Difference between BS in Business and BPS in Business and Management

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Business students who aspire to management careers have a variety of business programs to choose from at the undergraduate level. While there鈥檚 no one pathway to leadership roles in business, it helps to understand the differences between two common degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Business and the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management.

Both programs prepare graduates for leadership positions in their industries. However, they are different in approach. Excelsior College offers both programs online. Learning online makes it more convenient for working adults to earn a degree and take the next step in their careers.

BS in Business vs. BPS in Business and Management

A BS in Business and a BPS in Business and Management provide students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in management. Both offer students the chance to make themselves more marketable, making them strong candidates for jobs with more responsibility and higher pay.

Here鈥檚 an overview of both online programs offered by Excelsior College.

BS in Business

A Bachelor of Science has a near 50/50 split between business and core liberal arts courses. Graduates learn a broad foundation in liberal arts and business that prepares them with technical business skills and 鈥渟oft skills鈥� like communication and collaboration.

Students learn about business accounting, finance, economics, data analysis, and how to work effectively with a team in a culturally diverse workplace. At Excelsior College, students can choose from concentrations that include finance, general accounting, general business, logistics management, management of human resources, and marketing.

BPS in Business and Management

A Bachelor of Professional Studies focuses less on the liberal arts and more on courses geared toward a business management career. The curriculum includes coursework in critical business disciplines like accounting, employee relations, financial management, business communication, project management, marketing, leadership, management practice, and global commerce. Graduates emerge with the skills to apply business concepts and functions to strategic decision-making in real-world business situations.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Degree?

Both degree programs provide graduates with the skills they need to become leaders. Either degree gives working professionals more opportunities for promotions and higher salaries. In addition, the acquired skills and knowledge can open doors to new careers.

Job site Indeed.com potential jobs graduates can get with a business degree and the current national salary for each.

  • Client services manager ($55,222). A client service manager develops procedures and trains staff to follow the established guidelines.
  • Sales representative ($59,594). Sales reps contact new and existing customers to talk to them about products or services they might be interested in.
  • Office manager ($42,187). Office managers organize business operations, procedures, maintenance, prepare payroll, and approve supply requests.
  • Human resource manager ($69,206). HR managers oversee employee recruitment, hiring, retention, training, development, and governance.
  • Business manager ($63,999). A business manager is a catch-all title that encompasses jobs like unit or department heads. They typically manage a team of employees, operations, and a budget.
  • Marketing manager ($61,136). Marketing managers oversee operations and employees in a marketing department. In that role, they help achieve business goals by identifying new potential markets for a company鈥檚 products or services.
  • Logistics manager ($61,227). A logistics manager oversees a company鈥檚 supply chain, ensuring efficient transportation of goods and management of inventory.

The BS in Business and the BPS in Business and Management online programs offer professionals the chance to earn a degree that opens the door to better career opportunities. With the convenience of online learning, there has never been a better time to boost your career by earning an undergraduate degree.

You鈥檝e Graduated College鈥擭ow What?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

After years of hard study, you鈥檝e reached your goal and earned a college degree. It鈥檚 one of the sweetest moments in life, a culmination of hard work and commitment that for many people began in their teens. But now comes the big question:

What do you do after college?

Many opt to go straight into a job. And when you earn an online degree from Excelsior College, you鈥檝e got plenty of career support from faculty, staff, and advisors.

But many people prefer not to jump immediately from the classroom to the workplace. Fortunately, they can choose from many opportunities that offer them life experiences rather than a full-time job. These experiences can help you make a better decision on what career to follow or give you time to discover your passion and talents.听

Also, many of these opportunities are just fun. Who couldn鈥檛 use more of that?听

What To Do After College (Other Than Work)

College graduates stand at a point in life where they can go in many different directions. Many want to enter (or stay in) a 9-to-5 job immediately because a college degree opens the door to higher pay and better opportunities.

However, that鈥檚 not the case with everyone. Many Excelsior College graduates have personal goals they want to reach with a degree. Some want experiences after graduation unlike anything they鈥檒l find working an office job. And why not? You鈥檝e earned the right to make the choice that鈥檚 right for you.

Keep your goals going. Explore Excelsior鈥檚 graduate degrees and certificates.

Take a Gap Year

This is the traditional path people take after graduation (or sometimes the year between high school and college). A gap year provides time for exploration and travel, often to travel to another country and experience a different culture. There are also plenty of opportunities in the United States to travel to a new place and experience a different culture. In either case, a gap year provides an opportunity for new experiences and the chance to meet new people.

Pursue Your Passion

The time after college graduation is perfect for following a passion. An excellent way to accomplish this is with an internship or part-time job. It鈥檚 much easier to work in the film industry, book publishing, theater, wildlife conservation, on political campaigns鈥攐r wherever your passions take you鈥攚ithout having to land a full-time job. Many people end up settling into careers before exploring what they genuinely love. An internship or volunteering affords you the opportunity to explore a passion and see if it鈥檚 a fit for you. Internships and part-time positions also can turn into full-time jobs.

Go to Graduate School

Why not take time to focus your skills in one area and earn a master鈥檚 degree? This opens the door to the top jobs in their career field for many people. The job site Indeed earning a master鈥檚 degree 鈥渁 fantastic option for those who know they need a postgraduate education to meet their long-term career goals.鈥� There are also many affordable graduate programs available online.

Teach Abroad

One of the best ways to travel to other countries is working as an English as a second language teacher. Language schools in other countries rarely require teaching experience or a degree in education鈥攁 bachelor鈥檚 degree in any subject will do. Teaching abroad allows students to develop another skill set while enjoying the experience of a different country and culture.

Become An Entrepreneur

If the theme of many of these choices is 鈥渢ake a chance while you can,鈥� then it especially applies to becoming an entrepreneur. It takes time to ramp up a new business. The time before settling into a 9-to-5 job and a career is the perfect time to focus entirely on starting your own business and deciding whether it鈥檚 the right path for you. Many people who get a taste of becoming their own boss never work again for anyone else.

Volunteer for Peace Corps

Volunteering is an important part of life at any time, but the time after graduation is one where you can focus on it exclusively. The Peace Corps works to improve lives in other countries. In the U.S., options include AmeriCorps and Teach for America.

Hopefully, these ideas provide a good starting place for those trying to decide what to do after college. The working world is always there, waiting. But having the time after graduation to meet new people, expand your skills, experience a new culture, and follow your passion is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

New York Towns Opting Out of Cannabis Retail?

Posted on by Gretchen Schmidt, JD

The deadline for New York state municipalities to opt-out of legal cannabis retail has officially passed. As of early January, . While a significant portion of towns decided to stay on the sidelines, municipalities can opt in at any time. But what is holding towns back from rolling out at the dawn of the state鈥檚 new industry? There are multiple reasons, from community fears to complete opposition to the plant.

Easing the minds of community members unsure about legal cannabis means informed decision-making, community engagement, and proper regulations must be at the forefront of New York鈥檚 industry.

By electing to opt out, municipalities may miss out on several benefits of the new industry. These municipalities will forfeit direct benefits from an influx of new industry jobs, which could generate prosperity for local businesses as well as municipal tax revenue. Opting out also comes with its own set of risks, as communities lose out on millions in tax revenue and opportunities to shape the industry.

What are the concerns and consequences?

Cities That Opt-out Lose Out on Revenue

Some cities have already missed out on millions of dollars of revenue by opting out in their respective state. For example, Colorado Springs could have netted between had it chosen to opt in. However, the city has declined retail sales of cannabis since Colorado legalized cannabis in 2012.
Missing Out on Increased Real Estate Value
One study suggests opting out could impact real estate value. According to Clever Real Estate, between April 2017 and April 2021, in states that adopted legal recreational cannabis compared to states without legal recreational cannabis programs. Additionally, they found cities with more dispensaries positively correlated with higher home values. While more research is needed to definitively link cannabis sales with increasing real estate value, this study demonstrates a more direct impact for residents to consider.

Considering on a local level that increased property value brings increased property tax, towns with cannabis businesses may receive extra capital that could go to fund local programs such as education and libraries, and public works like water and construction.

What are the fears communities have about opting in?

Teen Access to Cannabis

Communities have notable concerns about allowing recreational cannabis businesses. One apprehension is that opting out will keep the community and its children safer.

Some parents believe opting in could lead to a rise in teen cannabis use. In states with legal cannabis, studies have revealed cannabis . Opting in regulates who is able to sell cannabis, meaning those shopping in a legal dispensary will be asked for proof of ID to verify age upon purchase.

Cannabis-Impaired Driving

Another common fear is that cannabis-impaired driving will increase the prevalence of car accidents. Cannabis is stored in the body for significantly longer periods of time than other drugs, sometimes with cannabis remaining detectable for the body for weeks after consumption. Cannabis pharmacology is complex, and we still don鈥檛 understand how we can adequately measure impairment.

There is currently no evidence that legalizing cannabis creates more of a risk of impaired drivers. In fact, some preliminary evidence points to the opposite. However, significantly more work needs to be done between scientific research and public policy.

What good could opting in do?

Opting in Creates an Opportunity to Resolve Racial Disparities

Opting in may mitigate racial disparities that presently exist in cannabis arrests. Statistics show that Black Americans are more likely to be arrested for cannabis offenses than White Americans. Legalization provides an important opportunity to challenge that disparate standard by reducing arrests and reducing existing racial inequalities. Communities that opt in have the opportunity to redirect funds to encourage community development opportunities to bolster local workforces and educational attainment.

Reduce Exposure to Harmful Substances with Regulatory Testing

Opting in may also decrease exposure to potentially harmful cannabis crops. Before it reaches dispensaries, cannabis plants are upheld to strict regulations, undergoing rigorous quality testing for markers such as heavy metals and mold, and it is barred from exhibiting high pesticide counts. Undergoing rigorous lab testing mitigates the chances of exposure to harmful chemicals that may be found in under-regulated substances.

How Can Elected Officials Get the Right Information?

Making evidence-based decisions requires just that 鈥� evidence. Fortunately, we now have numerous years of data after various states have implemented legalization measures. This can help us share facts and guide the direction on how to make policy decisions.

Most communities are guided by elected officials who vote on these decisions. To get detailed data and address concerns surrounding cannabis, elected officials can get in touch with experts to strategically plan and create policy to effectively serve their communities.

Community governments that chose to opt in will also be able to make appropriate resolutions in using a new source of tax revenue to organize programs to tackle teen cannabis use and invest in measures that make constituents safer.

Right now is a pivotal moment in the infantile New York industry, and citizens across the state need clear education to understand the budding market. Elected officials should devise plans using information from states and communities that already have a legal framework. They should also look to researchers, doctors, and grassroots activists who have been working on the ground level for years.

Get Community Members Involved

Finally, elected officials should involve community members in navigating these decisions. Communities that choose to opt in will be able to generate recommendations to empower citizens to make better decisions for themselves and their neighbors. Opting in can also facilitate the introduction of harm reduction measures. To boost confidence in their leadership and in their communities, elected officials can engage all their resources to ensure their communities stay safe while a market is properly built.

Conclusion

Cannabis legalization is here to stay in New York, and municipalities are facing numerous concerns that have led many to opt out of retail operations at its onset. Opting out could cost towns massive revenue opportunities, continued racial disparities, and would keep community members from vital support to tackle issues like impaired driving and teen cannabis use.

Being involved in the retail market from the beginning will offer advantages for New York municipalities. An opportunity exists for communities to roll out a retail program alongside cannabis legalization to help shape the market and reflect community values. Opportunities for further education and information are available. Excelsior鈥檚 Cannabis Control certificate can educate you on the complexities of the cannabis industry and its accompanying regulations.

Is a Master鈥檚 Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

It seems that every week there is a new story about a cyber terrorist hacking a government institution, a large company, a medical facility, or even stealing individual identities. Cybercrime is on the rise, and with it, so is the need for cyber analysts to defend against these cyber criminals.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing degree program in the United States, with 1.9 million students graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2016, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that careers in the cybersecurity field will grow 32 percent by 2028, making cybersecurity one of the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the United States.

You might be wondering if it鈥檚 necessary to pursue more than just a bachelor鈥檚 in cybersecurity. The short answer is yes. Pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity can open many doors for you, not to mention also increase your salary potential. The BLS reports cybersecurity experts in management positions (those with master鈥檚 degrees) earn $100,000鈥�$200,000 annually.

杏吧原创鈥檚 online master鈥檚 degree program in cybersecurity prepares you to protect an organization鈥檚 cyber assets. The curriculum focuses on data communication, ethics, legal and compliance issues, operational process, ethical hacking, software security, project management and risk management, and defensive technologies. Students work on interactive projects with peers from other Excelsior master鈥檚 programs and disciplines to begin their graduate education by building connections and expanding their worldview. This happens in two courses, one on ethical leadership and one on strategic talent management. These courses focus on developing the soft skills that are crucial to the growth and longevity of a cybersecurity professional.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Master鈥檚 in Cybersecurity?

You might be wondering what kinds of jobs are in cybersecurity management and how you can become successful. These elite jobs are in industries such as banking, finance, health care, education, government, law enforcement, research and development, and e-commerce. Here are a few upper-level management jobs you can expect to pursue with a master鈥檚 in cybersecurity:

  • Chief information security officer (CISO)鈥擟ISOs oversee and provide leadership for initiatives that concern the overall security of an organization.
  • Cybersecurity manager鈥擜 cybersecurity manager oversees a cybersecurity team for an organization.
  • Cybercrime analyst/investigator鈥擜 cybercrime analyst studies details and data to identify patterns and determine how a crime occurred and how to prevent future crimes.
  • Cybersecurity architect鈥擟ybersecurity architects build and oversee the operation of network and computer security for an organization.
  • Cybersecurity engineer鈥擟ybersecurity engineers identify IT threats and software vulnerabilities, build and test security systems, and serve as the point person on security policies and procedures.
  • Cybersecurity analyst鈥擜 cybersecurity analyst monitors a computer network to protect it from hacking and other threats, including malware and viruses.
  • Senior penetration tester鈥擜 penetration tester, or ethical hacker, exploits vulnerabilities in computer systems.

    • Benefits of a Master鈥檚 in Cybersecurity

    A master鈥檚 degree can help you make your way to the top of the cybersecurity ladder. A bachelor鈥檚 degree provides you with the technical knowledge, but the experience and knowledge gained from a master鈥檚 in cybersecurity will add to your managerial expertise. Here are some other benefits of a master鈥檚 in cybersecurity:

  • A master鈥檚 degree teaches you critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and management skills.
  • A master鈥檚 degree increases your salary.
  • You鈥檒l gain respect.
  • A master鈥檚 degree shows you are dedicated to your career and willing to improve your skillset.
  • It can open the door to more job opportunities.

    • Does a master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity sound like something you might like to pursue? Contact 杏吧原创 today to start your journey.

    Executive Director-Student Financial Services & One Stop

    Posted on by Elias Cox

    Excelsior College, a regionally accredited, online private not-for-profit institution of higher learning is seeking dynamic applicants for the position of Executive Director – Student Financial Services and One Stop, in the Enrollment Management and Student Experience unit.

    The Executive Director of Student Financial Services & One Stop reports to the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management and Student Experience (EM&SE) and is part of the senior leadership team of the EM&SE unit. This individual directs all areas of financial aid administration and compliance, and One Stop services at the institution, including student facing call center and financial assistance counseling. The Executive Director will support the overall mission of the institution and work collaboratively across units to achieve unit, departmental, and institutional goals through data driven decisions.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    Direct the day-to-day operations of the Student Financial Services (SFS) and One Stop offices which includes the supervision of student support (call center), financial aid staff, and the administration of Federal, State, private & institutional scholarships, & private educational loans programs. Responsible for:

    – Administration of Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, counseling of students, federal aid need analysis, satisfactory academic progress, and processing of financial aid applications for all academic programs

    – Financial aid packaging, origination, initiation of disbursements and monthly reconciliation with the fiscal office. The NYS aid programs including the certification of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Aid to Part-Time Study (APTS) ensuring compliance with these programs.

    – Independent audits for the annual FSA A133, including preparation and communication with auditors and the U.S. DOE.

    Develop and manage key performance indicators to make data driven decisions about the SFS and One Stop (call center) offices activities toward superior student support experience.

    Work in collaboration with the Vice Provost to establish the implement procedures needed to streamline processes to ensure compliance, efficiencies, student鈥檚 success, retention, satisfaction, and persistence.

    Promote increases in enrollment and course registration and improve the overall experience of students through implementation of effective SFS and One Stop service best practices.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
    The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability
    required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
    perform the essential functions.

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    This position requires a bachelor鈥檚 degree and a minimum of eight years鈥� experience in a financial aid office, including at the leadership level.

    The ideal candidate will have experience with Power FAIDS financial aid management system and demonstrate an interest in promoting distance learning higher education to a diverse adult student population.

    Candidate must demonstrate expertise in Title IV, Federal Student Aid regulations, financial aid software, and call center best practices

    Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel.

    Helping Others Succeed

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Matt Thewes of Hope Mills, North Carolina, is a veteran of the Air Force, a former Excelsior College military education representative who helped many military veterans enroll in college, and founder of the All American Veterans Center at . But despite all this, he doesn鈥檛 want to be known as the 鈥渧eteran guy.鈥� He says he wants to be known for helping people. Thanks to a bachelor鈥檚 from Excelsior and an extensive and varied career, he has proven he is a helper of people.

    One Saturday afternoon, a few years after he finished high school, Thewes received a phone call from a U.S. Army sergeant recruiter. Thewes had filled out a contact card while he was in high school, and the sergeant was following up to see how he was doing. Thewes, at the time, was actually not doing well. He had flunked out of the university and community college he attended, and he was working part-time washing cars. 鈥淲ell,鈥� Thewes recalls the recruiter saying, 鈥渋t sounds like you want to have lunch today.鈥�

    Lunch and a conversation later, Thewes thought he was on his way to becoming an Army vehicle mechanic. Fast-forward to swearing-in day, and Thewes noticed the Air Force also had mechanics. Thewes鈥� Army recruiter and an Air Force recruiter encouraged him to go home and rethink his decision of joining the Army. 鈥淚 called the Army recruiter back and told them, 鈥業 appreciate it. But no, thanks. I think I want to be an aircraft mechanic.鈥� So, I called the Air Force recruiter; they somehow transferred the majority of my paperwork, my scores were high enough, I didn鈥檛 have to retest鈥nd that鈥檚 how it started,鈥� says Thewes.

    Thewes joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991 as an aircraft mechanic, which he remained for about seven years, then he cross-trained to become a C-130E loadmaster, which meant he loaded and unloaded planes as well as flew in them. Soon, he began having back issues and was stationed in Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. There he became an instructor and ground safety representative and later went into meteorology. 鈥淓very time I moved from one base to the other, I ended up going to the local school, whether it was a community college or university, and taking a couple classes, but I didn鈥檛 really have a long-term goal to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� Thewes explains. When he landed at his next assignment, he spoke to an advisor who recommended Excelsior. 鈥淭hey evaluated my transcripts and said all I needed was a couple upper-level classes, and then I could get my degree,鈥� recalls Thewes. He went on to complete his remaining requirements at nearby Methodist University, submitted his transcript to Excelsior, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in February 2003. He later earned a master鈥檚 in education from Liberty University.

    Thewes thought a bachelor鈥檚 degree in liberal arts was the best degree to pursue because it would provide him with a pathway into education and counseling. He wanted to be some sort of educator because he didn鈥檛 have the best role models growing up. In 2012, Thewes retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years and got his chance to educate others. He saw an ad in the paper for an Excelsior education representative at the Education Center at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and decided to apply. He got the job, and for 18 months, he evaluated transcripts and helped servicemembers enroll in Excelsior degree programs.

    鈥淚 worked hard to make sure that [servicemembers] were getting the most out of their benefits,鈥� says Thewes. 鈥淟et me be the role model for them鈥 think that was the part where the passion came from.鈥�

    Thewes would take extra care to advocate for the men and women who came to him, mostly because when he was young, he didn鈥檛 have anyone who advocated for him. He felt responsible to give back to these young men and women. 鈥淭hey all had different stories,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut the issue was they needed a degree that they could get in a certain amount of time鈥攁nd they didn鈥檛 think it could happen. I said 鈥榃ell, let me look at your transcripts and let鈥檚 see if we can make it happen.鈥� And so that鈥檚 what the mission was: to find degrees.鈥� After 18 months, he had helped to enroll hundreds of people. Sometimes, he says, he wouldn鈥檛 be able to take a lunch because the line to his office would be out the door!

    But Thewes was aching for more. He says his wife teases him that he is always fearful of missing out on the next big thing and so needs to keep looking for something bigger and better. He applied to be the director of the veterans center of Fayetteville Technical Community College, where he eventually opened the All American Veterans Center. But that still wasn鈥檛 enough. He became senior assistant director of transfer admissions for Fayetteville State University. 鈥淎nd so, after that year in admissions, I was really never home. I was always on the road recruiting,鈥� says Thewes. He then made the move to become the director of the Veterans Upward Bound program at Central Carolina Community College. Finally, Thewes became a counselor working at the Education Center at Pope Air Force Base, which is where he is today.

    Helping others has always been Thewes鈥� number one goal. And showing his children what a good role model looks like is a plus, too. Thewes volunteers in the community organizing car shows and working with veterans service organizations. 鈥淚 basically take what I didn鈥檛 know and didn鈥檛 do as a teenager and build it, water it, and continue to grow it, and this is kind of where we鈥檙e at now.鈥�

    It鈥檚 rewarding, too, when he runs into a former servicemember he helped enroll in a degree program. 鈥淲e鈥檒l just talk and, and they鈥檒l tell me, 鈥楾hanks for giving me the information. I really appreciate it. I was confused, or I didn’t know what to do. You really are a strong advocate for us.鈥欌��

    Career Spotlight: Medical Coder

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Medical coding is the process of transferring important medical information into simple, standardized codes so they can be easily understood in medical records and for billing. A medical coder is the person responsible for doing this job.

    Medical coders work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, doctor鈥檚 offices, and other health care facilities to communicate with insurance companies. After a health care provider sees a patient, it is up to the medical coder to interpret patient files and update them with medical codes. They analyze all parts of a patient鈥檚 file including tests, consultations, in-office procedures, and medications.

    Medical Coder Job Responsibilities

    Though a medical coder鈥檚 duties can vary depending on the health care facility they work in, their main job is assigning codes to medical procedures and diagnoses. Let鈥檚 look at some of their other responsibilities:

  • Making sure codes are assigned correctly, per government and insurance guidelines
  • Following medical coding guidelines
  • Reviewing patient charts and documents for accuracy
  • Working with other staff members to ensure information is correct
  • Preparing monthly reports
  • Examining reports for evidence of medical malpractice

    • Medical Coder Qualifications

    Anybody can become a medical coder, but one common characteristic that everyone shares is a strong code of ethics because working with patient data is highly confidential. Medical coders also have strong attention to detail. Here are some other important traits of a medical coder:

  • Knowledge of technical skills, including health information technology, coding, customer billing, and medical coding
  • Medical knowledge, including anatomy and physiology
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team setting
  • Ability to multitask
  • Good computer literacy
  • Ability to problem-solve

    • How to Become a Medical Coder

    Does becoming a medical coder sound like something you are interested in? First, you need a high school diploma or an equivalent related training, such as from the American Academy of Professional Coders and the American Health Information Management Association. Next, it is important to pursue an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree. Excelsior College鈥檚 Associate of Science in Health Sciences helps you gain skills needed for entry-level jobs in medical office administration, health insurance member services, community health services, medical billing management, and human resources.

    Also, while not always required, employers will look favorably at your resume if you earn a Certified Coding Associate certification or a Certified Professional Coder certification. Excelsior offers online medical billing and coding training that gives you hands-on practice using coding and billing software. This course will prepare you to start a new career and earn the medical billing and coding professional certification that best aligns with your interest and career goals.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2020 median annual salary for medical records and health information specialists was $45,240. BLS also projects that employment of medical secretaries, including medical coders, will grow 22 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all professions.

    Does medical coding sound like a career for you? If so, reach out to Excelsior College today and get started in your nursing education.

    Every Choice We Make

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Do you ever wonder what would鈥檝e happened if you made that one different choice in your life? If you had gotten on the plane? If you had chosen the other college to attend? If you hadn鈥檛 turned down that job offer? In some cases, the alternative choice could have led to a completely different life. The choices Jeremy Walkley, of Schodack, New York, has made have impacted his career as a military servicemember, his current job as division chief of the Logistics Management Division at Watervliet Arsenal, his role in the National Guard, and his very life.

    At 19 years old, Walkley wanted to do what many young men his age wanted to do: be a Navy pilot like the actor Tom Cruise played in the movie 鈥淭op Gun.鈥� So, he did what anyone his age would do, he went to the Navy recruiter鈥檚 office to enlist. 鈥淎nd they laughed at me. And they said, you know, 鈥榟ow much jet time do you have?鈥� I was like, 鈥業鈥檓 a 19-year-old kid. I don鈥檛 have any jet time,鈥欌�� says Walkley, who then tried the Air Force recruiter鈥檚 office with the same outcome. Remembering his grandparents and great-grandparents had served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, he decided he would try the Army instead. Fortunately, he learned he could go to flight school with the Army without having to compete with so many other young pilots, and a few months later, he was headed to Basic Training.

    Walkley was young, had just married, and had a new baby when he joined the Army. 鈥淚 was very immature鈥攏ot making really great life choices. I joined the Army; that actually gave me purpose and direction. I was able to harness some of that energy in a positive way,鈥� he says, adding that joining the military allowed him to help people, something he had always been interested in doing. While enlisted, Walkley was deployed to Haiti from 1993 to 1994 and to Bosnia and Somalia in 1995. 鈥淚 always felt like I had a part in helping at least the people on the ground 鈥�,鈥� he says, referring to providing aid during the social crises that resulted from the governmental changes at those times. Being part of something bigger than himself taught Walkley leadership, too, something he says that would have never happened had he not enlisted in the Army. 鈥淸The Army] was the best decision for me because it just helped me grow up.鈥�

    Walkley鈥檚 time as a pilot came to an end when he severely hurt his shoulder in 2000 and then again in 2002. But it was an injury that would save his life. The second time Walkley hurt his shoulder, he was stationed in Germany and was supposed to head to Iraq before Operation Iraqi Freedom had officially begun. 鈥淭he guy who took my seat and aircraft in Iraq was actually killed, so yes, my life would be very different,鈥� says Walkley, who adds that the experience allowed him to focus more on his second wife, his kids, and what really matters in life.

    Walkley medically retired from the Army in 2004, but he wasn鈥檛 ready to give up the military life. By 2008, he wanted back in. He looked to the New York National Guard and joined the logistics department. In 2009, Walkley鈥檚 superiors mentioned an opening for an ordnance officer at the Watervliet Arsenal in upstate New York. He decided to apply, and he was quickly promoted to a logistics management specialist. At about this time, Walkley realized he needed more education to continue to move up in his new civilian career.

    He discovered Excelsior College was a military friendly school and would accept many of the credits from the schools he had attended briefly after he left high school and when he first retired from the military. Excelsior鈥檚 online format was perfect for his busy lifestyle, and in 2015, Walkley earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts. He followed up his bachelor鈥檚 degree with a master鈥檚 in supply chain management from Syracuse University and 鈥渃redits where I am today with the two programs, back-to-back.鈥�

    In 2019, Walkley was promoted to his current role as division chief of the Logistics Management Division. He oversees a large team that handles the front-end production steps of the manufacturing process for the machinery the arsenal makes for the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force. Walkley鈥檚 team inventories the materials, and organizes and stores it in the warehouse until production begins. 鈥淲e鈥檙e everything except the actual machining part,鈥� he says, adding that his favorite part of his job is working with people to solve problems that might arise, like, for example, a late shipment.

    Walkley couldn鈥檛 have completed any of his schooling or made the move to the Watervliet Arsenal without his wife. She encouraged him through his ups and downs, and he credits her with his accomplishment of finishing his degree and as the reason his 鈥渃areer is going somewhere.鈥� It must be said, however, that if Walkley hadn鈥檛 chosen to enter the Army recruiter鈥檚 office, he wouldn鈥檛 be where he is today.

    More from Jeremy Walkley

    What is the best piece of business advice you鈥檝e received on the job so far?

    My go-to piece as a supervisor is to never have your people waiting on you. If you owe something such as a signature, email, or review of a document, then you put their needs first and take care of yours later. Putting them first allows me more time to focus on removing their obstacles and helping the organization move forward.

    What are the most important traits/skills for someone to succeed in your field?

    The ability to listen, analyze what is being said, and then address it appropriately. Most of my dealings are with people who are upset or frustrated when something isn鈥檛 working, and I help them to understand why and how to fix it for themselves.

    What networking tips would you give to Excelsior students?

    As an introvert, that is a tough one for me to answer. I generally try to be open and honest with everyone that I am dealing with and focus on the person that I am engaged with at the time until complete. I always try to remain positive and have a sense of humor. You never know where you will wind up or who you will work for. The world is a very small place, and links are everywhere if you look hard enough.

    What time management tips do you have for students juggling activities outside their Excelsior studies?

    You have to make time for the things that make you happy. Sometimes those 15 minutes away from what you are doing change your whole perspective. Stay in the moment and know what you need to get done, but always leave yourself a little room to relax and enjoy the trip.

    Excelsior College鈥檚 51st Commencement on July 8

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, NY 鈥� Excelsior College celebrates its 51st Commencement on Friday, July 8 at 3 p.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany. This year鈥檚 Commencement will celebrate the Class of 2022 as well as the Class of 2021 and Class of 2020. The live-streamed event is inclusive, as all graduates will have the opportunity to participate in-person or remotely.

    The Commencement ceremony includes graduate speaker Anthony Fortenberry, who ran a COVID isolation facility in New York City while earning his master鈥檚 degree in nursing and a presentation of honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, to Larry Purnell for his impact on healthcare and his model, the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence.

    The 4,432 graduates in Excelsior鈥檚 Class of 2022 represent all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico as well as 16 other nations. A total of 924 graduates are from New York state. The oldest graduate is 75 years young and youngest graduate is 15 years old.

    鈥淓xcelsior students represent the richness and diversity of the nation. We are honored that they bring their experiences and perspectives to the Excelsior community, and we celebrate their personal journey to reach this impressive milestone,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淭his graduating class is embracing their potential, expanding their possibilities, and empowering themselves and their families through education.鈥�

    Excelsior College is the largest, fully online college in New York state and has students from all 50 states and more than 20 nations. A return to an in-person Commencement in 2022 allows graduates the opportunity to connect with fellow graduates, faculty, and staff. For those unable to attend, the event is live streamed with engagement opportunities. All Commencement information will be shared at excelsior.edu/commencement.

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    Live stream of Commencement ceremony: excelsior.edu/commencement

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498/ (c)518-366-9992

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
    Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior is the largest, fully online higher education institution in New York state. 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

    Excelsior College鈥檚 Inaugural Celebration of President Schejbal

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, NY 鈥� Excelsior College celebrates President David Schejbal at an inaugural luncheon on July 8, 2022, at the Capital Center in Albany, NY.

    President Schejbal is Excelsior鈥檚 fourth president since the College鈥檚 founding in 1971. He took office in August 2020. An inauguration event was not possible at that time due to the pandemic. This celebration takes place on the same day as Excelsior鈥檚 51st Commencement and is attended by faculty, staff, Excelsior鈥檚 board of trustees, political officials, local business leaders, family, and friends.

    David Schejbal

    Schejbal is a leading voice in adult and nontraditional higher education. Throughout his career, his primary focus has been on making education accessible, affordable, and flexible for all students.

    During his time at Excelsior, the College has launched a new nursing program and graduate certificates. Excelsior was also named a Top 10 Online College for 2022 by Newsweek. On August 1, Excelsior will become 杏吧原创 and continue to serve adult students through innovative programs and an engaging student experience.

    Excelsior College is the largest, fully online college in New York state and attracts students from all 50 states and more than 20 nations.

    ###

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498/ (c)518-366-9992

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
    Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior is the largest, fully online higher education institution in New York state. 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 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

    How Much Do Nuclear Engineers Make?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Nuclear Engineering at a Glance

    According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), nuclear power provides 13 percent of the world’s electricity. More than 430 nuclear power plants are in service in 31 countries around the world; 100 of them are in the United States. Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems needed to use nuclear energy and radiation.

    Nuclear engineers are typically investigative people who are also intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. Other shared characteristics include curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some additional qualities they might possess are independent, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. Does this sound like you? Read on to see if being a nuclear engineer is right for you.

    Four Common Questions 杏吧原创 Nuclear Engineering

    What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do?

    The main role of a nuclear engineer is to develop and design, maintain, and operate a nuclear power plant. Depending on where they work, nuclear engineers may have other tasks. Here are some of the typical job duties of a nuclear engineer, according to CareerExplorer:

    • Design or develop nuclear equipment, like reactor cores and radiation shielding
    • Monitor nuclear facilities to identify practices that violate safety regulations and laws
    • Examine nuclear accidents and gather data to use in preventive measures
    • Write operational instructions for handling and disposing of nuclear waste
    • Test whether methods using nuclear material, reclaiming nuclear fuel, and disposing of nuclear waste are acceptable
    • Order plant shutdowns in case of emergencies
    • Develop nuclear material for medical imaging devices
    Help power the world, and your career with a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology.

    How Much Do Nuclear Engineers Make?

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nuclear engineers make, on average, $116,140 annually. Salary varies depending on position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years in the position. The BLS reports that the job outlook is projected to decline 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, but despite this, about 900 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year over the next decade. These openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.

    Where Do Nuclear Engineers Work?

    A nuclear engineer鈥檚 work setting varies with the industry in which they work. Nuclear engineers work in industries and sectors such as agriculture, energy, government, medicine, and space, and usually work in offices, in power plants, and sometimes in laboratories, depending on their job.

    How Do You Become a Nuclear Engineer?

    Nuclear engineers must have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nuclear engineering. Excelsior College鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. The ABET-accredited program provides knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to the nuclear engineering technology field.

    Those interested in nuclear engineering should also consider going on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in engineering, though it鈥檚 not often required. Some states require professionals who offer nuclear engineering services to the public to be licensed as a professional engineer (PE) and hold appropriate security clearances. Employers also value experience, which can be gained through cooperative-education engineering programs.

    If an exciting career in nuclear engineering interests you, chat with an Excelsior admissions counselor today!

    Career Spotlight: Telehealth Nurse

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Telehealth nurses offer health care from a distance through the use of technology such as mobile devices, tablets, and computers. Although they do not visit with patients in-person, telehealth nurses deliver services to provide them with necessary care.

    Telehealth nursing has evolved over time and become a common practice at many hospitals and clinics. It especially became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people could not travel due to illness and hospitals were overcrowded. In rural areas, telehealth nursing enables patients and clinicians to interact without the challenges of travel and expenses while improving communication and timeliness. And telehealth also permits medical professionals to diagnose certain low-risk conditions, outline treatment options, and educate patients about self-care at home, which improves health care outcomes.

    According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for telehealth nurses is $71,632.

    Telehealth Nursing Job Responsibilities

    Telehealth nurses can work in physicians鈥� offices, hospitals, outpatient care facilities, poison control centers, and trauma centers. They have a variety of job responsibilities, depending on their job location and specialty. These responsibilities may include:

    • Scheduling appointments and referring patients
    • Consulting with patients over the phone or via video chat
    • Educating patients on different ways to manage their symptoms
    • Monitoring patients鈥� oxygen levels, health rate, respiration, and blood glucose
    • Providing pre-surgical and post-surgical care
    • Providing medical advice
    • Supporting medical response teams in bringing patients to the hospital

    Telehealth Nurse Qualifications

    Higher education is the most important qualification to becoming a telehealth nurse, and an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing are necessary to earn. It鈥檚 also important to gain bedside experience. While there is no specific certification for telehealth nursing, some telehealth nurses who work in ambulatory care settings are required to learn specific knowledge to care for patients. For this reason, the Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (RN-BC) is often required.

    Beyond education, telehealth nurses should be empathetic and have high attention to detail, good online communication skills, and good technical skills.

    Expand your career options with a BS in Nursing

    Why Become a Telehealth Nurse?

    Telehealth nursing provides a range of benefits for both patients and providers. According to Telehealth.com:

    • It improves patient access to care鈥擳elehealth nursing provides patients access to care, including people in vulnerable populations and those who live in rural areas.
    • It saves time and money鈥擳elehealth nursing allows patients to consult with a nurse from their home so they do not have to take time off work, pay for transportation, arrange for childcare, or deal with other obstacles.
    • It helps people avoid exposure to illnesses鈥擜s mentioned, telehealth nursing has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic demonstrated that telehealth helps patients avoid exposure to illnesses and protect providers from getting sick.
    • It helps clinicians better manage chronic conditions and aftercare鈥擳elehealth services can help patients manage their conditions and aftercare following procedures. Remote patient monitoring can make checkups more convenient.
    • It helps balance nurse workloads鈥擭urses must juggle many tasks, so it鈥檚 essential that they use their time, energy, and resources effectively so their patients can receive good care. Telehealth nursing allows nurses to balance their workloads or add flexibility to their career.

    If being a telehealth nurse sounds like the right career for you, talk with an Excelsior College admissions counselor about starting your educational journey in nursing.