by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: November 21, 2008

Distance learning is your classroom away from home. With almost everybody leading a hectic lifestyle nowadays, virtual schools are surely a great solution for those that cannot attend schools because the live in remote areas, lack transportation or simply work full time and do not have the time to commute from work to school.

I can call myself a veteran is distance learning. I got my medical office assistant certification from a long distance accredited school and my hubby got his Associate's degree from a long distance college. I only have great things to say about long distance learning.

In my case, I was able to study at my own pace and convenience. This was great because working full time does not really leave you much energy and time to commute to a school. I simply came home from work, took, a shower, changed my clothes and hopped in my sofa to read my book and take the tests. My on-line distance school didn't require access to the Internet, all you really had to do was study the books they sent you and take tests to verify that you have really fully comprehended the topics.

I got my certification in less than a year and this really opened many doors for me. I was well prepared in medical terminology and I started working as a pharmacy technician. I am sure that my certificate was the reason why they hired me. After ward, I was hired to work as a receptionist at an animal hospital. Even though animals are a bit different from humans, my medical office assistant certification helped me in this field as well since the terminology is quite the same. I am really fond of animals, and since becoming a veterinarian was my ultimate dream, I accepted this job offer with arms open.

My hubby's studies instead where heavily based on the use of the Internet. He had live seminars where he had to chat with his professors and virtual classmates and also had to post a total amount of posts in the forums. He also had plenty of on-line tests to take. It is amazing how easy it was for him to get his Associate's degree while working full time. Most seminars and tests where in the evenings making it very convenient.

I am now considering getting a veterinarian technician certificate and since I live far out in the country and have no means of transportation, my thoughts go out once again to long distance learning. There is simply nothing better than studying at your own pace and in your cozy pajamas at any time of the day. Just as working from home is my ultimate dream, studying at home was the next best thing that could happen to a couch potato like me!

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