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/.


About 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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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.

“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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Healthcare, Education and Clean Energy Cited as In-Demand Jobs of Tomorrow

Knowing which careers are going to expand fastest over the next few decades helps students decide what credentials to pursue today

TAMPA, Fla., August 25, 2009 – In the late 1980s, everyone wanted to study business management. Colleges and universities churned out millions of graduates who had watched Michael Douglas in Wall Street and believed they were going to be the next Gordon Gekko. Imagine their surprise when, in the early 1990s, corporate hiring trends shifted to heavily favor technology jobs! Certainly some of these graduates did just fine in the business world, but how many would have been happier and more successful with a computer degree?

While technology jobs have remained relevant, and almost certainly will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, the trend is changing again. In their report entitled Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow, the President’s Council of Economic Advisors notes that three fields are likely to grow faster than any other: healthcare, education and clean energy.
People are living longer lives as amazing medical advancements are made almost every year. This combination of an aging population and new 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 provide you with job security and good pay for decades to come.

The President recently challenged all Americans to pursue additional education. Better schools and more teachers are on the agenda of almost every state in the country, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that universities will expand their teaching faculty by almost 30% through 2016. Teaching, especially at the elementary and postsecondary levels, can promise plenty of job opportunities if you earn an education degree.

In the summer of 2008, gas prices topped $4 a gallon all over the country. More and more often, we are forced to purchase the oil we need from nations that are hostile to our interests. And no matter where you go today, people are concerned about climate change. Clean energy sources offer real solutions to these problems, so both corporations and governments are investing billions of dollars into developing biofuels, solar power and other forms of alternative energy. A degree or certificate in environmental engineering or environmental science can help you join the rapidly expanding “green” job market.

Education Is Great – The Right Education Is Even Better

The millions of jobs that were lost during the recent economic crisis have made many Americans realize that they don’t just need an education – they need the right education. Those with their sights set on success should take advantage of knowing what the in-demand jobs of tomorrow will be; it is degree and certificate programs in fields like nursing, teaching and environmental engineering that will allow students to enter the fastest-growing careers of the next decade.

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

Top 10 Reasons Traveling Nurses Choose to Earn Their Bachelor’s Degree Online

Jacksonville University’s Online RN to BSN Program Provides Flexibility for Nurses

TAMPA, Fla., August 13, 2009 – U.S. Labor Department analysts predict that by 2012 the country will need 1 million nurses to care for the more than 60 million aging baby boomers population. By 2016, it is estimated that 587,000 new nursing jobs will be created nationwide – the largest number of new jobs created in any industry.

Institutions of higher learning, such as Jacksonville University (JU), are developing nursing degree programs to not only meet the needs of the healthcare industry but also the needs of those seeking the degrees. JU’s online RN to BSN program is run in conjunction with the University Alliance (UA), the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.

The challenge for registered nurses who are working but want to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is how to schedule courses around their work schedules and other commitments. This is particularly true for traveling nurses, who typically work 13-week shifts then move on to another assignment, often in another locale.

Jacksonville University’s administrators understand that traveling nurses do not want to put their education and careers on hold. JU’s online BSN program is designed to overcome scheduling obstacles, and its administrators cite the following reasons why traveling nurses are choosing online programs like theirs:

1. A bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree makes a traveling nurse more marketable. Additional fields open up, including medical-surgical, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and many others.

2. Traveling nurses usually earn a higher hourly rate and can earn even more with a BSN. Pay scales range from $21 to $42 per hour, plus benefits.

3. An online program allows nurses to study while they travel. E-learning systems such as JU’s provide the same information, material and degree as offered in a traditional classroom setting. In fact, a recent Department of Education study showed that, for adults, online learning is more effective than face-to-face learning, on several measures.

4. Online BSN programs are as flexible as the lifestyles of its students. “I am able to continue to work full time and go to school part time,” said Candice Jewett of Massachusetts. “I have been able to work full time and maintain a 4.0 in my online classes.”

5. An online BSN program allows the flexibility to take sessions off. There are six 8-week sessions in a year, so students can tailor the program to match their own schedules. Students can opt to attend part time and take off a session or two if needed

6. Students can complete their BSN at their own pace. Most students complete the online BSN course in about two years.

7. Practice projects (clinicals) can be completed wherever there is a BSN-trained nurse. No travel is required to complete practice projects. At JU, two courses require projects, which are self-directed and allow students to work one-on-one with mentors.

8. Money is available to pay for nursing school. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s “Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources for Nursing Students” is a good place to start. Also, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program. Individual states also may offer grants and loans. JU offers a helpful resource on how to pay for nursing school.

9. Many traveling nurse agencies offer tuition benefits. American Mobile Healthcare, NursesRx, Medical Express, RN Demand, Platinum Select, Nurse Choice and Preferred Healthcare Staffing have partnered with the University Alliance. A 10 percent tuition discount from JU and UA is available to traveling nurses who work for these agencies.

10. An Internet connection is all that’s needed to get started. “The JU website is easy to access at any computer – whether I’m at home, at a friend’s house or at the hospital,” said Susan Cardona of Massachusetts.

For more information about JU’s online RN to BSN program, visit www.jacksonvilleu.com.

About Jacksonville University
Founded more than 70 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville University has more than 18,000 alumni. With students from 44 states and 55 foreign countries, the university offers seven bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 areas. JU offers one of the largest online RN to BSN degree programs in the country and is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost teaching institutions. The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Jacksonville University was named one of “America’s Best Colleges” for the fifth consecutive year in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report.

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Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
Jacksonville University Online/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.jacksonvilleu.com