Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Learn Your Way To Success

New research cited by The White House confirms that on-campus or online education is the key to earning more

If the troubled economy has taught American people anything, it’s that get-rich-quick schemes are no substitute for knowledge and hard work. Speculators can finagle a decent living during an economic boom, but the result of such opportunism is often unemployment, bankruptcy and foreclosure when times get tough. Those who want real security should acquire a good on-campus or online education; it will provide the kind of success that lasts a lifetime..

The Jobs of Tomorrow Require On-Campus or Online Education

In their report entitled Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow, the President’s Council of Economic Advisors notes that the fastest-growing occupations are those that require education beyond high school. Whether a student pursues a traditional or distance education is becoming less and less important; most employers are simply looking for bright, well-trained professionals. They want workers who can think critically and apply expertise to solve problems.

According to the Council’s report, the most rapid growth will be in careers that require a vocational certification (which usually takes about a year to complete) or an associate’s degree (which typically takes about two). Some of these professions* are:

• Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants – vocational certification
• Truck and tractor-trailer drivers – vocational certification
Registered Nurses (RNs) – associate’s degree
• Veterinary technicians – associate’s degree
Web designers – associate’s degree

The Higher the Degree, the Greater the Advantages

More advanced degrees, whether earned through traditional or distance education, can offer even greater advantages to those who are willing to invest the time and effort to attain one. Professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher commonly receive better benefits, more vacation time and are less than half as likely to experience unemployment.

As the country emerges from the worst economic crisis since the great depression, Americans are starting to realize that true prosperity requires more than just having a job – it requires having a good job. The Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow report notes that jobs “that pay high wages and provide a ticket to the middle class … disproportionately tend to employ workers with education and training beyond the high school level.” Now more than ever, workers have to learn their way to success.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contact:
Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U.S. News University Connection
866-442-6587
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/education-effectiveness.aspx


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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

University of San Francisco Expands Industry-Leading Online Supply Chain Training Program With New Courses in Green and Lean Supply Chain Management

New Advanced Specialized Certificate Courses Empower Supply Chain Professionals With Business-Transforming Green and Lean Strategies – 100% Online

TAMPA, Fla., September 9, 2009 – The University of San Francisco (USF) set the standard for online supply chain training when it introduced its three-course Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management program. Today, USF is again making history with the launch of its eight-week advanced specialized certificate courses in Green Supply Chain Management and Lean Supply Chain Management – 100% online.

While the master certificate program provides an essential big-picture overview of the supply chain, USF’s specialized green and Lean supply chain training helps professionals hone their expertise in two powerful business philosophies that can completely transform a business. Developed by top supply chain, sustainability, environmental and Lean experts, the courses prepare students to lead changes that will have an immediate positive impact on the supply chain – and their company’s bottom line.

“Consumer awareness and pending legislation have driven many organizations to pursue green initiatives,” said USF online faculty member and supply chain expert Neil O’Connell. “Other companies are taking a wait-and-see approach, holding off until a bill passes in Congress or the economy turns around. What they don’t realize is that is that green practices can actually save them money. Early adopters of green supply chain management programs are already reaping the benefits, from greater consumer confidence, to improved processes, to a stronger bottom line. USF’s Green Supply Chain Management training will equip students with valuable tools and strategies that are as good for business as they are for the environment.”

USF’s second advanced specialized course offers another way to combat the weak economy. “As companies struggle to do more with less, many are turning to Lean practices,” noted USF online instructor and Lean supply chain expert Doug Zopfi. “Organizations in every industry are using the Lean methodology to achieve significant cost savings, lead-time reductions and quality improvements. USF’s Lean Supply Chain Management training shows students how they can do the same. We demonstrate the practical applications of Lean principles through case studies and best practices, thereby helping supply chain professionals gain proficiency in critical Lean tools and tactics, and enabling Lean and Six Sigma practitioners to leverage their skills across the supply chain.”

Registration is now open for both of USF’s new supply chain management courses. Lean Supply Chain Management classes will begin November 1, while Green Supply Chain Management classes will commence in early 2010. Upon completion of each eight-week course, students will receive a framed certificate from the University of San Francisco’s School of Business and Management.

For more details on USF’s online green and Lean supply chain training – as well as its comprehensive Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management program – call 800-436-1713 or visit http://www.usanfranonline.com/.

USF - Supply Chain Management TrainingAbout the University of San Francisco
Acclaimed as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF’s online programs are offered through its School of Business and Management, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren Undergraduate College of Business.

About University Alliance Online
The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments — making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com/

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

University of San Francisco Sets New Standard for Internet Marketing Training Online With Advanced Specialized Courses in Web Analytics & Social Media

New Certificate Courses Help Professionals Expand Their Expertise in Two of Interactive Marketing’s Most In-Demand Disciplines – 100% Online

TAMPA, Fla., September 4, 2009 – Solidifying its reputation as the leader in online Internet marketing training, the University of San Francisco (USF) has supplemented its core Internet marketing master certificate program with two new advanced specialized certificates. These eight-week online courses offer a more intensive exploration of key digital marketing disciplines, empowering marketers with enhanced skills and broader knowledge of Advanced Web Analytics and Advanced Social Media. Like all of USF’s online offerings, the new web analytics and social media courses are led by practicing, real-world professionals who are among today’s foremost interactive marketing experts.

“The industry places a tremendous emphasis on web analytics because it enables organizations to quantify the success of their Internet marketing efforts. However, it’s important to realize that effective analytics is not just about choosing the right software or vendor,” said USF online faculty member and web analytics expert Joe Laratro. “Recent findings show that companies are shifting their analytics spending from technology, which decreased from 45% to 38%, to internal staff, which increased from 36% to 42%.* This reflects a growing understanding that even the best data is meaningless without properly trained staff to interpret it.”

Laratro noted that USF’s web analytics training is unique in that it goes beyond the platform and teaches students to master the discipline. “Analytics tools will continue to change in the years and decades ahead. That’s why we focus on core principles and techniques that will remain constant over time.”

Social networks have also proven to be an effective way to gauge – and achieve – Internet marketing success, offering unlimited opportunities for feedback, promotion, brand-building and monetization. “If you aren’t listening to and participating in the conversations that take place in the social media realm, you won’t know when your brand is succeeding or faltering – and you won’t be able to react quickly to customer comments or concerns,” explained USF instructor and social media expert Christopher S. Penn. “Our social media training shows students how to leverage this powerful word-of-mouth platform and reap substantial benefits. They’ll learn how to use social networks to promote their product or business, manage and protect their brand, generate revenue, establish authority … the list goes on.”

Registration is now open for both of USF’s new advanced specialized certificate courses. Advanced Social Media classes will begin November 1, while Advanced Web Analytics classes will commence December 1. Upon completion of each eight-week course, students will receive a framed certificate from the University of San Francisco’s School of Business and Management.

For more details on USF’s online social media and web analytics courses – as well as its end-to-end Internet marking training program – call 800-436-1713 or visit http://www.usanfranonline.com/online-certificates/internet-marketing.aspx. Agencies and marketing departments can learn about corporate training solutions, customization options and agency/group discounts at http://www.interactivemarketingtraining.com/.


USF Internet Marketing TrainingAbout the University of San Francisco Acclaimed as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF’s online programs are offered through its School of Business and Management, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren Undergraduate College of Business.

About University Alliance Online
The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments — making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.

* “Online Measurement and Strategy Report 2009”; published by Econsultancy, June 2009.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com/


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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Florida Tech Names College of Business in Honor of Nathan M. Bisk

MELBOURNE, FLA.— Nathan M. Bisk, one of the nation’s leaders in continuing education and online learning, today presented Florida Institute of Technology with a $5 million gift designed to enhance business offerings and strengthen online education. In appreciation, Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese announced that the university would rename its College of Business the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business.

Nathan M. Bisk College of Business“Mr. Bisk’s generosity comes at an extremely opportune time for Florida Tech,” said Catanese. “As we conclude our $50 million Golden Anniversary capital campaign next month, we are looking for new and innovative ways to offer nationally respected business and online learning opportunities. We are deeply thankful for this important gift.”

“I am pleased to support Florida Tech and add my name to its outstanding business program,” Bisk said. “The university’s commitment to a quality educational experience that better prepares students to compete in an ever-changing workplace is very much in keeping with my philosophy of learning. It is my intent to help make the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business one of the nation’s premier business colleges, as well as one of the largest.”

The $5 million gift will be used to support the College of Business in three primary ways: 1) establishment of an endowed Chair of Business to be named the Max, Edith and Robert Bisk Distinguished Chair of Business; 2) marketing and branding of the college; and 3) growth of the online business programs.

“Mr. Bisk is well-known as a visionary in continuing education and online learning,” said T. Dwayne McCay, Florida Tech provost and executive vice president. “His generous support will help provide new resources for our faculty as they continue to deliver outstanding programs.”

While most often associated during its 50-year history with excellence in engineering and science programs, Florida Tech is gaining new attention for its business curriculum. Since the online undergraduate degree and MBA degree programs launched in early 2008, enrollment in these business programs has grown to approximately 4,000 students today.

This online increase is in step with the fact that more and more adults are considering online undergraduate and more specialized business master’s degrees, according to a recent report by the academic research firm, Eduventures. Also, because most adults are full-time employees, online degree programs have become more popular than ever.

“We’re excited that we’ve expanded our business offerings online to meet the changing needs of students,” said College of Business Dean Robert Niebuhr. “With this additional support from Mr. Bisk, we have every expectation that this growth is only the beginning.”

About Bisk Education
Nathan M. Bisk JD, CPA (FL) founded Bisk Education in 1971 to provide continuing education programs for working professionals. Since its inception, Bisk Education has grown to become the nation’s largest exclusive facilitator of online degree and certificate programs from the nation’s leading universities, offering end-to-end, lifelong-learning solutions that allow working adults to reach their personal and professional goals through education. Bisk Education’s University Alliance (UA) division, in which Florida Tech is a member, facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments—making UA the largest exclusive facilitator of e-learning in the nation. For more information, visit http://www.bisk.com/.

PHOTO: Dean Bob Niebuhr, Board of Trustees Chairman Dale Dettmer, Provost T. Dwayne McCay, Mr. Nathan Bisk and President Anthony Catanese at the Aug. 27 dedication of the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business.

Saving Lives Is a Growth Industry

Healthcare professions such as Registered Nurse (RN) are predicted to expand faster than all others in the coming decades

Press Release
Source: U.S. News University Connection
On Tuesday September 1, 2009, 10:37 am EDT

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 1 -- Amazing medical advancements are made almost every year and Americans are more health-conscious than they've ever been before. As a result, people are living longer lives. While that is unarguably a good thing, the combination of an aging population and new medical discoveries has created a huge demand for healthcare professionals. Healthcare credentials at any level -- from one-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certifications to eight-year Medical Doctor (MD) professional degrees -- can now provide good pay, excellent benefits, and real job security for decades to come.

Registered Nurse and Healthcare Support Careers Expanding Fast

While healthcare careers are growing across the board, two areas are expanding faster than others: nursing and healthcare support. And like many of the quickest-growing occupations, students can often enter these fields with just one or two years of post-secondary education.

Of all the nursing certifications, Registered Nurses are the most in-demand. RNs perform the bulk of day-to-day nursing duties, from evaluating patients to providing front-line care. To become an RN, a student must earn -- at minimum -- an associate's degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Those who plan to elevate their careers into administration or advanced nursing practice often acquire their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but that is not required. An associate's is enough to become an RN.

Healthcare support careers, such as medical billing and medical assisting, are growing even faster; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 48% increase in healthcare support jobs through 2016. The basic certification for medical billing and coding can be earned in one year, but a two-year associate's program prepares one to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), which usually leads to better jobs. Medical assistants typically earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting.

Healthcare Education Promises a Great Return on Investment

The U.S. is using strong healthcare job growth as a cornerstone of its recovery from the current economic recession. Degree and certificate programs in fields like nursing, medical billing and medical assisting allow students to enter the most rapidly expanding careers of the next decade. Every day, more students are discovering good pay, excellent benefits, and real job security in the healthcare profession -- where saving lives is a growth industry!

Contact:
Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U.S. News University Connection
866-442-6587
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/healthcare-job-growth.aspx

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