Level Up Your Management Skills with Six Sigma

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

What do Intel, PepsiCo, and Volvo have in common? They all have a not-so-secret weapon helping them manage production and keep customers happy: Six Sigma, a data-driven methodology used to improve systems and reduce defects.

From computer processors to beverage manufacturing, organizations are constantly striving for the smallest margins of error in their processes to meet high levels of competition and satisfy customers accustomed to consistent products delivered fast. Six Sigma is not only relied on by some of the world’s biggest manufacturers but also a philosophy of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction you can use to dramatically enhance your management skills, no matter your industry.

What Is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma can get complicated quickly, but at its core, it is a method for applying statistical analysis to manufacturing processes to remove variation and eliminate error. It operates on the idea that by turning work into data, we can track, measure, and ultimately control the output.

The techniques and tools that form the method were developed in the 1980s by Motorola engineer Bill Smith as a proposal to improve the quality of the company’s products. The system gained even greater prominence in the 1990s when Jack Welch, then CEO of General Electric, championed Six Sigma as one of the key tools he used to overhaul business operations and achieve record growth for the company.

Why Is It Called Six Sigma?

The name “Six Sigma” comes from the bell curve in statistics, where one sigma represents one standard deviation from the mean. When a process reaches six sigma, that means there are only 3.4 defects per million opportunities. The method was developed for large-scale manufacturing processes, and it’s in those industries where you’ll find it most used, but the principles can also be applied to find continuous improvement and efficiency in other areas of an organization’s processes, to identify trends, to predict outcomes, and to make informed decisions that drive positive change.

Take your leadership to the next level with a business degree from Excelsior University.

How Is Lean Six Sigma Different?

Six Sigma seeks to minimize errors and inconsistencies during production, whereas Lean Six Sigma looks to streamline or “lean out” processes throughout an entire workflow. The traditional method defines waste as defective products and uses statistical analysis to drive improvements. In Lean Six Sigma, waste is defined more broadly as any activity that doesn’t benefit the customer and can include wasted time, effort, or materials. The tools for improvement in Lean rely less on numerical data and more on process visualizations like flow charts and value maps.

What Are the Steps of Six Sigma?

Six Sigma relies on a structured approach to process improvement involving two sets of five key phases that practitioners refer to by their initialisms, DMAIC and DMADV. Which set you use depends on what type of process you’re trying to impact.

DMAIC

Geared toward existing processes, DMAIC stands for “define,” “measure,” “analyze,” “improve,” and “control.” Each phase is designed to produce data that is actionable in the next step.

Define
Identify the problem and process to be improved. Then, create project goals, a project charter, a process map, and the metrics by which you’ll measure success.

Measure
Gather data and measure key performance indicators related to the process.

Analyze
Examine the data to identify the root causes of the problem. Use process data for hypothesis testing, visualization, and validation.

Improve
Generate a solution and create new process maps for improvements. Implement a pilot program, continue measurements, and adjust as needed.

Control
Monitor the improved process to ensure that continuous improvement is sustained over time. Document and standardize changes and then launch a plan of training and communication on new processes for stakeholders across the organization.

DMADV

DMADV shares its first three steps with DMAIC, but they are applied slightly differently. The last two steps, “design” and “verify,” are specifically tailored to creating new processes.

Define
Identify the customer’s needs, goals, and success metrics of the new product.

Measure
Establish parameters for the product and process that are measurable, allowing data to be collected and compared with the specified requirements.

Analyze
Study the proposed specifications, making changes if necessary, to proactively limit future issues and errors.

Design
Using information gathered during analysis, design the complete process and create prototypes.

Verify
Ensure that the final product meets the customer’s requirements and that the process design is viable, sustainable, and error-free under real-world conditions.

DMAIC vs. DMADV

steps for continuous improvement

 

DMAIC is used to improve a process that already exists but is producing an unacceptable number of errors. For example, say you oversee a factory that produces cars, but customers complain that the side mirrors keep falling off. DMAIC can help pinpoint where in the production line the mirrors become faulty, why the fault is occurring, and then what changes need to be made in the process to correct it.

DMADV is used to create completely new processes that meet the customer’s needs and specifications. Now, imagine that your car factory got the order to pivot production and manufacture toasters instead. The steps of DMADV address the process of designing, testing, and implementing the new systems needed to make the switch.

Where Can You Learn About Six Sigma?

If you’re interested in learning more about Six Sigma, there are an abundance of training and certification programs offered online and in person. Certification levels are named after colored belts, much like martial arts, and go from a white belt, where you learn the fundamentals, to a master black belt that designates you have the experience needed to implement Six Sigma projects at an enterprise level and coach others in the method across teams.

By incorporating these principles and methodologies into their management style, leaders can become more effective, efficient, and confident in their decision-making and overall leadership. But Six Sigma is only a tool, and it’s at its most impactful when wielded by those with the comprehensive business education to know how and where to use it. Excelsior offers a bachelor’s degree in business as well as an online MBA program and a hybrid Executive MBA program designed to give you a foundation of analytical skills and leadership ability that complements Sig Sigma training and earns you a seat at the table when important decisions are being made.

 

Cognitive Skills Remain Important in Age of AI

Posted on by David Schejbal

In an interview with Presidents Forum, Excelsior University president David Schejbal discussed the importance of higher education in developing the critical thinking and cognitive abilities of students as they prepare to join the workforce or advance in their careers. President Schejbal speaks on the “soft skills” that higher education imparts and how they will remain essential even as AI and technical abilities gain prominence.

Watch the interview here.

How to Grow Your Network

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Networking is a powerful way to start and build a rewarding career. The saying about who you know versus what you know holds true: Your personal and professional relations can open doors to opportunities, lead to strategic partnerships, provide careerlong mentorship, be a source of industry insights, and more. Creating and maintaining a professional network can power your advancement in ways that skills and knowledge alone cannot. And meaningful connections enrich your work life on a personal level, too.

10 Tips for Honing Your Networking Skills

Business networking is a skill that gets easier with practice. With these tips, you can build an effective professional network, whether you’re still in school, just entering the job market, or several years into your career.

Set Your Goals

Define what you want to achieve through networking and business relations, such as advancing your career, getting help and advice, learning about an industry, or getting job leads. Consider creating SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to increase your likelihood of success.

Be Confident

If you’re naturally shy, business networking can seem daunting. Keep in mind that many people at business networking events are in the same shoes. Have a few introductory lines in mind and then boldly walk up and introduce yourself. Most people are delighted to be approached.

Prepare

Take a moment to learn about the speakers at conferences or networking events. See whether there’s an attendee list and identify people you most want to meet and check their LinkedIn profiles. Make a list of a few questions to ask at the event.

Attend the Right Events

Look for events that attract people from your industry and that align with your business networking goals. Conferences are great for learning about industry trends, and job fairs work best for finding your next position. If you’re selling something, trade shows open doors. Although online networking isn’t as easy and natural, virtual events are still worthwhile, and joining LinkedIn groups, particularly if you participate actively in them, can be useful.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Your goal is to provide people with information that gives them an idea of who you are and why you’re worth knowing. And you often won’t have a lot of time to get your point across—maybe only the length of an elevator ride—so it’s helpful to have your elevator pitch ready to go whenever the opportunity presents itself. Have some ready answers for follow-up questions, too.

Make Your Business Card

Although younger people at business networking events are happy exchanging e-cards from phone to phone, old-fashioned paper business cards can still be of value. They are a physical reminder for people you meet and make it easy for them to connect with you. When you get business cards from others—physical or digital—be sure to follow up with a short email. That way, you’ll be in their address list going forward and can further business relations.

Join Relevant Organizations

Adding memberships to your professional life gives your LinkedIn profile and resume more weight, especially if you volunteer to help in some way or can provide bylined content. Most organizations host events, have active websites, and interact on LinkedIn, giving you more places to connect and potentially showcase yourself.

Be Curious and Ask Questions

Having ready questions supports the back-and-forth that makes conversations interesting. Include questions about the speakers, the event, the hosting organization, and what is going on in the industry. Asking questions of others shows that you’re interested. What’s more, if you’re shy, they focus attention on others.

Leverage Social Media

Online networking through group Zoom meetings, webinars, and question-answer sessions are ways to get your name out there. Beyond these options are social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Actively sharing your perspective, and particularly adding to the conversations of others, will get you noticed in a good way.

Help Others

If you network purely for selfish reasons, your connections will be superficial and short-lived. Contribute, do favors, answer questions, share resources, and make helpful connections for people without any kind of quid pro quo. Being generous is intrinsically rewarding and establishes you as a person of character that people will want to know.

Transform your business career in a year with an Executive MBA from Excelsior University.

Advanced Techniques to Build Business Relationships

As you gain confidence and experience, you can add advanced techniques to furthering your business relations.

The 3 C’s

Three words beginning with “c” are the heart and soul of networking. It starts with connecting with people and forming genuine bonds with them. Communication is the key to that. Sharing generously and active listening are important. Lastly, collaboration can truly cement business relationships. When you work together with someone, you tend to get to know them on a deeper level.

Be Generous

Begin with giving, not asking for something. And never accept a favor without clear gratitude and an offer of reciprocation.

Don’t Forget the Human Touch

Show your true self. Telling compelling stories, listening, and being humble and vulnerable help people get to know and value you. Take genuine joy in helping others and opening other connections for them.

Leveraging Your Education to Build Your Personal Network

Don’t forget your alma mater when building business relationships: Higher education institutions typically provide an array of networking resources, from alumni networks to events and webinars. Indeed, one reason for continuing your education at the graduate level is to build your professional network.

For instance, networking is a key part of Excelsior’s Executive MBA program, offering three in-person residencies in three different U.S. cities, where you’ll collaborate and network with peers and industry experts. The invaluable experience of these hands-on residencies, as part of a hybrid curriculum that makes the program doable for working professionals, is a big part of what makes Excelsior’s EMBA program different from other MBA programs. And as a graduate, you’ll enjoy access to a community of nearly 200,000 Excelsior alumni worldwide.

To expand your network, gain invaluable experience, and earn a highly sought-after Master of Business Administration, consider enrolling in Excelsior’s 12-month EMBA program. You can transform your career in a year.

The Cybersecurity Tools You Need to Secure Your Data

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, protecting sensitive and private information has become a top priority. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like phishing, ransomware, malware, and data breaches to exploit vulnerabilities, which makes strong cybersecurity measures essential. Governments, businesses, and even individuals should all be aware of basic cybersecurity tools that are critical to securing important data.

Types of Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity tools play a crucial role in protecting data. By using cybersecurity best practices, individuals and organizations can keep their data safe from cyberattacks and other security risks. Let’s take a look at some of the many types of cybersecurity tools.

Encryption Tools

An encryption tool protects data by converting it into an unreadable format that can only be accessed with the proper decryption key or password. Some common encryption software includes BitLocker, VeraCrypt, and SSL/TLS protocols.

Packet Sniffers

Packet sniffing involves detecting, capturing, and analyzing data packets transmitted through the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), which connects devices to wired or wireless networks. These packets contain data including login credentials, passwords, IP addresses, and more.

Network Security Monitoring Tools

Network security monitoring (NSM) is the continuous process of responding to security threats within a network in real time. NSM helps security professionals detect security infractions and other potential threats by analyzing data and other system behaviors.

Help battle cybercriminals with a BS in Cybersecurity from Excelsior University.

Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Web vulnerability scanning tools are automatic security applications that identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in websites, web applications, and servers. Common web vulnerability scanners include OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Acunetix.

Penetration Testing

Penetration testers conduct “pen tests,” which involve simulating cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities in an organization’s technology infrastructure and providing recommendations for improving security. This practice is known as ethical hacking.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software finds, blocks, and extracts malicious software (malware) like ransomware, Trojans, and worm from technical devices. Some popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender.

Firewalls

A firewall can be either hardware or software and uses predetermined security rules to monitor and regulate network traffic, whether incoming or outgoing. These security devices shield internal networks from unknown and potentially untrustworthy networks like the internet.

Network Intrusion Detection Tools

Network intrusion detection tools (NIDTs), or network intrusion detection systems (NIDS), are security applications that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and identify potential attacks and unauthorized access. They can be signature-based, anomaly-based, or hybrid. Popular NIDTs include Snort, Suricata, and Zeek.

Managed Detection Tools

Managed detection tools provide continuous monitoring and management of an organization’s network and systems to identify, detect, and respond to security threats. These tools are often used combined with human expertise as part of a managed detection and response (MDR) service. Cybersecurity professionals use these tools, as well as techniques like behavioral analysis and threat intelligence, to oversee real-time security events. Popular managed detection tools include SentinelOne, Field Effect, and Alert Logic.

Types of Cybersecurity Tools

Where to Learn About Cybersecurity Tools

Cyberthreats are becoming increasingly complex, fueling the demand for skilled professionals. This perpetual need for problem-solving and innovation makes cybersecurity a dynamic and rewarding field. A bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity offers a broad range of career opportunities, and a master’s degree program in cybersecurity and certifications can lead to advancement, including higher salaries. You can specialize in ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, and many other areas.

If you want to learn about implementing popular cybersecurity tools, Excelsior University can help get you started on a path toward a fulfilling career. Our cybersecurity programs prepare you with the knowledge and experience you need to tackle the complex challenges of cyber defense.

Excelsior University Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Health Care Workforce in Upstate New York 

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. — Excelsior University announced today that it has entered a partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to address health care workforce shortages in the hardest-hit areas of New York state, reduce barriers to career advancement, and support individuals in underrepresented communities who seek to become compassionate professionals in the health care industry.  

Through this partnership, eligible New York state residents and residents of certain bordering states receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 health care fields. The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports both new health care workers and current professionals seeking career advancement. 

“Excelsior University is proud to partner with the Caring Gene to provide meaningful education opportunities for students and address the ongoing need for health care workers in New York state,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Together, we aim to build a stronger health care workforce, support career advancement, and improve community health outcomes.” 

To qualify for the program, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a health care, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York state that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by 2031. 

“Excelsior University shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York state health care workers,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. “This program is an important step toward strengthening our health care workforce and expanding access to quality care in the communities that need it most. We look forward to working with Excelsior to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program.” 

The Caring Gene’s CPT program offers two distinct tracks: one for individuals aspiring to enter the health care industry, and another for current professionals looking to advance their careers.  

The Caring Gene’s case specialists will guide participants throughout their educational journeys, ensuring they receive services and support to enter the health care workforce, and provide career advancement opportunities for current health care employees. In partnership with the Caring Gene, Excelsior University will actively recruit eligible students to apply and complete their training in health care career pathways including nursing, professional and technical roles, and front-line public health workers.  

Recruitment strategies will focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure the health care workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.  

Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the CPT program can learn more about eligibility by visiting the Caring Gene’s website: caringgene.org.  

For more information on Excelsior University, visit excelsior.edu.  

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

Media Contact, Caring Gene: Grazia Yaeger, GYaeger@caringgene.org, 518-383-5060 Ext. 7444 

About the Caring Gene: 
The Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways Training Inc. is a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association. It is dedicated to helping people start and grow their health, behavioral health, and social care careers in New York, providing comprehensive support to individuals who have a natural calling to care for others. Learn more at caringgene.org.  

About Iroquois Healthcare Association:
Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is a regional health care trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-savings initiatives and innovative business solutions.  

About Excelsior University:
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, 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.  

 

5 Nursing Myths—Debunked

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Nursing. The word is synonymous with care and compassion. From the moment we’re born, nurses are our first point of contact with medical care, and the World Health Organization estimates that there are about 29 million of them worldwide. But despite their importance in literally keeping us alive, not to mention their indispensable role in the medical system, it’s been hard for these health care professionals to shake the nursing stereotype of a kindly woman dispensing Band-Aids and lollipops.

The truth is that nursing is an incredibly diverse profession, and being a nurse requires a high level of skill and training. Let’s debunk five of the most common nursing myths your nurse wishes would disappear for good.

Called to care? Grow your nursing career at Excelsior University.

5 Myths About Being a Nurse

Nursing Myth 1: All Nurses Do the Same Work

There are as many nursing specialties as there are branches of medicine, and nurses often have very specific skill sets depending on where they work. One of the main appeals of being a nurse is its flexibility and variety. From aesthetics to podiatry, there are endless choices when it comes to what kind of work you want to do beyond the nursing stereotypes.

Nursing Myth 2: Nurses Are Doctors’ Assistants

Don’t let a nurse catch you repeating this myth! Nursing is a complex and specialized field in its own right. Although nurses collaborate closely with all health care providers, including doctors, they make their own decisions and recommendations for the patients they care for. Many nurses can even provide the same level of treatment to patients without the need to even see a doctor.

Nursing Myth 3: Nurses Only Work in Hospitals

Anywhere health care happens, you can find nurses working. This, of course, includes all the places you would expect, like hospitals and medical offices, but also places you probably wouldn’t. Nurses also work in noncritical care settings, such as schools, insurance companies, rehabilitation centers, and pharma, among others.

Nursing Myth 4: Nurses Only Work with Patients

Caring for the health of individuals and communities is at the core of everything nurses do, but being a nurse doesn’t mean you have to only work one-on-one with patients. Informatics, health care policy, research, education, hospital administration, and consulting are all areas where nurses can make a difference without being bedside.

Nursing Myth 5: Nurses Don’t Make Good Money

No one becomes a nurse to get rich. Nursing is a calling as much as it is a profession. However, it’s a highly regulated profession that requires rigorous training and education, and as such, it’s compensated accordingly.

Nursing salaries vary depending on your level of education, specialty, and the geographical area in which you work, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual pay for registered nurses was $86,070 in 2023. Plus, with an average of 194,500 nursing jobs projected to open each year, nursing is a career with a lot of room to grow, especially if you continue your education. One of the benefits of a bachelor’s degree in nursing is that you could earn even more over the span of your career.

The Truth About Your Nursing Career

Nurses work hard every day proving these five myths wrong, and despite some pesky nursing stereotypes, an annual Gallup poll measuring the honesty and ethics of various professions has listed nursing as the profession trusted most by Americans since 2002.

Is nursing right for you? The truth is that being a nurse is a rewarding professional path for a person with a calling to care, and Excelsior University has nursing degree programs at every level so you can build the career you want.

 

What Is Mental Health Nursing?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mental health nursing is a critical occupation in an enormously important field. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives—how we think, feel, and behave in everyday situations. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Taking care of our mental health is essential to being productive, building good relationships, handling stress well, and enjoying life.

The nurses who help care for patients with mental health issues are called psychiatric-mental health nurses. Let’s explore how they help individuals deal with mental health conditions so they can lead more fulfilling lives.

What Is the Role of Nurses in Mental Health?

In nursing, patients are the focus. Nurses care for individuals, families, and communities by offering medical assistance, emotional support, health education, and medical aid. It’s no different in mental health nursing. Mental health nurses focus on the social and behavioral influences on a person that affect their mental health and neurological disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients affected by mental health conditions; indeed, broadly defined, they constitute the second-largest group of behavioral health professionals in the United States.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Registered Nurses

Psychiatric-mental health (PMH) registered nurses (RN) help individuals, families, and communities with mental health disorders, emotional problems, and behavioral issues. PMH RNs assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders, as well as promote mental health advocacy and education programs. You can find these nurses in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community organizations, psychiatric facilities, and more. PMH registered nurses play a key role in helping patients and families understand conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in mental health, also known as a psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurse (PMH-APRN), is a registered nurse sharing many of the same responsibilities as PMH RNs, but with an advanced education, like a master’s or doctorate, and extensive training. A PMH-APRN may be either a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PHM-NP) or a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist (PMH-CNS). These advanced practice nurses work with or independently from other mental health providers to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, as well as develop treatment plans, provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, conduct crisis intervention, and help patients in rehabilitation efforts.

Help improve patients’ mental health with a nursing degree from Excelsior University.

What Are the Skills of a Psychiatric Nurse?

Mental health nurses require a combination of hard and soft skills to care for their patients. They should possess technical abilities like conducting assessments and administering tests. Critical thinking is crucial for mental health nurses because every patient has unique psychological needs that require a personalized approach. A successful mental health nurse must employ active listening, building and deepening trust by thoughtfully and attentively receiving patients’ stories, history, and thought processes. Collaboration is also essential because patients should be treated as active participants in their recovery process. Clear communication helps ensure patients understand their treatment plans, and empathy and compassion allow nurses to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel supported.

How Can You Get Started in Mental Health Nursing?

The first step in becoming a mental health nurse is earning either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the next step so you become a licensed registered nurse, which allows you to work in various health care facilities, including mental health settings. Gaining experience in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and other places is essential to developing your skills and gaining employment as a PMH RN.

You should consider obtaining optional certifications such as the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. You might also consider pursuing higher education to advance your career as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

With the proper education, licensure, and clinical experience, you can start a mental health nursing career, helping patients who need sensitive, compassionate care. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can make a lasting difference in others’ lives and society at large.

Excelsior University and Hudson Valley Community College Announce Expanded Partnership

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Excelsior University President David Schejbal (left) and Hudson Valley Community College Officer in Charge Louis Coplin (right) celebrate the institutions’ expanded partnership agreement.

TROY, N.Y.  — Excelsior University and Hudson Valley Community College today announced an expanded partnership agreement that creates new educational pathways for Hudson Valley graduates to earn an Excelsior University degree.

The Capital Region-based higher education institutions have partnered since 1989 to offer seamless learning solutions for students pursuing both in-person and online degree studies. The updated and enhanced partnership agreement extends new concurrent enrollment opportunities to Hudson Valley associate degree graduates, allowing the ability to complete additional courses with Hudson Valley while enrolled in an Excelsior online bachelor’s degree program.

“This new agreement provides even more opportunities for our graduates to earn bachelor’s degrees in a format that works for them, regardless of their personal commitments and busy schedules,” said Hudson Valley Community College Officer in Charge Louis Coplin. “This expanded partnership is an excellent opportunity for graduates to continue their studies in an array of in-demand fields through the highly respected online programs of Excelsior University.”

The partnership gives Hudson Valley graduates new options for fully online undergraduate programs at Excelsior. The new concurrent enrollment program allows students to take classes at both institutions simultaneously, utilizing the extensive resources and program portfolios of both schools while saving time and money.

“While Excelsior University serves a global population through its online programs, the Capital Region is our home. We are proud to partner with our neighbors at Hudson Valley Community College to provide new educational pathways to students,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “The evolution of this long-standing partnership is an excellent example of higher education institutions working together to meet the needs of learners.”

Excelsior University’s online undergraduate programs are designed to meet working adult students where they are, academically and geographically. Excelsior provides online bachelor’s degrees in six fields of study, including programs in Business, Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology that directly align with Hudson Valley associate degree studies. Excelsior’s rolling admissions calendar, based on continuous eight-week terms instead of traditional semesters, offers additional flexibility for students to register for classes on a schedule that works for them.

Hudson Valley students will have access to two new degree completion pathways at Excelsior under the expanded partnership agreement:

  • The 3+1 Bachelor’s Completion program allows students who have completed an associate degree through Hudson Valley to complete additional credits with the partner community college concurrently with Excelsior courses.
  • Through the Concurrent Enrollment Nursing program, students who are enrolled in an associate degree in nursing at Hudson Valley can complete credits toward Excelsior’s N. to B.S. in Nursing program pre-licensure.

For more information on the partnership, visit https://www.excelsior.edu/partner/hudson-valley/.

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

Media Contact Hudson Valley Community College:
Dennis Kennedy, executive director, communications and marketing
d.kennedy1@hvcc.edu
518-629-8071

About Excelsior University
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, 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.

About Hudson Valley Community College
Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College is the largest community college in upstate New York and offers degree and certificate programs in three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; and also administers the Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training at no cost to those who qualify. One of 30 community colleges in the SUNY system, Hudson Valley enrolls more than 19,000 students in credit and non-credit courses and is a recognized leader in distance learning and workforce development. The college has more than 90,000 alumni.

Medical Breakthroughs in Health Care

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

From Edward Jenner’s first smallpox vaccination in the 1700s to Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895, medical breakthroughs have dramatically improved the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and helped improve patient health for centuries. Recent innovations in robotics and machine learning are helping to aid in complex surgeries, and augmented reality continues to help in fields like mental health. As the field of medicine rapidly evolves, medical advances will continue to shape the future of health care.

What Are Some Recent Medical Breakthroughs?

In the past few years, science gave us many breakthroughs in medicine. Doctors discovered how to transplant organs from pigs to humans, gave a first-of-its-kind partial heart transplant to a baby born with faulty valves, moved closer to developing a shot that protects against both COVID-19 and the flu, and built evidence that a blood test could detect Alzheimer’s disease with almost 90% accuracy, to name just a few. Let’s explore some of the other medical advances making headlines.

Bionic Limbs

Prosthetic devices have come a long way since their first known use in ancient Egypt. Sensory feedback now allows users to “feel” textures, pressure, and temperature through their prosthesis. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) help to create more thought-controlled movements. Osseointegration is a surgical technique that connects prosthetic implants to bone. Furthermore, AI helps to adapt to prosthesis by analyzing muscle signals. MIT’s bionic leg is a recent innovation using the surgical technique of rerouting nerves to new muscles. Advancements in this medical specialty have significantly enhanced the comfort, functionality, and integration with the human body.

CAR-T Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy helps a patient’s own T cells recognize and destroy cancer cells. CAR-T cell therapy can be used beyond blood cancers, in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis. Although there are several risks to using this type of therapy, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and clinical trials continue every day, gene editing, using allogeneic CAR-T cells, and other advancements are improving the accessibility and costs while medical researchers work to make treatments safer.

Shape the future of health care with a BS in Health Sciences from Excelsior.

Gene Therapy

One of the most significant breakthroughs in gene therapy is the creation of Casgevy and Lyfgenia, the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Gene therapies help restore missing or inactive proteins in the body and help slow muscle decline. The gene-editing techniques CRISPR-Cas9, base editing, and prime editing are enhancing gene modification accuracy. This new therapy is also helping to treat cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and some infectious diseases.

Rapid Analysis of Chemical Reactions

Advancements in the rapid analysis of chemical reactions have helped enhance the speed and efficiency of reaction monitoring, particularly in drug discovery, materials science, and chemical process development. Techniques like HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and mass spectrometry allow for the rapid analysis of large sample sets. Continuous flow chemistry allows for fast, real-time monitoring of conditions. These advancements are streamlining drug candidate screening, improving the synthesis of materials, and optimizing chemical processes.

How You Can Get Involved in the Future of Health Care

Getting involved in medical breakthroughs in the health care industry can vary, depending on your interests and education. Earning a degree in health care, like a bachelor’s in health sciences or a related field, is a good first step. With a background in science or health care, you can help contribute to research and innovation by working as a scientist, medical professional, or engineer. You could work at research institutions, universities, or manufacturing companies to help develop new medical treatments and drugs.

But suppose you aren’t interested in working directly in health care. In that case, you can help contribute to medical advances through education, fundraising, and spreading awareness about emerging innovations and health issues. Whatever your choice, you could help play an essential role in the future of health care.

IT and the Internet of Things

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Technology makes our world more efficient, safe, automated, and connected. Information technology (IT) includes using computer systems, networks, software, and hardware to store, process, and transmit data. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of connected devices that communicate and exchange data via the internet. IoT uses information technology to operate. Let’s explore this advanced technology to see its role in today’s society and our future.

What Is the Internet of Things?

The IoT is a network of interconnected devices with sensors and software that communicate with one another via the internet. These devices can include objects from thermostats to industrial machines. Here are a few of the many examples of IoT devices:

IoT devices powered by artificial intelligence are revolutionizing industries like health care, retail, and manufacturing. By using data and machine learning, they improve automation and efficiency. As these technologies evolve, they will drive more innovative, sustainable, and connected solutions.

Earn a degree in IT from Excelsior University to help shape the future of technology.

What Makes the Internet of Things Possible?

A combination of various technologies makes it possible for IoT devices to share information and automate processes.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing involves using servers on a large network rather than a local server to store, manage, and process data. Smart thermostats, fitness trackers, remote patient monitors, and asset tracking tags all use cloud computing through platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Core, or IBM Watson.

Big Data Analytics

Big data analytics uses advanced tools and techniques to analyze large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and correlations. Crop monitoring systems, fleet management systems, connected vehicles, and smart hospital devices use big data analytics.

Connectivity

Connectivity refers to the ability of IoT devices to communicate with centralized systems (like cloud platforms or servers) and each other over a large network. Smart home appliances like smart lights and thermostats, security cameras, smart meters for utilities, and medical devices like remote patient monitoring systems all rely on connected technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and cellular networks.

Security

In the Internet of Things, security refers to the practices implemented to protect IoT devices, networks, and the data they generate from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and other vulnerabilities. Technologies like device authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection help keep information safe, such as the personal health data collected by wearable health-monitoring devices.

What Is the Role of IT in the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things uses information technology by connecting everyday objects to the digital world, which allows them to communicate and interact with each other. This connectivity means real-time data analysis and automation can occur across various industries. The IoT can transform data use by appropriately using information technology to create more intelligent and interconnected environments.

What Is the Future of the IoT?

The Internet of Things is headed toward massive growth, thanks to advancements like 5G connectivity, edge computing, AI integration, and a focus on security. IoT devices are becoming more intelligent, interconnected, and automated, helping to improve smart homes, manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and infrastructure management.

If you’re interested in shaping the future of technology in this rapidly growing field, consider pursuing your degree in information technology. A career in IT means secure job opportunities, competitive pay, and many possibilities to make a difference in business and society.

Jeffrey Reich, Bachelor of Science in Sociology, 1987

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

Jeffrey Reich of Wildwood, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 1987. Jeff earned his sociology degree during his Navy enlistment. He later earned an MBA and consulted executives on business travel strategy. He has just retired from the National Geo-Spatial Agency’s Office of Aeronautical Safety of Navigation, where he notably served as a strategy consultant.