Production scheduler is an entry-level career option in the manufacturing industry that involves analyzing production workflow and collaborating with management on product availability issues. Although a high school diploma may be sufficient for some production scheduler positions, most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management or a business-related field.

Step 1: Sharpen Communication, Organization and Problem-Solving Skills in High School

Skills in problem solving, organization and communication are important to professional production schedulers. Aspiring schedulers may consider taking as many communication courses as possible in order to strengthen their interpersonal and speaking skills. Additionally, future production schedulers may benefit from taking courses that strengthen organizational and problem-solving skills. Courses in mathematics are beneficial in developing skills in problem solving.

Step 2: Consider Career Options and Requirements

A 2011 job search on Monster.com found that some potential employers only require that job applicants for the production scheduler role hold a high school diploma. However, many preferred applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area such as supply chain management or some other business-related field. In addition, employers required experience with MS (Microsoft) Project Software and MS Office, as well as an understanding of Lean Principles and a familiarity with specific regulatory standards. Other skills sought after by employers include strong writing and excellent communication skills.

Step 3: Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Should an aspiring production scheduler decide to enroll in a bachelor’s program, he or she needs to focus on a production-related field, such as supply chain management, engineering or a business-oriented discipline. A bachelor’s degree in business or management with a focus on supply chain management may include courses such as principles of quality management, project management, operation management, information systems, international logistics and inventory models.

Step 4: Complete an Internship

Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in logistics or engineering may have the opportunity to complete an internship. Internships offer students valuable practical experience, and, although they may not necessarily lead to job offers, they do provide students with the opportunity to get letters of reference and make contacts. Typically, an internship is completed in the final year of study. Companies that offer internships in production planning and scheduling may be in the manufacturing industry.

Step 5: Consider Professional Certification

Currently, the Association for Operations Management (www.apics.org) offers a certification program for professionals working in the areas of operations, supply chain management, materials management, production management and procurement. A certification may be an excellent way to solidify years of experience in the field and broaden career options. The exam consists of five modules and each must be passed in order to earn the certification.source: education-portal.com/articles/

Pharmacists are medical professionals who dispense prescription drugs to individuals. They often consult with doctors, patients and other healthcare service providers to ensure that the proper prescription and dosages are given. Prospective pharmacists will need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and meet state licensing requirements. Some pharmacists will have to complete fellowship or residency.

Pharmacist Education Information

Individuals who want to become pharmacists will need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. To be accepted into a Pharm.D. program, students must first complete a pre-professional track that is typically two years in length and includes scientific courses in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology. Foundational courses in pharmaceutical practices may also be included.

Pharm.D. Accreditation

Students may consider Pharm.D. programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Accreditation demonstrates that a program is preparing students to meet the standards of the profession. According to the ACPE, state licensing boards require applicants to have graduated from an accredited program (www.acpe-accredit.org).

Pharm.D. Coursework

Pharm.D. programs are typically completed in four years and provide instruction on medical dosages, patient consultations and medication interactions. The curricula include coursework in pharmacy law, pharmacotherapy, dosage forms and health management. Students are familiarized with the equipment used on the job, including filling machines and flow cabinets.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is a major segment of a Pharm.D. program. In the first two years, students take Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences, in which students develop essential skills, such as consulting patients, delivering immunizations and performing screenings. During the final two years, students take Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) that place them in patient care settings under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. APPEs have rotations that allow students to experience different areas of pharmacy, including inpatient, ambulatory operations and electives.

Pharmacist Career Training Information

Licensing Information

Pharmacists must be licensed to practice. In addition to having a Pharm.D. from an accredited program, individuals must pass the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which tests applicants on pharmacotherapy, dispensing medications and providing accurate healthcare information ( www.nabp.net).

All states require applicants to complete either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) or a state-sponsored exam. The MPJE tests students on the legal aspects of the pharmacy practice, licensure requirements and the regulatory laws that govern the profession. The NAPLEX and the MPJE are administered by the National Association of Pharmacy Boards. States may have addition licensing requirements, including background checks or age limits.

Fellowships and Residencies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists who want to work in a clinical setting may consider completing a residency program or fellowship program (www.bls.gov). Residencies and fellowships are individualized programs that train pharmacists for administrative work or a specialty filed, such as informatics or community care. Programs typically last 1-2 years and may include research on the benefits of drug therapy and other topics in the field.source: education-portal.com

A course in personal effectiveness coaching is offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a higher education certificate that prepares graduates for a career in coaching, as well as other fields is made available by the Open University. Both the Open University and MIT are members of the OpenCourseWare (OCW) consortium.

Free Online Coach Courses and Certificates

The OpenCourseWare (OCW) project that involves many universities across the world has made available classes that can be used by anyone free of charge via the Internet. These non-credit coach courses provide OCW learners with the skills needed to compete in the business and sport management and coaching sectors. OCW users should check course and certificate sites to ensure that all the material is available for study. In some cases, a course may not have all of the materials needed to get the most out of the OCW class.

List of Free Online Coach Courses and Certificates

Special Seminar in Communications: Leadership and Personal Effectiveness Coaching at MIT

OCW learners who participate in this course learn about the skills necessary to improve team and individual communication. The course is structured as a series of labs or in-class exercises. In order to get the most out of these lab exercises, OCW users may want to recruit as many friends as possible since they were designed for groups rather than individuals. Lab topics are available for download on the course website. Topics covered in these labs include informational interviewing, giving and receiving feedback, organizational processes, conflict resolution and leadership communication.

Certificate of Higher Education in Sport, Fitness and Management at the Open University

OCW learners who wish to pursue this certificate program offered by the Open University should have some prior experience in the sport and fitness industries as coaches or fitness instructors. Students that have earned some credits from another educational institution can apply those credits to this program of study. Two years of full-time study are needed to complete the certificate but a student can take up to five years if needed. The two primary courses needed to complete the certificate include working and learning in sport and fitness and introduction to sport, fitness and management. Students who complete the certificate have the option of continuing their studies and earning either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in the field. source: education-portal.com/articles/