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The job of the over-the-road truck driver has changed significantly over the past several years. No longer does a driver just drive. The most successful drivers have a keen sense of business and a solid understanding of how their role fits into the bigger picture of global commerce. Attention to detail has become more and more important in the everyday life of the driver, especially the owner-operators or lease operators. Because of the "business sense" required to be most successful, many drivers are looking to enhance their current knowledge by gaining more education. This can be a logistical nightmare for an over-the-road truck driver though-it is simply not possible to attend traditional classes.

No worries though. Online education is now widely available through a number of reputable institutions. Couple this with the fact that many truck stops, rest areas, and even fast food restaurants are offering free wi-fi internet access, truck drivers now have unlimited opportunities to further their education. Why might you want to further your education? Well, there are of course personal development reasons. Some people just have it as a goal and want to "better themselves" and learn new things. Developing stronger business acumen or other skills is important too. Or, perhaps you want to move into the front office someday-just how valuable would a college education and your driving experience prove to be for any carrier?

Some state college systems, such as Colorado and Minnesota, are working diligently to develop and offer numerous course choices online. Jennifer Frank, Marketing Manager for Colorado Community Colleges Online, explains, "Online education is perfect for an over the road truck driver or anyone who wants to learn, but can't get to campus during scheduled class times." The great part of online courses is that they can be completed from anywhere at anytime. "Online classes give the learner the freedom of studying and ‘attending' classes at times and places that are convenient," says Frank.

There are also private schools such as Rasmussen College that offer educational opportunities online. Randall Smith, Director of Online Instruction, suggests that for a truck driver, online education provides the convenience necessary. "When you are on the road four, five, or six out of seven days a week, every week, you don't have the flexibility to attend a traditional campus. That's the beauty of online education: the school itself flexes to accommodate your schedule, rather than vice-versa."

You might be wondering, just how do online courses work, what is required? Well, that varies by college, but generally speaking students are required to participate in topical forums, take quizzes and exams, and even write papers. The requirements are really the same as that of a traditional classroom, with the exception that everything-absolutely everything-can be completed online.

If you look at the types of degrees or educational programs you could benefit from, the options are many. CCCOnline, for example, "offers a variety of degrees and certificate program areas that our partner colleges offer," explains Frank. These include certificates or associate degrees in paralegal, accounting, business, criminal justice, emergency management, and more. "CCConline also offers all of the general education core classes that you would need to take for either an associate or bachelor's degree from any public college or university or Colorado," states Frank. Many of these core courses are necessary in other states too.

Rasmussen College offers a variety as well. Smith says, "I'd guess that a lot of the truck drivers that read Layover.com are interested in programs that will help them take the next step professionally. That may mean a move from the road to the office, or a move from working for someone to self-employment." To help in the achievement of those goals, Rasmussen offers degrees in Business Management and Accounting, both at the bachelor and associate level. In addition, Rasmussen offers degrees in several other subjects such as Criminal Justice or Health Information Management, for example.

Thinking about furthering your education is one thing actually doing it is another. One of the obstacles to doing so is often money. It costs money to attend college-even online. It's hard enough to pay bills and operate a profitable truck (especially with rising fuel prices and ever-changing regulations), but that should not deter you from higher education. Financial aid is available at the federal and state levels, and there are even alternative loans and scholarships and some places offer military discounts.

Another tip, according to Smith is to, "ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement or similar assistance. Many employees don't even know their company offers it, and it never hurts to ask." Both Rasmussen and CCCOnline have financial aid representatives on staff to help with the funding aspects.

Once you make the decision, getting started is really rather simple and once you are started, the guidance provided by most colleges is very good. Frank suggests, "Community colleges are really the best places to start because they are less expensive and have smaller classes than most four-year colleges and universities. Students can really explore their interests at a community college without spending a fortune. Most of our colleges also offer career counseling."

Even if you are only curious about the options and not yet 100 percent certain you want to move forward, it certainly can't hurt to do a little research. "I'd encourage your readers not to feel like they need to wait until they ‘have it together' before they call-part of what our Admissions team specializes in is helping prospective students make solid, informed decisions about starting school. They'll help you ask the right questions, and if you don't have all the answers yet, our representatives will help you get them. Let them do the legwork-they're professionals," explains Smith.

Lifelong education is one of those things that can benefit a career or simply build greater self-confidence. There are a number of very good online educational opportunities out there that offer similar programs as CCCOnline and Rasmussen. If you consider pursuing an online education, be certain to check out the qualifications and accreditations of the institution you are considering (i.e., stay away from the diploma mills and instead find a legitimate institution).

Special thanks to the two very fine institutions mentioned in this story, CCCOnline (www.ccconline.org) and Rasmussen College (www.rasmussen.edu). Be sure to check them out. Future features will focus on specific degree opportunities and how these can help your truck driving career.