Importance of Education in Nutrition

By Mary Solomon

We have overlooked the importance of what we eat in the frenzied rush of our daily life. Whereas if we look into the matter deeply, health and longevity as the specialized fields of humans' study since the very beginning. With the increased standards we are seeking in edibles, the nutrition and food science industry has become big business. Those who pursue a degree in nutrition and food sciences are on the whole examining the links between what we eat, the health we maintain and the born diseases. Highly qualified or trained professionals in the area of Nutrition are called Nutritionists or Dieticians.

Nutritional scientists carry out intense researches and make sure that our diet meet the standards and is rich with the fundamental substances which are essential to life.

Adults who wish to purse career in food science and nutrition science will be required to exhibit improved performance in cuisine research, or holistic health practices and can earn an associate, bachelor, or master's degree in food science and nutrition.

Students usually come out of this program choosing from a wide range of career paths including Nutritionists, Dietary Assistant, Clinical Dietician, Community Dieticians, Dietetic Technician and many more.

The number of people seeking interest in nutrition science has been increased drastically in the recent years and it seems that it will grow with the time and needs, according to current researches and surveys. The annual visit of people to health practitioners has crossed the scale of 100 million one year. This shows that a bright and appealing future is waiting for adults who wish to progress career in food sciences and nutrition.

Students mostly apply for a job in nutrition field after they get their education nutrition science. Although having nutrition field an option, student have exhibited positive interest to choose to go for medical and pharmaceutical jobs. In general, nutritional science professionals are focusing more on the research side as nutrition here mainly talks about food and nutrition habits. Usually, the job of nutrition professional does not require as many years of intense training as that of the medical health professional but the future of a nutritional scientist is more favorable and in the end of the day brings home comparatively more money than other professionals of the field.

Mary Solomon is a career consultant, providing focused career consultancy both online and offline, aiming to guide students to authentic and accredited online universities and colleges.She administrates websites including http://www.onlinenutritiondegree.org/

Ultrasound Modalities and Specializations

By R Govindan

There are many modalities, or specializations within the world of ultrasound. Once sonographers are registered within one area of ultrasound through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), they often pursue competency in other areas as well. Sonographers are able to achieve this through on the job cross training, and ultimately obtain credentials in other ultrasound modalities.

For example, a sonographer who is registered in abdominal ultrasound may expand his or her training into the OB/GYN modality, and eventually seek registry in that area. As a result, sonographers who obtain registry in multiple modalities broaden their marketability. This amplifies employment opportunities, and often results in an increase of earnings. Sonographers that are registered with more than one modality can also become employed at multiple facilities. Forexample, a sonographer who has Abdominal and Vascular registry may be employed at a private vascular facility in addition to maintaining employment at a hospital. Sonographers who seek additional credentials, or are registered in multiple modalities may also have greater opportunities for financial and career advancement through multiple employers, management opportunities, conducting research, and/or education.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/Ultrasound Technologists may specialize in any of the modalities listed below.

Abdominal and Small Parts

Abdominal sonographers generally produce images of an organ or organ system within the patient's abdominal cavity. Abdominal structures include: liver,biliary system, pancreas, great vessels, spleen, urinary system, thyroid, breast, and male reproductive system. The images produced during an abdominal ultrasound aid in the diagnosis and treatment of certain disorders and diseases.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

OB/GYN sonographers specialize in the imaging of the female reproductive system. One of the most common associations of ultrasound is the imaging of a fetus of a pregnant woman to monitor the baby's growth and health.

Breast Sonography

Breast Sonography is utilized in the fight against breast cancer. Images of the breast tissue and blood supply are often used in tumor detection. Breast ultrasound is often partnered with mammography.

Neurosonography

Neurosonography generates diagnostic images of the nervous system, including the brain. Neurosonographers often work in the area of neonatal care, diagnosing and studying the conditions of the neurological and nervous system of premature infants.

Vascular Technology

Vascular technologists focus on disorders that affect the circulation of blood flow in the arteries and veins. Vascular technologists assess blood flow and irregularities or abnormalities by carefully listening to the sound of pulses and overall vascular flow.

Echocardiography

Echocardiographers are ultrasound technologists who study the heart, its chambers valves and vessels. EKG's, stress testing and Holter monitor procedures are implemented to produce images called echocardiograms. In some instances the patient must be physically active in order to perform a specific exam and is required to walk on a treadmill at varying speeds.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) provides the following credentials:

RDMS- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

RDCS- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer

RVT- Registered Vascular Technologist

RPVI- Registered Physician Vascular Interpretation

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program with specialization in general sonography. Contact for further information.

The University of Central Lancashire

By Steve Kevin

About 180 years ago, Joseph Livesey, a wealthy man formed a society of seven around a simple pledge never to consume alcohol again. This was the result of his observations based of which he reached the conclusion that the main reason some people are poor is abusing alcohol. Apparently, they were so happy with the outcome of this pledge they decided to take more steps one of which was building an educational centre for Preston, Lancashire.

What we know today as "The University of Central Lancashire" in fact started from a small college called "Harris Technical College" by the society. About thirty years later in 1932 and after lots of changes and development, the name was changed to "Harris Art College". Later it became a polytechnic and years after like some other polytechnic in UK was awarded the status of university. Finally in 1992 it was named "The University of Central Lancashire".

One of the most celebrated alumnus of UCLan, Victoria Derbyshire, currently performing on BBC 5 Live obtained her English degree in 1998, then she joined 5 Live and performed as co-presenter of the Breakfast Show with J. Worricker. Since summer of 2004 she has been presenting The Morning show along with some other TV programs. In her programs usually people contribute by calling and sharing their ideas about main issues of the day including news, gossips, sport and so on.

Vocalist and singer, Vera Lynn is another famous alumni of UCLan. Although already an established singer, she became widely known during WWII. She was in her twenties when the second world war started. Veterans now remember her songs which were mostly in theme of sadness and homesickness of the British soldiers off their homeland. Her well-know song, "We'll Meet Again" with its air of hope, became very popular among both the British and American soldiers. Another song of her "Auf wiedersehen Sweetheart" made her the first British singer at the top of US charts just after the WWII. Her last appearance was in "VE Day Diamond Jubilee Ceremony" in 2005.

The university boasts a multimillion pounds - 12.5 to be exact - sport site called "Preston Sports Arena". Located on Tom Benson Way, it extends 1 mile from its entrance and covers 60 acres. The arena construction started in 1998 and was officially opened in April 2000. The facilities include three grass rugby pitches, six five-a-side all-weather pitches, an eight-lane athletics track, four tennis/ netball courts, floodlit Grass Master Desso football pitch and seven grass football pitches.

The universities offers a wide range of courses under four faculties, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Lancashire Business School, Health and Science and Technology, among them Journalism has had the most successful alumnus. Courses like "Tourism and Leisure Management", "Art and Fashion", and design are also offered which are among the most popular courses. The most popular course amongst international students is Languages and International Studies.

It is predicated that the up-going trend of international students will continue at least for the next 5 years. In year 2007 It welcomed about one thousands international students from 32 nationalities.

Hotels in Preston BlackpoolHotelsUK.info

Six Benefits of Community College

By Julie Harvard

The community college can be an excellent place for you to start your post-secondary education. You may earn an associate degree or certificate to enter the workplace, or you may choose to continue your education on a bachelor's degree by transferring credit to an online university or a 4-year institution. Here are 6 good reasons to choose a community college's education program:

Reason #1: Save In Tuition Cost

If you are tight on your education funds to pursue a degree offered by the vast majority of colleges and universities that may cost you over $100,000 to complete the degree program, then enrolling into a community college program can help you to accomplish very similar academic successes at a fraction of the cost.

Reason #2: Credits From Community College Are Transferable

You can take your preparatory core classes at community college and then transfer to a college or university bachelor program for continuous education. Most of college and universities accept transfer credit from community colleges. By taking your preparatory core classes at community college will save your money while enabling you to follow a transitional pathway to independent living.

Reason #3: Enable You To Develop Vocational Skills

If you have enter workplace with a general degree such as liberal arts degree, then community college is a good place to sharpen your skills on specific area that related to your career field. You can find many education programs offered by community colleges are related to career fields which can help you to develop vocational skills to handle your job professionally. Moreover, most of these college education programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years; you can save your time to complete the same subject areas offered in a 4-year degree offered by other universities and colleges.

Reason #4: Locate at Strategic Places

Community colleges are often located at the hearts of towns or cities where you will find it convenience to travel with a public transportation to and from your classes, and save you in term of car and gas costs.

Reason #5: Small Class Size

The class size at community colleges usually small and they only accept limited enrollment making you get lots of one-on-one attention from instructors.

Reason #6: Flexible Learning Schedule

If you are a working individual who has difficulties to fix your time to attend the classes, then community college learning schedule may fit your needs. Most of community college education programs have some sort flexible schedule for you to choose and attend your class that fit into your time. Beside that, you can work with the instructors to make up missed coursework online, enable you to enjoy the benefits of education at a pace that makes sense. Moreover, many of education programs offered by community colleges are available in online degree format, making it a good option for working adults and new parents to purse their desired degree online and at their own learning pace.

Summary

The communication college can be a good option for you to start your post-secondary education and earn an associate degree or certificate to enter the workplace or continue to a higher education after graduated from community college.

Jullie Harvard would like to invite you to explore more information on online degree programs at http://www.studykiosk.com which will help in make your education decision and select an online education program that best fit your career goal.

How to Get Into a Great College

By Peter M. Jones

Beginning the college process can be a daunting task because there is no fixed formula for getting into college and moreover, whatever combination of courses one studied at high school makes no difference in the success rate of getting admission to your dream school. Grades, SAT/ACT scores, and class rank are certainly looked into, but while doing well in all three may be enough to get you into some schools, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get into all your choices. In fact, even students with perfect SAT scores and straight A's are sometimes denied admission by some of the more elite colleges and universities. Here are some tips that will help you navigate the admissions process and succeed in your application.

You must know that selective colleges have more qualified applicants than their limit. This is where extracurricular activities come into play. In fact, extracurricular activities can often tilt the decision in your favor when compared to other students with equivalent grades/test scores but without much in the way of activities because they demonstrate your motivation and time-management skills. You should remember to inform college if pursuing academics and an after-school job or any other extenuating circumstances. According to The Princeton Review, highly selective schools generally place emphasis than average on a good essay. The essay questions on college applications are usually very open-ended, so it is prudent to talk about your experience or aspect of you or your life that was particularly meaningful.

Awards or other recognitions and achievements can weigh into your application's consideration. Be sure to inform them if you have achieved any because good colleges and universities look for leaders and achievers and not just academic performers.

Recommendations of your teachers and counselors do matter. Get a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor who thinks you're brilliant and include it with your application packet. Similarly, if a family member went to your college of choice, you may receive (not necessarily) some preferential consideration in admissions and this could count even more if more than one family member attended the college.

Most importantly, start planning early to get into the schools you want. Do your research, collect updated information on the most sought-after colleges and universities and their admission criteria in advance. There are many online resource guides (like http://www.allaboutuni.com/ ) that assists high school students in selecting a college.

Peter M. Jones is a freelance writer who writes for websites, print media and TV serials. He can be contacted at http://www.techmagnate.com

Professors - Overcome Reading Overwhelm - 8 Ideas That Work

By Meggin McIntosh

There's no question that you have a great deal to read - and it's easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer quantity. Here are some ideas to help you overcome your reading overwhelm - by using your brain and your time prudently.

1. If you start reading a book and it doesn't "grab" you, close it and move on. Regardless of whether you bought it, borrowed it, or checked it out from the library, you don't have to finish a book if it's not interesting, fun, worthwhile, moving, or somehow compelling. There are thousands and thousands of books published every year (and hundreds of thousands available from past years) so you need not spend your time or your guilt on slogging through something that isn't worth it. I promise.
   
2. "Read & Rip". If you decide to go zooming through a pile of magazines or journals in a given time period, then set it up to be a "read & rip" session. Just go right through the magazine, keeping focused on the articles you want to read and not looking at the advertisements. This takes a fair amount of discipline, but you will make short work of the pile if you do this. As you finish a section of the magazine, just tear if off and put it in the recycling bin. Then, even if you finish your allotted time for reading and ripping, you will know what is completed and what you have left. The pile is much smaller to go back to the next time and you don't trek through what you've already read.
   
3. For heaven's sake, take a speed reading class! There are many offered throughout the world! Some are offered by specially trained instructors and others are offered through schools, community colleges, universities, or in public seminars. Even if you've taken one before, take another one. All of us can learn new techniques for maximizing our speed and efficiency while reading. Note: This is something I LOVE to teach to teachers and to students and have done so for years. It makes a difference, there's no question.
   
4. Set aside time each day (or week) to read. Many people carry loads of reading materials home at night to work on--and it's reading that is related to or is an integral part of their professional responsibilities. It's as if people feel guilty about reading at work. If you're reading the latest "bodice ripper" at work, then you probably aren't doing your job, but if you are reading professional materials, reports, articles, research updates, or whatever else that you are expected to read to be able to do your job, then read it AT WORK whenever possible. It IS your work. Block in an appropriate amount of time each day or week to do this work, just like you block in time to meet, write, observe, etc. You know your rhythms and what your days and weeks are like. Determine the optimum time for you and one that you know you can protect and then use it for reading, just reading.
   
5. Gently but firmly refuse what others are offering you to read. Our friends, colleagues, and acquaintances are often giving us books, magazines, newsletters, etc. to read--and we take them. Consider telling them the truth(!) that right now, you have so much to read that you can't take one more word into your home or office. Let them know that if and when you are ready for new items, you'll get back to them. This relieves the potential piles of items and relieves the guilt you might feel when you aren't getting your friend's items read and returned. It's a double win!
   
6. Start a "Read" folder and only allow it to become a certain size. Get a 3 ½ or 5 inch expandable file folder that you put in a drawer near where you sort your mail and do your work. Whenever you come to something that you want to read but it's not urgent and important that you read it now, put it in the folder. If (and when!) the folder is full, then you've reached your limit. Remove some of the items from the front (if you've been dropping new items into the back) and just immediately deposit them in the recycle bin. Having a folder of a designated size keeps you from have mountains of "to read" piles all over your office.
   
7. Take your "Read" folder with you. Get in the habit of grabbing either the whole folder or a few items out of the folder any time you are heading out the door to a meeting, an appointment, or on a trip. Use the minutes (or hours) waiting for colleagues, standing in line, sitting at a child's soccer practice, or traveling on an airplane to read through what you've collected in your folder. You'll travel back to your home or office much lighter than when you left! And it's not just a physical lightness!
   
8. Read a sample chapter of a professional book either on line, while standing at the bookstore, or at the library. Professional speaker Larry Winget jokes that authors could save themselves a lot of time by writing only first chapters of books because that is essentially all that ever gets read. So, "test" a book for whether it is worth your time and energy to read in its entirety. If it isn't, then don't purchase it so that it sits around adding to your feeling of overwhelm about what you need to read.

So what will you do first, this week? I mean it. Get started.

To access additional ideas for achieving peaceful, predictable productivity, join others (worldwide) who receive Meggin's weekly emails (and see what is available for download at no cost at the following websites): **Top Ten Productivity Tips (http://www.TopTenProductivityTips.com) **Keys to Keeping Chaos at Bay (http://www.KeepingChaosatBay.com) (c) 2008 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Productivity Professor"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

Professors - Close Your Classes Compellingly - And Ensure More Learning

By Meggin McIntosh

I never used to provide closure of any type in my classes. I didn't always plan my time well and I would often look at my watch and realize that time was up--or, as a wise professor once said, the 'book bag levitation factor' would come into play, and I would abruptly end class. However, after learning more about the power of 'closure' activities, no matter how brief, I began experimenting with a number of ways to bring my college class to a close--for increased learning--each time we met.

After early experimentation, I continued to use closure activities for two reasons, both of which I consider important:

1. for my students because I believe that their learning is enhanced when they have an opportunity to review and/or pull together ideas from the day's lectures and learning experiences and


2. for me because it gives me a chance to find out what I have done well (and sometimes what I have not done as well as I had hoped). I will share a few ideas below that you may be able to use with the same success, I have.

The first idea involves a modified KWL (Know, Want to Know, and Learned) strategy, which was first suggested by Donna Ogle from National-Louis University (simply Google KWL and you'll find multiple examples to download). If you have had students complete the first parts at the beginning of a class (i.e., having them think about what they already know about the topic we are going to be discussing and to hypothesize about what they will learn and want to know, thereby helping to prepare them for learning), then you can have them complete the last two parts as class is coming to a close. I've found this modification useful:

As class is nearing its end, ask students to review their notes, think about what they have learned, and then jot down questions that they still have about the day's topic. Then, have students write about something that is so unclear to them that they cannot even formulate a question. (Haven't we all had that experience!) I collect these KWL sheets from the students as they leave and by reading them, can see exactly where I need to go for the next lecture or class discussion.

Another idea that I enjoy using is the graffiti board. I have used this in two different ways. For larger classes, I put some butcher paper on the wall near the door. At the end of class, I write the topic for the day or a phrase or quote related to the topic on the butcher paper. Then, I ask students to make a comment or statement about the topic or to write a question that they have over the day's lesson, as they are leaving the room. There are markers available, but many students just use their own pens or pencils. When everyone has left, I take my time reading over what they have written on the butcher paper. It is always informative.

On days when we have had an extremely content-heavy lecture or video (which of course I intend to hold the students responsible for, and want to emphasize that to them), I will do a "grade your colleague" activity. About 5-10 minutes before the end of class, I ask students to pair up. One partner's task is to find out how much the other partner learned during the day's class. Then, partner #1 is to grade the learning of partner #2. They must justify why they awarded the number of points that they did (usually I allow 5-10 points for this). Partner #2's grade is based on how well s/he justified the grade given to Partner #1. A number of my colleagues have been skeptical of the value of this one, but once they tried it, they found that it met their objectives for review and closure. (Plus you can use it to take attendance!)

can be used anytime during a class, but I think my favorite time is at the end of class, for closure. I give my students a learning log with a question or prompt, such as,

Learning logs

• What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
• What surprised you about today's class?
• The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come together for me now. Let me tell you how....
• I have a suggestion for what you could do differently the next time you teach this class... and so on.

Sometimes, everyone responds to the same question or prompt and other times, students choose from among 2 or 3. I get information from students' responses on learning logs that my experience has taught me I can't get any other way.

The last idea involves giving students a response sheet (to be used over and over) that has several boxes, each of which has a different numeral in it. At the end of class, I choose one of the boxes and tell students that they are to tell what they learned in class using the exact number of words that the numeral in the box indicates. These can be handed in by students for the me to read and then give back at the next class period to be used again another day (and I can also take attendance using these, too).

If you have never tried closure activities or if you are looking for some new ones, I encourage you to try these. You and your students will benefit.

For more useful ideas for your life as a professor (including ideas for learning logs), be sure to check out ideas offered by The Productivity Professor(tm) at **Top Ten Productivity Tips - http://www.TopTenProductivityTips.com **From the Desk of Meggin McIntosh - http://FromtheDeskofMegginMcIntosh.com (c) 2008 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Productivity Professor"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

Medical School Equipment Has Changed Over Time

By Jane Worthington

It's interesting to take a look back into our past, and explore what life was like before the technologies of today. It's amazing to think of the things we do today, without a second thought, as being nonexistent a few hundred years ago, if not less. There are the obvious inventions, like when we take a vacation up north for the summer in our cars and SUV's, but 200 years ago, the same vacationers were on horse and carriage, taking more than a day to travel the distance that now takes us an hour or two. Let's take a look back in time and see how our ancestors managed in their day to day lives.

Imagine waking up with a toothache. We call the doctor, and go in to see the dentist, later that day. They use their high tech machinery to take a look at the tooth, maybe have us go for an x-ray, and use their extensive background knowledge in their field to determine the appropriate next steps of action to help us heal. According to a dentistry book published in 1828, "Domestic Medicine for the use of the private practitioner" by William Buchan, this was the normal practice when dealing with a toothache: "In order to relieve the tooth-ach, we must first endeavour to lessen the flux of humours to the part affected. This may be done by mild purgatives, scarifying the gums, or applying leeches to them, and bathing the feet frequently with warm water. The perspiration ought likewise to be promoted, by drinking freely of weak wine-whey, or other diluting liquors with small doses of nitre."

A couple hundred years ago a man started experiencing terrible pain caused from gout. The disease prevented him from stopping a passage of tax on tea in Parliament. That tax led to the Boston Tea party, and allowed the American colonies to gain their freedom. Imagine what it would be like today, missing a day of work because of gout. We now have medicine and treatments that nearly completely eliminate the pain and joint damage caused by the disease. What if we didn't have medical school equipment? Our doctors would be schooled entirely by books, and not at all with hands on practice in the lab, x-ray division, or surgical department. The tables were not sterile, neither were the needles or any other instrument that they had.

Our troubles were completely reprioritized before the invention of these treatments and machinery. People suffering from arthritis could hardly walk, they were pretty much limited to make-shift crutches or canes, and that was only after the invention of those tools. It's interesting to see how far we've come, and the changes that have occurred in our everyday life, dealing with ailments and situations that people a couple hundred years ago, also faced. Time will always move forward, and so will our advancements in technology and hospital medical equipment, but it's always informative and interesting to take a look back and see how far we've come.

If you would like more information about medical school equipment or the newer technology available in hospital medical equipment, please visit the Medical Machines Online website.

Fast Track Nursing

By B Von Ahlin

Nursing is an excellent and rewarding career that allows those to help others live the best quality of life possible. Nursing also offers for interaction with a wide range of people and the ability to build unique, special relationships. If you're trying to figure out how to get into nursing, look into an fast track nursing and begin the path to a more rewarding career. An fast track nursing program allows the participant to complete their training in a fraction of the time a standard program would require. To elucidate, the total time involved can range from a year - a twelve months program - to a year and a half for a baccalaureate program, and three years for a graduate level master of science degree program.

In the US, almost 50 states offer an fast track nursing course offering. There are roughly over over 3 dozen accelerated master's programs, and over 200 accelerated baccalaureate programs. The common attribute to a fasttrack nursing program, is an amazingly focused regimen, coupled with adding to one's previous education. In order to cope with this increased load, the selection is stricter than ordinary nursing program, including higher grade requirements. The benefits of a fast track nursing course exceed the obvious time saved. Potential employers are also more likely to hire nurses who have participated in an accelerated fast track LPN, RN, BSN, MSN, etc program, as those nurses have enhanced work skills and greater skill. To understand drawbacks to accelerated nursing programs, one should look at a lack of financial aid; however, the number of scholarships is increasing. Also, if the applicant selected is unable to properly cope with the work load, then the training could be ineffective.

Finally, be cognizant of the statistics that go along with accelerated nursing programs. For example, on average, only about 25% or less of all students enrolled graduated. In sum, an accelerated nursing program is by many accounts the best way to become an accredited nurse, and through such a program secure a lasting, fulfilling career.

B von Ahlin is a career specialist with a Masters degree in education and management who advises students and continuing professionals on high-paying rewarding careers. Don't apply to any of the accelerated nursing programs or fast track nursing schools before you read about several all-important facts that can impact your future career success. Check out AcceleratedNursingProgram.Educdata.com to learn more about the fast track nursing option that meets your needs. Visit our website to find out more. Get fast track nursing info, hard-to-find facts, lists of schools and universities and more tips to live the lifestyle you work so hard to attain.

Top Education in Less Time - The Benefit of Earning a Bachelor Degree in Australia Or New Zealand

By Susan Slobac

A typical undergraduate program in North America requires four years for completion and includes a selection of electives as well as required core classes relevant to the field of study. While this path does provide a solid education, some students may prefer a different approach in working toward their undergraduate degree. Australia and New Zealand both offer viable alternatives well worth consideration. With their unique approach to curriculum structure and focus, New Zealand and Australia undergraduate programs deliver an outstanding education and an ideal alternative for students that prefer such flexibility.

Making the Most of Your Time

North American universities typically require four years of work to earn a bachelor degree. Australia and New Zealand universities, however, offer many undergraduate programs that only require three years to complete. At first glance, one may wonder how it is possible to receive a comparable education in less time at these colleges. Because there are considerable differences in the curriculum focus and structure between a North America and New Zealand or Australia undergraduate program, it is in fact quite possible.

Australia and New Zealand undergraduate programs are highly specialized. Rather than require the completion of a set number of electives unrelated to the core field of study, these programs instead require students to focus entirely upon classes in their discipline. As a result, students have a greater amount of time to become immersed in their selected field of study, yet need less time to meet the requirements of an undergraduate degree. New Zealand and Australian universities, as a result, prepare students for real world application of their studies more expediently.

It should be noted, however, that some specialized and professional degree programs do require a fourth year, an example would be an engineering undergraduate degree. New Zealand and Australia colleges also offer 4th year program called a Bachelor of Honors. This involves a research-focused year and is made available to students who performed well in their undergraduate programs. Students typically apply for this extended program upon completion of their Australia or New Zealand undergraduate degree.

How Do the Programs Compare?

While they offer appealing time requirements for a bachelor degree, Australia and New Zealand universities also offer unparalleled academic programs. In fact, these institutions are recognized around the world for excellence in teaching methods, curriculum standards and implementation of degree programs. Students can feel absolute confidence in the value and quality of their studies when earning an undergraduate degree in Australia or New Zealand.

Susan Slobac advises college students on study abroad opportunities in the South Pacific region. She specializes in providing guidance about Australia undergraduate degree programs as well as those in New Zealand.