What can I do with an Associate Degree in Business?

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What will I Learn During an Associate Degree in Business Program?

Training in the core associates degree in business courses include accounting concepts, management concepts, business concepts, business law, Microsoft office.

#1 Accounting Concepts

Rules of accounting that should be followed in preparation of all accounts and financial statements.

What are Some the Different Software Programs Used for Accounting?

The most widely used accounting software, and the program taught in the Associate of Science Degree in Business at Gwinnett College, is QuickBooks. In 2008 Intuit claimed that QuickBooks had 3.7 million users, representing 94.2% of the business accounting market.

QuickBooks – software solution designed to manage payroll, inventory and sales.

There are also a few other accounting software on the market that you can learn about outside the associate degree program:

Sage – helps invoice customers, pay bills, manage inventory and stay on top of banking.

Microsoft Dynamics – gives small and midsize businesses control over finances, inventory and business intelligence information within an enterprise resource planning software.

NetSuite – deployed cloud enterprise resource planning solution offering financial management capabilities.

#2 Management Concepts

The functions of management include planning, organizing, leading and controlling. These management concepts are typically focused on in the associate degree in business program.

Planning – the foundation of management. Requires administration to assess where the company presently is and where it would be in the coming years. During the planning phase goals are set, a plan is developed, limits are identified, a strategy is formulated, and the plan is reviewed.

Organizing – management must organize resources to follow the course of action decided during the planning process. During this phase jobs are defined, activities are organized, authority is distributed and responsibilities are balanced.

Leading – controlling and supervising the actions of the staff. To lead is to motivate employees toward the planned objectives and delegate tasks to subordinates.

Controlling – establishes performance standards, which are aligned to the company’s objectives and the evaluation and reporting of actual job performance.

#3 Business Concepts

An idea for a business that includes basic information about the service or product, the target market, and unique selling proposition. Business concepts are important to the associate degree in business and the business industry in general.

Basic Information about the Service or Product – First, create a description of the product or service that includes information specific to benefits from a customers’ perspective. This includes how the service or product will meet the consumer needs. Next, include details about the product life cycle including any factors that may influence its cycle in the future. Also, list any intellectual property. Finally outline any research and development activities planned and what results you expect.

Target Market – a particular group of consumers at which a product or service is aimed. The definition of the target market can include demographics (age, gender, etc.), geographic information (address, location, region) behavioral information (degree of loyalty) and psychographic information (attitudes, values, religion, and lifestyle).

Unique Selling Proposition – the factor or consideration presented by a seller as the reason that one product or service is different from and better than that of the competition.

#4 Business Law

The body of law that applies to the rights, relations, and conduct of persons and businesses engaged in commerce, merchandising, trade, and sales. The study of business law, during the associate degree in business, typically encompasses many different legal issues. Some of these legal issues may including:

  • Merchant shipping
  • Bills of exchange
  • Partnerships
  • Corporate practices
  • Hiring practices
  • Manufacturing of consumer goods
  • Distribution of consumer goods
  • Carriage by land and sea

#5 Microsoft Office

An office suite of applications, servers, and services developed by Microsoft. The basic Microsoft Office bundle that you typically learn about in an associate degree in business program includes Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.

  • Microsoft Word – a word processor used for viewing, editing and creating documents including reports, letters and brochures.
  • Microsoft Excel – a spreadsheet software that allows users to organize, format, and calculate data with formulas using a spreadsheet system.
  • Microsoft Access – a database creation program that is made up of tables, relationships, queries, forms, reports, macros and modules.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint – a slide show presentation software that provides users with an interface to design multimedia slides to be displayed during a meeting or presentation. PowerPoint incorporates images, sounds, videos, text and charts to create an interactive presentation.
  • Microsoft Outlook – a personal information manager used mainly for email management however Microsoft Outlook also includes calendar, task manager, contact manager, note taking, journal and web browsing.

What Jobs Can I Get with an Associate Degree in Business?

Graduates awarded with an Associate of Science Degree in Business can seek entry-level positions based upon their areas of concentration. At Gwinnett College, students can select a concentration in computer information technology, medical office administration, or massage therapy.

Medical Office Administration Assistant – Medical office administration assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The skills a successful medical office administration assistant needs include:

  • Medical Bookkeeping
  • Office Procedures
  • Medical Insurance and Coding
  • Medical Office Management
  • Medical Laboratory Procedures
  • Medical Law and Ethics

Computer Information Specialist – According to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Statistics, computer information specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. They test and evaluate existing network systems, perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly, and troubleshoot local area networks, wide area networks and Internet systems. The skills a successful computer information specialist needs include:

  • Advanced Bookkeeping Skills (Manual and Computerized)
  • End-user Computer Skills (Microsoft Office and Use of the Internet)
  • Computer Maintenance
  • Beginners Keyboarding
  • Business Math and English

Massage Therapist – According to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Statistics, Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, massage therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. The skills a successful massage therapist needs include:

  • Swedish Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Chair Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Sports Massage
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Business and Success Techniques

These are the 5 concepts learned during an Associate of Science Degree in Business program and some of the jobs you will be able to find after graduating.

Ready to get into the business world and want to concentrate your efforts to get the career in the field of your choosing? Gwinnett College offers the Associate of Science Degree in Business with three concentrations including Medical Office Administration, Computer Information Systems and Massage Therapist. This unique Associate of Science Degree in Business program allows students to gain the technical knowledge important in the business field and select a concentration area that specifically addresses their areas of interest.

How To Become a Personal Trainer

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Enjoy helping others get in shape? Have a love for fitness? Learn how to become a personal trainer, the day-to-day tasks of a personal trainer, the specializations once you become a personal trainer, and the skills a successful personal trainer possess.

How To Become a Personal Trainer

To become a personal trainer, students should spend time planning, developing, and implementing fitness and nutrition programs. Personal training students should learn to document goals and successes during training. The student personal trainer needs to develop, prescribe, and oversee exercise routines and track the progress of clients over a specific period and document their results.

To become a personal trainer, students must prepare to sit for industry-recognized exams required for certification as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).  The curriculum at Gwinnett College is specifically geared toward the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) exam.

What a Personal Trainer does on a Day-To-Day Basis

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal trainers lead, instruct, and motivate clients in exercise activities. Personal trainers typically do the following:

  • Demonstrate how to perform various exercises and routines
  • Watch clients do exercises
  • Demonstrate or explain correct exercise techniques to minimize injuries and improve fitness
  • Provide alternative exercises during workouts or classes for different levels of fitness and skill
  • Monitor clients’ progress and adapt programs as needed
  • Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations on sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment
  • Give clients information or resources about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues
  • Give emergency first aid if needed

Personal Trainer Specializations

NASM offers 11 personal trainer specializations once you have become a personal trainer and completed your National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) exam.

Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) – Corrective exercise is one of the most important components of a comprehensive exercise program. Almost every person has some degree of dysfunction that increases the chance of injury.

Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES) – Sports performance is one of the most demanding forms of training and allows you to help athletes perform at their highest level. Once you become a PES specialist, you can help improve clients’ athletic performance including their power, speed, agility and quickness.

Behavior Change Specialization (BCS) – The BCS specialist helps clients with motivation triggers to attain sustainable results in health and fitness related behaviors. The personal trainer will be able to assess and implement behavior change tactics.

Fitness Nutrition Specialization (FNS) – The go-to expert in nutrition and diet. As a personal trainer, you will be able to help clients with weight loss and weight management. Once you become a FNS specialist, you will understand metabolism and calorie needs, how to interpret nutritional labels and how to select appropriate portion sizes and eating healthy.

Group Personal Training Specialization (GPT) – Train more clients in less time and offer a group dynamic that will help motivate clients to achieve their goals.

Weight Loss Specialization (WLS) – An in-demand specialization that helps the personal trainer work with overweight clients to gain the knowledge they need to lose weight. The personal trainer will understand the secrets of diet, exercise and psychology to help their clients’ loss weight.

Women’s Fitness Specialization (WFS) – This specialization helps the personal trainer understand female specific training to help younger, pre-natal and post-natal techniques for their clients.

Youth Exercise Specialization (YES) – A focus on youth fitness and nutrition to show kids how to have fun while improving their sports skills, increasing their physical activity and losing weight.

Senior Fitness Specialization (SFS) –  This specialization helps personal trainers understand senior specific training to help them preserve their independence.

Golf Fitness Specialization (GFS) – The go-to expert on golf conditioning. This personal trainer specialization helps them work with clients to learn corrective exercise strategy, improve head speed, bolster shooting distance and prevent injuries.

MMA Conditioning Specialization – Learn to condition clients with training techniques and coaching strategies employed by top MMA fighters.

Where do Personal Trainers Work?

Personal Trainers work in facilities such as health clubs, fitness or recreation centers, gyms, yoga and Pilates studios and off-site at clients’ locations. Depending on the location a personal trainer may work nights and weekends to appease clients’ busy schedules.

What are the Skills of a Successful Personal Trainer?

Customer Service Skills – Many personal trainers must sell their services, motivating clients to hire them as personal trainers or to sign up for the classes they lead. Personal trainers must be polite, friendly, and encouraging, to maintain relationships with their clients. A personal trainer with good customer service skills is patient, attentive, uses clear communication and positive language, and has the ability to read customers.

Communication skills – Personal trainers must be able to clearly explain or demonstrate exercises to clients. A personal trainer with good communication skills is a good listener, keeps eye contact, is clear and concise, friendly, confident, open-minded and shows respect for their client.

Listening skills – Personal trainers must be able to listen carefully to what clients tell them in order to determine the clients’ fitness levels and desired fitness goals. A personal trainer with good listening skills maintains eye contact, is attentive but relaxed, keeps an open mind, and doesn’t interrupt the client.

Motivational skills – Getting fit and staying fit takes a lot of work for many clients. To keep clients coming back for more classes or to continue personal training, personal trainers must keep their clients motivated. A personal trainer with good motivation skills enables the client to become motivated to work toward achieving goals. A client will be highly motivated if they achieve their goals so a personal trainer should set short-term and long-term goals.

Physical fitness – Personal trainers need to be physically fit because their job requires a considerable amount of exercise. Group instructors often participate in classes, and personal trainers often need to demonstrate exercises to their clients. The personal trainer is the example of fitness and what the client can become so being physically fit shows the client that if they work hard they can look like the personal trainer.

Problem-solving skills – Personal trainers must evaluate each client’s level of fitness and create an appropriate fitness plan to meet the client’s individual needs. A personal trainer with good problem-solving skills has an analytical ability, can think laterally, is intuitive, has logical reasoning and is persistent.

What is the Job Outlook of a Personal Trainer?

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of personal trainers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

If you’re interested in helping people learn to live a healthier lifestyle, our Personal Training program at Gwinnett College could be ideal for you. Upon completion, students will be prepared to sit for industry-recognized exams required for certification as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).  This curriculum is specifically geared toward the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) exam.

14 Legal Research Disciplines of a Successful Paralegal

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Worked in an office but want to become a paralegal? Enjoy the law and helping others? With the right training program from Gwinnett College, and these 14 research disciplines, you will be well on your way to being a successful paralegal.

What are the 14 Research Disciplines?

Analysis of case information and being able to track down records is key for a paralegal to master. There are 14 types of legal research discussed in this article and they include:

#1 Historical Legal Research

Finding out the previous law in order to understand the reasons behind the existing law and the course of its development. The research of statues and decided cases, supplemented where possible with lawyers’ literature expounding the rules and occasionally reflecting on them.

#2 Doctrinal Legal Research

The research into legal rules, principles, concepts or doctrines. The analysis of case law, arranging, ordering and systematizing legal propositions and study of legal institutions through legal reasoning and rational deduction.

What are the 3 types of reasoning?

Deductive Reasoning – the process of reasoning from one or more statements to reach a logically certain conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning – reasoning in which the premises are viewed as supplying strong evidence for the truth of the conclusion.

Abductive Reasoning – a form of logical inference which goes from an observation to a theory which accounts for the observation, seeking to find the simplest and most likely explanation.

#3 Non-Doctrinal Research

Non-Doctrinal Research, also called Empirical research, relies on experience or observation, often without a system or theory. It is data-based research where conclusions are made that can be verified by observation or experiment. The legal assistant tries to investigate through empirical data how law and legal institutions affect human attitudes and what impact on society they create.

#4 Comparative Research

Used to study legislative texts, Comparative legal research is the study of the relationship between legal systems, their differences and similarities. This comparison produces results relating to the different legal cultures being analyzed.

#5 Induction Research

Moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories, reasoning by analogy. Inductive legal research begins with specific observations and measures, then patterns are detected to formulate some tentative hypotheses that can be explored. After the hypotheses are explored the legal assistant can come up with general conclusions or theories.

#6 Deduction Research

A kind of logical argument that applies deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusion based on two or more propositions that are asserted or assume to be true. Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific. A legal assistant or paralegal would start with a theory and then narrow it down into more specific hypotheses that can be tested. The next step in the research is to collect observations to address the hypotheses. This leads us to be able to test hypotheses with specific data and reach a confirmation or our original theory.

#7 Applied Research

Action research aimed at finding a solution for an immediate problem. Applied legal research accesses some part of the research communities’ accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific, state-driven, business-driven or client-driven purpose. Applied legal research deals with solving practical problems and generally employs empirical methodologies.

#8 Fundamental Research

Generalization and the formulation of a theory in order to improved understanding or prediction of natural phenomena.

#9 Statistical Research

The collection and examination of statistics. The 6 Steps when planning and conducting statistical research include:

  • Ask a question
  • Decide what to measure and how
  • Choose a method of collecting data
  • Summarize the data
  • Analyze the data
  • Draw conclusions and interpret the results

#10 Normative Research

Gathered material is thoroughly examined and a common thread is ascertained which ultimately becomes the basic norm.

#11 Quantitative Research

The measurement of quantity or amount. To develop and employ mathematical models, theories and hypotheses pertaining to the phenomenon under inquiry. The systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena from a statistical, mathematical or computational technique.

#12 Quantitative Research

Concerned with phenomenon relating to or involving quality or kind and relies on reason behind various aspects of behavior. The examination, analysis and interpretation of observations for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns of relationships.

#13 Case Law Analysis

The research and analysis of case law. Case law consists of rules and principles stated and acted upon by the Judges in giving decisions. Case law analysis is the studying of cases and drawing essential conclusions on how courts apply certain norms and how they interpret them.

#14 Oral Advocacy

Use of personal argument to accomplish things not available in a written brief.

These are the 14 types of legal research a paralegal or legal assistant should learn to help them become successful in their legal career.

Ready to put the research skills to the test in a career as a paralegal? Want to learn more about the Paralegal Studies Program at Gwinnett College?  With the right training from Gwinnett College you will be well on your way to becoming a successful paralegal.

5 Reasons to Attend a Career College

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Ready for a career that you love? Thought about attending a career college but don’t know whether it is right for you? Here are 5 Reasons why choosing a career college can be the best decision you ever made.

What are the 5 Reasons to Attend a Career College?


#1 – Programs are Flexible
Many career colleges offer day and evening classes and students can start a program throughout the year, rather than 4-year colleges on a semester system. Career colleges also have multiple campuses so you can find a career college campus that has a small commute from work or home.

#2 – Small Class Sizes
At 4-year colleges you attend classes in an auditorium with hundreds of other students. At 4-year colleges you interface with the teacher’s assistant. At a career college, you have more time to talk with you teacher and smaller class sizes. Get personal attention in a more intimate atmosphere at a career college.

#3 – Focused Curriculum
Diploma programs can be completed within 9-12 months. Also, career college’s reach out to area businesses to help shape the curriculum so that career college graduates get the skills and training they need to get a job right out of college. Career college curriculum is designed to prepare you for entry-level employment in a timely manner so you don’t spend a lot of time attending elective classes and focus on the core curriculum.

#4 – Multiple Programs to Choose From
With a variety of vocational programs to choose from, you can find the career of your dreams at a career college. Whether you want to work in a doctor’s or dentist’s office, study to become a nurse, phlebotomist or massage therapist, become tech savvy as a computer network administrator, or help people as a legal assistant, career colleges offer the career that you want at a campus near you. Many careers even allow you to work from home or off-site including computer technician, massage therapist and medical billing and coding. Get a diploma or associates degree in the career field of your choice at your local career college.

#5 – Hands-On Experience
Career college usually has lab work and externships where students can get real world experience. This hands-on experience, at a career college, can help you when you are ready to get a job in your field. You are one step ahead of the competition and have real world experience.

Ready to start your dream career? Want to learn more about Gwinnett College?  Gwinnett College has 5 campuses in Georgia, Florida & North Carolina. With the right training from Gwinnett College you will be well on your way to a career you love.

Raleigh – Spring Graduation Ceremony

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Congratulations Medical Arts School Graduates!

Raleigh, North Carolina graduationCongratulations to The Medical Arts School’s Spring 2017 graduating class. The graduating class from Friday, April 21, 2017 officially marks the end of an era as it is the last graduating class of “The Medical Arts School” in Raleigh.  In the final Medical Arts School commencement, we had 45 total graduates.  Of these, 23 of these graduates were from our Massage Therapy program, 16 came from our Medical Assisting program, and 6 from our Medical Office Administration.  Congrats to all of you and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Don’t be too sad about our last graduation, though.  The tradition of outstanding grads from our school won’t end, rather they’ll now be graduating as Gwinnett College graduates in Raleigh.  We expect to continue to produce fantastic graduates at our Capital B0ulevard/Spring Forest location for many years to come in our Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Massage Therapy, and Paralegal Studies programs.

 

 

Orlando – Graduate Pinning Ceremony

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Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Join us in congratulating our newest Graduate Nurses as they get ready to attend their Pinning Ceremony on May 12, 2017.

Nurse TeacherThe Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition that carries personal meaning for both the Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing students and is an extremely proud moment for the faculty.  The ceremony is rich with symbolism that initiates our students into the brotherhood and sisterhood of Nursing as they are pinned by a licensed nurse, usually one that has made a significant impact on the students, either through their schooling here at Gwinnett Institute or through their personal lives.   At the ceremony they will also be taking their Florence Nightingale Pledge to bring honor and distinction to the nursing profession as well as to Gwinnett Institute.  This night is a symbol of the hard work, late nights, and dedication that the students have put into their education in order to complete their program.  So don’t forget to come support your favorite nurse on the 12th!

 

 

Atlanta – Spring 2017 Commencement Ceremony

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Graduation

Attention all graduates, their families, and their friends –

gwinnett commencementIt’s springtime, and what does that mean? Our graduates are ready to walk across that stage and get the diplomas they have worked for during the past year or two. So if you or your graduate finished at either the Lilburn or Sandy Springs location between November 1, 2016, and April 1, 2017, they are likely a part of this ceremony! Here are the important details:

Commencement Ceremony

When: Friday, April 28, 2017, at 7:00pm
Where: Lilburn Christian Church, 314 Arcado Road NW, Lilburn, GA 30047

Rehearsal for graduates only

When: Thursday, April 27, 2017, at 6:00pm
Where: Lilburn campus, 4230 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 11, Lilburn, GA 30047
Please bring your cap and gown for pictures!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Celebrating Our Name Change

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Gwinnett College in Raleigh, formerly The Medical Arts School, celebrated their new name by becoming official with a new sign. The campus has been affiliated with Gwinnett College since 2006, allowing the Raleigh campus to grow and offer more programs to students. Paralegal and Business are some of the newest offerings. Gwinnett College has been providing education in the Atlanta area since 1972 and takes pride in helping students achieve their career goals.

Marietta – Council on Occupational Education Accreditation Update

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COE AccreditationGwinnett College Marietta campus received a full 5-year grant of accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education. The Council on Occupational Education (COE), originally founded in 1971 as a regional accrediting agency of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is the successor to the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions (COEI). In 1995, the Council became a national accrediting agency. In 2006, the Council celebrated its 35th year of assuring quality and integrity in career and technical education. The Council’s accreditation process is conducted on behalf of more than 360,000 students across the nation who pursue careers in a variety of technical fields. Gwinnett College provides quality education to help students pursue their career goals, and they are pleased with achieving this status.

Our Campuses Have Changed Their Names!

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It’s official! Medtech Institute in Orlando, Medtech College in Marietta, and The Medical Arts School in Raleigh have now officially changed their names. The Orlando campus will now be named Gwinnett Institute and the Raleigh and Marietta campuses will be named Gwinnett College, joining the well-established Gwinnett College campuses already in Lilburn and Sandy Spring, GA. Gwinnett Colleges and Institute offer a variety of career programs to get you on track for success, as well as continuing education courses to keep your career going.  Gwinnett College is a trusted name in education since 1976.