What Can I Do With a Master in Public Administration?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Are you the type of person who likes to help others? Would you like to put that desire to work in a career? If you enjoy working with people and contributing to the public good, an MPA may be right for you. People with an MPA who work in public administration enjoy working with others and appreciate working in teams.

Public administration is a community-focused field in which people try to achieve positive change. This can be in government, nonprofit organizations, transportation, education, housing, law enforcement, disaster response, and many other areas.

You might be wondering with such a variety of areas to enter, what exactly can you do with an MPA? The truth is the tricky part is narrowing down what you would like to specialize in. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of the careers you could enter.

Careers to Consider with an MPA

People with an MPA work in a range of public administration careers, from urban planner to budget analyst. Jobs are available in the government or private sector

Local Government Jobs

There are several career paths you can follow at the local government level if you have an MPA, and these can include:

  • City director
  • Urban planning and development director
  • Local government administrator
  • Community health director
  • Mayor
  • Public housing manager
  • Parks and recreation director
  • Board of directors for education
  • Police commissioner

    • State and Federal Jobs

    Just as the local government needs individuals to carry out programs, so do the state and federal governments. These jobs can include:

  • CIA
  • Working for the president
  • Director of transportation
  • United Nations representative
  • Foreign service officer
  • State agency employee
  • State department of natural resources officer
  • Labor relations specialist
  • Political scientist

    • Private Sector Jobs

    Companies and businesses in the private sector also have jobs for MPA graduates. These jobs can include:

  • CEO or COO of a company
  • Company director
  • President or executive vice president of a company
  • News writer
  • News reporter
  • Data analyst

    • People with a Master in Public Administration can expect to receive anywhere between $35,000鈥�$100,000 per year, depending on what area they go into.

    How to Pursue an MPA

    Before you enter an MPA program, you first need bachelor鈥檚 degree. Excelsior College鈥檚 Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares you for career advancement in all levels of government, or with local and global service organizations. 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 MPA graduates are ready to become skilled public service leaders who work toward improving their communities.

    This MPA program will help you master both the personal and the business side of public administration with courses and assignments that show you how to harness information technology, respond to ethical issues, foster constructive collaboration, and more. You will also gain practical experience in honing your presentation skills; developing strategic plans and financial reports; and analyzing data to make better decisions. You will leave the program prepared to achieve, with a complete professional portfolio ready to present to prospective or current employers.

    If a career in public administration sounds right for you, contact an Excelsior College admissions counselor today to get started on the next step in your educational career.

    What Degree Do You Need for a Career in Human Resources?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    According to humanresources.edu, the term 鈥渉uman resources鈥� was coined in 1960 when ideas like motivation, organizational behavior, and selection assessments began to take a larger role in work settings. In any organization, the human resource department and the people who work there are responsible for managing all matters related to employees, including finding, screening, and recruiting employees; administering employee benefit programs; and instituting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

    Human Resources Career Outlook

    According to U.S. News and World Report, human resource positions consistently rank among the leading careers in the United States, partly because of the important role that HR professionals play in the survival and growth of an organization.

    What Does a Human Resources Professional Do?

    A HR professional has many different duties, ranging from:

    • Developing initiatives aligned with organizational goals
    • Addressing management and employee issues
    • Hiring and firing employees
    • Motivating the workforce
    • Encouraging a positive culture
    • Making and improving training programs
    • Making sure laws are followed through HR policies

    To be a good HR professional, you need good communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, technological skills, and problem-solving skills.

    Put your people skills to work with an Excelsior business degree.

    How Do You Become a Human Resources Professional?

    To successfully become a human resources professional, you should have the right education, experience, and certifications. An associate degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions, and a bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in human resource management will qualify you the upper-level jobs.

    Degree Programs for a Career in Human Resources

    Excelsior College鈥檚 fully online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Business and Management program is a great choice if you are interested in a career in human resources. The program includes coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

    贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 Master of Science in Human Resource Management with an Emphasis in Diversity and Technology program gives you specialized knowledge to lead organizations through complex challenges associated with all functions of human resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisals, health and safety, labor relations, and communications, especially with a distributed workforce.

    Certifications for a Career in Human Resources

    Certifications are not required in human resources, but they can help prove your knowledge and experience. There are many human resources certifications available. Just a few of the most popular include:

    Professional Organizations for a Career in Human Resources

    To boost your employment and advancement opportunities, you can also join an industry organization to network with other professionals. These include:

    • Academy of Human Resource Development
    • American Payroll Association
    • Association for Talent Development
    • Human Capital Institute
    • International Association of Administrative Professionals
    • Society for Human Resources Management
    • Be sure to check out 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 student chapter of SHRM and see how you can benefit in your HR career.
    • WorldatWork

    What Jobs Can You Get with a Human Resources Degree?

    Once you earn a degree in human resources, you can apply for a number of different jobs. Some of these include:

    • HR Assistant鈥擧R assistants help managers and HR directors accomplish routine administrative tasks, including documenting employee performance, attendance, compensation details, violations, and more.
    • HR Coordinator鈥擧R coordinators facilitate the benefits of employees. This includes processing employment eligibility documents, insurance requirements, reconciling benefits statements, and more.
    • HR Generalist鈥擧R generalists oversee employee benefits and payments, help in developing and organizing training programs, and review and improve employee policies.
    • Recruitment Manager鈥擱ecruitment managers oversee a company鈥檚 recruitment and hiring process. They maintain recruiting procedures and make changes to ensure that the hiring process is smooth and efficient.
    • Employee Experience Director鈥擡mployee experience directors are responsible for developing and implementing programs that help maintain and improve employee satisfaction. These programs include team building, company events, career planning, and more.
    • HR Director鈥擧R directors manage the department鈥檚 budget, ensuring regulatory compliance, design training and development programs, and devise compensation plans.

    According to Glassdoor.com, as of 2021, the national average base pay for an entry-level HR position in the United States. was $52,333 a year. Nearly 15,000 job openings are expected each year in the United States. If human resources seems like the type of career field you would like to enter, contact an Excelsior admissions counselor today to start your educational journey in HR.

     

    Career Spotlight: Critical Care Nurse

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Some people say critical care nurses are the everyday superheroes of the nursing world because they help patients heal from life-threatening illnesses and injuries. As the job title suggests, these nurses care for patients who are critically ill. The patients can range from newborn to geriatric, and they all suffer from life-threatening medical conditions or injuries. Because the patients they care for have such special needs, most critical care nurses work with only a few patients at a time.

    Critical care nurses use specialized skills to assess and monitor their patients鈥� conditions to help them return to full health. They are responsible for caring for their patient, from giving medication to monitoring ventilator use, as well as constantly watching the patient for any changes in their status. These also use technology and constantly interact with a multidisciplinary health care team.

    Critical Care Nurse Job Responsibilities

    In the course of their daily job responsibilities, critical care nurses provide one-on-one care to patients. They provide all typical bedside care, with the addition of certain other responsibilities, which include:

    • Treating wounds and injuries
    • Caring for patients experiencing medical emergencies
    • Working other members of a patient鈥檚 care team
    • Administering medications
    • Infusing blood products
    • Monitoring patients for reactions to medication
    • Advocating on the patient鈥檚 behalf
    • Coordinating a patient鈥檚 transfer to another location
    • Performing administrative duties
    • Assessing patients as they are admitted to the critical care unit to identify their needs
    • Monitoring, recording, and evaluating vital signs
    • Tracking the operation and output of life support equipment
    • Cleaning and bandaging wounds
    • Assisting families as they make important end-of-life decisions

    Critical care nurses can work in burn centers, trauma centers, operating rooms, emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, pediatric units, and any place where patients require intensive care. Since these settings vary, some duties may differ. Here are just a few examples of settings and the specific job responsibilities found there:

    Pediatric ICU:

    • Care for critically ill children
    • Meet children鈥檚 physical and emotional needs
    • Collaborate with parents

    Neonatal ICU

    • Provide specialized care to premature or sick newborns
    • Monitor infants鈥� progress and recovery
    • Teach parents how to care for their baby

    Burn Care Unit

    • Treat and monitor burn wounds
    • Stabilize acutely burned patients
    • Assess physical, emotional, and psychological trauma
    • Educate patient鈥檚 family about ongoing care

    Critical Care Nurse Qualifications

    Critical care nurses must have the knowledge, skills, experience, and compassion to do their job. They must be able to make quick decisions in the best interest of their patients. Some other skills necessary to succeed in this role are:

    • Excellent assessment skills
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Communication skills
    • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
    • Knowledge of medications
    • Maturity and ability to handle end-of-life issues
    • Working knowledge of technology

    Degrees Needed to Be a Critical Care Nurse

    In addition to the above, it is important to have the appropriate education to pursue a career as a critical care nurse. You need to earn either an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

    Specifically tailored for working nurses, Excelsior College鈥檚 online nursing degree programs are fully accredited, led by supportive instructors, and designed to help you succeed in your career. You can prepare to become a critical care nurse with an associate degree in nursing and then pass the NCLEX-RN, a bachelor鈥檚 degree especially for registered nurses, or a master鈥檚 degree in nursing.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing positions are expected to increase approximately 9 percent by 2030, which means an additional 194,500 openings each year. Critical care nurse salaries vary greatly depending upon geographic location, experience, education, and more, but the national average salary for the position ranges between $67,691 and $81,623.

    If critical care nursing seems right for you, consider pursuing a higher education with Excelsior College today.

    What Does a Data Analyst Do?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Do you like working with numbers and data? Are you detail-oriented, inquisitive, methodical, analytical, and logical? A career as a data analyst might be for you. Data analysts use data to answer questions and solve problems. They may also identify trends to make predictions about the future.

    Usually, data analysts use computers and calculation applications to figure out numbers. Finding out numbers is important, but data analysts must also understand what the numbers mean and present their findings using graphs, charts, tables, and graphics. They must be able to report and explain their findings in easily understandable ways.

    Data Analyst Responsibilities

    Data analysts have a wide variety of responsibilities and often work closely with project managers and department heads to discuss how data can be changed or improved over time. Some other tasks of a data analyst may include:

    • Working with IT, management, and/or data scientists to set goals
    • Reviewing data to eliminate irrelevant information
    • Analyzing and interpreting results using statistical tools and techniques
    • Pinpointing trends and patterns
    • Identifying new opportunities for process improvement
    • Providing data reports for management
    • Designing, creating, and maintaining databases and data systems
    • Fixing code problems and data-related issues

    Almost every industry has a need for data analysis, with the most jobs available in sales, marketing, and health care. The average annual salary of an experienced data analyst can range from approximately $60,000 to $140,000.

    Key Skills and Qualifications for a Data Analyst

    To be a successful data analyst, it鈥檚 important to have certain skills and qualifications. These include:

    • Math skills to collect, measure, organize, and analyze data
    • Skilled in programs like SQL, Oracle, R, MATLAB, and Python
    • Proficiency in statistics and using programs like Excel, SPSS, and SAS
    • Ability to apply accurate algorithms to datasets to find solutions
    • Visualization skills to help identify patterns, correlations, and trends
    • Problem-solving skills that allow you to approach and solve a problem
    • Accuracy and attention to detail
    • Adept at queries, writing reports, and making presentations
    • Teamwork skills
    • Verbal and written communication skills
    • Critical thinking skills

    How to Become a Data Analyst

    Data analytics is an important tool for predicting future trends and drawing conclusions. It is used in health care to improve patient care, in agriculture to come up with new ways to produce food, and even used by governments to tackle issues like human trafficking.

    If you are interested in becoming a data analyst, you should pursue a two- or four- year degree in a related program, and become skilled in the various computer platforms data analysts use. 杏吧原创鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is a good option to pursue if you want to enter this career field.

    What Kinds of Jobs Are in Electrical Engineering?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Are you an inventor or builder? Do you love to solve complex problems? Electrical engineers are inventors, designers, and builders who find creative ways to advance technology. You have to have an interest in engineering, too!

    Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity. It specifically deals with electricity, electro-magnetism, and electronics, as well as power, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.

    Electrical engineers use physics and math to design and develop electrical equipment and systems, to solve problems, and to test equipment. They work on projects ranging from designing household appliances, to designing satellite communication systems and electrical power stations.

    What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?

    Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment like motors, navigation systems, and power generation systems. Some other duties of electrical engineers include:

  • Design ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
  • Develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
  • Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure products meet safety codes
  • Investigate customer complaints, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
  • Work with staff to ensure projects are completed well, on time, and within budget
    • Power up your career with a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology.

    What Types of Careers Are in Electrical Engineering?

    Before choosing to be an electrical engineer, it鈥檚 important to know that there are several types of electrical engineering fields. What area you choose depends on your interests and the academic education you pursue. Several industries of electrical engineering include:

  • The information technology industry
  • The energy industry
  • The aerospace industry
  • The telecommunications industry
  • The transportation industry
  • The health care industry
  • The robotics industry

    • To get a job in many of the areas above, you need a bachelor鈥檚 degree and, for some, a master鈥檚 degree.
    Now let鈥檚 look at some of the careers you can pursue in these different areas:

  • Electronics engineer鈥擜n electronics engineer designs, builds, tests, and oversees electronic devices and systems.
  • Electrician鈥擜n electrician uses electrical engineering knowledge and skills to install, maintain, and repair things that require electrical energy to be operational. They work in industries from construction to telecommunications.
  • Computer hardware engineer鈥擜 computer hardware engineer uses electrical engineering knowledge to develop components and systems that enable computer systems to function correctly.
  • Solar photovoltaic technician鈥擜 solar photovoltaic technician maintains energy systems that convert the sun鈥檚 power into electricity by assembling, maintaining, and repairing system components.
  • Biomedical engineer鈥擜 biomedical engineer develops the electrical functionalities of equipment used in health care. They develop diagnostics equipment, build devices that replace body parts, install and maintain equipment, and collaborate with scientists on how best to use biological systems.
  • Robotics engineer鈥擜 robotics engineer designs and builds robots. They design complex, high-performance machines, including building sensors for detecting environmental stimuli, developing prototypes, and testing prototypes.
  • Mechanical engineer鈥擜 mechanical engineer designs and builds machines, automobiles, and components that are powered by electrical systems.
  • Industrial engineer鈥擜n industrial engineer designs and builds systems that provide a service. They work with materials, electricity, equipment, information, and workers to meet project requirements and achieve targets.

    • Job Outlook of Electrical Engineering

    You might be asking yourself if electrical engineering is a good profession to get into and what the future has in store for these kinds of jobs. The great news is that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030.

    More than 20,000 openings for electrical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Many of these openings are expected from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as by retiring.

    Job growth for electrical engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific, and technical services firms. The rapid pace of technological innovation will create some demand for electrical engineers in research and development, where expertise is needed to design systems related to new technologies.

    The average salary for electrical engineers was $100,830 in May 2020.

    How to Become an Electrical Engineer

    As previously mentioned, those wishing to become an electrical engineer must have a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in student engineering programs.

    At Excelsior College, the fully online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program prepares you for electrical and allied engineering technology positions in technology-related industries such as electronics, electrical power, semiconductors and computers, and nanotechnology. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a requirement for your education if you want to get a job in an electrical engineering career.

    You don鈥檛 need to have a license for entry-level positions as electrical engineers, but a Professional Engineering (PE) license can allow you to reach higher levels of leadership and licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). Each state issues its own licenses and most states recognize licensure from other states. Some states require you to continue your education to keep your license.

    Does electrical engineering sound like the career field you might like to enter? If so, contact an Excelsior College admissions counselor to get started on your educational journey to enter this fast-paced and exciting profession.

    Maureen McGowan, AAS in Nursing, 1986

    Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

    Maureen McGowan was working as an LPN when she decided she wanted to advance to RN. She credits Excelsior College (then Regents) as offering, 鈥渢he best opportunity for me to advance my education, earn my degree, and achieve my goal of becoming an RN. The cost and flexibility were a godsend as I could fit my studies around my work schedule.鈥� She graduated in 1986 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing and began working in a post-open heart surgery unit. McGowan has been a triage nurse, a disease manager, an ER educator, and a preceptor and mentor for EMT and paramedic students and new hires. She retired in 2019 after a long and fulfilling career.

    Excelsior Trustee to Receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service During 2022 ESPYS

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York鈥擥retchen Evans, retired Army command sergeant major and Excelsior College trustee, will be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service during the 2022 ESPYS. The event will air live on ABC on Wednesday, July 20 at 8 pm ET. The award is named for the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger and given annually to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served in ways that echo his legacy.

    Evans鈥檚 highly decorated Army career ended after suffering a life-altering injury from a mortar round blast while on assignment in Afghanistan. The injury resulted in traumatic brain injury, total hearing loss, and other wounds. As she regained her footing as a veteran, she founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team of mostly veterans who have experienced life-altering injuries, illness, or traumas, which competed in the World鈥檚 Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji.

    鈥淭he transition out of the military was rocky. Finding my next chapter to serve nonprofit organizations, tell my story, and remain physically strong and competitive gave me purpose,鈥� said Gretchen Evans, a member of the Excelsior College Board of Trustees. 鈥淚 joined the Excelsior board of trustees because half of 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 students are military or veterans, and I believe that education is one of the most important parts of the transition for veterans. Excelsior students and alumni demonstrate the grit and determination that has helped me persevere.鈥�

    The Pat Tillman Award for Service is the most recent recognition of Evans鈥� service as a veteran. In addition to serving on 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 board of trustees, Evans has been inducted into the U.S. Army Women鈥檚 Hall of Fame and U.S. Veteran Hall of Fame.

    鈥淕retchen Evans is an inspiration and motivation to everyone she meets. Our Excelsior community is excited to cheer her on as she receives the Pat Tillman Award,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淐ongratulations on this much deserved honor.鈥�

    Named a 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� school 11 times and with more than 72,000 alumni who are military servicemembers and veterans, Excelsior College has a strong military and veteran alumni community and student population. Veterans and military students represent 51 percent of 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 student population.

    # # #

    Available B-Roll Footage:

    Media Contact Excelsior College:

    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

    Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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.

    Tech Valley High School Students Earn Associate Degree from Excelsior College

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York鈥擳his year, two seniors at Tech Valley High School will earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree from Excelsior College. With hard work and determination, Mina Olsson and Zoey Flansburg took college courses alongside and as part of their high school curriculum. Thanks to an innovative partnership between Excelsior College and Tech Valley High School, those college credits translated into an associate degree.

    鈥淓xcelsior faculty and staff are excited that these two students from Tech Valley High School took advantage of the unique opportunity to complete an associate degree with Excelsior College while they were completing their high school diploma,鈥� said Catherine Seaver, dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Excelsior College. 鈥淚t took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get all of this done, and we are very proud of them.鈥�

    Excelsior College traditionally serves adult learners and is known for its innovative approaches to meeting students where they are. The partnership with Tech Valley High School illustrates one innovative approach in the learning journey. Students on the associate degree track take Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit classes as part of their high school course curriculum. Additionally, these students take courses online with Excelsior to round out the degree requirements. In all, they take 60 college credits and will have their associate degree conferred shortly after they graduate from high school this week.

    鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with Excelsior College to offer the opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while at Tech Valley High School,鈥� said Amy Hawrylchak, principal of Tech Valley High School. 鈥淲e are very proud of our students鈥� accomplishments and are excited to see where their future leads.鈥�

    Tech Valley High School in Albany, N.Y., provides a unique student-centered, project-based learning approach to education that engages students in current and emerging technologies. It provides opportunities for students to learn both in and out of the classroom. Students can earn college credit in their high school courses as well as with the College Ready partnership with Excelsior College.

    # # #

    B-roll video footage:

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
    Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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.

    Wright Family Foundation Donation Funds Scholarships for Excelsior Students of Schenectady Housing Authority

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College is excited to announce a generous donation from the Wright Family Foundation that will provide Schenectady Housing Authority residents with a clear path to a degree at little or no cost.

    鈥淓xcelsior College focuses on providing adult learners with access to education and achieving degree completion. These scholarships will offer residents of Schenectady Housing Authority this access,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淭hank you to the Wright Family Foundation for your generosity and support.鈥�

    Excelsior College partnered with Schenectady Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an Excelsior education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

    鈥淭he Wright Family Foundation is excited to support Excelsior College, the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, and most importantly, the residents of the housing authority with this innovative program that will give people the opportunity to earn a college degree,鈥� said Heather M. Ward, chairman of the Wright Family Foundation.

    # # #

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
    Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are鈥攁cademically and geographically鈥攔emoving obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

    Excelsior College Receives Generous Donations from Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for Plattsburgh Housing Authority Students

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York鈥擡xcelsior College is excited to announce that it has received funding for its Degrees Open Doors Scholarship program from Adirondack Foundation鈥檚 Generous Acts Program and from Crary Foundation. These donations will allow Excelsior to offer full scholarship opportunities to students from Plattsburgh Housing Authority.

    鈥淓xcelsior is grateful to Adirondack Foundation and Crary Foundation for joining the College in offering residents and staff at Plattsburgh Housing Authority access to higher education,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior College. 鈥淭hese generous donations will fund scholarships to help adult learners continue their education and work toward degree completion.鈥�

    Excelsior College partnered with Plattsburgh Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship makes an Excelsior education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

    鈥淭he partnership with Excelsior College and the generous scholarship funding is incredibly exciting for us,鈥� said Mark Hamilton, executive director of Plattsburgh Housing Authority. 鈥淲e are always working to find innovative ways to further our mission and provide meaningful opportunities for our residents. Providing an affordable and supportive educational experience will have a profound impact for many of our families.鈥�

    鈥淩emoving barriers to education for adult learners is so important,鈥� said Cali Brooks, Adirondack Foundation president and CEO. 鈥淲e are delighted to support this program through Generous Acts and especially impressed with the collaboration and partnerships behind it.鈥�

    鈥淭he Crary Foundation Board of Governors is pleased to support the partnership between Excelsior College and the Plattsburgh Housing Authority in their effort to provide educational opportunities to adult students,鈥� said Thomas S. Pastore, executive director of Bruce L. Crary Foundation Inc. 鈥淭he Degrees Open Doors scholarship dovetails nicely with the Crary Foundation鈥檚 mission to provide scholarships to North Country students to help with the costs of a college education.鈥�

    Learn more about 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 partnership with Plattsburgh Housing Authority.

    # # #

    Media Contact Excelsior College:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE
    Excelsior College is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 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.

    ABOUT ADIRONDACK FOUNDATION
    Support for this work is from Generous Acts at Adirondack Foundation – a force for good that pools gifts from generous donors who love the Adirondacks and care about our communities. Adirondack Foundation enhances the lives of the people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy. To learn more, visit adirondackfoundation.org/GenerousActs

    What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    A Career with a Health Sciences Degree

    Are you interested in the world of health care, but you don鈥檛 really want to become a doctor or a nurse? A career in health sciences might be for you. Health sciences comprises many fields, including science, technology, engineering, and communication.

    A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences prepares students for a variety of jobs in public, administrative, and clinical settings. It can also prepare students to enter graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other career fields.

    Careers to Consider with a Health Sciences Degree

    A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Excelsior College prepares you for a variety of in-demand careers in the growing health care field. Professionals in health sciences positions can expect to work in any of the following areas:

    鈥� Medical laboratories
    鈥� Federal government agencies
    鈥� Private agencies
    鈥� Insurance companies
    鈥� Pharmaceutical companies
    鈥� Consultant firms
    鈥� Manufacturing companies
    鈥� Hospitals
    鈥� Nonprofit organizations
    鈥� Out-patient care facilities
    鈥� Physician鈥檚 offices
    鈥� Clinics

    Find your perfect health care career with 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 BS in Health Sciences. Learn more.

    According to the (BLS), the employment outlook for all health care-related professions is expected to increase 14 percent by 2028. Let鈥檚 look at some health sciences-related careers and their average salaries according to BLS:

    Health Educator

    Health educators work in hospitals, schools, or nursing facilities, teaching the public about the importance of hygiene and how to prevent spreading illnesses.
    National average salary: $48,860

    Biomedical Equipment Technician

    Biomedical equipment technicians diagnose programs with medical equipment in hospital settings and fix them so professionals can continue using them to treat patients. This position requires in-depth knowledge of specific medical equipment.
    National average salary: $97,410

    Public Health Nurse

    Public health nurses work for communities, usually for government agencies and nonprofit organizations, to spread education initiatives among the local populations.
    National average salary: $48,860

    Paramedic

    A paramedic is responsible for completing quick, on-site assessments of patients, applying in-depth life-saving methods, keeping patients and bystanders calm, and transporting patients to the hospital.
    National average salary: $36,930

    Dental Hygienist

    Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings for patients, take x-rays, and help dentists with other dental procedures.
    National average salary: $77,810

    Respiratory Therapist

    Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, sleep clinics, and long-term care facilities, diagnosing and treating patients with breathing disorders. They work with patients on breathing techniques and prescribe medications to patients.
    National average salary: $61,830

    Nutritionist

    Nutritionists work in hospitals, care facilities, clinics, schools, and organizations. They assess a patient’s dietary needs or restrictions and help them create an eating plan that will give them the nutrients they need.
    National average salary: $61,650

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractors consult with patients regarding back and joint pain. They use their knowledge of anatomy to help realign patients鈥� bones and joints.
    National average salary: $75,000

    Speech Pathologist

    Speech pathologists work in clinical settings or private practices, diagnosing speech and swallowing disorders in patients. They use techniques and treatment options to help patients improve communication methods.
    National average salary: $79,060

    Staff Pharmacist

    Staff pharmacists work in pharmacies and are responsible for coordinating between doctors鈥� offices and pharmaceutical companies to order prescriptions. They communicate with customers, organize inventory, and give flu shots and take blood pressure.
    National average salary: $128,570

    How to Obtain a Health Sciences Degree

    贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 online bachelor鈥檚 in health sciences program teaches you how to succeed as an employee in treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or nonclinical health organizations. You learn about the organization, purpose, and quality of U.S. health care and insurance provider systems, and master subjects you need to know on the job: state health care policies and federal regulations; cultural competencies for working with diverse clients and coworkers; and strategic approaches to regional health issues.

    A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences is a smart choice for anyone who is passionate about the world of health care. If this sounds right for you, reach out to us about how to start on your future career with a health sciences bachelor鈥檚 degree.