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Career Spotlight: Forensics Specialist

Posted on April 10, 2023September 25, 2023 by Mary Kate Weaver

Are you interested in joining the criminal justice field but not sure law enforcement is for you? Learn about a career as a forensic specialist to see whether it鈥檚 a good fit for you.

What Is a Forensics Specialist?

A forensic specialist works at crime scenes and specializes in collecting and analyzing forensic evidence. Depending on the job, some forensic specialists spend their days at crime scenes with an investigative team, while others spend their days in the lab researching and analyzing evidence. Most end up specializing in a specific area of forensic science throughout their career (i.e., forensic psychology, forensic toxicology, forensic odontology, forensic DNA analysis, etc.).

Forensics Specialist Job Duties and Responsibilities

While the job duties vary based on what area you specialize in and where you work, most forensic specialists focus on:

Identifying and Collecting Evidence

Forensic specialists work with law enforcement at crime scenes to collect evidence. They take direction from detectives on scene, and their extensive training allows them to identify relevant evidence. In addition, they are experts in removing evidence from a scene without damaging it.

Documenting and Preserving Evidence

Record keeping is key to any criminal investigation. Accurate documentation of evidence must be kept throughout the process so the evidence can be used later in court. After a forensic specialist collects evidence, they make detailed notes, including evidence鈥檚 appearance and location at the scene. Some specialists may also take photographs and create drawings of the evidence to keep on file.

In addition, forensic specialists are responsible for preserving the evidence. They place evidence in sealable packaging, and documentation shows a record of everyone who handles it after it was collected and bagged. This documentation is extremely important to ensure the integrity of the evidence so that it can be used in court.

Testing Evidence

Other responsibilities include analyzing the evidence. In some cases, a different forensic specialist may analyze evidence, or the specialist who collected the evidence may also analyze it. This is done in a crime lab, where specialists analyze fingerprints, examine weapons and bullets, and test samples of bodily fluids. They focus on every detail from the crime scene, leaving no stone unturned.

Reporting Findings

Forensic specialists summarize their findings in a written report so other law enforcement officials can review the conclusions. Detectives use these reports in investigations and prosecutors use them as evidence in a trial. In addition to providing a written report, there are some instances where forensic specialists need to testify in court and explain their findings to a jury.

Qualities of a Forensic Specialist

Forensic specialists must be a strong:

Problem-solvers: Forensic specialists must use scientific tests and methods to analyze crime scene evidence. Many forensic specialists work alongside police, detectives, and other law enforcement officials to help solve crimes.
Critical thinkers: Forensic specialists use their best judgment when working to solve crimes and must be able to think outside the box and scientifically to match physical evidence to suspects.
Communicators: Many forensic specialists report their findings to leadership and will need to testify in court for some cases. It is important to be able to explain findings in a way that the public can understand.
Researchers: A forensic specialist needs a strong understanding of statistics and sciences to analyze evidence.

In addition to these skills, forensic specialists must be detail-oriented. Details are the most important thing to keep in mind when analyzing crime scenes.

Education Requirements for Forensic Specialists

To be successful, forensic specialists need at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice. In addition to a degree, it is also important to have some professional experience working in a laboratory. The bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice from 杏吧原创 is perfect for those who are also looking to work in a lab during their studies. The degree is completely online, providing flexibility for students keep their jobs throughout the entire program.

Forensic Specialists Salary

According to Zippia, forensic specialists earn a salary of $47,690 a year on average. To earn a leadership position as a forensic specialist, a master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice combined with work experience is also important. The job outlook for forensic specialists is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028.

Career Spotlight: State Trooper

Posted on April 10, 2023September 25, 2023 by Jenna Kerwin

You have probably been in a situation where you are driving down a highway and suddenly a car rushes by you. A few seconds later flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror, and a state trooper passes you on their way to pull over the speeding car. It鈥檚 a familiar scene, but what you might not be aware of is that state troopers actually do a lot more than just pull over motorists who break the speed limit. Let鈥檚 take a look at this unique career in law enforcement.

What Is a State Trooper?

A state trooper is a law enforcement officer who works to enforce the laws of state and federal roadways, highways, and freeways to ensure public safety. You most often find them patrolling freeways and highways to impose motor vehicle laws, but they also have other duties, including responding to accidents, issuing traffic citations, pursuing offenders fleeing from other officers, assisting stranded motorists, and investigating car crashes. They can also make arrests and sometimes they are called in to provide assistance to local police officers in a given area.

What Is It Like Being a State Trooper?

You might already be able to tell that being a state trooper is unlike other police officer careers. Many troopers claim that it is a fulfilling and high-paying career. Many troopers feel they are making a difference in their communities, helping to prevent dangerous and reckless driving, and protecting citizens.

Being a state trooper can lead to many career advancements, too. Some become lieutenants or captains, and others move to other units like canine, bomb, or work in the training academy. Still more, the health benefits for a state trooper are comprehensive and competitive.

On the other hand, being a state trooper means working long hours, in a variety of extreme weather conditions, even on holidays. Dealing with tense situations can be stressful and cause emotional anxiety, particularly when arresting or interviewing difficult motorists or suspects. State troopers must also maintain emotional and mental control when responding to horrific accident scenes.

State Trooper Job Duties and Responsibilities

The most important thing to remember about a state trooper鈥檚 job is that their jurisdiction is limited to the road, but just like other police officers, they have the important job of maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. Some of their day-to-day duties include:

Patrolling roads, highways, and interstates
Enforcing speed limits and other laws
Compiling accident and crime reports
Making arrests and detaining arrested individuals
Investigating vehicle accidents
Responding to emergency calls
Giving first aid to accident victims
Providing support to local law enforcement
Managing road closures in evacuations, severe weather, and crashes
Testifying in court

State Trooper Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), state troopers are categorized under the broad group of 鈥淧olice and Sheriff鈥檚 Patrol Officers.鈥� The site shows the average salary for this group as $70,750 as of 2021. The BLS estimates jobs in this category will grow by 8 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all other occupations.

How to Become a State Trooper

If becoming a state trooper sounds like it might be the career for you, you should be aware of the steps you must take to become one. Each state鈥檚 requirements can vary and can be quite lengthy; for example, some states may require written examinations, certain physical requirements, certain levels of education and experience, etc. Let鈥檚 explore some of requirements that are similar in most states.

While some states only require you to have a high school diploma or GED, many others require you to have a degree in criminal justice, forensics, criminology, corrections, law enforcement, or similar. If you are a veteran or have experience as a police officer, you may be able to use this experience in lieu of the educational requirements.

As mentioned, many states may require you to pass a physical abilities test. This exam tests your basic endurance and strength as well as other physical abilities that would be required on the job. You many also be required to pass a written exam that tests your basic grammar, spelling, math, and related skills.

Additionally, you may have to pass a polygraph test that questions your past criminal activity, drug use, inappropriate behavior, questionable decisions, etc. That鈥檚 not all. You will also have to pass a background investigation to check your education, criminal history, employment, and other factors. Friends and family might be interviewed.

Finally, to become a state trooper, the last step you must complete is successfully completing and passing the state鈥檚 trooper training academy. Read more about that in the section below.

Important Skills and Competencies to Be a State Trooper

In addition to the above, there are some other things you should be aware of to become a state trooper. Just as important as completing a background check and trooper training academy is possessing certain skills and competencies. They are:

Being team-oriented
Good problem-solving skills
Good conflict resolution skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Ability to multitask
Being mentally and emotionally stable
Good physical health
Compassion
Courage and bravery

State Trooper Education Requirements

Educational requirements to become a state trooper vary from state to state. As previously stated, some states only require a high school diploma or GED while others require an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree. It鈥檚 important you check where you are applying to make sure you have the appropriate amount of education.

杏吧原创鈥檚 Associate in Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice are beneficial programs if you are just beginning a law enforcement career, like becoming a state trooper, or if you are moving up in your career and wish to boost your experience and elevate your passion in criminal justice.

State Trooper Training Requirements

If you want to be a state trooper, it is important that you complete and pass your state鈥檚 state trooper training academy.

The trooper training academy is a 24鈥�28-week program (depending on your state) that tests knowledge, strength, and skills in preparation for life on the job as a state trooper. Many training academies emphasize themes like teamwork and ethical decision making and provide opportunities to demonstrate skills through real-world scenarios. Recruits often participate in physical training like cardiovascular exercises and weight training. Additionally, they build relevant knowledge as they learn about various laws, firearms, emergency response situations, and other important concepts.

If becoming a state trooper sounds like the direction you鈥檙e headed on your career path, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to get started on your criminal justice degree.

Career Spotlight: Office Manager

Posted on March 27, 2023March 8, 2024 by Jenna Kerwin

Sometimes an office can seem like a well-oiled machine. Other times, unexpected problems arise. Printers run out of ink, mail systems are disrupted, deadlines pass by, and phones go unanswered鈥t can get messy! It helps to have someone around to take the reins and get things back on track.

Enter office managers. These professionals are responsible for improving the overall organization and productivity of an office.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an annual wage of $38,050 for office and administrative support occupations, which includes office managers. Although the BLS projects a 4 percent decline in this field from 2021 to 2031, about 2.2 million positions are expected for employment due to the need to replace workers.

If you鈥檙e organized, productive, and crave seamless productivity in office settings, becoming an office manager might fit in with your career goals. Read on to learn more about this position.

What Is an Office Manager?

Officer managers work for various businesses, from large corporations to small businesses. They are professionals who make sure everything in the office runs smoothly by carrying out various managerial, administrative, financial, and physical tasks.

What Does an Office Manager Do?

Office managers work with administrative assistants, human resources personnel, directors, receptionists, and other professionals to manage daily administrative duties. These duties include maintaining appropriate amounts of office supplies, scheduling meetings, recruiting and training other employees, managing computer systems, performing customer service, and completing many other clerical duties that are intended to ensure the office runs productively and efficiently.

Let鈥檚 take a look at some of the specific things an office manager does.

Open doors to more opportunity with a BS in Business. Get started today.

Office Manager Duties and Responsibilities

An office manager鈥檚 responsibilities may vary depending on the business they work for, but essentially, they have similar tasks. Some of these are:

Scheduling meetings and appointments
Communicating with visitors
Organizing the office layout
Ensuring items are invoiced and paid on time
Managing filing systems, office supplies, and order inventories
Overseeing staff interactions and reporting to management
Assisting with hiring new employees
Working with facility management, including cleaning and security
Planning activities like parties, celebrations, and conferences
Answering telephone calls and emails from customers and clients
Creating an office budget
Arranging travel processes and travel expenses
Ensuring employees meet deadlines and company standards
Counseling employees having difficulties

How to Become an Office Manager

If becoming an office manager is starting to sound appealing, don鈥檛 start applying to open jobs just yet. There are a few requirements to meet to pursue this career.</p?

Typically, you must obtain higher education鈥攁 bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration, communications, or a related field will set you up well. Second, up to five years of experience in an office setting will show potential employers that you know your way around an office and are used to the various activities that occur in that environment. Last, while not required, earning a certification will further set you apart from the rest of the pack when you鈥檙e applying for jobs. There are several professional associations that offer certification programs. These include the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers鈥� , the Institute of Certified Professional Managers鈥� , and the credential.

It should also be noted that organizational skills, time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, computer skills, and attention to detail are some of the desired qualities you should possess.

Office Manager Education Requirements

As mentioned, a bachelor鈥檚 degree is usually the desired degree for employment as an office manager, though some employers may only require an associate degree or even a high school diploma or GED. It鈥檚 important to check with the business to which you are applying.

杏吧原创鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Business program can help you gain skills you can use on the job in areas including accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, and teamwork and cultural diversity. You can learn how to read corporate financial statements, analyze business data, create marketing plans, communicate in the workplace, and collaborate with others to complete real-world projects. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and will provide you with coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. Both degree programs are appropriate choices if you would like to prepare for a career as an office manager.

If becoming an office manager sounds like the career choice for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior counselor to get started on a path toward a business degree.

Career Spotlight: Nurse Manager

Posted on March 27, 2023June 11, 2024 by Jenna Kerwin

Nurse managers are, first and foremost, registered nurses who often work with patients, but they also have an important role behind the scenes. They play a crucial role in making sure a health care facility runs efficiently and in supervising the nursing staff.

What Are Nurse Managers?

You can find nurse managers in almost any health care setting, from hospitals and doctor鈥檚 offices to urgent care centers and nursing homes. They have a variety of responsibilities, but they are predominantly responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and working with physicians to provide the best care possible for patients.

Nurse managers are often called nurse administrators because they are responsible for many administrative duties, including staffing, supervising, and organizing other nurses in a health care unit. They make important personnel-related decisions and communicate with upper-management and other departments. They coordinate with other health professionals to organize and decide on daily patient care.

If you are a registered nurse but also have knack for business and management, a career as a nurse manager might be for you. Let鈥檚 take a deeper look at this position.

Nurse Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Nurse managers have many roles because they not only have the duties of a nurse, but also have duties that can be found in supervisory or human resources roles. Some duties include:

Recruit and interview nursing staff
Train new nurses
Create work schedules for staff
Develop educational programs
Manage budgets and finances related to the nursing staff
Manage sensitive paperwork like medical records
Oversee medical supply inventory
Carry out disciplinary action
Manage and supervise RNs, CNAs, LPNs, and medical clerks
Work with physicians to assist patients and family members
Act as liaison between staff and other departments/units/teams
Communicate between administration and nursing staff
Assist patient and families in escalated situations

Nurse Manager Skills

You may have guessed that to be a nurse manager, you must be ready and willing to switch the so-called 鈥渉at鈥� quickly throughout the day, at any time. As such, successful nurse managers possess qualities and skills that include:

Emotional intelligence
Leadership skills
Good time management
Excellent clinical knowledge
Good organizational skills
Problem solving skills
Ability to be flexible

Ready to make a difference? Start your BS in Nursing at Excelsior.

How to Become a Nurse Manager

To become a nurse manager, there are several requirements you must meet. Those interested in the position must earn an associate degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. They must then earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Though not necessarily required, many nurse managers then go on to earn a master鈥檚 degree. It鈥檚 also important that a candidate earns as much experience as an RN as they can before applying to higher positions. Many places require at least five years of experience. It should also be noted that nurse managers need to be certified. See the section below for more details about certifications.

Education Requirements for Nurse Managers

As mentioned, the first educational requirement you must meet on your path to becoming a nurse manager is to become a registered nurse. Once you do, the next higher education level you must pass is earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree. 杏吧原创鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will help you build on prior learning and gain knowledge that will prepare you for graduate study and the pursuit of lifelong learning, which is essential for practice in the nursing profession.

Though optional, earning a master鈥檚 in nursing is highly desired by employers, so it is recommended that those pursuing a career in nurse management earn this degree. Excelsior鈥檚 Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems program empowers you with the skills and knowledge you need to play a vital role in health care systems, have a seat at the executive table, and have an influential voice when essential decisions are made about health care. This is an excellent choice if you鈥檙e pursuing a career as a nurse manager.

Nurse Manager Certification

In addition to meeting the higher education requirements, those wishing to become a nurse manager must meet certification requirements. The American Organization of Nurse Executives offers two certifications that you can choose from: the and the .

Nurse Manager Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $101,340 as of May 2021. The BLS predicts employment in this field will grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. This is due to an older workforce retiring and many positions opening up and needing to be filled.

If a career as a nurse manager aligns with your goals, consider speaking with a Excelsior counselor to get started on a nursing degree.

Career Spotlight: District Attorney Investigator

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Jenna Kerwin

District attorney investigators play an important role in the criminal justice field. They investigate criminal complaints and help bring cases to court. If you鈥檙e passionate about truth and justice, a career as a district attorney might fit in with your criminal justice goals.

What Is a District Attorney Investigator?

District attorney investigators represent the district attorney鈥檚 office of a particular county or judicial district in a state. They are detail-oriented, independent, and resilient law officers responsible for conducting criminal investigations for misdemeanor and felony cases as well as for preparing those cases for hearings and trials. They are responsible for interviewing witnesses and suspects, preparing search and arrest warrants, preparing testimonies for court, and overall, having an excellent working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws.

What Does a District Attorney Investigator Do?/h3>

A district attorney investigator鈥檚 specific duties vary depending on their location and the district attorney鈥檚 office for which they work. Generally, they share many of the same duties and responsibilities. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of them:

Investigating cases assigned by the district attorney

Serving subpoenas and summonses

Executing search and arrest warrants

Obtaining and documenting evidence and arranging forensic testing

Investigating crime scenes and gathering evidence

Interviewing witnesses and others involved in cases

Collaborating with prosecutors in preparation for trial

Appearing in court and delivering testimony

Preparing photographs, sketches, and other materials for court

Representing the district attorney鈥檚 office in meetings

Collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies

Reviewing and analyzing data to identify patterns in criminal activities

Ensuring compliance with federal and state laws

How to Become a District Attorney Investigator

Just as the job duties vary for district attorney investigators, so do the job requirements. The qualifications to become a district attorney investigator vary depending on the state, county, and position. Usually the steps to become this kind of investigator include obtaining higher education, up-to-date police training, a valid driver鈥檚 license, anywhere from two to more than five years of previous law enforcement experience, and knowledge of current laws and regulations.

Education Requirements for District Attorney Investigators

The minimum higher education requirements necessary to become a district attorney investigator is a bachelor鈥檚 degree in law enforcement, criminology, criminal justice, or a related field. A master鈥檚 degree can put you in an even better position to potential employers. 杏吧原创鈥檚 Master of Science in Criminal Justice
program can help you advance your criminal justice career by developing expertise for the administration of criminal justice, homeland security, and emergency management agencies in the United States. You can learn how to address legal and ethical dilemmas in the workplace, analyze crime statistics, and discover how to develop effective crime-fighting strategies based on your findings. You will study the police, courts, corrections, and the history of criminology as you conduct criminal justice research projects and write data-based reports that can be used to create new or improved public policies.

District Attorney Investigator Salary

According to Payscale.com, the average annual salary for a district attorney investigator is $65,817, but the salary can range from $54,663 to $82,458. This range is due to various factors, including but limited to level of education, skills, years of experience, and location.

If becoming a district attorney investigator aligns with your career goals, consider discussing pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice with a Excelsior admissions counselor.

Career Spotlight: Logistics Engineer

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Jenna Kerwin

Logistics engineers oversee the planning, organizing, and management of supply chains. In other words, they are responsible for making sure products get from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Logistics engineers are successful at their job because they can use their technical and scientific background to develop solutions to improve the manufacturing and distribution of products. The field of logistics also involves management, so these engineers often have background knowledge in sales and management.

If you like working with hard data and facts, read on to see if a career in logistics engineering matches your goals.

What Is Logistics Engineering?

So what is logistics engineering? To put it simply, it is the umbrella term that covers the field of engineering responsible for designing, purchasing, transporting, operating, distributing, maintaining, and warehousing finished goods and products. As you may have guessed, it is a complex discipline that requires attention to detail and a good technical background.

What Does a Logistic Engineer Do?

As mentioned, logistics engineers oversee the supply chain. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of the more specific responsibilities and roles they take on.

Developing and maintaining relationships with vendors
Reviewing data to find potential problems and to suggest solutions
Conducting research on new technologies
Conducting logistics studies
Developing and implementing plans for transporting materials
Developing logistic metrics, internal analysis tools, or key performance indicators
Collaborating on supply chain procedures
Developing plans for improving efficiency
Customizing and implementing supply chain management software
Ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations
Training and overseeing employees
Staying aware of developments in supply chain engineering

In addition to the above, some logistics engineers may also see to daily facility needs and contractual obligations, and oversee the maintenance and logistics of certain equipment.

How to Become a Logistics Engineer?

There are certain requirements for becoming a logistics engineer. First and foremost is a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business, management, logistics, or a similar field. You may choose to specialize in a particular area of logistics like transportation, so it鈥檚 important to also take courses specific to your area.

It鈥檚 also important to gain experience. One way you can do this by interning, volunteering, or working in the transportation industry at a shipping or trucking company, or in transportation for a manufacturer. This will show potential employers that you are familiar with the way logistics in business runs.

Furthermore, you may also choose to demonstrate your skills and knowledge by earning a professional certification, like the Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) or the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). Earning a certification is optional, but it will certainly make you stand out from the crowd.

Logistics Engineer Qualifications

Just like there are certain steps you must take to become a logistics engineer, there are also certain skills you should possess. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of them.

Communication skills: The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally with other engineers, managers, clients, and suppliers.
Technical skills: Having the knowledge of software, hardware, and machinery necessary to fulfill your responsibilities as a logistics engineer.
Analytical skills: The ability to solve problems and make decisions. In logistics engineering, this refers to analyzing and evaluating how a system should work and identifying actions needed to improve performance.
Problem-solving skills: Finding solutions to complex problems that may arise.
Organizational skills: Keeping track of projects and tasks, as well as tools and resources, in an structured and efficient way.

Logistics Engineer Education Requirements

The educational requirement to become a logistics engineer is a bachelor鈥檚 degree, although a master鈥檚 degree is a bonus. Excelsior鈥檚 Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Business and Management program includes coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. The Bachelor of Science in Business program helps you gain skills you can use in areas including accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, teamwork, and cultural diversity. Both programs are appropriate choices if you want to start on the path toward becoming a logistics engineer.

How Much Do Logistics Engineers Make?

Logistic engineer salaries vary depending on education, experience, and the size of the company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2021 average salary for logisticians, a field that includes logistics engineers, was $77,030 per year.

The BLS projects about 24,800 openings for logisticians each year over the next decade. The total employment of this position is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This is most likely due to the need of companies to improve their supply chains and reduce costs. So the good news is that logistics engineers will consistently be needed to help design and manage efficient supply chains so companies can transport products effectively.

If a career as a logistics engineer sounds in line with your plans, consider talking with an Excelsior counselor to get started on a business degree.

Career Spotlight: Clinical Informaticist

Posted on March 22, 2023June 11, 2024 by Jenna Kerwin

Clinical informatics is the field in health care that applies information technology to improve the health of people and communities and improve patient safety. Clinical informaticists, or clinical informatics specialists, use their knowledge to create data systems, analyze information, and help store and maintain important health data for other health care personnel.

Driven by the use of data, clinical informaticists play a critical role in nursing because the use of technology in health care can help nurses teach and exchange health information, increase productivity, stay up to date with current trends in health care, and improve patient safety.

If you鈥檙e a registered nurse or planning to become one and have a flair for technology, read on to see if a career as a clinical informaticist is a good match for you.

What Is a Clinical Informaticist?

Simply put, clinical informaticists manage the IT of health care. They design, modify, and organize computer systems and make sure records management systems run efficiently and effectively. Part of their job involves helping clinicians and other health care providers understand data and technology.

You can find clinical informaticists in a variety of places, including hospitals, insurance companies, physicians鈥� offices, research centers, and other health care facilities. While they usually work on site, they sometimes travel, depending on their employer.

Gain the high-level skills employers are looking for with Excelsior鈥檚 MS in Nursing Informatics.

What Does a Clinical Informaticist Do?

Although a clinical informaticist is generally responsible for using technology to manage health care, their specific duties may vary from organization to organization. Their general duties often include the following:

Customize, develop, and manage clinical information systems
Train staff members to use information systems
Research, develop, and implement new technology
Provide guidance to management on how to use new technology
Troubleshoot software and hardware problems
Review existing systems and data and suggest improvements
Develop system-related policies and procedures
Assess the needs of health care professionals and patients
Design user interfaces to store and evaluate patient data
Develop progress reports to give to supervisors and stakeholders
Create effective strategies for future IT systems and policies

How to Become a Clinical Informaticist

As you can probably guess, to be a clinical informaticist, it鈥檚 important to be knowledgeable about information technology. There are certain other skills and qualifications you must possess if you want to enter this field. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of them.

Written and verbal communication
Familiarity with relevant software and computer programs
Resource management skills
Project management skills
Medical knowledge and health care insight
Ability to develop innovative solutions to technical problems
Problem-solving skills
Leadership and ability to instruct others
Empathy and ability to interact with patients

Clinical Informaticist Education Requirements

In addition to certain skills and qualities, there is specific education you need to become a clinical informaticist. If you are interested in nursing and informatics, first and foremost, you must earn an associate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. You can meet this first requirement with Excelsior鈥檚 Associate in Applied Science in Nursing or the Associate in Science in Nursing program. If you are entering informatics from a field other than nursing, you must earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a field such as information technology, computer science, or something similar. Taking courses in biology, chemistry, and physiology are also recommended.

To complete your educational requirements, you must earn a master鈥檚 degree in nursing informatics. Excelsior鈥檚 Master of Science in Nursing Informatics will provide you with a robust curriculum that will prepare you to use data and information to respond to health care problems, improve client care and organizational operations, and make and communicate information-based decisions in a variety of health organizations.

Although not required, you may also consider advancing your career with professional certification. Nurses interested in this specialty can apply for the Informatics Nursing credential or the Advanced informatics Certification. Either will show employers your advanced knowledge and skill in the field.

Clinical Informaticist Salary

Payscale.com reported in January 2022 that clinical informaticists made an annual median salary of $78,494.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes informaticists in the category of health information technologists and medical registrars and expects this field of health care to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average rate. One reason for this is because of the speed at which technology is growing and how much organizations鈥攊ncluding those in health care鈥攁re relying on it. Hospitals and other health care facilities are relying on computer technology to manage and organize their data, and employers are looking for clinical informaticists to assess and apply this data.

If a career as a clinical informaticist aligns with your professional goals, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to start your educational career toward nursing informatics.

Career Spotlight: Director of Digital Marketing

Posted on March 22, 2023February 12, 2024 by Caitlin Abram

Digital marketing is more than just advertising online. It鈥檚 a discipline that demands new strategies to reach, engage, and influence. Consumers behave differently online, and interactions with your potential customers are different than they would be in traditional channels like television, radio, and print. Digital marketing, with its data-driven focus, gives you the opportunity to speak to and interact with your market in increasingly targeted and personal ways.

Digital marketing encompasses SEO, content marketing, direct marking, display advertising, and more. Just think about the range of digital devices and services you use every day. Now think about all the ways those can be used to reach you. Maybe a little scary but also more than a little exciting, especially if you鈥檙e a digital marketer.

Director of Digital Marketing Job Description

The main duties of a director of digital marketing are to develop, implement, and manage digital marketing campaigns. This includes improving brand awareness, building customer engagement, and increasing website traffic. Digital marketing directors use a variety of tactics and tools, including paid media, analytics, and SEO, to develop effective social media and online marketing.

Digital marketing directors constantly monitor budgets and campaign analytics to strategically improve and adjust their tactics for maximum success.

Gain the business skills more employers are looking for with an MBA from Excelsior.

Digital Marketing Director Responsibilities

Some other common responsibilities of a digital marketing director can include:

Developing an overarching digital marketing strategy
Planning campaigns based on a company鈥檚 goals
Managing online brand presence
Tracking, managing, and reporting marketing campaign data
Leading a team of vendors and internal digital marketing professionals
Optimizing the digital ecosystem through SEO, SEM, and SMO
Staying up to date on the latest marketing trends and advancements

Director of Digital Marketing Salary

A director of digital marketing is a higher-level position that carries a lot of responsibility for a company鈥檚 bottom line and commands the higher-level salary to prove it. Salary.com estimates that the average digital marketing director鈥檚 salary ranges between $159,119 and $206,323 but varies depending on location and the company size.

How Do I Become a Director of Digital Marketing?

A director of digital marketing is always focused on increasing brand awareness and driving profit growth. To do so, they rely on left brain-style skills like organization and analytics, and reading and writing, as well as talents typically thought of as right-brained such as visual processing, creativity, and intuition. With savvy people skills, the right education, and a strong portfolio of experience, becoming a digital marketing director is a goal worth working toward.

Experience Required for a Director of Digital Marketing

People typically develop into the role of a digital marketing manager after moving up through the ranks of lower-level marketing positions where they develop their skills and experience. In addition to having built a progressive career in marketing, you should also have at least five years of managerial experience on your resume to show future employers that you鈥檙e confident in leading a team.

You should have knowledge and experience in general business administration and marketing best practices as well as extensive experience with the 鈥渄igital鈥� part of the job title, including SEO, pay per click (PPC) advertising, web design, analytics, and social media software.

It鈥檚 also a plus to have some industry-specific marketing experience for the director of digital marketing position you鈥檙e trying to attain.

Education Requirements for a Director of Digital Marketing

Nearly all director-level positions in marketing require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business, communications, or related area.

Advancing your education and earning an MBA is one of the best things you can do for your marketing career. Correlating to raise in salary and job responsibilities, most employers prefer MBA graduates for advanced marketing positions like a director of digital marketing. In addition to multiplying your career options, an MBA is invaluable for building your network, expanding your worldview, and helping you develop the leadership, analytical, and strategic skills that will serve you well in any career.

Career Spotlight: Reliability Engineer

Posted on March 22, 2023September 8, 2023 by Jenna Kerwin

Business owners often review their production processes and equipment so they can look for ways to cut costs and spot problems. Sometimes it鈥檚 more helpful to have a professional in charge of conducting this assessment as well as of identifying and managing problems that might arise in production and with safety equipment. These professionals are known as reliability engineers, and they can be found working in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, military, utility systems, transportation, medical, and others.

What Is Reliability Engineering?

Reliability engineering focuses on making sure products, software, and data act as they were intended without failing. Reliability engineers use scientific reasoning to predict, identify, prevent, and manage problems and failures in a business. They also use engineering techniques to improve the reliability of products, software, and data.

What Is a Reliability Engineer?

As mentioned, a reliability engineer is the professional charged with the responsibility of ensuring a business鈥� products function properly. To keep businesses running effectively and efficiently, reliability engineers focus on risk management and asset management.

What Does a Reliability Engineer Do?

Reliability engineers specifically study the life cycle of the production process and identify points for improvement, and use their knowledge to increase equipment efficiency, improve operations, and prevent problems. Here are some other responsibilities they may have:

Planning evaluation tests to find production and safety risks
Helping to create and install technical systems
Testing and evaluating products and components
Identifying dangers or failures in the production process or technical system
Performing analysis of recurring failures and recommending ways to improve
Helping to develop loss prevention strategies
Tracking the life cycle of product development
Analyzing information and strategies to reduce risk
Determining the consequences of a failure
Maintaining how efficiently a company can fix equipment
Reviewing new installations
Providing technical support to other teams

How to Become a Reliability Engineer

To become a reliability engineer, you need to fulfill several qualifications, including earning a degree and obtaining certification. It鈥檚 also helpful to gain experience in the field, either by volunteering or interning in the engineering sector. This would give you valuable experience and introduce you to your preferred industry. It鈥檚 also important that you gain the proper certification.

Education Requirements for a Reliability Engineer

Reliability engineers need to have at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in the engineering field or something similar. You can pursue mechanical or industrial engineering and even major in engineering, logistics, or statistics. Excelsior鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program, accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, provides students with knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to the nuclear engineering technology field. This degree is an appropriate choice if you鈥檙e interested in becoming a reliability engineer.

Reliability Engineering Certification

To complete your qualifications to become a reliability engineer, you must acquire certification. One of the popular certifications you can pursue is a Certified Reliability Engineer, which is offered by the American Society for Quality and is for engineers to prove their technical expertise and analytical skills in reliability. The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional is offered by the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals and tests management and leadership skills, asset maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability leadership, among other capabilities. Finally, the Certified Reliability Leader is offered by the Association of Asset Management Professionals and tests knowledge in economic prosperity, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

If a reliability engineer sounds like the profession for you, consider speaking with an Excelsior admissions counselor to start your educational path.