Unitek College Blog

Economic Recession. Some say it’s coming, and others say it’s already here. You’ve heard it in the news and have felt it in your wallet. And a lot of other signs appear to agree: falling house prices, the NASDAQ and the DOW, and numerous job cuts.

However, if there are two things that have actually gone up in these financially troubled times, they are gas prices and jobs in the health care industry.

The Chevron Station across the street haughtily showing off its staggering price of $4.28 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas, confirms the increase in this area. But there are more pleasant signs indicating that the demand for jobs in the health care sector has not only increased dramatically in recent years, but will continue to increase for the next few years.

Consider this excerpt from the Modesto Bee:
“Anyone looking for a job in California this spring has to be a little depressed. The collapse of the housing industry has wiped out tens of thousands of jobs in construction and the finance industry. Manufacturing is slumping. Retail is not doing much better. If not for schools, health care, government and information technology, the state’s employers wouldn’t be adding any jobs at all.”

And a lot of that is demand is driven by the need for more nurses. In this employment crunch, everything I’m hearing is about the nursing shortage crisis and how nursing programs are having to turn away prospective students by the hundreds due to the lack of space. The jobs are out there, it’s simply become a rat race for those wanting to get the training to fill those spots.

Fortunately, the state has gotten involved in trying to address this crisis. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (still weird to say that) introduced the California Nurse Education Initiative back in April 2005 to expand the number of nursing programs. The Labor and Workforce Development Agency just released a report earlier in the month stating that California nursing programs are projected to graduate nearly 10,400 registered nurses this year, a 68% increase from the 2003-2004 academic year. (SF Gate)

However, “experts” are warning that it’s still too early to declare the nursing shortage over. And many students are still having difficulty grabbing spots at inadequately resourced community colleges. Some have turned to private training programs as viable and immediate options. After all, how many people can really afford to wait?

A new year means new beginnings: new resolutions, ideas and friends; new habits, relationships and goals; new salaries, titles and responsibilities. And perhaps most importantly, new jobs. Lots of them. And not just for 2008, either – until 2016.
There is good news for Unitek College’s Pharmacy Technician training students  In the 30 fastest-growing growing occupations for 2006-2016, according to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Pharmacy technician is number 16.

Here are some numbers:
2006 employment: 285,000
2016 projection: 376,000
Percent growth: 32
Salary range: $21,260 – $30,560

One note of those of us in California – the salary numbers provided above are nationwide. California salaries are typically 30 to 50% higher than these numbers.

1. Pharmacy Technician
2. Tax Preparer
3. Dental Assistant
4. Personal Home Care Aide
5. Receptionist
6. Clerical Library Assistant
7. Demonstrators, Product Presenters
8. Child Care Worker
9. Fitness Trainer
10. Physical Therapist Aide

Average Salary: Click Here (higher pay for weekend shifts and certified technicians)
Job Description: Pharmacy Technicians work in hospitals, health care facilities and retail pharmacies helping pharmacists prepare prescriptions for patients.

Read Full Article
Pharmacy Technician Job Openings
Learn how you can make your career more rewarding. Click Here
Did your current job make the top 10 job list?

Since 1987, the City of Fremont has operated a very successful scholarship housing program. It allows rent scholarships for students that are completing job related coursework. I think this is a great option for upcoming students in Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN), Medical Assisting (MA), and Pharmacy Technician (PT) Training.

If a student meets ALL of the following conditions, they are eligible for the scholarship program:

• Are you at least 18 years of age?
• Are you supporting a family?
• Do you have a good credit history?
• Are you a full time student with a GPA of 2.8 or above?
• Have you been enrolled for a minimum of one quarter or 12 weeks in an eligible training program and have 18 months or less remaining for your certification?
• Are you committed to a better quality of life?

For more information, please contact Janis Carey at 510-494-4511 or housingandredevelopment@ci.fremont.ca.us

I found an interesting snippet on PayScale.com about the rising pay brackets for a Registered Nurse (RN).

It is has never been a better time to train to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and be rewarded with a six figure salary. With the ever growing demand for registered nurses in the Bay Area a Registered Nurse (RN) with less than one year of clinical experience can earn more than $28 an hour.

I also read that a nursing career is one of the most recession proof professions.

“According to government analysts, a nursing career is as close to recession-proof as most professionals can get in the next three decades. The nation will rely on nursing school graduates for everything from rehabilitation to hospice care. Most nurses can choose their own shifts, or work for agencies as flexible contractors. A nursing degree can help you net $52,000 or more per year.” Read more…

Source : Salary.com

While I was browsing the web I found a compelling training program at Unitek College as well as program information along with course information. I feel my 2 years as an Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) has armed me with the experience and wisdom to take me through the rigorous Registered Nurse (RN) training program.

Unitek College’s LVN program is the accelerated, full-time, accredited LVN program available in the SF Bay Area today. Unlike Community Colleges and Universities, there aren’t a handful of pre-requisite courses necessary (such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology) just to apply, or even be considered, to their nursing program. Unitek College’s LVN program bypasses this lengthy step with its 3 week “crash course” in medical terminology. The crash course is plenty enough because it properly and adequately prepares the student for the 11 month long, three level, and accelerated nursing program.

Unitek College allows the eager nursing student to put his/her foot right in the door, without the uncertainty of the application process or the extra two year waiting list. But don’t be fooled by its easy admittance standards; the LVN program is really a tough and demanding curriculum! As a 33 year old with a Bachelor’s degree and several IT certifications, I can honestly say that this is the most challenging (and most rewarding) learning experience in my academic career. The course materials include topics such as the fundamentals of Medical-Surgery, Pharmacology, and practical nursing skills. Each level is increasing more difficult and more demanding than the previous. The program is condensed and moves at a high speed! And yes, you will be a critical thinker & learner!

Having said all this, I’d like to share with you my personal insights for the would-be Unitek College LVN student: Read the rest of this entry »