The Internet has opened up a whole new world of opportunities. One of those is an online education. Online learning, and taking online classes to obtain a degree or certification, is becoming very popular. Today many prestigious, well-accredited learning establishments offer online versions of many of their degree and certificate courses. If you’re interested in studying from home, or can’t get to a campus, then an online degree or certification could be just what you’re looking for.

There are many industries offering employment opportunities for people who have obtained online qualifications. The health and medical field is one, notably nursing. Other sectors where online learning courses are becoming increasingly popular include accounting, the fire services, business administration, computer science, and education.

Most online degree courses these days are granted the same status as those obtained by attending on campus classes. They are equally as demanding and rigorous. The only difference is that instead of attending lessons on campus at set times you can complete the work in a location of your choice, and at a time most suited to your life and work commitments.

Most work places today accept online degrees and certifications if they’ve been done through formally accredited educational institutions. Sometimes you’ll find courses offered by industry specific institutions. These accreditations may not be recognized outside that particular industry but if you don’t intend to work outside that industry, it shouldn’t be an issue. Additionally, today’s online certifications and degrees offer convenience, are of a high standard, and provide excellent educational opportunities for people who may not otherwise be able to further their studies.

Finding the most suitable online course for your requirements may take a bit of research. Furthermore, you may also find that the courses you’re interested are not offered by an institution in your own country. However, this is where online learning can offer even more advantages. If you find the right online course offered at an overseas institution, simply do your research to ensure employers in your own country will accept the qualification. If they do, then it really doesn’t matter where the college or institution that offers it is located. That’s the beauty of the Internet. You can be studying for a degree offered by a college on the other side of the world without leaving home. This would have been unheard of even 3 decades ago.

Of course, there are also plenty of fake degrees and certifications being offered online too. If you do intend to study online, make sure you carefully research whoever is offering it. Check their credentials / accreditations and make sure these are recognized and relevant for your purposes. Look for mentions of them in online forums and feedback sites and see what other students are saying about the course, the instructors, and the facility offering it. Ask your own questions and for recommendations. If, after all your research, you’re still not convinced it’s a legitimate course, move on to the next one on the list. After all, there’s no shortage of ‘next ones’ to consider.

For fire service and other pre qualified personnel, enrolling in Florida Fire College approved online classes is your guarantee that the classes are both legitimate, accredited, and comply with Bureau of Fire Standards and Training pre-certification requirements for sitting your state test.

Joyce Laroche