Online Career Tips

By Kevin J. Fandl, J.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Public Policy, American Public University

What does your health have to do with interstate trade? That is the question at the heart of the current litigation over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (a.k.a., “ObamaCare”). Let’s start with a little background. The Act was passed in 2010 with a Democrat-controlled Congress. Although it is much weaker than the healthcare plan proposed, but never enacted by President Clinton during his administration, which would have had the federal government negotiating directly with healthcare providers and insurance companies to get the best deal for patients. ObamaCare focuses on reducing costs for medicines, expanding coverage options, and preventing insurance companies from denying coverage based upon pre-existing conditions.

There is one particular provision of the new law that has drawn criticism from the now Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a number of state legislatures—the individual mandate. The individual mandate takes effect in 2016 and states that all individuals who can afford to purchase health insurance must purchase that insurance or face a penalty on their tax return. Sounds pretty harsh—if you choose to skip the health insurance policy, you will be charged a penalty by the federal government. But, it is not quite as ominous as it appears.

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By Dr. Amy Burkman
Director of M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, American Public University

Grant writing is an essential skill for the 21st century administrator. With the serious budget crisis facing America’s schools, grants are a key to supplementing major budget deficits. Grant writing has not traditionally been taught as an administrator skill, but at American Public University (APU) we’re pioneering the movement to ensure that future administrators are prepared for a new era in leadership.

Learning grant writing online provides our students with an authentic grant writing experience. The entire grant process now takes place technologically from application, to feedback, to funding. There is very little human contact in the application process. By learning grant writing skills in a virtual format, students can become comfortable with the process while gaining applicable knowledge.

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By Jenny D. Johnson
Faculty Member, Sports and Health Sciences at American Public University

American Public University’s Jenny D. Johnson explains the role of personal trainers and nutritional counseling. 

Currently there is an obesity epidemic in America. More than 35 percent of the adult population and 12.5 million children and adolescents are considered obese—and the numbers are rising. The Center for Disease Control reports that obesity is classified as a person having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is the calculation of a male’s or female’s height and weight and is a general indicator of body fat percentage.

Personal trainers are helping clients in the battle against obesity by providing tools, education and motivation. As someone who dedicated her life to sports and health sciences, I belong to a community of physical fitness coaches and motivators dedicated to helping people reach their fitness goals. Clients sometimes need that extra push—that “little voice,” inside their heads that tells them to get going. Some clients also need a customized strategy that is safe for them to implement and sustains their drive. Once a client begins to see results, a reduction in a person’s BMI can serve as an example for the client’s family members or office peers. Often when someone gets into shape it jumps starts others to live more healthy lifestyles.

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