the year. Most tax preparers only see or talk with clients once a year, I encourage my clients to contact me anytime with there questions or concerns.

Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being an accountant?

A: So far nothing, I enjoy my job and my clients.

Q: What is your work environment like?

A: Well during tax season from January to April 15 it is very busy and at time stressful. After tax season it dies down a lot and everything is back to normal.

Q: What is your work schedule like?

A: During tax season I have worked 10 up to 15 hours a day. But once tax season is over I normally take a week or two off to relax.

Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?

A: I went to Jackson Hewitt where I was trained as a tax preparer. The program took 3 months on a part-time schedule. I learned basic tax preparation for both personal and business taxes and was awarded a certificate at the end of the program. Once you earn your certificate, you must maintain a $5,000.00 bond and take a renewal test each year.

Q: Would you recommend your job as an accountant to another person?

A: I would recommend this to indivuals who like working with numbers, have good math skills and don’t mind filling out lots of forms.

Q: What is the next step in your career?

A: To further my education and become an EA (Enrolled Agent).

Accounting Schools

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A

Advanced College

Locations:
South Gate, CA

Advanced Training

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Locations:
El Cajon, CA

Computerized Accounting/Office Administration (Diploma)

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B

BioHealth College

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Locations:
San Jose, CA

Business Administration / Accounting (Diploma)

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C

California College

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Locations:
San Diego, CA

Accounting (Bachelor’s Degree)

The objectives of the major are to provide the graduate with an understanding of business and financial concepts and how they relate to professional accounting — including the principles of federal taxation, auditing, and accounting for small business and corporations.

E-Business Management & Accounting (Associate’s Degree)

Carter Vocational Schools

Locations:
Riverside, CA

Center for Employment Training

Locations:
San Jose, CA

Central Coast College

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Locations:
Salinas, CA

Computer Specialist Accounting (Diploma)

In less than a year at Central Coast College you will acquire skills in: Accounting Systems, Accounting Theories with hands-on Practice, Computerized Spreadsheets, Word Processing and Computerized Accounting.

CompuMatics.com

Locations:
Los Angeles, CA

CSI Career College

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Locations:
Vacaville, CA

Computerized Office w/ Bookkeeping (Certificate)

Learn general accounting principles and practices and the latest accounting software.

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D

DeVry University

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Locations:
Fremont, CA
/ Irvine, CA
/ Long Beach, CA
/ Pomona, CA
/ Elk Grove (Sacramento), CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ West Hills, CA
/ Sherman Oaks, CA
/ Bakersfield, CA

Business Administration (Bachelor’s Degree)

Students may select from eleven concentrations, including: Accounting, Business Information Systems, E-Commerce, Health Services Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Sales and Marketing, Security Management, Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

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E

Empire College

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Locations:
Santa Rosa, CA

Accounting (Associate’s Degree)

Having an accounting degree can help you expand your potential for advancement into supervisory or management positions within a company. Students enrolled in one of our California accounting degree programs learn managerial accounting along with statistics, economics and computer applications.

Accounting Essentials (Diploma)

Our short-term, entry-level California bookkeeping courses are designed to prepare graduates for employment as bookkeeping assistants, account clerks, payroll clerks, accounts receivable/accounts payable clerks or data entry clerks. Empire College graduates have a variety of bookkeeping, computer and general office skills to meet the needs of employers in Sonoma County and beyond.

Accounting with Computer Applications (Diploma)

The Accounting with Computer Applications program is designed to prepare Empire College graduates for entry-level positions as account clerks or as full-charge bookkeepers. Accounting systems, cycles, theories and concepts are studied with a strong emphasis on computerized spreadsheets, word processing and computerized accounting to meet the demands of employers in California.

Everest College

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Locations:
City of Industry, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ West Los Angeles, CA

Business Management/Administrative Assistant (Diploma)

You will gain knowledge of business structures and laws, computerized procedures, basic accounting principles, and up-to-date office technologies.

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F

Foothill College

Locations:
Palo Alto, CA

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H

Heald College

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Locations:
Concord, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Hayward, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
/ Roseville, CA
/ Salinas, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ Stockton, CA

Business Accounting (Certificate)

You will learn accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, income tax, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). You will also learn computer software and spreadsheets for accounting applications.

Business Accounting (Associate’s Degree)

You will learn accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, income tax, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). You will also learn computer software and spreadsheets for accounting applications.

Business Administration (Associate’s Degree)

The program teaches basic concepts related to business management, accounting, human resources, Internet marketing, and other areas relevant to the business world. Students explore ways to manage human, financial, and material resources, which are key components of the global economy.

Business Administration (Diploma)

The program teaches basic concepts related to business management, accounting, human resources, Internet marketing, and other areas relevant to the business world. Students explore ways to manage human, financial, and material resources, which are key components of the global economy.

Business Administration - Accounting (Associate’s Degree)

Heald’s program will introduce you to financial accounting, tax preparation, business and Internet law, communications, and computerized systems.

After completing the Accounting program, your qualifications will assist you in pursuing a variety of positions, including Accounting Specialist, Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist, and Payroll Processor.

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I

ICT College

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Locations:
Los Angeles, CA

Business Management (Bachelor’s Degree)

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management is a comprehensive 18-month (beyond the AA) program that builds on the foundation in business management acquired in the Associate Degree program. The curriculum incorporates previous coursework in basic computer operations (Microsoft Office), management and accounting, and expands to include classes that are critical in today’s global economy and international business climate.

Business Management (Associate’s Degree)

The Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management is a comprehensive 18-month program that teaches business fundamentals and offers students a general introduction to a wide array of business disciplines. The curriculum includes basic computer operations emphasizing Microsoft Office (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access). Extensive course work in accounting; Computerized Accounting, business law, taxation, financial planning and management.

Institute of Technology

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Locations:
Clovis, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Roseville, CA

Computerized Accounting (Diploma)

Graduates from this program will learn QuickBooks Pro, accounting skills for bank reconciliation, payroll, and management of accounts payables and receivables to satisfy entry-level bookkeeping requirements. Beginning word processing and spreadsheet skills are taught in preparation for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.

InterCoast College

Locations:
Burbank, CA
/ Carson, CA
/ Orange, CA
/ Riverside, CA
/ West Covina, CA

ITT Technical Institute

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Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ West Covina, CA

Business and Accounting Technology (Bachelor’s Degree)

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K

Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

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Locations:
Fremont, CA
/ Colton, CA
/ Irvine, CA
/ Pomona, CA
/ Elk Grove (Sacramento), CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ Long Beach, CA

Accounting (Graduate Certificate)

Accounting and Financial Management (Master’s Degree)

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M

Milan Institute

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Locations:
Visalia, CA

Full Charge Bookkeeper (Diploma)

A Full Charge Bookkeeper’s duties vary from office to office, but normally include recording debits and credits, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, ledgers, bank deposits, and other tasks. This course prepares students to manage the bookkeeping functions of a business. Students learn to prepare financial statements.

Office Administration (Diploma)

The Office Administration program teaches students how to use computers in a business-like environment, it teaches students how to use a computer for accounting purposes, payroll, desktop publishing, and how to use other types of software such as Windows, Office 97, Excel and others.

MTI College

Locations:
Sacramento, CA

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N

Newbridge College

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Locations:
Monterey Park, CA

Computerized Accounting (Diploma)

This program introduces you to the work of integrated computerized accounting. Upon completion, you will be able to establish company records; maintain daily transactions using the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, account reconciliation and payroll features; and create financial statements.

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R

Remington College

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Locations:
San Diego, CA

Business Information Systems (Associate’s Degree)

The student’s course work includes subjects that are fundamental to the operation of an office, such as accounting, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, communications and more.

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S

San Joaquin Valley College

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Locations:
Fresno, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Rancho Cucamonga, CA
/ Visalia, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA

Health Care Administration (Associate’s Degree)

SJVC’s Health Care Administration program gives you the expert training you need to perform front office duties in a health care setting. Course studies include office management, medical terminology, patient record keeping, bookkeeping, accounting, insurance claims preparation, professional communication and general operation of a health care facility. Computer training using Microsoft Office and Medical Manager.

Medical Office Administration (Associate’s Degree)

SJVC’s Medical Office Administration program provides in-depth training for the front office position of a busy medical practice or facility. Hands-on experience and classroom instruction include the study of office management, patient record-keeping, bookkeeping and accounting, and professional communication.

Santa Barbara Business College

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Locations:
Santa Barbara, CA
/ Santa Maria, CA
/ Ventura, CA

Business Administration (Associate’s Degree)

This program provides a solid background in accounting principles using integrated software for a full range of computer skills. In addition to the accounting principles background, the program includes studies in management skills that will prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in bookkeeping and management careers.

Business Administration (Diploma)

This program provides a solid background in accounting principles using integrated software for a full range of computer skills. In addition to the accounting principles background, the program includes studies in management skills that will prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in bookkeeping and management careers.

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U

University of Phoenix

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Locations:
Bakersfield, CA
/ Gardena, CA
/ Lancaster, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ Oxnard, CA
/ Pasadena, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ Woodland Hills, CA
/ Diamond Bar, CA
/ La Mirada, CA
/ Costa Mesa, CA
/ Murrieta, CA
/ Laguna Hills, CA
/ Culver City, CA
/ Chula Vista, CA
/ Imperial, CA
/ Palm Desert, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Marcos, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ Beale AFB, CA
/ Elk Grove, CA
/ Fairfield, CA
/ Lathrop, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Chico, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
/ Roseville, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Visalia, CA
/ Pleasanton, CA
/ Concord, CA
/ Fremont, CA
/ Livermore, CA
/ Novato, CA
/ Oakland, CA
/ San Jose, CA

Business Administration/Accounting (Master’s Degree)

Business/Accounting (Bachelor’s Degree)

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V

Valley Career College

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Locations:
El Cajon, CA

Computerized Office/Accounting (Certificate)

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W

West Valley College

Locations:
Saratoga, CA

Westwood College

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Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ Inland Empire (Upland), CA

Business Administration - Accounting (Bachelor’s Degree)

This degree prepares students for entry-level positions in the field such as accounts payable manager, cost estimator, payroll administrator, or loan and credit counselor.

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Online Schools

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How to be a Successful Real Estate Professional

Research And Knowledge

Being a real estate broker is all about being informed and doing research. It is absolutely essential that you understand every aspect of the area where you will be working. In most cases, real estate brokers and sales agents start working in their local region because they generally already have a good knowledge of the location in which they live. This existing knowledge gives a new broker or agent the chance to learn exactly what clients deem to be important before they chance their luck in a different area.

Local Schools

Education is always an important factor for families when choosing a home to purchase. Young families will want to know the performance of the local elementary schools and preschools; families with older children will be looking for information on high schools and colleges. Parents are likely to ask about the number of students, recent test results and the number of children per teacher. Some parents may also want to know about the availability of sports and other extracurricular activities such as art or music.

Factors Concerning Employment

Employment is another factor that can determine whether a client wishes to move to an area. Most people want to move to an area that has a lot of job opportunities available, but they will also want to be sure that the opportunities offered closely match their own requirements for work. For example, industrial workers are not likely to want to move to an area that is heavily reliant on tourism. Unemployment figures, details of the largest local employers and commute times will be the questions most often asked.

Local Amenities and their Accessibility

Amenities are essential to almost every client. While shopping can be done largely online, people still want the convenience of being able to pay a quick visit to local shops. If there are local malls or supermarkets then you should know how far they are and how easy they are to reach by foot and by car. You should also be able to give an accurate account of where the nearest major bus routes, train routes, and airports are.

Crime and Living Conditions

Crime rates and general living conditions may be slightly more difficult to get hold of but they are important. Low crime rates are obviously preferential but being able to confidently say that a house is situated in a close-knit community that keeps an eye out for one another will go a long way to help sell an area to a client.

General Trivia and History of the Area

Local trivia and interesting facts can often help sell a neighborhood or town. Clients are unlikely to ask, but if you are able to tell them that the latest big thing in Hollywood actually grew up three doors down, you would be surprised the effect it may have. Giving a brief history of the town and, in particular, the neighborhood in question is a very good way to generate interest in an area and is another vital weapon in the real estate broker’s arsenal.

Matching your Client to the Right Property in the Right Neighborhood

In addition to having good knowledge of the area you should attempt to find out as much as possible about the client. By closely matching your client to the real estate you show them, you can increase your chances of a sale and decrease the amount of time needed to show them around potential properties. You can also have your answers to common questions researched as thoroughly as possible. Don’t forget that general interests and hobbies may also play a part. Avid fishermen may want to know if there are any good fishing spots locally whereas keen sportsmen may want to know where the nearest ballpark is and how well the local teams are doing.

A Final Word of Warning

The days of the underhanded real estate broker are long gone. It is important that you always speak directly and truthfully to your clients. False information generally has a nasty way of coming back to haunt you, especially when your former client looks to move home again. Don’t forget that a happy customer is a loyal customer and that nearly every real estate agent depends on client referrals to grow his or her network.

Additional Resources

View a list of schools in California and online that offer real estate classes.

The Ins and Outs of Dental Assisting

Working as a dental assistant offers many benefits and few downfalls. For starters, the career is available straight out of high school. Many of today’s best dental assistants started out as a receptionist in a dental office and worked their way up. Laws in many states, including California, require a person to have worked as an assistant for three years. After this, the dental assistant is able to go for certification, regardless if the dental assistant completed a college or vocational program.

Dental assistants work in tightly knit offices where the co-workers become friends. Statistics show that most dentists hire two or three dental assistants to help run his or her office. The co-workers spend long hours together and often form a tight family unit. For this reason, dental assistants often love going to work. This is a rare quality in any job!

To gain the highest income and start higher up the career ladder, an education in dental assisting is highly suggested. You might be surprised at how easy it is to achieve an education right within your community.

Many high schools throughout the United States offer high school level vocational programs for dental assisting. These programs are completed in a student’s junior and/or senior year of high school. The vocational programs do not always require a hefty tuition fee, which makes them perfect means to launching a satisfying career straight out of high school. High school level programs for dental assisting are rare in California, however. You will have to attend schooling in a college or secondary school setting.

The majority of postgraduate programs that specialize in dental assisting require the following:

A high school diploma or G.E.D. with a 2.0 grade point average
Successful completion of a CPR/First Aid course
Two sets of all high school transcripts
Completion of all questions on the applications
Successful completion of a health exam including require immunizations, negative test for tuberculosis, and a clean chest x-ray

To complete a dental assisting course, you must maintain a C average or better in every course. Fingerprinting is also required for a background check. Transportation and housing while in school are up to the student not the school. Finally, you must pay for your uniform and all necessary books. Tuition rates never cover the cost of books.

Many programs require the successful completion of more than thirty credit hours. These courses include:

Chair Side Techniques-you will learn how to work closely and follow a dentist’s instructions while monitoring a patient during any dental procedure.
Dental Assistant Lab-in this course, usually held towards the end of your schooling, you practice your skills on volunteers.
Dental Assistant Techniques-learn how to quickly find and hand dentists the proper tool during dental procedures. Focus is on tray set-up, clean-up, four-handed techniques, and routine procedures.
Dental Materials-Students learn the different names for all of the dental tools, how those tools are used, and how to sterilize them according to state law.
Dental Office Computer Applications-during this course, a student will learn how to work on DENTRIX software.
Facial Structure-this course covers the anatomy of the face and neck. The teeth and jaw are studied in detail.
Medical Terminology-prefixes and suffixes that are commonly used in all medical professions are taught. You will also learn common and some uncommon words used in a dental setting.
Office Administration-Learn how to greet patients, handle patient questions, respectfully handle complaints, patient record filing, insurance procedures, and ethics.
Oral Radiology-Students learn how to take oral x-rays. Safety precautions and infection control are taught.
Orientation to the Dental Assisting Program-this course usually requires a six-hour lecture that covers everything one will learn regarding dental assisting. Because the students practice techniques on each other, it is essential to pass a health exam.

The program for dental assisting usually requires ten months to a year to complete. If you want an associate’s degree, you will need to complete a full two-year’s worth of education. Your graduation is complete after you have spent at least six hours interning in a dental office setting. You will find that many courses involve spending hours listening to dentists lecture prospective dental assistants on what to expect during their career and current laws. Lectures may seem dull, but it is critical to pay attention. The test for licensing covers these aspects in depth.

Once you have your degree or certificate, you can attempt to become a licensed dental assistant. While this is not a requirement by California law, gaining a dental assistant license guarantees you a higher rate of pay and draws attention. Licensed dental assistants have proven their discretion and thorough knowledge of disease control. This makes them far more valuable to any employer.

View a list of schools offering dental assisting programs in California.