Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences Worth It?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Health sciences is a diverse field that combines biology, chemistry, social science, health care systems, management, and more to understand how people stay healthy, promote health and wellness, prevent illness, and improve health care policy. Health sciences is a good career if you’re interested in entering the world of health care but don’t want to become a doctor or nurse. However, you still need to pursue higher education and earn the appropriate degree for your goals.

A degree in health sciences can prepare students to pursue many health sciences careers, from clinical and administrative roles to public health and policy-focused positions. Students can also build the foundation to advance to graduate or professional programs in a variety of settings.

5 Reasons to Earn a Health Sciences Degree

A degree in health sciences is a good option for someone who is broadly interested in a health-related career. Here are a few reasons to earn a health sciences degree.

Versatility

A degree in health sciences prepares you for a wide range of health sciences careers. It encompasses study areas like health care, public health, biomedical research, and more. Students can build their foundation in general health topics and then explore specific areas of study. This type of degree can prepare students for careers in clinical, administrative, research, and public health. You can get jobs in settings such as hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit organizations, and more.

Career Stability

Health care is an essential part of everyday life. As such, a job in the health care industry offers great stability. The demand for health care workers is on the rise in clinical and nonclinical roles, including research, administration, and public health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 1.9 million new jobs to open up each year from 2024–2034. Earning a degree in this field means job security and many career options for students.

Working with Diverse Populations

Students in health sciences degree programs learn how biological and social factors combined with cultural and socioeconomic factors affect health outcomes. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, they learn to work with different populations. This helps them develop skills to communicate effectively and provide unique, sensitive care. Many programs also emphasize ethics and health equity, and prepare students to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Access to New Technologies

Health care is rapidly evolving with new breakthroughs continuously enhancing the way professionals care for patients. A health sciences degree prepares students to work with these innovations by providing a strong foundation in scientific principles and practical skills. Participating in labs, simulations, and clinical trainings, as well as working with medical equipment, wearable monitoring devices, and diagnostic tools, help prepare students to keep pace with emerging technologies.

Making a Difference in People’s Lives

A degree in health sciences equips students with the knowledge they need to help patients heal and grow through direct care, research, or management. Health science careers can have a variety of effects, from improving individual outcomes to advancing medical knowledge. Many degree programs emphasize empathy, ethics, equity, and social responsibility. Students are trained to be competent professionals that can care for patients with a humanistic approach.

Start Your Career in Health Care with Excelsior

Job security and helping others are some of the many reasons to earn a health sciences degree, but it’s important to remember that many jobs require some education. Many entry-level jobs in health sciences require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. A health sciences degree combines science with care, teaching students to apply laboratory skills in biology alongside topics like psychology, sociology, and health and wellness. To advance in the allied health field, a bachelor’s degree provides a flexible foundation to pursue a master’s degree.

Excelsior University’s flexible online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program is designed for students from any professional background or those exploring a health care career, preparing graduates for a booming job market. The program equips students to help care for the health of individuals and communities while gaining practical knowledge in areas such as state and federal health policies, cultural competence, and strategic approaches to regional health challenges.

Start your journey into the health sciences field by pursuing your degree. Talk to an admissions counselor today.

Christopher Martz Arima elected as Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council second vice president 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council second vice president Christopher Martz Arima

ALBANY, N.Y.  — Excelsior University today announced the election of Christopher Martz Arima to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) second vice president. In his leadership role with the 12-member council, Arima will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of more than 200,000 Excelsior graduates, and act as an official representative of the University over the course of his terms.  

Arima, B.S. ’18, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. A veteran and practicing attorney, Arima’s career bridges public service, legal advocacy, and education. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, he managed his own law firm, Arima Law, and previously served as a public defender with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender. Arima earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law (cum laude, with a Certificate in National Security and Counterterrorism Law), a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University, and an Associate of Arts in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. 

He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in mediation, constitutional law, and criminal justice at Excelsior University. A member of the American Bar Association, the New Mexico State Bar, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Justinian Society, and the Young Democrats of New Mexico, Arima has served as Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee on Criminal Justice and as liaison to the Committee on Homelessness and Poverty. He is the author of numerous scholarly publications.  

“Excelsior University changed what was possible for me, and service on the Alumni Leadership Council is a way to give that opportunity forward,” said Arima. “My commitment is to our alumni community, to inclusive engagement, and to ensuring that Excelsior University continues to grow in reach, relevance, and purpose ever upward.”   

Arima is joined on the ALC leadership team by Ruth Lown Turman, president, and Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior’s alumni population.   

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here. 

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446 

About Excelsior University 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior 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 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

Adult Learners: The Benefits of Going Back to School

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

As an adult learner going back to school to earn a degree or to add to your credentials, you open new doors no matter what stage of life or career you’re in. At the same time, you might feel anxiety. You likely have more responsibilities, demands on your time, and financial pressures than you did when you were younger. As an adult learner, you might feel out of place on campus.

That said, the numbers tell a story of real value in lifelong learning. Going back to school to earn a degree can help you advance in your profession, successfully change careers, or have the know-how you need to succeed in starting your own business. Adult learners saw up to a 140% increase in their annual salaries, with the average annual gain being $7,500 a year over peers.

If you’re thinking of your next steps, it’s never too late. Many universities offer online, hybrid, and executive track degree and certificate programs. Here are some reasons to consider going back to school to earn your degree as an adult learner.

Higher Earning Power

Earning a degree pays off. According to a report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, full-time, full-year workers with an associate degree earn $400,000 more over their careers than those with just a high school diploma. At $2.8 million in median lifetime earnings, workers with bachelor’s degrees can expect to pull in 75% more than their high school graduate counterparts. And master’s degree holders tack on another $400,000 with $3.2 million in median lifetime earnings, doubling the career earnings of full-time workers with only a high school education.

Median lifetime earnings by education level from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Advancement Within Your Current Career

Measuring your increased earning power is only part of the story when it comes to the value of going back to school. Adult learners tend to earn a degree or certificate for a specific career purpose that may not be measurable in income. Advancing to a higher role, making an advantageous lateral move, or adding to your job responsibilities in a rewarding way are other reasons why adult learners return to campus.

Changing Careers

When you earn a degree, you establish your credibility in a new career area, increasing your chances of getting hired. As an adult learner, going back to school shows your commitment and enthusiasm for a new career path. Beyond a career change, if you are starting a new business, you can earn a degree and acquire valuable knowledge, experience, and network contacts to enhance your chances of success.

Networking Opportunities

As an adult learner going back to school to earn a degree, you can open important doors for your next career steps. Professors act as mentors as much as instructors; they can connect you with industry contacts and opportunities. Many degree programs include career services and job-finding resources. You may be able to join professional associations at a discount. Alumni networks can also help you pivot careers or move forward in your current field. Some degree programs offer collaborative projects, mentorship opportunities, and internships that give you access to professional communities.

Personal Fulfillment

As an adult learner, you’re more likely to have the maturity and life experience to take full advantage of a degree or certificate program. Beyond career advancement and earning potential, many adult learners report enjoying the intellectual challenge, the inspiration of pursuing a long-held passion, and the pride of achieving a goal. The personal growth and sense of satisfaction you can feel when you earn a degree is every bit as important as the financial and professional advancement it affords.

Expanding Your Worldview

When you earn a degree or certificate, you expose yourself to new ideas, diverse perspectives, alternative ways of thinking, and exciting challenges. You interact with professors and classmates with different backgrounds and experiences. How you approach problems and make decisions will be enriched by your interactions in the classroom and with your academic community—on campus and online.

Start the Next Step in Your Career with Excelsior

Excelsior University has been serving adult learners for more than 50 years. We understand going back to school is a balancing act. That’s why our programs have flexible options, including eight-week and 15-week formats, as well as 100% online and hybrid learning formats. A generous transfer credit policy helps you earn your degree faster, taking into account previous coursework, military training, various certifications, and professional experience. We also offer financial aid, including scholarships and grants. With more than 40 degree and certificate programs in areas of study like business, health care, technology, and liberal arts, Excelsior is here to support your next steps and fulfill your aspirations.

Alongside flexible degree options, Excelsior also supports adult learners through Career Readiness services that help connect education to meaningful career progress. Students receive career coaching, resume and interview support, employer webinars, and practical strategies for building professional connections. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, pivot into a new field, or reenter the workforce with confidence, Career Readiness provides the tools and guidance to support your next step.

Ready for more in your career and your life? Read more about tips for returning to college or contact our friendly admissions counselors to find out which Excelsior University degree program is right for you.

Review and contribution by Camille Dumont.

Christopher Alan Hirschler elected as Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council first vice president 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council first vice president Christopher Alan Hirschler

ALBANY, N.Y.  — Excelsior University today announced the election of Christopher Alan Hirschler to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) first vice president. In his leadership role with the 12-member council, Hirschler will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of more than 200,000 Excelsior graduates, and act as an official representative of the University over the course of his term.  

Hirschler, B.S. ’98, of Sheffield Village, Ohio, is the dean of the Health and Wellness Sciences Division at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. Hirschler is also a faculty member at Excelsior University. He is passionate about student success and encouraging alums to give back to their institution. Hirschler serves on several boards, and he is the author of numerous publications and journal articles. In addition to his 1998 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then Regents College), he earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Brockport and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. He holds the Master Certified Education Specialist credential and has earned certificates from Harvard, Yale, and Cornell.   

“I am truly excited to serve on the Alumni Leadership Council and to continue giving back to Excelsior University in this new way,” said Hirschler. “Excelsior has had a profoundly positive impact on my professional journey, and serving alongside ALC members who demonstrate such pride in the University, as well as the dedicated and supportive staff, has been a highlight of my professional career. Giving back to Excelsior as both an ALC member and a faculty member teaching Public Health courses has allowed me to build meaningful connections with alumni and current students alike. Engaging with alumni and celebrating with graduates as they cross the stage has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Hirschler is joined on the ALC leadership team by Ruth Lown Turman, president, and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior’s alumni population.  

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here. 

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446 

About Excelsior University 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior 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 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

Ruth Lown Turman elected as Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council president

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council president Ruth Lown Turman

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University today announced the election of Ruth Lown Turman to the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) president. In her leadership role with the 12-member council, Turman will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of more than 200,000 Excelsior graduates, and act as an official representative of the University over the course of her term.  

Turman, B.S. ’96, of Columbia, South Carolina, currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs. An active and engaged alumna, Turman previously served in roles on the Alumni Leadership Council as secretary and first vice president, contributing to initiatives focused on alumni engagement, recognition, governance effectiveness, and the development of enduring alumni legacies. As ALC president, she will emphasize stewardship of alumni resources, operationalizing effective alumni leadership practices, and strengthening connections between alumni leaders and the University community. Turman holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior University and maintains a strong record of professional and volunteer leadership. Her service includes past membership on the International Board of Directors of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, reflecting a sustained commitment to mentorship, professional standards, and collaborative leadership. 

“It’s an honor to serve with such an experienced and passionate Alumni Leadership Council at this moment of tremendous momentum for Excelsior,” said Turman. “My own journey has been profoundly shaped by this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support, celebrate, and elevate our extraordinary alumni, whose determination and commitment to lifelong learning continue to lift us ever upward.” 

Turman is joined on the ALC leadership team by Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president, and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior’s alumni population.  

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here. 

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446 

About Excelsior University 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior 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 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

New slate of officers elected to Excelsior University Alumni Leadership Council

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Clockwise from top: Ruth Lown Turman, Christopher Arima, Christopher Hirschler

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University today announced the election of a new slate of officers to its Alumni Leadership Council (ALC). The group consists of Excelsior graduates Ruth Lown Turman, president; Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president; and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. In their leadership roles within the 12-member council, officers will help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network of more than 200,000 Excelsior graduates, and act as official representatives of the University over the course of their terms.  

“It’s an honor to serve with such an experienced and passionate Alumni Leadership Council at this moment of tremendous momentum for Excelsior,” said Turman. “My own journey has been profoundly shaped by this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support, celebrate, and elevate our extraordinary alumni, whose determination and commitment to lifelong learning continue to lift us ever upward.” 

Ruth Lown Turman, B.S. ’96, of Columbia, South Carolina, currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs. An active and engaged alumna, Turman previously served in roles on the Alumni Leadership Council as secretary and first vice president, contributing to initiatives focused on alumni engagement, recognition, governance effectiveness, and the development of enduring alumni legacies. As ALC president, she will emphasize stewardship of alumni resources, operationalizing effective alumni leadership practices, and strengthening connections between alumni leaders and the University community. Turman maintains a strong record of professional and volunteer leadership. Her service includes past membership on the International Board of Directors of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, reflecting a sustained commitment to mentorship, professional standards, and collaborative leadership. 

Christopher Alan Hirschler, B.S. ’98, of Sheffield Village, Ohio, is the dean of the Health and Wellness Sciences Division at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. Hirschler is also an adjunct faculty member for Excelsior University. He is passionate about student success and encouraging alums to give back to their institution. Hirschler serves on several boards, and he is the author of numerous publications and journal articles. In addition to his 1998 Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then Regents College), he earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Brockport and a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. He holds the Master Certified Education Specialist (MCHES) credential and has earned certificates from Harvard, Yale, and Cornell.  

Christopher Martz Arima, B.S. ’18, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an assistant district attorney with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. A veteran and practicing attorney, Arima’s career bridges public service, legal advocacy, and education. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, he managed his own law firm, Arima Law, and previously served as a public defender with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in mediation, constitutional law, and criminal justice at Excelsior University. A member of the American Bar Association, the New Mexico State Bar, the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Justinian Society, and the Young Democrats of New Mexico, Arima has served as Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee on Criminal Justice and as liaison to the Committee on Homelessness and Poverty. Arima earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law (cum laude, with a Certificate in National Security and Counterterrorism Law), a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University, and an Associate of Arts in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. 

The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of Excelsior graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of Excelsior’s alumni population.    

Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here. 

Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

About Excelsior University

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior 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 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.  

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

Two Fields, One Heart

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Tasha Cole’s nursing journey is one of passion, resilience, and the remarkable ability to give her heart and time to being a registered nurse in both cardiology and substance abuse recovery.

Cole’s dual path didn’t happen by accident—it grew out of years of dedication. Cole, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, began her health care career in 2007 at an outpatient cardiology office. She did so well during her three-month internship that it turned into a permanent position. For seven years, she immersed herself in heart monitors, triage, and patient care. Then, in 2014, she made a bold transition into addiction services to serve another population in need.

Today, Cole devotes herself wholly to both her roles. At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, she works full time caring for patients recovering from open-heart surgeries and valve replacements. And at Acadia Healthcare, she works part time supporting patients working toward recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

The contrast between the two jobs is stark, but Cole embraces the challenge. “In cardiology, I feel like it’s the critical thinking aspect of it. We really have to be paying attention to electrolytes and, you know, the hemodynamics of the patient,” she explains. Working in addiction services takes a different approach. “The mental health portion of it is a lot more significant than I deal with in the hospital,” she says, referring to more interpersonal interaction.

Called to Nursing Since Childhood

Cole’s dedication to patients recovering from addiction is deeply personal. Having family members who struggled with addiction, she understands the stigma her patients face. “[People with addiction] don’t always get [compassion] from the outside world, and they’re very quickly judged and ridiculed,” Cole explains. Oftentimes, she explains, people with addiction problems are stereotyped as homeless, dirty, or lazy. That’s not always the case. Sometimes, they are struggling to get relief from an ailment with painkillers. What she does, Cole says, is to be there, day after day—for both heart patients and those in recovery. For her, it’s about restoring dignity and offering hope.

Her specific call to nursing, Cole says, is rooted in her childhood. She often helped care for her younger siblings and watched her mother work as a certified nursing assistant. Her mother told her stories about building important bonds with her patients and how gratifying it was to take care of sick patients. “She got so much joy out of helping others, and I wanted to feel that way, too,” Cole says.

Becoming an LPN was her first step, but earning a nursing degree felt out of reach for years. That is, until a mentor introduced her to Excelsior University.

Cole’s mentor attended Excelsior while working full time and taking care of her children. She said the University’s flexible program made balancing her responsibilities more manageable. Cole took the plunge. As a full-time LPN, Cole found that Excelsior offered her just what she was looking for: a flexible online program that fit her schedule. “It was like the first time I was doing an online anything … and, you know, I found that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be,” she recalls. With the help of her academic advisor, she pushed forward. She graduated in April 2025 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.

She also proved she could dedicate her time both to her studies and her work, receiving the 2025 Robert E. Kinsinger Memorial Award for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and for her involvement with the nonprofit sector. Cole’s community engagement, advocacy, and career experience, as well as her academic rigor, made her stand out among her peers. She volunteers at Central Outreach Wellness Center, offering culturally competent health care. She also works with the center to advocate for more equitable funding for addiction and mental health services from the local and state government.

Lessons That Transcend

Cole’s Excelsior University education didn’t just fill in clinical knowledge gaps—it helped her find her voice, as a health care provider and as a person. She uses her knowledge from anatomy and physiology courses daily in her jobs and applies the confidence she gained to bring compassion into both workplaces.

“Things that I’ve learned with Excelsior are more like how to give compassion and like how to be a listening ear—how to show these things without saying them, too,” she says. She sees cardiology and substance recovery as interconnected: Just as the physical heart sustains the body, emotional healing sustains the spirit.

For Cole, cardiology and addiction recovery are two halves of one purpose. Whether she’s monitoring a patient’s heartbeat or supporting someone going through withdrawal, she demonstrates that nursing isn’t just about science; it’s about dedicating yourself fully, even when it means giving your heart to two places at once.

How to Start a Career in Electrical Engineering Technology

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Getting a degree is your first step in starting a career in electrical engineering technology. From there, you need to turn your education into a job and a rewarding professional journey. What comes after you graduate?

Choosing the right entry-level position in electrical engineering technology, getting hands-on technology experience, networking within the industry, and continuing to learn and stay current as technologies evolve are all part of building your career. This article explores your next steps and how to build on your academic foundation as you explore careers in electrical engineering technology.

Research Employers of Electrical Engineering Technologists

Starting out in the field of electrical engineering technology, you have many paths to grow in a rewarding career and to specialize in areas of particular interest. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers in the United States in 2024 were as follows:

  • Federal government (13%)
  • Engineering services firms (12%)
  • Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers (11%)
  • Makers of navigational, measurement, electromedical, and control instruments (7%)
  • Utilities (6%)

What can you do with an electrical engineering technology degree? You can find entry-level EET roles in design, assembly, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Opportunities are wide-ranging, from working as an automation technician or telecommunications technician to putting your embedded systems experience or PLC programming skills to work. You could even choose a position in technical sales. Any of these roles would be a fitting place to start your electrical engineering technology career.

Get Certified

Earning an EET degree, especially one from an ABET-accredited program that offers opportunities to develop hands-on experience with essential skills, is a good place to start. If you want to set yourself apart, open niche opportunities, or advance faster, consider adding a certification or two to your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

NICET (technologist certification): Offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, this certification validates engineering technology knowledge.

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) — FE Exam: Graduates or students close to finishing an engineering or engineering technology degree from an ETAC/ABET-accredited program can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to earn EIT designation. After gaining enough qualifying engineering experience, those who pass the FE can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a Professional Engineer (PE).

Automation, control, and systems certifications: The International Society of Automation offers two certification programs. The Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is more appropriate for recent graduates, but you may eventually choose to earn the more advanced Certified Automation Professional (CAP).

Energy and power management certifications: The Association of Energy Engineers offers a variety or certifications for specialized energy roles, including those that don’t require work experience.

OSHA 10- and 30-hour training: Many employers in utilities, construction, and industrial settings expect this training.

NFPA 70E arc flash and electrical safety training: This certification is for using personal protection equipment and safety regulation compliance. Other NFPA certificates include Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) and Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW).

The number of certifications is always growing as technology evolves. Beyond starting your electrical engineering technology career, you can pursue continuing education and add to your credentials. Some are offered by vendors such as Siemens, Rockwell, and Cisco. Others are offered by various associations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPA), CompTIA, or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International.

Join the Community

Becoming a member of a professional organization at the start of your electrical engineering technology career has benefits that are well worth your time and money. You can:

  • Connect to a global network of industry leaders, peers, and mentors.
  • Develop your expertise as you raise your profile by attending conferences and local chapter meetings.
  • Access exclusive libraries of innovative research, industry insights, development trends, and evolving technical standards.
  • Receive career development opportunities, including workshops, mentorship programs, and leading various initiatives.

The IEEE is one of the larger associations, but it is just one of many. All the organizations behind the certifications we mention above are also logical places to start. You may choose to belong to a general community and then select one that focuses on the specialization that most interests you.

Your Career in EET Starts with Excelsior University

Begin your electrical engineering technology career at an ABET-accredited university. Excelsior University’s career-focused BS in Electrical Engineering Technology program ensures that you have not only a breadth of essential knowledge but also the technical expertise that employers seek. The program is offered in two formats: fully online and hybrid for students who live in or near St. Petersburg, Florida.

Excelsior’s 100% online option offers the most flexibility, with courses conveniently available to you at any time via the student portal. The hybrid learning option includes in-person lab sessions taking place in the evening and/or on weekends. Hands-on experiences reinforce online learning, giving you the opportunity to apply lessons in real-world settings using industry-standard equipment and collaborating face-to-face with peers. Both learning options are part of the same ABET-accredited program and lead to the same in-demand bachelor’s degree.

Whatever your ambitions starting out in electrical engineering technology, Excelsior is here to help make them a reality. Learn how you can spark new opportunities with an EET degree or talk to an admissions counselor to help you take the first step toward your exciting new career.

A Conversation with Co-Authors of Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice, a New Book from Routledge

Posted on by Joe Levy

Joe Levy, Excelsior’s associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement, was featured on the Leading Improvements in Higher Education podcast via the Center for Leading Improvements in Higher Education from Indiana University Indianapolis.

The episode features Levy and Natasha Jankowski, co-authors of Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice, a recently released book from Routledge. Jankowski is director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Find more information on Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice here: https://www.routledge.com/Foundations-of-Assessment-From-Theory-to-Practice/Levy-Jankowski/p/book/9781032581569

Listen to the podcast here (Season 6, episode 1).

Jamie Fejeran, Master of Science in Health Sciences, 2018

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Jamie Fejeran of Las Vegas, Nevada, earned a Master of Science in Health Sciences in 2018. She shares, “Earning my MS in Health Sciences from Excelsior College marked the beginning of a dynamic career that has taken me through health information technology, practice management, and IT program and project management in the managed service organization (MSO) space—all while balancing the responsibilities of being a mom.

As a mother, pursuing higher education and building a career in a fast-paced industry was challenging, but it fueled my determination to create a meaningful impact in health care. After graduating, I began my career in health information technology (HIT), where I worked on data management, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and process optimization. This role allowed me to develop a deep understanding of how technology can enhance health care operations and improve patient outcomes.

My experience in HIT naturally led me into practice management, where I worked closely with providers and operational teams to ensure that health care practices ran smoothly. Leveraging my background in technology, I implemented workflow automation, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiencies that directly improved both patient care and business performance.

As I continued to expand my expertise, I transitioned into IT program and project management roles within MSOs. In this space, I had the opportunity to lead large-scale technology deployments, manage cross-functional teams, and drive IT infrastructure improvements across multiple health care practices. The ability to bridge the gap between clinical operations and technology enabled me to create scalable, efficient solutions that support both health care providers and patients.

Balancing my career with motherhood taught me resilience, time management, and adaptability—skills that have proven invaluable throughout my professional journey. Looking back, I credit Excelsior College’s MS in Health Sciences program for providing the flexibility I needed to pursue my degree while raising a family, and for equipping me with the knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills necessary to excel in this field.

The flexibility of Excelsior’s program allowed me to build a career that aligns with my passion for both health care and technology, while also prioritizing my role as a mother. It gave me the skills to not only understand patient care but also to implement systems that enhance health care delivery on a larger scale. Today, as an experienced professional in health care IT and program management, I continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and digital transformation in the MSO space.

My journey is a testament to the versatility of an MS in Health Sciences, the power of perseverance, and the endless career opportunities available to those willing to explore the intersection of health care, technology, and leadership—all while balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood.”