The elearning and distance learning movement, a segment of continuing education that has only scratched the surface of potential enrollees, has taken hold particularly in the higher education market through public outreach and continuing education programs. According to the United States Distance Learning Association, 90 percent of four-year public colleges and universities and more than half of four-year private schools offer some form of distance learning and online education.

With 2005 in full swing, many adults are looking to fulfill their career-related resolutions by taking quick online training and distance learning courses. Labor market information released by the Nevada Workforce Informer found that many popular careers and occupations are expected to experience significant growth in the Las Vegas area through 2010, including but not limited to legal support, pharmacy technicians, veterinary technicians, medical assistants, and dental assistants.

According to the statistics mentioned above, the medical records and health information technology professions are expected to experience a 50 percent growth; computer support positions will rise 83 percent; and demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 36 percent as the population of Baby Boomers grows older.

Job seekers can be trained in these jobs by taking online training and distance education courses offered at UNLV. The university offers certification programs in administrative medical specialist and medical transcription, both “hot trend” medical fields.

Aida Anderson took the Medical Specialist course through UNLV in May 2004.

A stay-at-home mom, she values the time she gets to spend with her children as a result of the position she received.

“I have three children, so I needed a schedule that offered flexibility but a steady income,” Anderson said. “I now have a stay-at-home billing company and work for a chiropractor making good money. I would like to go into nursing one day, and taking this online training course has given me some of the skills I would need to have.”

Distance learning and online training courses are offered through UNLV via Gatlin Education Services (GES), the largest provider of asynchronous web-based, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. GES open-enrollment programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations via their distance learning and online training programs. For program and course descriptions, visit http://www.gatlineducation.com.