The Psychology Behind Personality Tests

Posted on by Raymond Brogan

What Are Personality Tests?

Personality tests are used for research and job placement but more often for personal entertainment. The good news is that the evidence-based personality tests are highly accurate when used in an appropriate manner. The bad news is that many personality tests the average person encounters are often used in ways that are not only inappropriate but also risky. Reliable tests can be developed around a faulty assumption, producing invalid results. Web-based tests should be labeled “for entertainment purposes only.” Unfortunately, netizens using the test results in making serious decisions on careers or relationships may end up heading in the wrong direction.

Common Personality Tests

Two well-known personality tests used in research and career planning are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Big Five personality test. Both tests are accurate measures of personality as defined by the underlying personality theory of each. The question the test user has to ask is, “do I accept the underlying theory?”.

Myers-Briggs

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was developed based on an approach to personality derived from portions of the Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. Jung proposed all people could be described in relation to three sets of dichotomies: extraverted/introverted, sensing/intuition, and thinking/feeling. One more dichotomy, judging/perceiving was added by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers who were the first researchers to successfully develop a measure of the Jungian personality. With four traits having two possible levels, a total of sixteen personality types arises. As a dichotomy, each trait has no middle ground; you are on one side or the other. It is interesting that the classification of these sixteen types has been comprehensive enough to satisfy most research questions related to personality. Still, the traits for most people would be best described on a continuum rather than a dichotomy. Relying on a continuum for each trait would result in an infinite number of personality types. Researchers have investigated measuring these descriptors as continuous measures rather than as dichotomies but found no practical improvement in results. Many of the continuum-produced types would have little distinction from the recognized sixteen types.

Big Five

The Big Five is a measure of personality perceived as a collection of relatively unchanging traits. These traits taken as a collection describe a person’s personality. Researchers have accepted and promoted trait theory in recent years, but the theoretical concepts are not new. Trait theory was established early in the 20th century but ignored for decades. Researchers have noted measuring traits can effectively predict a person’s success in school or on the job. However, predicting problems without offering solutions is little more than supporting self-fulfilling prophecies. The most practical use of Big Five tests has been found in helping workers adapt to school or jobs.

How are Personality Tests Used?

Personality tests can be misused. A company may expect that certain positions require a particular personality characteristic. Whether they hire a consultant or work in-house to develop a test, the test would be designed to identify that desirable characteristic in employees. If the expectation is false, the test might be reliable but not valid. One major retailer used an in-house test to determine which applicants would make the best sales associate. The test involved a series of statements to which the applicant responded agreement on a scale of 1 to 5. The foundational concept behind the test was that a sales associate should be emphatic. Thus, only those who consistently chose 1s and 5s (no matter the statement) were selected for further recruiting. Choosing the extremes demonstrated the desirable trait “being emphatic,” so the test was reliable. However, the concept of desiring an emphatic sales force proved to be faulty when the company found too many of these recruits arguing with customers. An established test such as the Myers-Briggs or the Big Five could similarly be misused if the results are used to identify applicants for a position based on a personality trait rather than on actual competencies. For example, anyone pursuing the field of purchasing agent (in any field) requires the same competencies regardless of personality. However, some companies expect a certain personality for a purchasing agent who may be the only representative of the company among distributors. A newcomer seafood business wanted to look tough in front of the perceivably gruff fishermen and hired a gruff purchasing agent who did not have the demonstrated competencies. If the company had used a personality test, they would have looked for results corresponding to gruffness. The test would be efficient but used in an inefficient manner. A more appropriate use would be to identify personality traits that are more likely to support the necessary competencies.

The root word for personality is the Latin word persona which is the mask that actors used to wear. What we portray to our audience every day is our persona, suggesting the cognitive influence on personality. When we think about the manner of presenting ourselves, we can change how people perceive us by wearing a mask and playing to the audience. However, the basic manner for interacting with the world under situations where one presents a true self is what is thought of as personality and what is measured by those tests. One’s real personality is made up of meaningful, defining personal experiences throughout life with some distinct genetic component represented by temperament in early childhood. Everyone takes different paths in developing personality. Still, it is fascinating how personality tests demonstrate the similarities among us all. We just need to take off our masks every once in a while. If you are interested in learning more about the liberal arts, check out our Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.

MBA Investment Pays Off

Posted on by Shannon Ballard Gorman

Amanda Alfred MBA ’17 began working for Prudential Financial Inc. in Livingston, New Jersey, five years after graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She came from a large family of nine children that had emigrated from Guyana. Education was very important to them, and she was fortunate to go to college, but couldn’t even think about continuing right on to graduate school.

Alfred instead poured her time into learning the ropes at Prudential. If a client on a group insurance policy is denied benefits, they can submit an appeal. As an appeals specialist, Alfred communicates with all parties involved to gather information, requests medical reviews or independent medical examinations and reviews policy provisions to determine whether a claim is supported.

As she built her reputation with the company, she was able to work with her manager to increase the days she worked remotely —until she was working from home full-time. So, when she relocated to Groveland, Florida, for a more family-friendly community (and lower cost of living), she was able to take her job with her.

It was that job that ultimately helped Alfred achieve her goal of going to graduate school. She heard from several peers that they were working on their MBA through Excelsior College, which she saw had an excellent reputation, especially for working adults. When Alfred learned that Prudential had a partnership with Excelsior and would potentially reimburse up to 90 percent of the tuition, she knew it was her opportunity.

She enrolled in 2015. “The program worked well with my schedule, even with a 4-year-old in daycare,” she said. “The flexibility of being able to log on at any time was helpful in getting discussion questions and assignments completed.” Alfred worked for Prudential from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., so she would get up at 5 a.m. and do two hours of schoolwork, then do more in the evening after her daughter went to bed.

The time spent was well worth it. “Everything the MBA provided was in line with what I was doing for Prudential and was immediately applicable,” she said. “It definitely had a positive impact on my job.”

“I work with clients of all kinds from many parts of the country. The MBA program gave me a greater understanding of diversity and the importance of tailoring my message to the client in order to communicate more effectively,” Alfred shared.

Armed with this degree experience, she feels more prepared and confident when interacting with peers and offering her perspective to colleagues. “I see now how my input and feedback in working groups can help achieve our common goals and minimize risks to our company,” she reflected.

Earning her MBA gave her a better understanding of and respect for business practices, from both business and ethical perspectives. “There are laws that govern how we do business at the national level and by state,” Alfred said. “The program helped me understand how they were created and why.”

Alfred prides herself on bringing both compassion and a strong sense of doing what’s right to her work. “It is my responsibility to follow the policy,” she explained. “If an exclusion applies to the client, I am careful to clearly communicate the reason to them, but I must administer the policy as it is written.” She continued, “By the same token, if someone is ill or disabled and meets the definition of coverage, I do my best to make sure they receive any benefits they are entitled to. I am empowered to apply my knowledge and experience and encouraged to do the right thing — for customers and for Prudential.”

Alfred has remained in the same unit —Appeals Review —­ since starting her MBA, but she has received two promotions. She believes that earning her MBA has a lot to do with that.

Alfred sees no end to the possibilities with Prudential. In addition to her regular duties, she coaches two individuals from other departments, responds to state complaints, and does investigative work with another department. Because of that exposure and experience, coupled with her education, she said, “I know that if I ever want to make a change, Prudential offers many opportunities to stretch and grow by taking on new professional challenges.”

Alfred has some advice for anyone considering going back to school for a graduate degree. “Go for it,” she said. “The feeling of accomplishment at the end is well worth every minute spent on assignments.” She adds, “You’re not alone on the journey. The professors are there for you, to help you and push you, and the staff is there to answer your questions and make the process easier. Even your classmates are there for you. Everyone just genuinely wants to help each other succeed.”

What Is a Magnet Organization and Why Is It Important?

Posted on by Marianne Brennan

What is Magnet status and what does it mean to nurses? Does having the designation improve the work environment? Does it mean recognition for staff? Better patient care and outcomes? How difficult is it to achieve? To maintain? What impact on my day-to-day responsibilities will there be in a Magnet organization?

What is Magnet Status?

Magnet status is an award developed and given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It was developed in 1990 as the Magnet Hospital Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Services and recognized 14 characteristics that create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining qualified nurses who promote quality care. These characteristics became known as the “Forces of Magnetism”— later changed to the Magnet Recognition Program. When earned, this award indicates the hospital has satisfied a rigorous set of criteria designed to measure the strength and quality of nursing. While Magnet is largely recognized as a nursing-driven achievement, it requires a corresponding mindset and organizational culture to support the accomplishment.

Why Magnet Status is Important

Magnet signifies the valuing of staff nurses by their leaders and by the organization, and the strength of knowledge they contribute both individually and together for the advancement of nursing practice. It provides a roadmap for excellence. Nurse staffing, education, and work environment are the pillars that lend to the superior patient outcomes evident in Magnet hospitals. Magnet hospitals have a higher rate of nursing satisfaction, lower turnover, and a higher percentage of nurses with graduate degrees and national certification. Magnet status highlights an environment that supports delivery of excellence in patient care, staff nurse involvement in evidence-based practice, and decision making in support of optimal patient outcomes.

Magnet designation helps to provide direction to organizations in their approach to quality improvement interventions and measurable outcomes. It supports and provides a platform of shared governance and inclusion of leaders and staff in a collective vision. Leaders come together and bring ideas to the table that are in direct support of evidence-based practice in pursuit of positive patient outcomes. Magnet status navigates organizational culture, provides an energy for positive change in the work environment, and affords a venue for nursing to amplify and clarify the good work they are doing. It supports and develops accountability and higher order thinking.

The atmosphere in a Magnet organization is different: you can sense the feeling of pride when you enter the facility. It is usually first evidenced by the Magnet award displayed in a place of honor for all to see. Nursing units showcase boards highlighting their certified nurses, nurses who have recently achieved degrees, and other accomplishments. There is an air of solidarity in accepting nothing less than a baseline delivery of excellence in care, as well as cross departmental collaboration in outcomes achievement.

The bottom line for what Magnet is and what it means to me as a nurse is that Magnet provides an environment for nurses to be their best selves to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team providing the very best experience and outcomes for their patients. It gives nurses a platform to explore possibilities, expand their own horizon, and make a difference in our patients lives.

 

Impacting Others: Walter Were

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When Walter Were was young, he wanted to be a successful businessman and community leader when he grew up. Were says his definition of “success” doesn’t equal the material possessions he’s acquired, but rather how well he can answer the question: “What is your contribution to society?” The 2005 Excelsior graduate has contributed much as an employee of PDC Pharmacy and as an active member of the Excelsior College alumni community.

Were, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, works for PDC Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS), a nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh that supports persons with disabilities. PDC Pharmacy has locations in Erie, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as in Colorado, and also offers services in Delaware, New Jersey, and Ohio. It is a long-term care pharmacy that caters to agencies and families supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

“In general, it is my job to grow the business by promoting high quality consumer driven services,” says Were. His job requires him to travel often to different states to participate in conferences and conduct meetings with other companies in order to establish new partnerships. His path to his current position as the director of business development and marketing has been a long but accomplished journey made possible through hard work and an educational foundation built with Excelsior College.

In 2003, Were was a residential assistant with PMHFOS, in which he provided direct support to residents covered by the company. To advance in his career, he needed to further his education. While researching colleges and universities, Were came across Excelsior College and felt it would be the right choice for him. At the time, says Were, he could not find many reputable colleges that were offering flexible distance learning programs. With Excelsior’s independent study for credit-by-exam option, he maneuvered his way to graduation and earned a BS in Liberal Arts in 2005. In 2006, soon after receiving his degree, Were received a promotion to regional program director.

Were earned a MA in Adult and Community Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007 and, received a promotion the following year, which he attributes to earning his degrees. In his new role, he oversaw one of the company’s four behavioral health programs. As the company continued to grow, so did the opportunities and, by 2012, Were was a program operations director, overseeing all behavioral health programs as well as billing processes of PMHFOS.

In 2014, Were became the assistant executive director, working directly under the executive director, in which he oversaw PMHFOS’s day-to-day operations. During this time, Were continued to share his educational journey with acquaintances and colleagues. “I was encouraging them to continue their studies because they needed to be competitive…You can’t really grow so much by promotions without also improving on yourself,” says Were, adding how happy he was that one woman he told about Excelsior ended up enrolling and pursuing her degree with the college.

Were was invited to become an alumni ambassador and became more involved in the Excelsior College community. He says it was an even bigger opportunity to promote his alma mater and the unique ways in which it allows students to earn their degrees. “Critical institutions like Excelsior are few and far to come by,” he says, adding that he continues to advocate for the college any chance he gets.

Earlier this year, in Pittsburgh, Were attended a state gala for the Kenya Women in The USA where he shared his educational journey, including the credit-by-exam process. He also spent time explaining how students can gain credits at other accredited institutions and transfer them to Excelsior. “The response was quite unexpected—positively,” says Were. He was so surprised by the flood of comments and questions he received that he decided to update a book he wrote in 2006, “Guide to Earning College Credits by Testing.” In it, he describes the ins and outs of how students can use credit by exam to earn credits toward their degree. Were himself earned 117 credits through CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior exams which were all applied toward his degree.

“After speaking to members of the Kenyan immigrant community, I found that so many still had not heard how they could save money and stay in college by [the] independent affordable means of credit by exam.” This time around, in addition to publishing as a paperback, Were published the guide in e-book form, which allowed for greater distribution through the web and social media channels. After spreading the word through social media, Were distributed more than 150 free copies.

In addition to his advocacy for Excelsior College, Were has also joined the Greater Pittsburgh YMCA board of directors. Participating on the board, being involved in the Excelsior alumni community, and sharing information about independent learning opportunities through his book and speaking opportunities makes Were feels like he is contributing to society.

The future holds many opportunities for Were. “I see myself more involved in the community…I want to be more involved in a way that I volunteer my time. I want to have an impact that benefits other people.” Though he can’t define what position it would be, he knows he wants to be in a leadership position that has a positive impact on the community. So far, Were has likely left a positive and lasting mark on those who have crossed his path.

Faculty Focus: Jim Holton

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Higher education has changed a lot since instructional faculty member Jim Holton attended college, especially in the realm of technology. For example, when he started college, students still used a card catalog and computers to search for items elsewhere in the library. Now, information is readily available at students’ fingertips. Holton understands that students communicate and learn differently today via online learning, and is always trying to make sure they have the best possible experience in this age of online education.

Holton, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been a faculty member with Excelsior College since 2011. He teaches HIS 350 World War I, HIS 353 Holocaust, HIS 101 U.S. History, and the History capstone. Holton’s understanding of the Excelsior student and his creative teaching methods earned him a Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award in 2017. A three-time graduate of George Washington University, he earned a bachelor’s in international affairs in 1992, a M.Phil. in 1998, and a doctorate in history in 2002.

Holton was the course designer for the history capstone and says the revised course, “helps students to see ‘behind the curtain’ of the historical profession and to analyze how we as historians see the past and how we recreate the past.” Instead of just memorizing facts, he says, students analyze what it means to study and how we approach the past.

Holton knows students in his courses aren’t “typical” college students. In fact, he believes this term applies less and less; it’s no longer for the “under-22 crowd,” says Holton. “Education is also much more flexible or casual than it once was. Students take courses for more reasons, and complete their curriculum at different paces and at different times,” he says, adding that it isn’t unusual to have parents, career-changers, and lifelong learners in his classes.

Holton says he, “strongly believes that a good online education should make the student feel connected to the course and to the institution.” To better connect his students to his courses, Holton has developed a “Holton History Help Line” for students to call him whenever they need help or want to connect with him. He also uses short videos he shoots at his home that cover anything from brief announcements to more complex topics. His calico cat will sometimes make an appearance, as well. Holton says, “She certainly doesn’t add much to the historical discussion, but she certainly makes the videos stand out!”

He also has some organizational tips for his students: setting up a personal schedule to follow and looking at the upcoming course schedule. “This does the most to ensure that school work is a priority…Look at your module early in the week so you’ll know what’s coming up and be able to plan for it,” says Holton.  Holton believes that “stick-to-it-iveness” is most important for students working toward their degree. “A student who can be involved in courses regularly will do well, and each course will seem more like a community of learners,” he says.

Holton also advises students to be able to engage with other people in their subject area. “If you can make it relevant, more people will be impacted by your research,” he says. He adds some job hunting tips, such as keeping your resume and curriculum vitae current, applying to different places, and relaxing during phone and in-person interviews. It’s also important to be well-versed in your subject area. Holton wishes he had carved out an academic subject niche earlier than he had. He says, “Choose to start becoming an expert in a field that you like and which has potential.”

When he isn’t teaching, Holton can be found walking his husky mix and beagle-lab mix, watching science fiction movies, or exercising on his bike. He continues to be an innovative course designer and teacher and says his ability to be creative is thanks to Excelsior: “Excelsior really gives faculty the tools to bring their own style and knowledge to a course.”

 

Furthering His Career: Eric Potvin

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Eric Potvin has had a long, successful career in the military. To advance in a civilian career, however, he knew he needed to further his education. That’s when he discovered Excelsior College and earned a Bachelor of Science in National Security in 2018.

Potvin, originally from Middletown, Connecticut, entered the military after graduating high school. He started his military career as a signal support specialist with the Army but after five years without promotion, he decided to switch his focus to counterintelligence. During his time in counterintelligence, Potvin did six deployments, traveling to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and other countries. He was a platoon sergeant, first sergeant, and later became acting sergeant major for the 305th Military Intelligence Battalion out of Fort Huachuca, Arizona. “It was an interesting time when I had about 2,000 soldiers every day out there doing work that I was trying to look after,” he says of the responsibility.

Potvin retired from the military in 2017 after 20 years of service and decided to turn his attention to civilian careers. He realized he lacked some of education required for many jobs, however. “Even though I had all that experience, I didn’t have the education to go along with it. I had an associate degree, but I didn’t have my bachelor’s, so a lot of the positions I was looking at when I retired, they didn’t really want me,” Potvin explains. He decided he needed to return to school.

Choosing a Bachelor in National Security at Excelsior College

“I looked at a few online degrees plans, and I found that most people directed me back to Excelsior,” Potvin says, adding that Excelsior’s national security program particularly spoke to him. After speaking with academic advisors, he discovered he only needed 17 credits to finish his degree. He had previously completed an associate degree in Intelligence Operations with Cochise College in Sierra Vista, AZ in 2011.

Those credits, along with some from Central Texas College, Austin Peay State University, CLEP/DSST testing, City Colleges of Chicago, and military services credits, were all accepted by Excelsior. “But just having 17 credits left was amazing, so I was able to knock it [his degree] out in just four or five semesters of the 8-week classes,” he says, adding that he wished he had thought about going back to school sooner. Potvin was able to use his GI Bill® benefits to pay for Excelsior, too. “I wound up with the degree paid for, and I wound up with a little extra spending money…so it was nice to have all that plus books paid for,” he says.

Excelsior’s online learning environment turned out to be beneficial to Potvin, who enjoyed how the course structure gave him the ability to develop and follow his own schedule. “It was nice that I didn’t have to bind myself down in a traditional format; I was able to work on [coursework] while I was still working and while I was still doing my day job,” he says. He notes it was also helpful to know deadlines for projects and assignments in advance [from the syllabi] so he could plan ahead.

Potvin currently works in Afghanistan as an intelligence advisor for Raytheon, a U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation. He says it is a rewarding career and it wouldn’t have been possible without pursuing his degree with Excelsior. Potvin says, “I attribute my ability to receive this position as a direct result of completing my B.S.”

Potvin says there are many things that could come up in his life—he is currently in the MBA program at the University of Arizona—and just having a bachelor’s degree has opened lots of doors. He hopes his degree will propel him into management positions. “I have the degree, I have the professional experiences that I hope someone will look at and say this is the right person for this next career advancement,” says Potvin. “And that’s what my real focus is now.”

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/.

Degrees at Work: Christine Robinson-Cooley

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Christine Robinson-Cooley remembers looking through her older brother’s criminal justice books when he was in college and liking the information. She says from that point, she was sure she would follow his path into the criminal justice field—which is exactly what she did.

A Storied Career in Criminal Justice

Robinson-Cooley, of Rensselaer, New York, is an assistant re-entry manager with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. She started working at the maximum-security Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1999 as a corrections counselor. Since that time, she has been employed in a variety of roles in the field of criminal justice such as a corrections officer, corrections counselor, alcohol and substance abuse treatment program assistant, facility parole officer, field parole officer in victim services, and senior parole officer. “The environment can be an adjustment because a correctional facility is its own community,” she says, adding that there are many kinds of job opportunities in a facility such as teachers and security staff, as well as administrative and medical roles.

Robinson-Cooley’s days vary between her desk and attending meetings in the community. Her main job is overseeing the discharge planning of the mentally challenged returning to the community after prison. “I assist in addressing barriers to successful re-entry such as housing, treatment, health care, and employment,” she says. She makes sure all the pieces are in place prior to the person’s release.

In addition to working as an assistant re-entry manager, Robinson-Cooley volunteers her time to community mental health programs. She is an active volunteer as a family-to-family education teacher with the New York State National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a free, 12-session education program for family and friends of those with mental health conditions. NAMI is an evidence-based program taught by trained, experienced family members. Robinson-Cooley is also a crisis intervention volunteer with the Crisis Intervention Team, a collaborative program that creates better connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services, and individuals with mental illness and their families.

Because she works so closely with people, it is important that Robinson-Cooley has the right skills to succeed in her roles. This includes the ability to communicate well verbally, write effectively, and have good organizational skills. These are some of the skills she picked up while at Excelsior College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1997.

“It took me seven years to complete my undergraduate studies. The flexibility of Excelsior exams for credit allowed me to complete my last year of college at my own pace,” says Robinson-Cooley. She adds that she is a strong believer in online learning and feels that having a family and job shouldn’t be educational barriers. The opportunity Excelsior provided enabled her to complete a degree that is exactly in-line with the work she does today.

What Does it Take to Have a Career in Criminal Justice?

To do the kind of work Robison-Cooley does, she suggests anyone interested talk to a person in the field to see whether it’s something that will work for them. “Join many professional organizations and stay abreast of current trends. Attend annual conferences to keep meeting people that share your same interests and different ones,” she adds. She also notes that to work in this field, one must know how to leave the job and home separate.

“It is imperative you have healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the vicarious trauma of the situations you are dealing with and the information you are required to process,” she says. For her, this means family time is important. Her husband is a retired law enforcement officer, so it’s helpful that he understands what she goes through each day. With the support of her family, Robinson-Cooley has had a successful 25-year criminal justice career and she is excited to see what opportunities lie ahead. Learn more about our Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Service.

What is a Health Sciences Degree?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The term “health sciences” covers a large variety of careers within health care. Those earning an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in health sciences may choose to specialize in clinical careers, health care management, or in specialized fields such as wellness or public health. It’s a degree increasingly in demand as the health care industry expands. The federal government projects 2.4 million jobs will be added in the health care industry by 2026. That’s an 18 percent increase over the number of jobs in 2016—far faster than the average growth of about 7 percent for all occupations.

Earning a degree in health sciences prepares graduates for some of the most rewarding and satisfying professions in the health care industry. The evolution of online degree programs has made this easier than ever, offering students flexibility in how they earn their degree.

Careers in Health Sciences

  • Where can a degree in health sciences take you? Much of that depends on where you want to go and where you are coming from in terms of your career. Some students who earn degrees in health sciences go on to pursue clinical jobs like dental hygienist, physical therapy assistant, surgical technician, EKG technologist, veterinary technician, or radiation therapist, or may pursue non-clinical jobs like medical and health services manager, claims reviewer, health education specialist, or community health specialist. Alternatively, many of those who choose to enter a health sciences degree program already work in the health care industry. They want to earn a degree to move up into higher positions in their field or to switch into another job within health care.

Programs vary by school. To offer an example of the possibilities, here’s a look at health sciences degree programs at Excelsior College by degree level. This by no means covers every career option but gives an idea of how the program can support a career in health care.

Associate Degree

The associate in health sciences degree program can help students launch a career in allied health, support veterans and servicemembers who have medical training from the military but want to earn a degree, or help further the career of those in medical billing and coding.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in health sciences opens the door to specializing in jobs within health care. At Excelsior College, concentrations are offered in health management, health and wellness, and public health.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in health sciences prepare graduates for the top jobs in their chosen field, often in leadership and management roles. At Excelsior College, students can focus on public health or earn a master’s degree in health sciences with no emphasis. The school also offers a Master of Science in Health Care Administration .

What to Look for in an Online Program

Many students choose to enter an online degree program because of the convenience it offers. It’s especially beneficial for working professionals who otherwise might not have the ability to attend classes in a traditional setting. Online programs offer students the flexibility to watch lectures and do coursework around their busy personal and work schedules. Rather than having to drive to campus, they can attend class from wherever they have an Internet connection.

It’s important to only consider schools that have accreditation. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Excelsior also focuses on providing quality degree programs to working professionals, another attribute that health sciences students will value in a college.

With the rapid expansion of health care and the increased number of career opportunities, it’s never been a better time to earn a degree in health sciences. For those looking to improve their career, it’s an option worth investigating in. Pursuing a degree in natural sciences is also a great way to make your mark on the world as well as a successful career.

 

Faculty Helps Nursing Students with the CPNE and Classes

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Scheduled Calls Help Associate Degree Nursing Students Succeed

As a nursing student, going back to school can be difficult when you’re trying to juggle different roles and responsibilities like work, social life, and academics. It can be particularly hard because you need to practice expert knowledge and thoughtfulness in your current job while also working tirelessly in your academics to make it to the next level in your nursing career. Luckily, the Excelsior College School of Nursing offers resources like faculty phone calls to help you in your studies and the CPNE.

Faculty phone calls are nursing-centered talks that occur between nursing students and nursing faculty program directors (FPDs). They are “a student’s opportunity to talk about whatever they want to talk about,” says Karla Duffy, a faculty program director for the associate degree in nursing program. Students can call the School of Nursing to schedule a 30-minute phone call with an FPD. They can have a maximum of two phone calls scheduled at one time and are allowed one phone call per week.

The topics students want to discuss vary, says Duffy. Some students want to discuss a topic they are stuck on in their theory courses while others are looking for tips on how to be successful in discussions. Others call looking for best strategies in taking Excelsior College Examinations (ECEs) and the Focused Clinical Competency Assessments (FCCAs).

Faculty Calls Help Students Prepare for the CPNE

Duffy says the majority of students’ phone calls are about the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE). Students call looking for what resources are available to help them prepare for the exam, and faculty then direct them to the tutorial NUR 702 Navigating the CPNE, study guides, webinars, workshops, etc. Faculty try to inform students about what to expect at the exam, as well. Sometimes students seek to better understand a specific portion of the CPNE.

Many calls are about students’ fears concerning the CPNE, says Duffy. She explains that to ease students’ fears, she often tells students to come up with personal mantras, to hold special totems like stones or marbles in their pockets during the exam, or to practice writing “RN” after their name in preparation of passing the exam. “It’s all about the mindset,” she says.

Part of that is also making sure the student, who is typically an LPN or a paramedic, draws on their previous learning and continues to transform their thinking into that of an RN. Duffy says she speaks with students who are LPNs or paramedics, which are skill-oriented jobs, and they need support as they continue to acquire the knowledge and skills required of the RN. RN’s are responsible for managing and coordinating care and it’s important to help students mentally transition into the RN role, Duffy says.

Nursing faculty also use faculty phone calls to dispel the rumors and fallacies that exist on social media and third-party preparation provider websites. Students often share inconsistencies that they have heard on social media such as specific critical element requirements that are not a part of the examination.

Schedule Your Faculty Call Today

The School of Nursing tries to tell as many students as they can about the phone calls, but they still run into some who just don’t know about them. Hopefully, the word gets out about this important service. “Next to the resources in NUR 702, I feel the faculty phone calls are the most valuable resource to students,” says Duffy. The amount of information a student can receive from these talks can be very beneficial; the faculty phone calls are certainly a good tool to help you prepare for the CPNE. To schedule your call, contact the School of Nursing at 800-533-3792.

Excelsior College Partners with a Non-Profit Agency and Businesses to Offer Energy Employees the Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 2, 2019) – Excelsior College has partnered with the non-profit agency Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE), as well as energy industry businesses and other schools, to offer employees in the energy sector the opportunity to earn a nuclear engineering technology degree.

One company taking advantage of this program is Exelon Corporation, which has strengthened its workforce by joining EPCE and offering employees the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College. The school has been offering the program through EPCE since 2007.

Since the program’s inception with Exelon, 1,772 students have earned their degree through Excelsior College.

The program remains popular as demand grows in the field. The Nuclear Energy Institute estimates nearly 40 percent of the nuclear workforce reached retirement eligibility in 2018. That means opportunities in the field are expected to grow.

“We’ve offered the nuclear engineering technology degree for years, but there’s never been a better time to enter the program,” said Lisa Romano, Excelsior College’s regional director of government and workforce partnerships. “We’re in an interesting time in the nuclear power industry where the older, experienced workers are beginning to retire out of the profession. That’s creating a remarkable opportunity for those who earn a degree now.”

The program is a collaboration involving a network of education, business, and the nonprofit sector. EPCE works with more than 2,500 companies, connecting them with industry-inspired academic programs for employees. Exelon Corporation, a partner with EPCE, offers an excellent example of how the system works.

Exelon ranks among the largest competitive power generators in the United States. The Exelon family of companies represents every stage of the energy value chain. They include Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco subsidiaries. Exelon’s six utilities deliver electricity and natural gas to 10 million customers in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Through EPCE, Exelon offers employees access to enter the Excelsior College nuclear engineering technology degree program. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a national non-governmental organization that reviews and accredits programs that meet certain standards and successfully prepare graduates for jobs in engineering and technology fields.

Some of the students from Exelon have earned an associate degree from one of Excelsior College’s community college partners. Also, after earning their bachelor’s degree, some return to Excelsior College to earn their graduate degree as they rise through the ranks and need leadership and management skills.

Exelon is just one example of how Excelsior College works in collaboration with community colleges, nonprofits and industry. EPCE also promotes other Excelsior College programs with employers, including the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (ABET accredited), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (ABET accredited) and Master of Business Administration.

“This program fits well with our values. We are always looking for ways to forge partnerships that help us achieve our goal of providing as many students as possible a chance to improve their lives by earning a college degree,” said Lisa LaVigna, Excelsior College’s Director of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances.

 

Press Contact

Alicia Jacobs

Senior Manager, Internal Communications and Public Relations

ajacobs@excelsior.edu

Office: 518.464.8531

Cell: 518.410.4624

ajacobs@excelsior.edu

www.excelsior.edu

 

About Excelsior College

Excelsior College 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.

Following His Own Path: Ron Kiernicki

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

When he was younger, Ron Kiernicki’s plans were set: graduate high school and run track and play football for Indiana State University. Plans change, however, and instead, Kiernicki ended up in a band, skipping college, and traveling around the United States, working in various restaurants along the way. He had a lot of fun, to be sure, but as he got older, going back to school was always on his mind. Thanks to Excelsior College’s partnership with NPC International, Kiernicki could fulfill the goal of completing his education.

Kiernicki, of Terre Haute, Indiana, has been an employee of NPC International (Pizza Hut) since 1998, when he decided he needed a full-time job to care for his wife and their young son. He is currently an assistant restaurant general manager and over time has been given more opportunities, including traveling for the company and running multiple units. Kiernicki says he wants to stay with NPC International either in the HR department or as a people development leader, but he wouldn’t mind exploring other areas. To do that, he realized he needed to pursue his education.

“Going back to school was always on my mind, but financially I simply could not afford it. That being said, the partnership program essentially made returning to school a financial reality,” says Kiernicki. Through the partnership with Excelsior, employees of NPC International receive tuition discounts and other financial benefits. He says he was nervous about returning to school, recalling his 50+ hour workweeks and responsibilities as a full-time soccer coach, founder of a non-profit organization called Clay Youth Soccer Club, and co-founder of a music festival. “My plate was full to say the least, and I had to be a full-time husband and father,” says Kiernicki.

“But I made the phone call and the Excelsior administration team really made me feel like I was making the right choices,” he says, adding that receiving four Pizza Hut Scholarships have meant a lot to him; “they have kept me going,” he says. He notes Excelsior was the best choice, saying, “For anyone contemplating returning to school at Excelsior, I would say do not hesitate! No matter what challenges life has for you, you can do it, and Excelsior has the resources to make it happen.” Kiernicki will continue in the dual BS in Business to MBA program in fall 2019.

Kiernicki says online learning has been the “only option” for him, and so far, he has learned a lot from Excelsior’s courses and faculty. The most influential courses to him have been microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, global marketing, international finance, quantitative analysis, and ethics. Kiernicki ran into some tough challenges, however. His youngest son was born prematurely in January 2017; in 2018, his cousin passed away, followed by his aunt; and in 2019, his brother passed away. “Thankfully the professors have all been very supportive along the beaten path,” says Kiernicki. He also adds that learning how to create study habits was a key to his success and managing all the setbacks and challenges. “I am not sure I can tell you exactly how I made it through it all. My wife has been extremely supportive, and again, the professors; I cannot say enough about each and every one of them,” he says. He adds his driving factor has been his wife, kids, and his parents.

Next up for Kiernicki is two semesters of foreign language, a capstone, and then finishing his MBA. He has also been researching jobs. “There are many roads I can travel down, but at the end of the day, I need to make sure it is a path that my family can prosper from,” he says, adding that first and foremost, he wants to be the best father and husband he can be.

Annual Excelsior Cares Week Highlights 120 Employees Making an Impact by Completing 17 Community Projects

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

During the 4th Annual Excelsior Cares Week, 120 Excelsior College employees completed 17 community projects in the Capital Region and beyond during April. This is a special time for the College, as employees performed more than 250 hours of volunteer service in one week, using volunteer hours provided by the College. The Albany-based event has grown in both the number of volunteers participating and the number of organizations served, starting with 7 projects in 2016 and 65 employees lending a helping hand.

The 2019 community projects included organizing, sorting, packing, cleaning, painting, grounds cleanup, seeding, planting, helping at an animal shelter, promoting fundraising events, cooking for families, and repurposing retired American Flags.

The weeklong event introduced employees to new experiences while working as a team on projects outside of the College and beyond their units. The College’s focus on volunteerism has positive effects on community engagement and employee engagement. Employees can step away from office work and learn about valuable services provided by charitable organizations that potentially could benefit someone they know.

For example, Mika Hoffman, an employee who volunteered at the Patroon Land Farm noted, “We learned that the farm has very few staff for the number of acres they work, so they really appreciate volunteers. It was good to feel we were helping to get fresh vegetables to people who need them.”

Excelsior volunteer May Boggs, who helped with Stars for Our Troops, shares, “It’s been such a pleasure and so much fun to be able to do this and show our appreciation for all current servicemembers, veterans, and first responders.”

Excelsior College also received feedback from the organizations helped. Jennifer Moskowitz, operations specialist at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, shared, “We had a nice-sized list of things to get done, but they all came in prepared to work. WOW!!!  What a powerhouse of volunteers. It was nice to have so many people in the office to help us out.”

Excelsior Staff volunteer at RIISE

Cathy Germano volunteered with eight colleagues on grounds cleanup at Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus(RISSE) and said, “It was the most rewarding experience.” Amy O’Connell, also helping at RISSE, stated, “It was an investment of time and energy in the city where I live, and in a great organization doing essential work.”

The Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week projects included Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Veterans Miracle Center, Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Girl Scouts of NENY in Albany, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, a daycare, Girl Scouts of NENY in Albany, South End Children’s Café, Stars for Our Troops Inc., Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Crohns and Colitis Foundation, and Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York.

Excelsior staff volunteer at South end childrens cafe

Making impact is the goal of the week and it seems Excelsior achieved that objective. Tracie Killar, director of South End Children’s Café, shared, “What an amazing group of volunteers. Thank you so much for ALL that you did for us!”