Career Outlook for Master’s in Health Care Administration Graduates

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

As more jobs become available for doctors, nurses, and other clinicians in the rapidly growing health care industry, the need has also grown for qualified experts to take on leadership roles in a number of health care administrator careers.

Taking on these leadership positions requires a blend of business skills and health care industry knowledge — something students can learn in a quality master’s degree program. Business skills have become more necessary as health care comes under increased economic and regulatory pressures. The industry has also shifted to a “value-based” model that puts the emphasis on both efficiency and improved patient outcomes.

These changes have created an environment where professionals who want a health care administration career have many opportunities. Those with expertise in health care management strategies, as well as the knowledge to apply them in real-world situations, are extremely attractive job candidates.

The Demand for Health Care Administrators

The demand for health care administrators is clear from numbers provided by the federal government. Those numbers project a 20 percent increase in the number of health care administrators by 2026.

An aging U.S. population, along with more awareness of the value of preventive medicine, is partly fueling the need for more administrators, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The annual mean pay for a health care administrator position in May 2018 was $99,730, according to the BLS. In New York, that number is $143,340, second only to the District of Columbia in the entire country. In New York, the projected increase in health care administrators by 2026 is 22.3 percent, higher than the national average, according to Projections Central, which uses BLS data to make state-by-state job growth projections.

What You Learn in a Health Care Master’s Program

At Excelsior College, the Master of Science in Health Care Administration prepares graduates for leadership in many careers. Health Care Administration careers include leading a hospital or doctors’ clinics or leading a large department. It can also include running a health care clinic or becoming a vice president of a large health care operation.

Graduates are prepared to lead a health care facility in a civilian, military or Veterans Administration setting. The program offers graduates expertise in:

  • Theory-based communications strategies
  • Leadership strategies in the health care environment
  • The principles of risk management and quality improvement
  • Ethical standards in health care
  • Analysis of contemporary issues impacting health care

Graduates learn leadership skills, including strategic planning, leveraging technology in a health care environment, managing conflict, building effective teams, and giving formal presentations.

A Challenging Future

In the 21st century, health care operations face complex challenges. Meeting those challenges requires leaders who understand the health care industry in all its detail. They also need to know the latest strategies, tools, and techniques needed to succeed in health care and how to apply them to real-world situations.

Those who earn a master’s degree prepare themselves to become that type of leader in a range of health care administrator careers. They have both an understanding of the health care industry as well as the business strategies needed to improve financial performance. In addition, graduates demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and achieving excellence in leadership within the health care industry.

Special Double Tutorial Feature: NUR 3014 Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process and NUR 702 Navigating the CPNE

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As an associate degree in nursing student, you are required to take nursing theory components to prepare you for demonstrating proficiency in nursing care during the Clinical performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE). There are two tutorials that you should be aware of that can improve your success. NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Online Tutorial and NUR 702:  Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial are great resources to consider when you need some extra practice and while you are preparing for the CPNE.

All students in the associate degree in nursing program have access to NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Tutorial. This self-paced learning tutorial includes resources to help students develop and apply skills they may struggle with, such as math calculations or applying the “Nursing Code of Ethics” to a complex patient. A significant focus of the tutorials is application of critical thinking and the nursing process. NUR 3014 provides narrated resources and audio files to help students think critically with the RN perspective. The tutorial contains three modules: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and The Nursing Process, with each module discussing important skills and competencies the registered nurse needs to be successful in the dynamic healthcare environment.

“The nursing process is the blueprint for all nursing care,” says Karla Duffy, faculty program director for the associate degree in nursing program. The steps in the nursing process are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, and the NUR 3014 Online Tutorial helps students practice and apply this important process. Within the modules are activities that students can practice developing a plan of care for different patients across the life span. There is also a case study for students to practice putting all of the pieces together.

The tutorial is so beneficial that Duffy uses it in her course, NUR 104 Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety. “In NUR 104, students are required to go to NUR 3014 to complete their week I discussion because I want them to know that it’s here and I want them to use it as a resource throughout their educational journey,” she says.

NUR 702, Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial, is similar to NUR 3014 in structure, but NUR 702 is only available to students when they are CPNE eligible. NUR 702 contains valuable information about the CPNE and the contents were developed by the same faculty who developed the exam. “These are the resources faculty have developed to help students be successful at the CPNE,” says Duffy. The tutorial contains different modules like self-study modules, resources specific to the nursing simulation labs (NSL) and the patient care situations (PCS), virtual patients and recordings of conversations webinars.  The resources developed align with the critical elements for the exam that are outlined in the study guide.

There are also virtual patients with self-check activities that give students an opportunity to apply the nursing process to formulate a plan of care, deliver the care and document their care. NUR 702 also contains videos made by nursing faculty that cover all of the areas of competency. “It gives the students a comprehensive understanding of how the CPNE is going to progress,” says Duffy. The tutorial also contains all the recordings from the “Conversations with Kim” webinars and other faculty developed webinars.

The best part about NUR 3014 is that students can access it at any time and can keep going back to it throughout their time in the associate degree nursing program. The good part about NUR 702 is that it is specifically geared toward students preparing for the CPNE.  So, if you need some extra help, or want to see how prepared you are for the CPNE, check out the tutorials NUR 3014: Critical Thinking and the Nursing Process Online Tutorial and NUR 702: Navigating the CPNE Online Tutorial.

 

Excelsior College President James Baldwin Announces Retirement

Posted on by Mike Lesczinski

Albany, New York — Excelsior College President James N. Baldwin today announced his intention to retire, effective July 3, 2020.

“As I have enacted my leadership of the College, I have adhered to my conviction that the primary obligation of a leader is stewardship of and service to the organization they are privileged to lead,” said President Baldwin. “It is time to celebrate our accomplishments and focus on the opportunities new leadership can offer. It has been, and remains, my great privilege to serve the College and its students. What has always been special about Excelsior College is its pioneering work as a completion college and dedication to its mission.”

Excelsior College president, James N. Baldwin, JD, EdD

Baldwin joined the College as chief of staff in September 2014 and assumed the role of acting president in May 2016 following the decision by then president John Ebersole to take medical leave. Baldwin was appointed president in a permanent capacity in October of that year.

In his letter to the campus community, Baldwin thanked the staff and faculty for their dedication to Excelsior and commitment to its mission amid challenging times. Through a collective effort to drive transformation, the College has created a new foundation for growth and success that will ensure Excelsior endures for generations.

Among the achievements outlined in his letter:

“Guided by our insistence on integrity, transparency, and accountability with a steadfast commitment to financial stability and putting students first, we have affirmed the mission and values of the College: 

 Shifting focus to our academic programs, and improving the quality of those that best serve the needs of our students and represent our future.

 Reframing our organization and business practices to be student-centered, efficient, responsive, effective, and accountable.

Implementing significant and sustained investments in technology that are vital to our future.

 Daring to question long-held assumptions, experimenting with new ideas and ways of creating a sustainable business model and academic ecosystem.”

 “Jim Baldwin has been the right person at the right time for Excelsior College,” said Dr. Helen Benjamin, chair, Excelsior College Board of Trustees. “He has set Excelsior on a course to be even more successful in fulfilling its mission as alternatives in higher education have become more important and simultaneously competitive. It has been a pleasure to work with Jim in moving the College forward.”

Prior to arriving at Excelsior, Baldwin served as CEO and district superintendent for Questar III BOCES, where he led the agency in the development of innovative and cost-saving programs and services and was responsible for the oversight of 23 school districts in the region on behalf of the commissioner of education. He also served as chief of staff and acting deputy commissioner for higher education in the New York State Education Department and as executive deputy secretary of state for New York.

Baldwin earned a Doctor of Education in organization and leadership from Teachers College of Columbia University, a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science at Union College. He is admitted to the bar in New York State and the U.S. District Court.

Excelsior College’s Board of Trustees will launch a national search for the College’s fourth president, expected to begin immediately. Baldwin has agreed to serve as president until July 3, 2020, or later if required, to ensure an orderly transition.

Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-464-8531

 

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Graduates Celebrate Commencement 2019

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

On Friday, July 12, 488 graduates walked the stage at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany, New York, each bringing with them their own stories of achievement.

The 488 graduates who attended Commencement are part of Excelsior’s second-largest graduating class since 2010. A total of 6,001 students earned 6,059 degrees. The Class of 2019 includes graduates from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Our international graduates represent 17 other nations, including Australia, Canada, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Lebanon, Maldives, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and United Kingdom. Of this year’s graduates, 35 percent are members of the U.S. military; 959 are U.S. military veterans. The average age of Class of 2019 graduate is 36 years old, and the oldest graduate is 78-year-old James Arthur Moynihan, from Kennesaw, Georgia, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business.

This year’s graduate speaker was Anthony Cinquini from Glendale, Arizona, a two-time graduate of Excelsior College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2004 and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2019. Cinquini, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, spoke to his leadership philosophy, learned in the military and through his studies at Excelsior. He told the graduates, “…until taking a leadership course last year, it never occurred to me how valuable a written leadership philosophy based on personal experience is; I now have one as my own—created, not borrowed.” He encouraged everyone to have their own leadership philosophy for two reasons. “First, whether we realize it or not, we are all leaders. … Secondly, our destinations—to be who we are meant to become—all differ; they are as unique to us as our fingerprints and DNA, so getting there requires a custom framework.”

Our graduates came to Albany with unique stories about earning their degrees. Micky Brooks, a physical security specialist with the U.S. Army from Chesterfield Michigan, earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and plans to use his Army and educational background to become a university professor. Tara Beers of Gambrills, Maryland, a cryptologic technical language interpretist with the U.S. Navy, pursued her bachelor’s to advance in her career and in so doing, discovered a love of psychology. Megan Wallstrum and Nicole Lopez, both from Pleasant Hill, California, are friends who pursued and earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice together. Wallstrum, a paralegal for the Federal Public Defenders Office and Lopez, a U.S. deputy marshal, took many of the same courses together and had many lively discussions while pursuing their degrees. Akila Sooriyabandara traveled from Sri Lanka to celebrate his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. While he’s not certain of his future career yet, he isn’t done learning and his Excelsior degree is just the beginning.

Excelsior confers degrees monthly and graduates come to Commencement for the pomp and circumstance of celebrating their accomplishment. Prior to the Commencement ceremony, Excelsior hosted a hooding ceremony for master’s graduates.

In addition to the Commencement-related events, Excelsior held induction ceremonies for honor societies and presented awards to graduates at an Awards Convocation. During the Awards Convocation, the College also recognized distinguished faculty and alumni award recipients, and President James N. Baldwin presented President’s Medals to alumnus Jerry L. Neff, former chair of the Board of the Trustees, and the President’s Committee on Inclusion, an internal group at the College.

Two Recent Excelsior College Graduates Achieved Their Educational Goals Through Pizza Hut Partnership

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY – Recently, 488 graduates of the more than 6,000 students who earned degrees this year from Excelsior College attended Commencement at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Two of this year’s graduates included employees from Pizza Hut: Rebecca Heidt, area coach from Pottstown, Pa., and Douglas Fitch, territory coach from Hurricane, W. Va.

The Life Unboxed EDU program, powered by Excelsior College, provides discounted college tuition to Pizza Hut employees and their immediate family members. Life Unboxed EDU allows employees to apply their on-the-job management-level training courses as college credits.

Lifeunboxed.edu Pizza Hut Graduate at Commencement
Figure 1. Rebecca Heidi, Pizza Hut employee, celebrates graduation day with Stephanie Cietek, partnership manager for Strategic Partnership and Alliances at Excelsior College

Heidt achieved her educational goals through the Excelsior College partnership, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business. She shares, “Life Unboxed EDU with Pizza Hut is a fantastic way to connect to the team from a schooling standpoint. The program taught me time management and self-motivation. I would not be an area coach now without it. The Excelsior program allowed my dreams and goals to be accomplished while working a full-time job.”

Fitch, who earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies, explained, “Life Unboxed EDU and Excelsior provided me an opportunity to reach a goal I always wanted but thought I would never accomplish. By providing a jump-start with hours of training and work experience, it put my degree within reach. By taking one course every eight weeks, I was amazed to watch the classes chip away. Excelsior was always helpful and went out of their way to help me reach my goal. Today, I can say I am a college graduate!”

Excelsior College prides itself on being a credit aggregator and encourages students to transfer in any and all previous college credits to help make earning a degree more obtainable.

In 2015, Excelsior College was chosen as Pizza Hut’s education partner for Life Unboxed EDU due to its ability to understand the needs of adult learners who are balancing education with careers, families, and other responsibilities. “This partnership illustrates Pizza Hut’s investment in the education needs of their workforce,” said Dawn Gerrain, chief marketing and business development officer. “We are proud to celebrate with the two most recent graduates and the 45 employees from Pizza Hut who had participated in this program.”

 

 

Between accepting previous college credits and the credits earned through Life Unboxed EDU, earning a degree has become more obtainable for members of the Pizza Hut organization. By way of the Pizza Hut partnership, 47 Pizza Hut employees and 3 family members have graduated from Excelsior College, and 79 employees are currently working toward a degree. Life Unboxed EDU is just one way that Pizza Hut is helping its team members unlock their potential and become their best.

Second LifeUnboxed.edu graduate at Commencement
Figure 2. Douglas Fitch, Pizza Hut territory coach from Virginia, attends Excelsior College Commencement to celebrate his degree completion. Here he visits with Stephanie Cietek, partnership manager for Strategic Partnership and Alliances at Excelsior College.

For more information, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/partner/pizza-hut/

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Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs                                                                        (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are – academically and geographically – removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

John Caron Named New Provost at Excelsior College

Posted on by Mike Lesczinski

Albany, NY — Excelsior College is proud to announce Dr. John Caron as the College’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, effective July 19. More than ever, Excelsior is poised to move into a new growth period as a leader in adult higher education. Dr. Caron is an inclusive leader, educator, and champion of serving adult learners — all qualities that will serve Excelsior well.

John Caron, Excelsior College's new Provost

“Dr. Caron is a strategic, forward-thinking, and seasoned higher education administrator with two decades of extensive experience in leading, developing, and implementing innovative programs in higher education,” said Excelsior College President Dr. James N. Baldwin. As provost, Dr. Caron will be a key driver in developing academic offerings and strategies that are aligned with the changing landscape of higher education, so that Excelsior may maintain positive growth and advance its position among peer institutions.”

Dr. Caron will be the College’s chief academic officer and second-ranking officer with strategic responsibilities that span the entire institution. He will report to the president, serve on the executive team, take a leadership role in the annual budget process, and implement the strategic plan. He will collaborate closely with faculty and staff on academic strategic planning.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Caron comes to Excelsior from Endicott College where he served as founding provost. Prior to Endicott, Dr. Caron served as the associate dean of the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. He taught graduate courses online. Dr. Caron is an inaugural member of UPCEA’s National Council for Online Education and past chair of the International Leadership Network. Dr. Caron’s research interests focus on two strands of inquiry: strategic management and online education. He is the first in his family to go to college, earning a bachelor’s in sociology from Providence College. He earned a master’s in sociology from the University of Connecticut and a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu                                  (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

 

 

 

Excelsior Presents Project Management Case Study Webinar on Historic Apollo 11 Launch

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Even if you weren’t alive for the United States’ historic Apollo 11 space mission in 1969, you’ve probably heard Neil Armstrong’s famous quote spoken as he took his first steps on the moon.

What you probably don’t know, is the story behind all the years of planning and preparation that it took to make the Apollo mission a success. On May 22nd, Excelsior College hosted a webinar titled “Small Steps and Giant Leaps” that took another look at this monumental undertaking with a project management perspective. Presented by Mark Bowman, a Spacecraft Systems and Crew Operations Lead, Flight Dynamics Division at NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center as well as a member of the Excelsior College Alumni Leadership Council, the program examined the historical context in the years leading up to the launch, the project management process and lessons learned.

Throughout the 1950’s, Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union ran high as both sides were striving to demonstrate the superiority of their systems through political expansion, military, industrial, and scientific achievements. The “Space Race” grew out of this rivalry with the two world powers pushing to claim each technological milestone first.

After several early victories for the Soviet Union, including the first successful satellite launch with Sputnik, the United States significantly ramped up their space program.  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) started operating in 1959 with a budget of $150 Million and immediately began Project Mercury, designed to put the first man in orbit. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy upped the ante with his State of the Union Address in which he stated: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” With that statement, “Project Apollo” began.  Mr. Bowman put into perspective just how audacious a goal this was considering that a mere 57 years earlier the airplane had been invented.

Mr. Bowman then broke down the entire Apollo project using the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a system that uses process groups and knowledge areas the plan and execute a project:

Project Management Body of Knowledge

The PMBOK provides valuable guidelines for Project Management Processes and Knowledge Areas that have been accumulated over many years of experience around the world, are tailorable, and should be used as a starting point for any project.

From May through November, 1961 the planning process took place in earnest.  Four in-depth studies were performed by NASA and 1 jointly with the Department of Defense. The studies looked at launch vehicle needs, spacecraft requirements, explored three different options for reaching the moon, and identified all 1200 tasks that would need to be performed during a lunar mission.

The studies determined that during first six months, NASA had to do 6 things to meet its “within the decade” goal:

  1. Assign program management and system responsibility (essentially, develop a Project Management Plan)
  2. Obtain re-entry heating data to enable Apollo spacecraft design
  3. Complete contracts for Apollo and launch vehicle development
  4. Establish flight crew make-up, selection techniques, and training plan
  5. Accelerate engine funding
  6. Initiate Construction of Facilities:
    1. Center for spacecraft dev and astronaut training (JSC)
    2. Launch facility and Vehicle Assembly Building
    3. Tracking stations

Three major caveats were identified; failure of any one of which could prevent meeting the goal within the decade:

  1. Immediate funding
  2. Major catastrophes
  3. Relief from labor slow-downs

From this starting point, all identified stakeholders used what they had learned in the discovery process to define and sequence activities, estimate activity resources and durations, develop a schedule.

Despite a tragic, “major catastrophe” in the form of a fire during an early ground test that took the lives of three astronauts, the team was able to overcome the schedule delay and meet the “end of decade” goal with five months to spare.

An extremely complex project that was nearly a decade in the making, the Apollo Project underscored the need for cooperation, adequate budget allocation towards scientific and technological innovation and of course, efficient project management!

If you’d like to read more in depth information about the engineering lessons learned from Apollo and subsequent programs, Mr. Bowman recommended the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (SP-2016-6105), Rev 2 and in Expanded Guidance on Systems Engineering (Volumes 1 & 2), which have both recently been updated and are available free of charge online.

visit our Alumni Events Page to see what webinars we have coming up.  A recording of this webinar is available for our alumni community by logging in.

 

Excelsior College Commencement Celebrations Held on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12 in Albany, NY

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY – Excelsior College, a not-for-profit, accredited online institution, welcomes graduates from throughout the United States for its annual Commencement Celebrations this week. Our annual Awards Convocation will be held Thursday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. The 48th Annual Commencement ceremony includes traditional pomp and circumstance and will take place Friday, July 12 at 3 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall in Albany.

2019 is significant for both graduates and the College. This year, Excelsior has the second largest graduating class since 2010, with 6,001 students earning degrees. This year’s graduates include 1,148 from New York and 142 from the Capital Region. We are also expecting our largest registered attendance with 540 graduates traveling to the Commencement ceremony, each bringing their own stories of achievement.

The graduate speaker is Anthony Cinquini from Glendale, Arizona. He is a two-time graduate of Excelsior College. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2004 and earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2019. Cinquini, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, will speak to his leadership philosophy, honed in the military and through his studies at Excelsior.

If you would like to attend Convocation and/or the Commencement ceremony and set up interviews, email ajacobs@excelsior.edu or call (518) 410-4624.

Additional Information: Excelsior College Awards Convocation

During the Awards Convocation on Thursday, July 11, Excelsior honors graduates for their accomplishments and alumni who have made substantial personal, professional, and community contributions. President’s Medals will also be awarded. Four faculty members will also receive Distinguished Faculty Awards.

The Awards Convocation showcases graduates’ stories of work/life balance, overcoming obstacles, and lifelong learning. Several award recipients will speak, including:

  • Ebony Thomas, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Thomas completed a Bachelor of Science in National Security in August 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.95 GPA. She is a language professional with Acclaim Technical Services based in Reston, Virginia. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 2011 to 2016 as a cryptologic language analyst where she provided support for the NSA. During her time in the Air Force, Thomas expanded a military outpatient referral program to provide care for hundreds of servicemembers while reducing more than $1 million of costs to the U.S. Department of the Army. She is also the recipient of three service medals, two achievement medals, and more than 15 other accolades during her time in active-duty military service.
  • Steven Marciano, of Palm Harbor, Florida. Marciano completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in December 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.93 GPA. He is a policies and procedures coordinator with a large health care system based in Florida where he collaboratively contributes to the growth of the public health approach to the delivery of care to the community. Marciano is a first-generation college student who has found his calling to advocate and serve marginal, vulnerable populations. Marciano attended the Transgender Health Conference in Boston in fall 2018 and continues to provide information and resources to better serve the transgendered population in his area.
  • Susan D. Mueller, of Ithaca, New York. Mueller completed a Master of Science in Nursing Education in June 2018, magna cum laude, with a 4.0 GPA. She is a RN diabetes educator at IthacaMed and a clinical instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She also volunteers in a variety of community health-related positions. For Mueller’s capstone project—the culminating project in the master’s program—she, along with several others, founded a food pharmacy at the Ithaca Free Clinic to provide supplemental nutrition for patients who struggle with both food insecurity and chronic cardiometabolic disorders like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Additional Information: Excelsior College 48th Annual Commencement

The 48th Annual Commencement on Friday, July 12 will have more than 500 graduates crossing the stage. The Class of 2019, with 6,001 members, includes graduates from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Our international graduates also represent 17 other nations: Australia, Canada, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Israel, Lebanon, Maldives, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and United Kingdom. Of this year’s graduates, 35 percent are members of the U.S. military; 959 are U.S. military veterans.

Our oldest graduate is a 78-year-old James Arthur Moynihan, from Kennesaw, Georgia, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. Excelsior provides educational opportunity to all learners. The average age of graduates in the Class of 2019 is 36 years old.

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Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs    (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are – academically and geographically – removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Requirements for a Career in HR

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Courses Reflect the Nine Components of the SHRM Competency Model

Have you wondered how Excelsior faculty decide what content, assignments, and discussion questions to include in our courses on human resource management? Or, how we select the textbooks and articles for you to read for courses?

Part of the explanation is that we listen to you and read your course evaluations. Your comments are helpful in assisting our HR faculty with improving courses to better suit your career goals. Thank you for that!

The other part of the explanation is that we adhere to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Competency Model. This model, shown below, is a set of competencies that define what is required for a career in human resource management. We want to ensure you have the expertise and opportunities needed for an HR job—both as a generalist and a specialist.

SHRM has identified two types of competencies:  behavioral and technical. Technical competencies reflect the HR knowledge, including laws, that are required to be an effective HR practitioner. We have built technical competencies into our HR courses (such as BUS 504 Human Resource Management), and we offer technical competencies in stand-alone courses such as BUS 517 Employee Staffing and Development, BUS 518 Leading Teams, and BUS 554 Change Management.

Behavioral competencies refer to the ways HR professionals apply the knowledge they gain from studying and practicing HR. Discussion questions and case studies in our courses ask you to apply the theories and research you have read to resolve real-world HR challenges.

 

Leadership & Navigation The ability to direct and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization.
Ethical Practice The ability to integrate core values, integrity, and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices.
Business Acumen The ability to understand and apply information with which to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan.
Relationship Management The ability to manage interactions to provide service and to support the organization.
Consultation The ability to provide guidance to organizational stakeholders.
Critical Evaluation The ability to interpret information with which to make business decisions and recommendations.
Global & Cultural Effectiveness The ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties.
Communication The ability to effectively exchange information with stakeholders.
 

HR Expertise (HR Knowledge)

 The knowledge of principles, practices, and functions of effective human resource management.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HR managers is projected to grow 9 percent by 2026. The Bureau projects strong competition for these positions in both public and private sectors.  At Excelsior College, we are committed to ensuring you are ready for a new job or promotion at your current place of employment. Our business degree programs will help you gain knowledge and skills you can use in the workplace.

 

 

Go Back to School with the GI Bill

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

If you are transitioning from military to civilian life, you may be wondering what’s out there for you. Where do you fit in?

But the real question is how do you stand out? Maybe it’s time you showcase your talents. An education can give you unlimited opportunities to pursue a new career.

At Excelsior College, we want you to realize your dreams, and we help you every step of the way. Once you’re ready, we get to work gathering your information and apply credits you’ve earned just by being in the service toward your degree. To find out how many credits you have earned, call for a free credit evaluation at 844-843-9299. You can also visit Excelsior’s website at www.excelsior.edu.

Many service members don’t realize how beneficial the GI Bill® is and leave the military without understanding their real value in the civilian workforce. Your skill sets are valuable, and employers actively seek veterans because they can learn new skills and concepts and apply them under real-world pressure. For instance, a BS in National Security is a great program for veterans.

Preparation for Your Education

Your ability and skills, coupled with education, will give you an advantage over most applicants. You already practice what employers look for in an employee. For example, veterans have a demonstrated ability to lead by example, work within a team, perform under pressure, and respect policy and procedure.

Knowing what you have to offer can help you determine what type of career you want outside of the military, and college can help you secure your place in that industry. You earned money toward an education, so you should put it to good use and get your degree.

“I did use my GI Bill to return to school,” says Eric Potvin, a veteran who choose Excelsior College. “As I recall, the process was fairly simple. I filled out a form on the VA website and designated Excelsior College as my school for GI Bill purposes. After that, I don’t remember having to do much else. The school was paid automatically, and I received my monthly stipend for housing and my annual stipend for books. Too easy!”

Potvin’s veteran counselor recommended the Bachelor of Science in National Security because it aligned with his military experience and career goals. Eric successfully completed the program in 2018 and is now working as the principal instructor for Raytheon, a U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation.

The GI Bill is a Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit earned by people like you who have served active duty, reserve, and National Guard duties. The goal of this benefit is to help servicemembers and veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education.

Excelsior College, a not-for-profit, regionally accredited online institution, offers more than 40 programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level, helping almost 200,000 students — including 72,000 servicemembers and veterans — earn their degrees since 1971. Excelsior’s dedicated veteran admissions counselors work with veterans every day and are available to answer any questions you may have about benefits and resources. They help you apply your GI Bill and other educational benefits toward your degree.

In addition to receiving credits for your military training and experience, you can apply credit from CLEP and DSST exams, and courses from other accredited colleges and universities, toward your degree program, which allows you to complete your degree sooner.

GI Bill Overview

Under the GI Bill, qualifying veterans—along with their family members—can get money to cover some or all the costs for school.

If you were awarded Post-9/11 Bill education benefits, you can review how much of your benefits you’ve used by reviewing the GI Bill of Benefits. If you have unused Post-9/11 benefits, you may also transfer them to your spouse or dependent children.

The GI Bill has additional benefit options like:

  • The Tuition Assistance Top-Up – A program that may cover the cost if your college tuition costs more than what’s covered by the GI Bill.
  • The $600 Buy-Up – A program that allows you to get more money each month through your GI monthly payments.
  • Tutorial Assistance – If you are struggling with your coursework and are using VA benefits, you may qualify for help paying for a tutor.

You’re never too old, and it’s never too late, to get an education. Excelsior College makes it easy for you to jump right in. It specializes in optimizing your benefits, so you can pursue your dream—whatever it may be. Learn about Excelsior College’s undergraduate degree programs.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Eric Potvin talks about using his GI Bill to go back to school

Excelsior College Recognized with CAE Re-Designation for Robust Cybersecurity-Related Program

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Excelsior College is one of 13 schools in New York State with designation, cited for its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program

Albany, NY – Recently, Excelsior College received re-designation as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Excelsior was of 10 institutions earning this re-designation.

Excelsior College received the CAE-CD re-designation for mapping curricula to a core set of cyber defense knowledge units. With the CAE designation,, colleges and universities are formally recognized by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security  for their robust cybersecurity-related programs. These institutions had an in-depth assessment and met rigorous requirements for this designation. Excelsior College was first awarded this four-year designation in 2015. The re-designation extends through 2023.

“While there are many job opportunities in cybersecurity open to students who have acquired trainings and skills from either traditional or non-traditional learning paths, earning a cybersecurity degree or any other type of credential from a CAE-CD school has extra value,” says Lifang Shih, PhD, dean of Excelsior College’s School of Undergraduate Studies. “This designation assures students are learning cybersecurity concepts and practices aligned with the standards validated by the nation’s two largest employers in cybersecurity, the National Security Agency and the Department of Defense. It also shows employers that students are getting the most relevant and valuable knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.”

All regionally accredited two-year, four-year, and graduate level institutions in the United States are eligible to apply for CAE-CD designation. There are more than 270 designated institutions in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu   (518) 464-8531 

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Excelsior College Announces Partnership with NY’s Largest Private Employer and Health Care Provider, Northwell Health

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY –Excelsior College, an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution that focuses on helping adults reach their educational goals, announces a new corporate partnership with Northwell Health, New York’s largest private employer and health care provider.

northwell health logo

Through this partnership, Northwell Health employees and their spouses or domestic partners receive up to a 20 percent discount on tuition and pay no fee when applying to one of Excelsior College’s more than 40 degree programs.

Northwell Health, with locations in Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Westchester, Staten Island, and Brooklyn, includes 23 hospitals and more than 750 outpatient facilities.

This partnership will provide each of Northwell Health’s 69,000 employees and their spouses/domestic partners educational benefits to complete an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree at Excelsior College. Excelsior helps working adults to fit education into their busy work and life schedules with online courses and credit-by-exam options.

Kathleen Gallo, senior vice president and chief learning office of Northwell Health stated, “I think for the right employee with the right learning style that matches Excelsior, it [our partnership] will be wonderfully successful.”

“This partnership is even more important today as New York state has enacted legislation to improve patient safety by ensuring nurses secure their Bachelor of Science in Nursing within 10 years of their initial licensing. The additional education the future generation of nurses will receive helps them think critically and ultimately improve the patient experience,” shares Mary Lee Pollard, dean, Excelsior College School of Nursing.

Northwell Health strives to improve the health of its communities. It is committed to providing the highest quality clinical care, educating the current and future generations of health care professionals, searching for new advances in medicine through bio-medical research, promoting health education; and caring for the entire community regardless of ability to pay. Northwell Health has more than 13,600 affiliated physicians, more than 16,000 nurses, and more than 5,000 volunteers to help deliver care.

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Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu  (518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.