Career Spotlight: Public Health Analyst

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

Public Health Analyst Job Description

A public health analyst desires to improve the health and well-being of the community in which they serve. They often work tirelessly behind the scenes to reform and improve different public health areas. If you’ve ever watched the news report on infectious disease, learned about climate change, or listened to doctors, nurses, or public health professionals speak, then you likely were hearing information that a public health analyst prepared.

From the spread of COVID-19 to the impact of polluted water on certain populations, the public health industry faces many challenges on a daily basis. Public health analysts play a key role in facing these challenges. The main goal of a public health analyst is to address and resolve the challenges that their organization works on.

Public Health Analyst Roles and Responsibilities

A public health analyst is a vital member of society because they help to improve critical health programs. While the challenge or health program a public health analyst focuses on varies depending on the organization they work for, the job responsibilities tend to be similar.

Public health analysts:

  • Collect and analyze data, such as health records, research documentation, etc.
  • Report findings from policy analysis and research.
  • Review and evaluate public health legislation and regulations.
  • Create a plan to improve public health organizations and then report goals, benchmarks, and statistics.
  • Write policies for key public health issues.

    • Public health analysts work with government agencies, health care organizations, and elected officials to improve health policies and programs. Public health initiatives usually depend on what is going on in the world. They can include vaccination programs, policies to encourage community health education, or health programs for a niche group of people. Public health analysts have been essential in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Most commonly, you can find public health analysts working in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and research centers, as well as for the state and federal government.

    Public Health Analyst Education and Salary Levels

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public health professionals is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028, which will add around 1.9 million new jobs to the field. In the United States, the average salary for a public health analyst is $67,692 per year. Those in entry-level positions with less than one year of experience can expect to earn about $10,000 to $15,000 less than the average salary. However, experienced public health analysts can expect to earn double the average salary.

    Your education and experience will allow you to grow within the public health field, which in turn, will increase your chances of earning a higher salary. A bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for a career as a public health analyst. Depending on the career and job you are looking for, some employers may require a graduate degree. Employers also look for candidates with relevant work experience that can translate into their new position.

    These are some of the top skills employers look for in a great candidate:

  • Analytical skills: Public health analysts need to be proficient in collecting and analyzing data.
  • Communication skills: Analysts work with other people, each with a different level of knowledge on the topic they are collaborating on. It is important to be able to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to coworkers, officials, and the general public.
  • Leadership skills: Analysts manage health program projects, so they must be able to lead and manage the project to success.
  • Expert in their field. Depending on the field in which an analyst works, they must understand the public health policies and programs that are relevant to them.

    • How to Become a Public Health Analyst

    If you are interested in becoming a public health analyst, the online Certificate in Public Health Equity at Excelsior University will prepare you for a successful career. This is a 15-credit certificate program that can take less than one year to complete. This degree will give you the skills you need to make data-driven decisions, provide public health education, and improve the overall health of the general public. Get started today!

    Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Caring for the sick and injured and taking care of infants and children sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it? Well, if you enjoy nursing and working with children, a career as a pediatric nurse might be perfect for you.
    Pediatric nurses are registered nurses or advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in working with children from infancy through adolescence. They provide direct patient care, specialized support for patients, administer immunizations, treat illnesses, and also serve as a source of support for parents. Because they work with infants, tweens, and teens, they constantly need to adjust health care plans to meet each child’s needs.
    Pediatric nurses have a range of duties. Keep reading to learn about many of them.

    What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?

    Although the specific duties of pediatric nurses vary, one thing is the same: working with children. Depending on the work setting, some responsibilities of a pediatric nurse may include:

  • Administering vaccines
  • Assessing patients’ conditions
  • Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • Taking blood and urine samples
  • Providing therapeutic and rehabilitative care
  • Providing emotional support, such as when a child is undergoing a serious medical procedure
  • Teaching patients and families how to manage illnesses

    • In addition, it’s important for pediatric nurses to understand how to interact with children. It is necessary for them to help children feel safe because hospital settings can sometimes feel confusing and scary. In addition, sometimes children often have a hard time communicating what is wrong with them, so pediatric nurses must learn how to talk to children, ask the right questions, and ease their fears. Many pediatric nurses earn the trust of young children by telling stories, playing games, telling jokes, and even holding hands.

    Care for your community and your career with Excelsior University’s BS in Nursing

    Where Does a Pediatric Nurse Work?

    A benefit of becoming a pediatric nurse is that there are a variety of employment settings to choose from. According to the Institute of Pediatric Nursing, these are some workplaces where you can find pediatric nurses:

  • 30.3 percent work in children’s hospitals
  • 28.3 percent work in children’s hospitals associated with a major medical center
  • 11.7 percent work in outpatient centers
  • 9.9 percent work in community hospitals
  • 5.1 percent work in an outpatient primary care
  • 4.8 percent work in a major medical center
  • 2.4 percent work in a school setting

    • Other settings include home care, urgent care, and rehabilitation centers.

    Types of Pediatric Nurses and Pediatric Nurse Specialties

    You may think that pediatric nursing only means one thing. In reality, there are many opportunities for specialized work. Here are some specialties in pediatric nursing:

  • Pediatric Registered Nurse—These nurses collaborate closely with physicians and other nurses to provide specialized health care to children. They treat common illnesses and injuries, and also work with other health care providers to provide patient education.
  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse—These nurses are part of a pediatric cancer team. They provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients with cancer, and will often perform cancer research.
  • Neonatal Nurse—These nurses provide specialized care to newborn children in the neonatal intensive care unit. They care for newly born children, including those born prematurely or who have special needs.
  • PICU Nurse—These nurses care for critically ill pediatric patients. They collaborate with surgeons, physicians, and other health care professionals to provide treatment and care for children with severe injuries.
  • Palliative Pediatric Nurse—These nurses work with a team to provide care for children who are dying or have a life expectancy under one year due to a serious illness or injury.
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse—These nurses work in obstetric units, emergency rooms, and medical centers, and are responsible for assisting with the safe delivery of newborn children.

    • Steps to Becoming a Pediatric Nurse

    If becoming a pediatric nurse seems like something you’d like to pursue, there are a few steps you need to take before you become one. First, you must become a registered nurse, which you can do after earning your associate degree through Excelsior University; gain experience as a registered nurse; obtain further experience by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and pass the National Certification Examination for Certified Pediatric Nurse. There are three credentialing centers from which you can earn your certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Nurses Credentialing Center, or National Certification Corporation.
    There are certain skills that are necessary if you want to become a pediatric nurse. In addition to gaining the medical knowledge, a pediatric nurse must be kind, sensitive, have a sense of humor, and be able to engage with children on their level.
    According to Salary.com, the average pediatric nurse salary in the United States is $75,000.
    If becoming a pediatric nurse sounds right for you, consider pursuing an education in nursing today.

    Excelsior University Offers an Affordable College Degree Thanks to Transfer Credits

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    About 60 percent of four-year college graduates have transferred from one school to another at some point during their academic journey. The question isn’t if most students will transfer; the question is how colleges will treat them when they do.

    Excelsior University has long prided itself as an affordable online college that offers transferring students opportunities to apply previous educational credits and military experience toward earning a four-year degree. It’s part of the Excelsior’s commitment to grow and evolve to meet opportunities for delivering education and the changing needs of adult learners.

    That commitment is seen in Excelsior’s $510 cost per credit—less than the national average — for all online bachelor’s courses. It is also reflected in generous credit transfer policies that reward students for past achievements. The following looks at some of the ways Excelsior offers affordable college degrees by accepting transfer credit.

    Excelsior College’s 3+1 Program

    One of the most popular credit transfer programs offered by Excelsior gives community college graduates the opportunity to continue studying at their community college while working on their bachelor’s degree. Called the 3+1 Program, it allows community college students a unique pathway toward earning an affordable online degree. This program involves four steps:

    • Earn an associate’s degree at an accredited community college (usually 60 hours)
    • Contact an Excelsior University admissions counselor to determine credit requirements for the bachelor’s degree the student wants to earn
    • Begin work on a bachelor’s degree by taking additional courses – as many as 30 credits – at a community college, at the community college’s tuition rates
    • Earn a minimum of 30 upper-level credits from Excelsior College through online courses or independent study for credit by exam to
      complete a bachelor’s degree

    Online Degree Programs With Generous Credit Transfer Policies

    Students interested in attending Excelsior University can see the benefits of the school’s transfer credit policy in the individual programs. Here are three examples:

    Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management

    In this degree program, students can transfer up to 113 credits into the program. The median number of accepted credits is 50. Students can also receive credit for some health care licenses and certifications. Transfer credits typically require a minimum grade of C-. Students can have credits earned for the professional business core from as long as 20 years ago.  The degree requires students to earn 120 credits for graduation.

    Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts

    accepts up to 113 transfer credits. The median number of accepted credits is 79. Students can also receive credits for military training. Undergraduate credits require a minimum grade of C-. There is no time limit on when students earned the credits. The degree requires students to earn 120 credits to graduate.

    Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management

    The BPS in Business and Management program accepts up to 113 transfer credits. The median number of accepted credits is 76. Students also can receive credit for military training. All undergraduate transfer credits must have a grade of at least C-. There is no time limit on transfer credits for this program. Students need to earn 120 credit hours to graduate.

    A generous credit transfer policy is one of many ways Excelsior seeks to meet the needs of adult learners. By allowing students to “start with more” when it comes to credits, the college rewards adults for what they have learned and offers them the opportunity to realize their academic goals sooner.

    Excelsior University Commences a New Journey as It Aims to Help Even More Adult Students Benefit from Its Career-Solving, Industry-Validated Model

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, New York — Numerous polls, before and after disruptions caused by the pandemic, show that over half of Americans believe it is essential for them to get training and develop new skills. Yet labor experts say Americans still struggle to obtain these credentials, creating a mismatch between applicants and open jobs.

    Responding to this situation and other forces, Excelsior University today officially adopts the university designation and redoubles its efforts to serve as a lifelong learning home for students. Excelsior leaders say their online approach serves as a national model for offering adult students more credit, helping them finish degrees sooner and keeping their education affordable.

    In fact, nearly 15,000 alumni have earned more than one degree at Excelsior in its over 50-year history. In the early 2000s, Excelsior was among the first institutions to develop and offer courses via fully online instruction.

    Herman, a senior leader in the U.S. Army, has earned two degrees from Excelsior. When he found Excelsior, he says he found an institution to support his lifelong learning and that took care of him as a person. Herman, who had previously attended other colleges but had not completed a degree, transferred credits to Excelsior, received credit for his military training, and took the Excelsior courses he needed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2019. Three months later he was re-enrolled, and in July 2021, he earned a Master of Public Administration. “As I went to Excelsior, I felt like I was bringing out a better version of myself every time I achieved that success.”

    David Schejbal, PhD, president of Excelsior, says, “We are education problem-solvers. Recently rated a top institution in return on investment for students, Excelsior University provides students with career-focused learning solutions. We help students meet their goals quickly, affordably, and efficiently, with strong support from faculty and staff who are the best in the business. Whether students are thinking short term or long term, Excelsior is the first choice and forever home for transformative education.”

    In 2021, 55% of Excelsior graduates reported career advancement and 70% reported pay increases. Excelsior ranks in America’s Top 10 Online Colleges 2022, reported by Newsweek, out of 150 colleges and universities offering online degree programs.

    Industry-Validated Learning
    Leading organizations in every sector partner with Excelsior University to accelerate talent growth, meet new and strategic needs, and build their management team. These partners include General Electric, American Nurses Association and others. Students have the knowledge, skills and experience employers are looking for, and the credentials employers trust.

    Excelsior offers more than 37 degree programs across six areas of study: business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service and technology. Dedicated academic advisors and faculty members foster and promote academic success as students work toward career advancement and achievement of life goals.

    With the change to university, Excelsior University is also unveiling a new logo and branding today. The logo incorporates an upward-facing arrow that symbolizes the trajectory it provides to students and a building symbolizing Excelsior as their educational home.

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

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
    Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online university focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The university 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.

    What is Nuclear Engineering?

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

    Nuclear engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on researching and developing the processes, equipment, and systems to harness energy from nuclear reactions. Nuclear engineers work in various careers, from using radioactive material for medical equipment to developing nuclear reactors for ships, submarines, and weapons.

    Nuclear power is a critical component in the future of energy for the United States and the world. Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology typically secure jobs with companies and utilities using nuclear energy to generate electricity.

    For example, Excelsior’s bachelor’s degree program in nuclear engineering technology provides a pipeline to nuclear engineering jobs at the power generation company Exelon.

    What is the History of Nuclear Engineering?

    Nuclear engineering began in 1939 when German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann split a uranium atom. According to Live Science, Lise Meitner, an Austrian-born physicist who worked with the chemists, later documented the process of nuclear fission, or the release of energy from the splitting of atoms.

    Nuclear power came into prominence in the U.S. in the 1940s. Warned by leading scientists, including Albert Einstein, that Germany had plans to develop a powerful weapon, the U.S. launched the Manhattan Project. The project culminated with the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, ending World War II.

    During the Manhattan Project, a team led by Italian physicist Enrico Fermi built the first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago, named Chicago Pile No. 1, which demonstrated the viability of harnessing energy from a controlled nuclear chain reaction. Another reactor built in Hanford, Washington, produced plutonium for weapons.

    According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the group of physicists, engineers, and mathematicians who worked on the project “were the ancestors of today’s nuclear engineers.”

    Nuclear Power in the Modern World

    Today, nuclear power accounts for about 13 percent of the world’s electricity, according to numbers reported by Live Science. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as of December 2021, there were 55 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 93 nuclear power reactors in 28 U.S. states. The World Nuclear Association reports there are about 440 nuclear power reactors operating in 32 countries.

    About a third of all nuclear engineers work in electric power generation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that 18 percent of nuclear engineers work for the federal government, the largest employer of nuclear engineers. The second biggest group (15 percent) works in scientific research and development, while the third largest (10 percent) works in manufacturing. According to the BLS, nuclear engineers make an annual median salary of $116,140.

    Job duties for nuclear engineers vary depending on where they work. However, typical tasks include:

    • Designing and developing nuclear equipment
    • Directing the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants
    • Writing the detailed instructions for nuclear plant operations
    • Gathering data from nuclear accidents to determine how to avoid such accidents in the future

    Nuclear engineering technology attracts many U.S. Navy veterans who have experience in nuclear-powered vessels. The online Excelsior College nuclear engineering technology program is a perfect fit for those with Navy experience or who already work in the nuclear industry.

    Program Outcomes and Curriculum

    Graduates from the Excelsior program have expertise in reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, instrumentation, and control related to nuclear engineering technology. Students choose between two technical concentrations: nuclear cybersecurity and nuclear leadership.

    The BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology program includes courses in:

    • Introduction to Computers
    • Health Physics and Radiation Protection
    • Radiation Measurement Lab
    • Atomic and Nuclear Physics
    • Thermodynamics
    • Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
    • Electrical Theory
    • Power Plant Components
    • Fundamentals of Reactor Safety
    • Reactor Cire Fundamentals

    Students graduate ready for success in this field that has blossomed since its origins in the 1930s and 1940s. With the growing importance of nuclear energy to the world’s energy supply, a degree in nuclear engineering technology can open the door to the best jobs in the industry.

    Difference between BS in Business and BPS in Business and Management

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

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

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

    BS in Business vs. BPS in Business and Management

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

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

    BS in Business

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

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

    BPS in Business and Management

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

    What Jobs Can You Get with a Business Degree?

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

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

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

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

    You’ve Graduated College—Now What?

    Posted on by Excelsior Staff

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

    What do you do after college?

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

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

    Also, many of these opportunities are just fun. Who couldn’t use more of that? 

    What To Do After College (Other Than Work)

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

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

    Keep your goals going. Explore Excelsior’s graduate degrees and certificates.

    Take a Gap Year

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

    Pursue Your Passion

    The time after college graduation is perfect for following a passion. An excellent way to accomplish this is with an internship or part-time job. It’s much easier to work in the film industry, book publishing, theater, wildlife conservation, on political campaigns—or wherever your passions take you—without having to land a full-time job. Many people end up settling into careers before exploring what they genuinely love. An internship or volunteering affords you the opportunity to explore a passion and see if it’s a fit for you. Internships and part-time positions also can turn into full-time jobs.

    Go to Graduate School

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

    Teach Abroad

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

    Become An Entrepreneur

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

    Volunteer for Peace Corps

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

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

    New York Towns Opting Out of Cannabis Retail?

    Posted on by Gretchen Schmidt, JD

    The deadline for New York state municipalities to opt-out of legal cannabis retail has officially passed. As of early January, 718 New York municipalities have opted out of cannabis dispensary retail locations. While a significant portion of towns decided to stay on the sidelines, municipalities can opt in at any time. But what is holding towns back from rolling out at the dawn of the state’s new industry? There are multiple reasons, from community fears to complete opposition to the plant.

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

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

    What are the concerns and consequences?

    Cities That Opt-out Lose Out on Revenue

    Some cities have already missed out on millions of dollars of revenue by opting out in their respective state. For example, Colorado Springs could have netted between $70 to nearly $100 million in five years had it chosen to opt in. However, the city has declined retail sales of cannabis since Colorado legalized cannabis in 2012.
    Missing Out on Increased Real Estate Value
    One study suggests opting out could impact real estate value. According to Clever Real Estate, between April 2017 and April 2021, property values grew $17,113 more in states that adopted legal recreational cannabis compared to states without legal recreational cannabis programs. Additionally, they found cities with more dispensaries positively correlated with higher home values. While more research is needed to definitively link cannabis sales with increasing real estate value, this study demonstrates a more direct impact for residents to consider.

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

    What are the fears communities have about opting in?

    Teen Access to Cannabis

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

    Some parents believe opting in could lead to a rise in teen cannabis use. In states with legal cannabis, studies have revealed cannabis use in teens has not increased. Opting in regulates who is able to sell cannabis, meaning those shopping in a legal dispensary will be asked for proof of ID to verify age upon purchase.

    Cannabis-Impaired Driving

    Another common fear is that cannabis-impaired driving will increase the prevalence of car accidents. Cannabis is stored in the body for significantly longer periods of time than other drugs, sometimes with cannabis remaining detectable for the body for weeks after consumption. Cannabis pharmacology is complex, and we still don’t understand how we can adequately measure impairment.

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

    What good could opting in do?

    Opting in Creates an Opportunity to Resolve Racial Disparities

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

    Reduce Exposure to Harmful Substances with Regulatory Testing

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

    How Can Elected Officials Get the Right Information?

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

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

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

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

    Get Community Members Involved

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

    Conclusion

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

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

    Is a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It?

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

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

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

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

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

    What Jobs Can I Get with a Master’s in Cybersecurity?

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

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

    • Benefits of a Master’s in Cybersecurity

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

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

    • Does a master’s degree in cybersecurity sound like something you might like to pursue? Contact Excelsior University today to start your journey.

    Executive Director-Student Financial Services & One Stop

    Posted on by Elias Cox

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

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

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

    Proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel.

    Helping Others Succeed

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Matt Thewes of Hope Mills, North Carolina, is a veteran of the Air Force, a former Excelsior College military education representative who helped many military veterans enroll in college, and founder of the All American Veterans Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College. But despite all this, he doesn’t want to be known as the “veteran guy.” He says he wants to be known for helping people. Thanks to a bachelor’s from Excelsior and an extensive and varied career, he has proven he is a helper of people.

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

    Lunch and a conversation later, Thewes thought he was on his way to becoming an Army vehicle mechanic. Fast-forward to swearing-in day, and Thewes noticed the Air Force also had mechanics. Thewes’ Army recruiter and an Air Force recruiter encouraged him to go home and rethink his decision of joining the Army. “I called the Army recruiter back and told them, ‘I appreciate it. But no, thanks. I think I want to be an aircraft mechanic.’ So, I called the Air Force recruiter; they somehow transferred the majority of my paperwork, my scores were high enough, I didn’t have to retest…and that’s how it started,” says Thewes.

    Thewes joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991 as an aircraft mechanic, which he remained for about seven years, then he cross-trained to become a C-130E loadmaster, which meant he loaded and unloaded planes as well as flew in them. Soon, he began having back issues and was stationed in Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. There he became an instructor and ground safety representative and later went into meteorology. “Every time I moved from one base to the other, I ended up going to the local school, whether it was a community college or university, and taking a couple classes, but I didn’t really have a long-term goal to complete a bachelor’s degree,” Thewes explains. When he landed at his next assignment, he spoke to an advisor who recommended Excelsior. “They evaluated my transcripts and said all I needed was a couple upper-level classes, and then I could get my degree,” recalls Thewes. He went on to complete his remaining requirements at nearby Methodist University, submitted his transcript to Excelsior, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in February 2003. He later earned a master’s in education from Liberty University.

    Thewes thought a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts was the best degree to pursue because it would provide him with a pathway into education and counseling. He wanted to be some sort of educator because he didn’t have the best role models growing up. In 2012, Thewes retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years and got his chance to educate others. He saw an ad in the paper for an Excelsior education representative at the Education Center at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and decided to apply. He got the job, and for 18 months, he evaluated transcripts and helped servicemembers enroll in Excelsior degree programs.

    “I worked hard to make sure that [servicemembers] were getting the most out of their benefits,” says Thewes. “Let me be the role model for them…I think that was the part where the passion came from.”

    Thewes would take extra care to advocate for the men and women who came to him, mostly because when he was young, he didn’t have anyone who advocated for him. He felt responsible to give back to these young men and women. “They all had different stories,” he says. “But the issue was they needed a degree that they could get in a certain amount of time—and they didn’t think it could happen. I said ‘Well, let me look at your transcripts and let’s see if we can make it happen.’ And so that’s what the mission was: to find degrees.” After 18 months, he had helped to enroll hundreds of people. Sometimes, he says, he wouldn’t be able to take a lunch because the line to his office would be out the door!

    But Thewes was aching for more. He says his wife teases him that he is always fearful of missing out on the next big thing and so needs to keep looking for something bigger and better. He applied to be the director of the veterans center of Fayetteville Technical Community College, where he eventually opened the All American Veterans Center. But that still wasn’t enough. He became senior assistant director of transfer admissions for Fayetteville State University. “And so, after that year in admissions, I was really never home. I was always on the road recruiting,” says Thewes. He then made the move to become the director of the Veterans Upward Bound program at Central Carolina Community College. Finally, Thewes became a counselor working at the Education Center at Pope Air Force Base, which is where he is today.

    Helping others has always been Thewes’ number one goal. And showing his children what a good role model looks like is a plus, too. Thewes volunteers in the community organizing car shows and working with veterans service organizations. “I basically take what I didn’t know and didn’t do as a teenager and build it, water it, and continue to grow it, and this is kind of where we’re at now.”

    It’s rewarding, too, when he runs into a former servicemember he helped enroll in a degree program. “We’ll just talk and, and they’ll tell me, ‘Thanks for giving me the information. I really appreciate it. I was confused, or I didn’t know what to do. You really are a strong advocate for us.’”

    Career Spotlight: Medical Coder

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

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

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

    Medical Coder Job Responsibilities

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

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

    • Medical Coder Qualifications

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

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

    • How to Become a Medical Coder

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

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

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

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