Allied Vocational Rehabilitation

Looking for innovative and in-demand career paths for your clients? Think Green!

2009-09-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 29 states have set renewable energy goals and that the current administration plans to invest $150 billion over 10 years towards our nation's clean energy economy? Now is the ideal time for your clients to pursue green career training and ensure their roles in a growing industry that needs qualified workers! And Allied has the flexible, online career training programs your clients need to prepare to enter this in-demand field, including:

-Business of Solar
-Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
-Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems
-LEED - Green Building Practices
-Introduction to Green Building
-Home Energy Survey Professional

The green movement is a worldwide phenomenon that is reshaping behaviors and operations in business, government and daily life. In fact, essentially all industries in our nation's economy are playing their part in the green movement. From real estate to hospitality management, the green industry has exciting opportunities for your clients to create customized green careers. Allied's courses in emerging technologies will prepare them to take action.

Ready to help your clients succeed with a career they can be proud to call their own? Visit our Webinar Video Archive and watch Green is the Answer for Today's Unemployed. Allied supports you and your clients - call (888)925-4283 to learn more today!

Unemployed? Train for a New Career & Pay Nothing Out of Pocket

2009-05-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

In today's tough economy, a layoff can lead to more education -- and oftentimes it can be 100% covered. Individuals that are unemployed can turn to vocational rehabilitation to get training in today's high-demand fields and have it covered by their state. This little-known-fact can enable workers to go back to school, get re-trained and return to work all in a matter of months.

This benefit may go largely unnoticed -- many unemployed workers are struggling to re-join the workforce and may not know that they have funds available to them. Vocational rehabilitation can provide up to $10,000 in career training benefits. With over 5 million jobs lost to date, training for a new career may not be a bad idea. Receiving valuable skills can translate into a solid and dependable career -- and long-term opportunity.

With millions of laid-off workers across the nation, many people are being faced with difficult decisions about their future -- Do they switch career fields? Do they return to school? Do they pay expensive tuition costs? Career training is readily available at voc rehab schools nationwide providing an opportunity to get new skills and pay nothing out of pocket. And these programs can be as short as six weeks.

Vocational rehabilitation is not just for people with disabilities, injured workers or disabled veterans due to service-related injuries -- it covers unemployed too. Pursuing a new career can be an easy call for people whose old jobs have disappeared, forcing them to re-evaluate their career plans. A second career can open doors that would usually not be available to them -- and provide opportunities beyond their normal job search.

Most services, including enrolling in a vocational rehabilitation school, will be provided to unemployed workers through the "One-Stop" system -- training, education and employment services available in one convenient location -- where eligible people use their individual training accounts to determine the training program and provider that best fits their needs. Individuals should contact a "One-Stop" career center or vocational rehabilitation school for assistance with the type and amount of their benefits. From their layoff to the classroom, it's the quickest way to prepare for a new career.

Voc Rehab Options for Veterans

2009-05-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Nowadays we must remember that there are thousands of young men and women in America who are veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These younger veterans often have service-related injuries that hamper their efforts to find and hold good-paying jobs. To help these men and women, the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) offers veterans a vocational rehabilitation program known as Chapter 31. >

What services does the DVA provide for this special group of veterans?

- Rehabilitation evaluation to assess a person's skills
- Counseling and rehabilitation planning
- Job finding skills like resume help and interviewing
- Help finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) and apprenticeships
- Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
- Case management, counseling and referral services

Who can take advantage of this program?

The veteran must have:
- an honorable discharge
- a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
- completed an application for the program

If veterans need career retraining, one option that counselors and veterans can look at is online vocational schools with vocational rehabilitation training programs. A veteran can enroll in an online program and train for a career as a real estate agent, medical coder or a pharmacy technician, for example, and all from the comfort of their home with 100% online courses.

This distance education option often solves a lot of problems for veterans like commuting to a campus, securing reliable transportation, as well as finding babysitters or family friends who can help with children. 100% online career training is a great way for veterans to retrain and prepare themselves for a new career.

When looking at online vocational rehabilitation schools, veterans and their counselors should make sure that the school is nationally accredited by an accrediting body such as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

And of course there is nothing like "word-of-mouth" information; veterans should ask fellow disabled veterans for a school recommendation -- there's nothing like an endorsement from someone you trust!

Job Hunting Skills for Voc Rehab Students

2009-03-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

It's a given that most vocational rehabilitation (voc rehab) programs will offer a component on job search skills. It's one thing to get career retraining, but it's another all together to market those skills and to secure a good position.

We know that the United States is now in a serous recession, which means high unemployment and serious competition for jobs. Today the job market is what you'd call a "seller's market," which means that companies can be very picky about who they hire.

The first thing to realize during the job hunt is that there is no substitute for education and solid job skills -- voc rehab students should know that the fanciest resume in the world can't substitute real training and knowledge. Making sure you get your career training at an accredited voc rehab school should be your first priority before you worry about landing a job. Having made that clear, let's look at what you need for a successful job search.

It's likely that your voc rehab counselor will give you tips on how to write a resume and a cover letter. It's important to understand that the resume and the cover letter have a complementary and necessary relationship -- you can't have one without the other.

The resume is a kind of transcript of all the places that you've worked. Employers want to scan your education, job titles, length of employment and your job tasks over the years. The resume should be short, honest and as direct as possible; this isn't the place to go into extensive detail about how great you are.

The cover letter, in contrast to the resume, is where you sell them on why you're the best fit for their company. What you do is lay out the case -- with proof -- why you are the best match for that particular job. You can't send a standard cover letter to each employer -- you must customize it for each new job you are applying for.

While some employers don't require a cover letter, resist the temptation to send only a resume, for it often doesn't make the case for why you're good for that particular job. Again, a resume and a cover letter operate together.

As long as you keep at and continue to apply for jobs, you'll eventually get yourself a job interview. Now it's important to see that a job interview is not a formality or a sign that you've got the job. Generally it means you passed the first screening process and are one of several candidates who -- on paper -- are a good fit for the job.

It's important to understand who you will be interviewing with at the company. Larger companies, for example, will have a human resources department and you may meet with them first. They want to make sure that your job history checks out and that you fit the broad skills required in the job description. Quite often this interview is conducted over the phone. Once the human resources department has cleared you, you'll generally interview with someone in the department you’re hoping to enter. It's important to appreciate that you’ll be interviewing with people who may some day be your coworkers. This is where you must convince them that you can come into their department and get the work done.

As with all interviews, the key to success is to prepare by going over the company's website and rehearsing answers to common interview questions. Good luck!

Career Retraining for Injured and Disabled Workers

2009-02-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

When we think of the current economic recession, we often think of those people who have been laid off. On television and on the Internet, these are the only people that we hear about; yet some struggling men and women have been injured on the job or have a disability. For those individuals, the recession is just as real and poses an even larger obstacle toward employment.

Yet disabled or injured people need not give up or settle for low-wage jobs, there is also the option of vocational rehabilitation training or "voc rehab" as it's also known. Many states provide re-training funds for those people who are currently on disability or worker's compensation; even disabled veterans may be eligible. The categories can include:

- Injured workers
- Someone who is disabled
- Disabled veteran due to service-related injury
- Individuals on unemployment (EDD), SSI

People who qualify may be eligible to enroll in a voc rehab training program and pay nothing out of pocket for the courses. This benefit gives a ray of hope to those men and women who are struggling with how to break into the job market.

Some might ask: "If I'm disabled or injured, how am I supposed to leave my house each day and commute to a school for retraining?" It's a good question and the answer is online vocational rehabilitation training.

Many online schools accept voc rehab training vouchers, allowing you to have access to a variety of online retraining programs.

What exactly is online training? How do you study with just a computer?

Online training means that with a computer and an Internet connection, you can log onto your school's website each day, open the current lesson and do the readings and assignments that are part of the day's lesson. The great news, of course, is that you can study wherever and whenever it is convenient for you. In many ways online training is simply the latest version of correspondence courses -- a kind of high-tech distance education.

And just as there are dozens of careers that students can purse, there are just as many training programs offered at online vocational rehabilitation schools. Voc rehab students can enroll in medical, business or real estate courses, for example, helping to prepare themselves for fast-growing careers.

Voc rehab students can train to be a medical coder or a pharmacy technician, taking advantage of the steady growth in the medical field. As more and more baby boomers retire, the demand for more health care services will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.

Then there is the real estate industry which is making gains with more affordable home prices across the nation. A career as a real estate agent, real estate broker or a home inspector will allow individuals to work front and center in this important industry.

Individuals who believe they may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits should contact their state for more information or contact a school directly to find out their policies about voc rehab benefits and retraining vouchers.

The Couselor and Client Relationship

2008-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

The counselor and client relationship is a vital part of the rehabilitation process. A study conducted by the Rehabilitation Services Administration shows that a positive relationship can lead to successful rehabilitation, with higher employment rates and earnings.

As a counselor, you set the stage for future success by providing effective services and support. You have the power to guide disabled individuals in the right direction. As a result, they have higher expectations of themselves and rehabilitation as a whole.

Working Toward a Common Goal

It's simple. The success of a vocational rehabilitation program is measured by employment. Partnering with the right education provider can help your clients get ready for the workplace by:

- Providing information on career options.
- Assisting with setting career goals.
- Providing effective career training.
- Checking on the students' progress.
- Providing career assistance.

You provide your clients with the means to return to work fast -- in as little as 60 to 90 days -- with marketable skills that will lead to long-term careers. They get the foundation to re-build their career and you get the peace of mind that they will be able to succeed in today's job market.

Achieving Success Through new Skills

2006-03-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Michael L., a former Allied student was one of over sixty honorees at “The Many Faces of Success” awards ceremony held recently at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, California. The event was presented by the California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals (CARRP) to spotlight injured workers who have returned to the workforce after successfully completing the vocational rehabilitation process.

Several of Allied’s Admissions Representatives and staff members were in attendance to congratulate Michael as he received his certificates of achievement.

Michael’s story is proof that the vocational rehabilitation system works! As a furniture mover, Michael was accustomed to lifting heavy items; however, over a period of time he experienced severe back problems. His doctors determined that the discs in his lower back were degenerated from the repetitive strain of heavy lifting. For the sake of his health, he needed to find a much less physically demanding line of work.

Fortunately, when it came time to choose a new career path, he didn’t have to look too far for inspiration. Michael developed an early interest in the real estate field by observing his mother, a real estate industry veteran with over 20 years of experience.

With help from his Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Michael chose Allied Business Schools’ Real Estate Salesperson Licensing program. He also studied for the state licensing exam using Allied’s exam prep materials. Furthermore, to stay on track with his studies, Michael used the school’s special monitoring option, On-Track Personal Service.

“It helped keep me motivated toward my goals, and it was nice to have someone (an Allied Academic Advisor) to relate to,” Michael said. As a result of his hard work and determination, Michael passed the state exam and earned his California Real Estate Salesperson license last year.

For the past year, Michael has been employed with a large residential real estate company and is off to a great start in the real estate field with the knowledge he gained from his career training and his mom!

From Injury to Opportunity

2006-01-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

Allied Student is Honored at Awards Ceremony

Mary Jean S., a former Allied student, was one of several honorees at CARRP’s “Many Faces of Success” awards ceremony held at Luminarias Restaurant in Los Angeles in July.

The event was sponsored by the California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals (CARRP) and spotlighted injured workers who have overcome adversity and successfully returned to the workforce after completing the vocational rehabilitation process.

Several Admissions Representatives form Allied Business Schools, Inc. were in attendance to congratulate Mary as she received her certificates of achievement.

Mary was employed as an Electrical Lead on B2 Bombers for a large aerospace and defense company. Unfortunately, due to working for extended periods of time in tight spaces, she suffered damage to the median and ulnar nerves in her right arm. With painful carpal tunnel, it was clear that she would be unable to continue doing such detailed work.

To make matters worse, her career re-training options were limited. Mary often felt pain in her arm while driving, so therefore commuting to a training facility would only aggravate her injury. Her vocational rehabilitation counselor, Carmen Thompson from Vocational Exploration Services, was the one who suggested Allied Business Schools’ home study programs.

It was not difficult for Mary to choose a new career path. She has close friends in the real estate and appraisal fields, and she always thought their work sounded interesting. She quickly enrolled in Allied’s Real Estate Salesperson Licensing and Real Estate Appraisal Licensing.

Mary was an excellent student, and highly motivated to succeed. She passed both courses and then went on to pass the California state licensing exam for Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Appraisal.

For the past three months, Mary has been working as a real estate hostess and assistant, and is currently training for a sales position with a major home builder. While selling real estate is quite a dramatic change from working on a B2 Bomber, Mary is extremely happy with her new direction in life and she couldn’t be more excited about her future!

Way to go Mary!

DETC 2006 Outstanding Graduate of the Year Honoree

2006-01-11T14:54:00.001-08:00

Jose S. overcame a debilitating work-related injury and with help from Allied Business School’s Home Inspection program, he turned an unfortunate accident into an opportunity to start a successful new career.

Distance education was the ideal choice for Jose. Due to the extent of his injury, sitting in a classroom for several hours at a time was too difficult. Yet despite what he had been through, he maintained a positive outlook and excelled in his studies. After completing Allied’s program, Jose found a job with a home inspection company. He quickly learned a lot about the business, but when the long commute from one job site to another proved to be too much, Jose decided to start his own home inspection business. With the booming real estate market, his positive attitude, and his knowledge of the home inspection field, it’s no wonder why Jose’s business is thriving.

"Thanks to Allied Schools and their program, my dreams came true," said Jose.

Jose was also recognized for his achievements by Allied Business Schools at the Organization of Bilingual Rehabilitation Associates’ “The Many Faces of Success” ceremony held last year in Montebello, California. The event honored injured workers for their efforts to successfully return to the workforce after receiving vocational rehabilitation.

We are truly proud of Jose's efforts!

Make the Right Career-Training Choice

2005-12-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

• Fast & informative programs
• Short-term training
• 20+ career programs
• Job assistance available
• Affordably priced
• Open enrollment – Enroll at any time!

Your clients can return to the workforce in as little as 12 weeks! At Allied, we provide comprehensive career training that prepares them for exciting, long-term careers in the areas of real estate, medical and business. They can also participate in a job assistance program, which gives them the tools to take the next step and
launch a successful job search. We provide continuous support throughout their education – we are there from beginning to end.

Positive Career Potential

2005-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

A successful vocational rehabilitation program gives students the skills to
do well in school and beyond. Your clients can enroll in fast and affordable
career-training courses that deliver practical skills and real-world
training in fields with positive growth and career potential.

Medical
• Job opportunities are projected to be above average.
• Your clients can get training in as little as 6 weeks!
• There are additional opportunities to telecommute as an employee or subcontractor, or as a self-employed, independent contractor from a homeoffice.

Real Estate
• The field is projected to experience continued growth.
• Your clients can enroll in California’s only accredited real estate
school.
• They can work in a field that enables them to set their own hours and have flexible working conditions.

Business
• There is expected to be an abundance of job opportunities.
• Your clients can get top-notch computer and office training from an accredited school.
• They have the opportunity to work in a full-time, part-time or temporary basis in schools, hospitals, corporate settings, or legal and medical offices.

Personalized Support at Every Stage

2005-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Support and encouragement are important components of a successful vocational rehabilitation program. You want to be confident that when you send your clients to a career training school, you are giving them the opportunity to get a high-quality educational experience.

On Track Personal Service (OTPS) is a personalized support system that guides your clients through their vocational education. At Allied, we have based our entire program on the importance of one-on-one support. It is this service that sets us apart from other schools because we provide assistance every step of the way.

With OTPS, everyone is on the same page. As a counselor, you are constantly aware of your client’s progress. Your clients are guided to make sure they stay on track.

The Benefits of OTPS:

1. Reports: You receive a weekly progress report that details your
client’s status.
2. Guidance: Your clients get individualized support at every stage.
3. Communication: Your clients receive daily phone calls from an
Academic Advisor.
4. Information: You know what is happening with your clients at all
times.
5. Teamwork: You partner with Allied to get your clients ready for the workforce.

You can build an ongoing relationship with a quality distance education
school. Let us team up with you to make the rehabilitation process easier
through our team effort and customized support.

A Voc Rehab Success Story

2005-12-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

David Jeffery E.(or Jeff as he likes to be called) was working as a sales associate at a national home improvement store when he injured his shoulder. Fortunately, he received career re-training as part of his worker’s compensation settlement.

Jeff was interested in home inspection; however, he faced a dilemma because there were no “live” schools in his area. That’s when he discovered Allied Schools’ distance education programs and enrolled in their Home Inspection course.

According to his Academic Advisor, Jeff was highly motivated and always asked pertinent questions. In fact, he graduated two weeks ahead of schedule. After graduating, Jeff started his own home inspection business, but four months later, he received an e-mail that would change his life.

Jeff’s training program also included assistance from the school’s Career Center, so when the staff came across a job opening for an inspection sub-contractor at a large bank, they contacted him. It was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up! After weeks of phone calls and interviews with the bank, Jeff got the job.

Jeff approached his new career in the same manner he handled his studies – with drive and determination. In the beginning he handled 15 projects, but that number more than doubled just four months later. As a Financial Inspection Consultant, he currently oversees 90-96 projects at a time.

“Distance Education was perfect for me," said Jeff. "Because I was on worker’s compensation, I did not have the money to make the long drive every day to the closest home inspection school. The correspondence type of school worked out perfectly.”

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

2005-12-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

James P., a former Allied student was honored at “The Many Faces of Success” awards ceremony held at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, California. The event, presented by the California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals (CARRP), recognized the achievements of over 60 injured workers who have successfully returned to the workforce after completing the vocational rehabilitation process.

Allied’s honoree is proof that vocational rehabilitation really works! As a manager of a body shop, James had many responsibilities including hiring, training, and inventory control. Unfortunately, he injured his lower back while pushing a horse trailer. Because heavy lifting or bending aggravated his injury, his only choice was to find a less physically demanding job.

It was his son who first suggested a career in the real estate appraisal industry. As a mortgage banker, James’s son knew that real estate appraisers are in demand thanks to the record number of individuals taking advantage of the low interest rates and refinancing of their homes.

With encouragement from his family and help from his vocational rehabilitation counselor, James enrolled in Allied’s Real Estate Appraisal course. To receive daily assistance with his coursework and assignments, James selected Allied’s special On Track Personal Service option.

However, when it was time to take the state exam, James encountered a bit of difficulty. Although he struggled, he was determined not to give up. James studied even harder and passed the state licensing exam on his third try.

James is now working as an Appraisal Trainee for a company in Yorba Linda, California. He’s learning a lot from his supervisor and is working toward completing the 2000 hours required by the state of California to receive his full Real Estate Appraisal License.

Allied Student Honored at Awards Ceremony

2005-12-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Geri P., a former Allied student was honored at “The Many Faces of Success” awards ceremony held recently at the Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California. The event was presented by the California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals (CARRP) to spotlight injured workers who have returned to the workforce after successfully completing the vocational rehabilitation process.

Several of Allied’s Admissions Representatives and staff members from the school’s Educational Support department were in attendance to congratulate Geri as she received her certificates of achievement.

A self-described “detailed-oriented person with a head for numbers,” Geri has over thirty years of experience as a successful accountant and tax preparer.

Unfortunately, while on the job, Geri fell down a flight of stairs and injured her knee. Despite three surgeries, she is unable to sit or stand for too long, making it difficult to work in an office setting for eight hours a day.

Geri initially had reservations about vocational rehabilitation. She didn’t want to stray too far from her abilities, but she credits her Claims Administrator and Rehabilitation Counselor with changing her mind!

However, selecting a career training program was a bit of a challenge. Because of her injury, Geri didn’t want to spend hours sitting in a classroom or commuting to a training facility. Luckily, she found Allied’s distance education programs, which would allow her to train at home.

Geri selected Allied’s Medical Billing and Coding course because she had previous experience with insurance billing when she worked for a CPA with clients in the medical profession. However, the medical insurance industry has changed dramatically in the years since, so Geri wanted to update her knowledge and skills.

With a lot of hard work and determination, Geri excelled in her studies and received her certificate of completion in June. She has since launched a home-based business called Creative Services which offers medical insurance billing, tax preparation, and mobile notary services. Her future plans include expanding her medical billing services, and becoming a certified Enrolled Agent and Notary Signing Agent.

Distance Education Helps Voc Rehab

2005-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Why Distance Education?

Distance education opens the door to possibilities. It provides disabled individuals with the means and ability to get valuable career training from the comfort of their own homes.

1. Accessibility – It provides ALL students with a way to get an education. Whether they live in remote or rural areas or are unable to travel, they can easily access the courses.
2. Flexibility – It enables students to take a course whenever they want. If they have a difficult schedule, they can choose to learn on their own time, in almost any type of setting.
3. Ease of Use – It allows students to work at their own pace. The online and traditional correspondence courses are easy to comprehend and provide detailed instructions for successful completion.
4. Sense of Independence – It provides students with the ability to complete something on their own terms. This can evoke a sense of accomplishment and feeling that they can achieve anything.

A Quick Business Outlook...

2005-10-25T12:47:00.001-07:00

Business Outlook:

The business industry is projected to have stable growth over the next decade as it continues to expand and provide additional employment needs. Opportunities will be greatest for well-rounded individuals that possess knowledge of computer software applications and office machinery, and demonstrate solid communication skills. Employers will seek individuals that have the ability to perform multiple tasks. There will be an ample amount of full- and part-time jobs as well as temporary positions.

A Quick Real Estate Outlook...

2005-10-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Outlook:

The real estate industry is projected to experience an increase in employment opportunities over the next decade as a growing population has a greater housing need. With a robust economy, individuals will be more likely to buy a new house, or invest money into a secondary residence. There will be a greater need for agents and brokers if low interest rates continue to spur market activity. Flexible work hours and high earnings potential will draw more people into this profession.

A Quick Medical Outlook...

2005-10-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Medical Outlook:

The medical industry is projected to have the strongest employment growth of any industry within the next decade. Continued advances in technology, as well as a growing population, will spur this growth and create opportunities for well-trained individuals. There will also be more opportunities to record, transcribe and manage data as older individuals require greater numbers of medical tests, treatments, and procedures. The number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities will increase at a steady rate.

Career Training is the Key

2005-10-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Career training is important because it bridges the gap between students and the workplace. The right training prepares you to succeed on the job. Do you want to be a valuable and productive member of an organization? Distance education makes it possible for ALL students to get an education. You get the skills to thrive in a work environment!

All of the programs offered by Allied Vocational Rehabilitation School are within industries that have a positive career outlook. What does this mean for you? By enrolling in Allied, you get the skills and training to work in growing and profitable fields. You will be faced with a number of career opportunities, and the chance to get long-term, rewarding employment. Counselors will be assured that you are getting quality training for a practical career.

We help you and your counselor choose the right path! We offer comprehensive, well-rounded courses.