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Correctional Officer Foils Prisoner Escape


Correctional officers protect all of us by overseeing prisoners and keeping order in our jails and prisons. They watch over approximately 1.5 million prisoners in state and federal prisons at any given time.

Although work as a correction officer can be stressful and even hazardous, job prospects are excellent.

Fast Facts:
  • Projected Job Growth: Faster than average--16% from 2006-2016
  • Number of Positions: 500,000
  • Median Income: $41,340
Correctional officers receive career training at academies, colleges, vocational schools, online or on campus. They also receive on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced officers. In addition, their on-the-job training is continual.

Qualifications vary by agency, but all of them require a high school education and usually some additional career training. Military experience or full-time law enforcement experience may substitute for college credit; however, you can take online credits while you are working. You will need these credits and a college degree to advance in your field. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other agencies require college degrees.

A hard job, a public service, with annual career training and good job prospects--is being a correction officer the job for you?

Kaplan University

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:
  • BS in Criminal Justice / Corrections
  • MS in Criminal Justice / Corrections

Rasmussen College Online

You deserve a better career and a better life. Rasmussen College in Minnesota can help you get both. Earn a career-track degree in Business, Child Care, Criminal Justice, or Healthcare. Our personalized classes focus on your needs.

Programs:
  • Criminal Justice Associate - Corrections
  • Criminal Justice BS Degree - Client Services / Corrections