COLLEGE GUIDE

Supplement to The Delphos Herald March 2013

2 Delphos Herald College Guide March 2013 Three-year degree programs

Shorten the path to rewarding careers

Three-year bachelors degree programs are gaining popularity as many students look for ways to enter the workforce faster. Though these programs are common in Europe and Canada, condensed programs are now attracting greater interest in the United States as students and education providers realize the unique benefits. Students might identify three-year options as a swifter path to earning a bachelors degree, particularly as the value of a college education rises in the current marketplace. The median family income for those with a bachelors degree or higher was $99,716, compared with $48,332 for those with only a high school diploma, according to Trends in College Pricing 2011, a report detailing findings from the College Boards Annual Survey of Colleges. Some leaders in higher education are exploring threeyear degree programs as a solution to growing workforce issues. Many professional fields are growing faster than students can acquire the necessary education to fill the positions, and three-year degree programs reduce the World Report listed among its 25 Best Jobs in 2012. Three-year bachelors degree programs are available for prospective students looking to enter both fields. Perhaps one of the most widely acknowledged healthcare worker shortages is registered nurses (RNs). More than half of the RN workforce is close to retirement, according to the American Nurses Association. This issue is to become more acute as the industry responds to the patient needs of a growing population of aging baby boomers and the demands of a changing healthcare environment. Three-year degree programs allow graduates to fill these in demand roles and launch a career in nursing before their peers in traditional four-year programs. As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree becomes the standard requirement for many entry-level nursing positions, a three-year degree program is an efficient route to a desired career, says Patrick Robinson, dean of undergraduate curriculum and instruction at Chamberlain College of Nursing. A shorter program See PATH, page 7

Northwest State Community College

Whether it is to pursue a dream job, take a few classes or get the first two years of a four year degree for less, students are choosing Northwest State Community College as their education and training partner. NSCC has programs and resources to help students on a variety of pathways find success and achieve their goals.

time it takes for candidates to graduate and enter the job market. The healthcare industry, for example, is grappling with a nationwide shortage of workers in several disciplines, such as healthcare information technicians and clinical laboratory technicians, which U.S. News and

make

Transfer options If your goal is obtaining a bachelors degree (or beyond), a community college is a great place to start. With NSCCs affordable tuition and transfer partnerships, students can save money by taking basic classes and transferring them to a fouryear college or university. In fact, an education at Northwest State offers 100 percent of what you need to succeed at about one-third of the cost. To help make sure the transition goes smoothly, NSCCs transfer coordinator can help design a schedule that meets your needs and transfers seamlessly into a bachelors program. Training for a career Need education or training leading directly to a career? Northwest State has more than 70 options for associate degrees and certificate programs. From short-term certificates in high-demand fields such as welding and database programming, to associate degrees, NSCC prepares its students for a variety of rewarding careers. You can start down the path to a career in allied health without going far from home, thanks to the Northwest Ohio Allied Health Consortium. The consortium

offers a convenient and cost-effective way to earn an associate degree in several allied health fields. It also provides the option of continuing your education to complete a bachelors degree. NSCC can help you achieve a career as a health information technician, medical laboratory technician, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant and more. Locations and options to help you save In addition to a main campus in Archbold, Northwest State offers classes in Van Wert, Bryan and Whitehouse. A variety of online courses are available as well. Northwest States Van Wert site specializes in general courses that can transfer or apply to the programs available at NSCCs main campus. The Van Wert campus also hosts an LPN to RN program for practical nurses who want to advance their certification. Many types of financial aid are available to assist in bridging the gap between family contribution and educational expenses. Scholarships are available for students from all walks of life, including some covering full tuition. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, great transfer options and the affordable tuition available online or at any of NSCCs campuses, visit northweststate.edu or call the Admissions Office at 419.267.1320.

FIND OUT MORE!

Classes available in: Archbold Bryan Van Wert Whitehouse Online

419.267.5511 northweststate.edu

March 2013 Delphos Herald College Guide

Evidence of Excellence

Evidence of Value

Evidence of Excellence

A PayScale study (2012) ranked Ohio Northern in the top 21 percent nationwide for return on investment After only six months, 2012 graduates had a 92 percent overall placement rate for jobs or graduate schools

ARTS & SCIENCES BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ENGINEERING PHARMACY LAW

Only a visit to campus can give you the true picture. Come see for yourself! www.onu.edu/visit

4 Delphos Herald College Guide March 2013 Educate yourself

Before starting the path to a new career

If youre looking to start a career - whether its because youre just beginning your journey as a working adult or because youre ready for a change in life - you should know that the process is much larger than just getting a degree and looking for a job. A career involves knowing your interests in a particular industry or area, knowing what to expect as far as compensation and responsibility and researching what tools and knowledge you will need to be an asset for companies in that industry. Its wise to begin your pursuit by educating yourself on what careers are in demand and what skills you need to enter those careers. Job seekers and students seeking a degree to build their skills need to take control of their careers, says Abby Kohut, a human resources executive, recruiter and author of Absolutely Abbys 101 Job Search Secrets. They need to understand the connection between their education and a meaningful career by becoming more informed about where their interests lie, what jobs are in demand and what education is needed to gain the skills that todays employers demand. Here are few simple steps that can help get you started: 1. Understand your interests - Some colleges and universities offer prospective and current students complimentary self-assessment options to help determine careers that fit their interests. For example, University of Phoenix offers Phoenix Career Services, a comprehensive suite of tools and services specifically designed to help pro-

spective and current students make informed decisions regarding their career paths and educational needs. And the Career Interest Profiler helps students to identify professional interests in several areas, allowing them to plan ahead for paths of study. 2. Understand employer needs - Knowing what jobs will keep your interest going strong is a good start, but its also important to learn what employers need from workers in that field so you can take the right college courses and learn the appropriate skills. You also should learn what jobs are in demand in your field of interest, so you can assess whether your career of choice offers room to enter and grow. University of Phoenixs Job Market Research Tool helps potential and existing students

learn the demand and typical salary information in the current market. 3. Understand educational needs - Starting a new career often involves the need to return to school for a new degree so you can be more competitive when entering the job market. My Career Plan is a personalized roadmap that University of Phoenix students incorporate into their academic journey so they are developing the competencies that employers are seeking in the workforce today. And career preparation tools provide students with resume, cover letter and interview development services so they can put the best foot forward while job searching. 4. Understand your financial responsibilities - Schools will provide information on financial obligations and options, helping potential students determine if starting or going back to school is a viable option at the moment. Having a clear picture of the total cost and anticipated timing for paying off a college expense can help you set a budget as you pursue your new career goals. University of Phoenix, for instance, offers a complimentary Financial Plan designed to help prospective students estimate tuition and fees for their entire degree program and build a personal plan for how they will pay for it. A new career is an exciting opportunity, and can provide a new look on life from income to social connections and even where you live. Just be sure to educate yourself before you jump into schooling so you can prepare yourself for the perfect career. (BPT)

You are distinct from every other person in the world. Nothing about you is ordinary.

Why should your college be any different?

DEFIANCE COLLEGE

Your talents. Your interests. Your dreams.

TradiTion worTh experiencing

If youre looking for a top quality education at an affordable price, the Ohio State University at Lima is the place for you. Tours are offered each weekday and orientations are scheduled throughout the year. To find out how you can begin your Ohio State career in Lima, call the Office of Admissions at (419) 995-8391 or visit

www.defiance.edu

Lima.OSU.edu

March 2013 Delphos Herald College Guide

Owens is the answer for your higher education

With many choices and great value packaged in one college, the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus is the answer for your higher education. The Owens student body is filled with diversity and variety, because at Owens, a higher education is open to all, whether you are a recent high school graduate, a thirty-something attending college for the first time, or a working professional adding a few classes to your resume in order to advance in your career. No matter what your story, Owens gives you many options to help fulfill your educational goals. You can prepare for a career with an associates degree or short-term certification. Or you can earn the first two years of a bachelors degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university. The Owens Findlay-area Campus is located at 3200 Bright Road on Findlays northeast side. There, you will find a small college setting with big college benefits; a campus where students, faculty and staff get to know each other on a first-name basis each semester. In classes averaging about 15 students, dedicated and passionate faculty offer added value with practical, hands-on learning opportunities. For your convenience, classes are available during the day, at night and on weekends. Hundreds of classes and a growing number of degree programs are available online as well. Outside the classroom, you have the opportunity to meet other students in clubs and organizations and volunteer for projects that serve the community. Service learning is a key component to an Owens education. And its all for you at the best value, given that Owens has the lowest tuition of any college or university in the area. Alumni and current students describe their Owens experience with enthusiasm. To start your Owens education, go online to www.owens.edu/admissions or call (567) 429-3500.

Ready. Set. Go!

Owens is the answer.

Allison Ormsby Dental Hygiene Major

Ready. Set. Go!

Visit our table at the College Fair March 18!

Go to the Owens Findlay-area Campus for big college benefits in a small college setting.

3200 Bright Road, Findlay

/owenscc

Apply today! Summer classes begin May 20 and June 3. Fall classes begin Aug. 19. www.owens.edu/locations/findlay

6 Delphos Herald College Guide March 2013 Continuing education

Can give employees an edge in the workplace

A volatile economy and tough job market have revived American workers interest in continuing education. Now more than ever, adults are returning to educational environments to advance their skills, training and knowledge. Continuing education generally refers to any type of post-secondary education for the purpose of keeping current with changes in a particular field of study or for preparation to obtain a certification, says Dr. Marianne Greenfield, a program chair at Argosy University, Atlanta. Some professions require that you earn continuing education credits in order to maintain a license. The goal of continuing education is to offer adults who already possess a college or university degree further opportunity for learning without having to enroll in a degree program. Now more than ever, its important for employees and professionals to keep up with all the latest skills and relevant knowledge necessary to compete in todays workforce, says Dr. George Spagnola, chair of the College of Education at Argosy University, Sarasota. While a traditional education is necessary in todays workforce, it is also a cornerstone upon which one can build a better future through continuing education. Greenfield agrees. As more and more people are obtaining academic degrees, the advantage lies with the candidate whose skills and knowledge are current and relevant in the workplace, she says. Continuing education is especially important in areas such as human resources, engineering, technology, finance and health care, where rapid advances occur, leading to constantly evolving practices. For many professions, certifications and licenses are requirements for employment opportunities, so continuing education is important for job seekers and professionals in those fields. And obtaining continuing education is more convenient for learners. Advances in technology have made continuing education more accessible, says Spagnola. Options are available to pursue continuing education online, at a physical location or in a combination of both. These technology breakthroughs help so many to continue their education and advance their professional knowledge while working and raisers who cater to those seeking continuing education, it is important to find an accredited institution to ensure your efforts yield results, says Greenfield. Look for programs that offer you access to and learning from quality instructors with real-life experience in the specific field of study. Make sure that the program you are considering is compatible with any requirements you will face for licensure. And while there are costs associated with continuing education, many people can find financial assistance in the form of tuition assistance programs offered through their employers. Tuition assistance programs are of huge benefit to employees and the company, says Spagnola. As an employee, you receive financial assistance for your education and your employer, in turn, gets an employee advancing their knowledge and skills and applying them to the organizations. The benefits far outweigh the expense and many private sector employers will pay for or reimburse the expense if a compelling case is made for the added competitive advantage for the organization, agrees Greenfield. And if your employer isnt able to assist you with the costs, the Internal Revenue Service allows you to deduct a portion of qualifying continuing education expenses on your federal tax return. If you pay the expense on behalf of a spouse or a dependent child, you can also claim the deduction. (BPT)

ing a family. Given the number of people raising families and working, that flexibility of education can be key to continuing education success. Look for an institution or provider that can meet your educational needs while still allowing you to meet your personal and professional obligations. Seek out a student-centered institution that meets your needs both academically and non-academically, says Spagnola. Although there are many course provid-

Over 60 college and universities expected! For grades 9-12

Lima Campus College Fair

March 18, 2013 6:00-7:30 p.m.

On the campus of Rhodes State College & The Ohio State University at Lima in the Cook Hall Gymnasium
Presented by Rhodes State College, The Ohio State University at Lima, and Lima/Allen County College Access Program

Admissions and Financial Aid session at 5:30 p.m. in Reed Hall, Rm. 102

March 2013 Delphos Herald College Guide

The future careers of this years high school graduates

High school seniors nationwide are preparing to graduate, receiving college acceptance letters and possibly enrolling in a college or university. The challenging economy has made many of these young adults acutely aware of the important role their degree can play when they face commencement once again, this time entering the job market. Some schools offer degree programs that address the skills required to enter fast-growing fields, such as cyber security, cloud computing, health care and accounting - U.S. News & World Report included accounting in its ranking of 25 Best Jobs in 2012. This strong connection to a promising career path can be attractive to prospective students. Knowledge of projected industry growth is extremely helpful as students choose their major or area of study, says Dr. Chad Kennedy, chair and professor of biomedical engineering technology in the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University. Unlike some career fields where opportunities are shrinking, many technology and engineering fields are expanding at doubledigit rates. In fact, many employers cant find enough qualified applicants to meet their needs. Careers in technology are growing up to three times faster than other fields. For students interested in pursuing employment in this thriving industry, ComputerWorld recently outlined the 10 hot IT skills for 2013. Cloud computing was among the most coveted skills. Though relatively unfamiliar to the average consumer, this data management knowledge drives the services that support many of todays businesses. Similarly, cyber security professionals will play an integral role in keeping information safe as the majority of companies assets move online. According to Todays Engineer, the monthly Web publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the cyber security field is growing in leaps and bounds. Employment in health care fields is also on the rise. An aging population of baby boomers and expanded access to health care has placed growing pressure on the health care industry to add workers in fields ranging from health information systems and biomedical engineering technology to nursing and ambulatory care. Given the sensitive nature of medical data, my role - ensuring data integrity, availability, and security for every current and former patient - is essential and growing in demand, explains Adam Franzen, a systems administrator at Presence Health Care who holds a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University. As health care evolves, so do the technology and management skills that are central to career success in the field. The workforce is rapidly evolving; some of the most desired professional roles of yesterday are shrinking today

Class of 2013:

and will become obsolete tomorrow. The class of 2013 will enter emerging career fields, managing the technologies that drive advanced hospital settings, lead-

D iscover
the
Programs Student Life Residence Life

ing development of the next cloud-based application and protecting companies and consumers from cyber and financial fraud alike. (BPT)

LAKE campus

Path

(Continued from page 2)

Explore select masters, bachelors, and associate programs, offered in their entirety.

can be more intense with the same curriculum standards as typical four-year degree programs. However for motivated, organized students, the professional reward can be worth the hard work. Chamberlain offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program that enables students to earn their degree in as few as three years of yearround study, instead of the typical four years with summers off. Mary Flemister, a June 2012 graduate of Chamberlains program, is currently employed as a nurse at a family practice in Virginia. It was important to me to find a program that balanced expediency with diversified classroom and clinical experience - Chamberlains year-round struc-

ture was ideal, Flemister says. I had transfer credits so I was able to earn my BSN degree in only two years - the same length of an associate degree program. However, I am more competitive in the job market because I earned a bachelors degree. Recent industry data illustrates that demand is mounting for degree programs with this structure. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the number of three-year BSN degree programs increased from 31 to 230 between 1990 and 2010. This trend is expected to continue as factors contributing to the national nursing shortage escalate, and the industry necessitates BSN degrees. (BPT)

Join one of our many service and social clubs, or participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Live and learn by the lake in our new student housing.

First-Rate Faculty

Learn from professors who are renowned in their respective fields.

Exceptional Education Low Cost

Tuition at the Lake Campus is among the lowest in the state!

www.wright.edu/lake 1-800-237-1477 (419) 586-0300 Celina, OH

8 Delphos Herald College Guide March 2013

A Bachelors degree Starts Here.

With our new Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, you can earn the rst two years of a bachelors degree for about the cost of a university. Courses transfer to a public college or university in the University System of Ohio and several private institutions.
RhodesState.edu/StartsHere

(419) 995-8320