ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 91直播 is partnering with CDPHP庐 for the third year in a row to celebrate National Nurses Week.听New this year,听CDPHP听will be joined听by co-sponsor Community Care Physicians (CCP).听Held annually from May 6鈥�12, National Nurses Week is an opportunity to highlight the stories of听America鈥檚听nurses and thank them for their service and dedication.听听
Support听from CDPHP听and CCP听will help underwrite scholarships for students in Excelsior nursing programs. In addition, CDPHP听and CCP听will partner with the University to host a panel discussion titled 鈥淓mpowerment in Action: The Power of Nursing.鈥� Presented by 91直播鈥檚 Advancement听team听in collaboration with CDPHP听and CCP, the free听online听panel discussion will explore听the role of nurses听in shaping the future of听healthcare.听听
鈥淓mpowerment in Action: The Power of Nursing鈥� will be moderated by 91直播 School of Nursing Dean Diane Pytlik-Flammia, DHA, MSN, RN, and feature the following healthcare leaders as panelists: 听
Megan Keenan,听DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ,听vice president and chief nursing officer for Albany Medical Center, part-time听Excelsior听faculty听member听and Excelsior听alumna听
Rachel Garrett,听RN, CLNC, CCH,听clinical practice manager at Burnt Hills Pediatrics and Internal Medicine for CCP听
Nancy Phelan, RN, CCM, care management supervisor of the Hospital to Home program for CDPHP
Excelsior will share the panel discussion recording on May 8 on its听 and via email with alumni and students from Excelsior鈥檚 nursing and allied health programs.
鈥淐DPHP is proud to once again support 91直播鈥檚 Nurses Week,鈥� said Jennifer Cassidy, director of corporate giving at CDPHP. 鈥淎s a health plan committed to improving health outcomes, we recognize nurses as essential to听high-quality, coordinated care. Supporting the nursing workforce reflects the ongoing CDPHP commitment to building a healthier, more connected community.鈥�听
鈥淣urses are essential at every point in care鈥攆rom our practices to our central programs, education, and leadership鈥攁nd their impact extends far beyond the exam room. At Community Care Physicians, we see firsthand how critical it is to support and grow this workforce,鈥� said Kathleen Mattice, BSN, RN, senior vice president of clinical operations at CCP. 鈥淭his partnership with 91直播 and CDPHP, which expands access to nursing education, helps strengthen the future of care in our communities.鈥澨�
鈥�91直播 is grateful for听the听generous support of听our community partners at听CDPHP and CCP,鈥� said听Diane Pytlik-Flammia, dean of 91直播鈥檚听School听of Nursing. 鈥淭his collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to nursing education and to preparing the next generation of highly skilled nurses. Together, we are expanding access to educational resources that support student success and strengthen the nursing workforce听in the Capital Region and throughout the country.鈥�听
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听 91直播 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听听听
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 91直播鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with听additional听licensing for Florida-based programs.听听听
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).听Additional听information听regarding听this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听
Scott Dolan, executive dean of 91直播鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to a Forbes Nonprofit Council article titled 鈥淏alancing Firm Values And Strong Results: Tips For Nonprofit Leaders.鈥� Dolan discusses the importance of keeping an organization’s values in mind and encouraging open discussion while making difficult decisions.
Successful mechanical engineering technology careers require that you have a foundation in technical, practical, and general knowledge disciplines. Mechanical engineering technology, or MET for short, requires that you have theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on skills when it comes to designing, analyzing, and effectively maintaining mechanical systems. Mastery of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, computer-aided design, and manufacturing processes will support you as you graduate to work in real-world engineering environments. A career in MET is one that is challenging and one that will keep you engaged as it rapidly evolves globally.
What Is Computer-Aided Design?
Being able to effectively use computer-aided design, or CAD, is intrinsic to the field of mechanical engineering technology. When you master it, you鈥檒l be able to render two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of mechanical systems and their components. CAD software powers visualization, simulation, testing, and modifications of parts and processes before you invest time, money, and materials into physically producing them.
CAD encompasses a variety of applications, including:
for 3D modeling and assembly simulation, as well as for testing functions, tolerances, manufacturability, and more
for drafting, making schematics, and creating detailed engineering drawings
for parametric and direct modeling of complex part assemblies and for simulation preproduction
for designing products, simulations testing, and manufacturing integration
for mechanical engineering in the aerospace and automotive industries
, a cloud-based solution, for facilitating collaboration and fast prototyping
for designing, modeling, and simulation
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What Else Do You Need to Learn?
To grow and thrive in an MET career you need more than just CAD skills. You must learn the fundamental principles across a variety of areas of applied science, and you鈥檒l need to master their practical application in real-world solutions. As you study how to become a mechanical engineering technologist, you will cover various fields such as:
Thermodynamics
This branch of physics studies how energy is transferred in mechanical systems to perform work. You鈥檒l need to know the ins and outs of heat engines, refrigeration cycles, and the safe and efficient use of energy. Real-world applications include HVAC systems, power generation, and various types of engines. You must be equipped to design around functionality, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Material Science
This area covers the study of the characteristics, behaviors, and uses of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. You鈥檒l learn how stress, temperature, and fatigue affect materials in engineering applications. In the real world, this knowledge affects choice of materials, failure mode predictions, and durability in use. Materials are the cornerstone of manufacturability, product performance, and safety.
Fluid Mechanics
Liquids and gases perform differently in motion and at rest. This area of study encompasses concepts like flow, pressure, viscosity, turbulence, cavitation, and how fluids interact with structures in pumps, pipelines, HVAC systems, and hydraulics. You鈥檒l learn how the science of fluid mechanics affects performance or leads to system failures. Designing and manufacturing products that are durable and energy-efficient is the goal.
Electrical Theory
You need to master the theories behind electrical circuits, the distribution of power, and control systems in mechanical applications that use electricity. You鈥檒l learn to apply voltage, current, resistance, and the principles of electromagnetics to designing, testing, and perfecting motors and automation systems, to name a few. Electrical theory is essential in creating modern machinery and smart, connected technologies.
Manufacturing Processes
Transforming raw materials into efficient and functional products is the very definition of manufacturing. In industrial applications, machining, casting, 3D printing, welding, and quality control techniques are all part of the process. You鈥檒l learn how to optimize product and process design for manufacturability in ways that are resource-efficient and cost-effective, aiming for zero defects or rework. You鈥檒l apply technical and practical knowledge in creating processes for products that consistently meet specifications economically.
Start Your Career in Mechanical Engineering Technology with Excelsior
Mechanical engineering technology is a wide field with innumerable and exciting career paths. 91直播鈥檚 BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology program provides you with both essential and practical knowledge of mechanics, CAD, thermodynamics, fluid and materials sciences, and manufacturing processes. From a foundation in basic principles, the program prepares you for real-world roles in aerospace, energy, robotics, biomechanics, manufacturing, and more. Plus, you can tailor your education with one of three in-demand concentrations: Nuclear Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Robotics.
The program is 100% online with courses starting every eight weeks, making it ideal if you鈥檙e a working professional or if you need to balance your studies with other obligations. Excelsior supports you with programs that keep you on track to successful program completion, and our Career Readiness resources can help you explore MET career paths, build professional skills, and connect with employers through resources, events, and practical guidance.
91直播 is here to help you gain the knowledge and skills to launch or advance your career in mechanical engineering technology. Reach out to our Admissions team today to take the first step toward the future you want.
Scott Dolan, executive dean of 91直播鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to a Forbes Nonprofit Council article titled 鈥淣onprofit Leaders On Innovative Revenue Models For Uncertain Times.鈥� Dolan discusses nonprofit organizations collaborating to form strategic partnerships that can promote growth while sharing infrastructure and risk.
Python is the go-to programming language of developers worldwide. It鈥檚 easy for humans to read and understand, and it can be used across a wide range of applications, like web development, automation, data analysis, and even artificial intelligence. The popularity of Python coding has fostered an active support community and has driven the creation of rich libraries of prewritten code modules that speed development. If you鈥檙e considering a career in software development, learning Python is an essential first step.
Why Is Python Important?
The fast growth and widespread use of the Python programming language is no accident. These characteristics have propelled its adoption across industries and applications:
Readability: Python鈥檚 syntax is almost as easy to read as plain English, which makes coding easier, reduces the number of errors, and facilitates debugging.
Flexibility: It is one of the most versatile programming languages in the world. Developers in AI and machine learning, web and mobile apps, data analytics, and automation use it.
Easy integration: You can use Python with a variety of other common programming languages, like C, Java, and JavaScript, making it practical when you need interoperability.
Extended ecosystem: An active and supportive developer community helps you learn and use this programming language. A vast library of prewritten code modules makes adding common functions fast and easy without having to write code from scratch.
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What Can You Use Python For?
Python鈥檚 capabilities as a programming language offer tools for developers, along with libraries and community support. You can use it to create a wide variety of projects and domains. It started out as a hobby project and got its name from the British comedy Monty Python鈥檚 Flying Circus. Dutch developer , who created Python, wanted a name that was short, playful, and memorable. From its roots in simple automation, scripting, and text processing, it has grown to dominate the following fields:
Web Development
Python is ideal for quickly creating scalable, secure, feature-rich, and well-structured websites. Frameworks like Django and Flask help developers organize its code and access libraries of Python-built tools and conventions.
Machine Learning
Python dominates machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large language models. It鈥檚 the language of libraries like PyTorch, scikit-learn, and TensorFlow that developers use to build predictive models, implement complex algorithms, and train AIs.
Data Science
Tools for manipulating data, cleaning data sets, and performing advanced analytics are typically created with Python. Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib are some of the more well-known examples.
Application Development
Python speeds the efficient development of desktop and mobile apps. Simple and extensive libraries make it easy for developers to create user-friendly and bug-free software. From simple utilities to full-featured programs, it鈥檚 the practical choice.
Scripting and Utility Software
This is where Python got its start. Developers found it to be easy to use to quickly and simply automate repetitive tasks and basic utilities. Python handles file management, system administration and monitoring, batch processing, and more.
Learn Python and Start Your Career with Excelsior
Python is an essential modern programming language. Mastering its capabilities opens the door to exciting technology careers in fast-growing fields.
Developing your Python skills is part of earning a BS in Computer Science at 91直播. The comprehensive program balances the technical elements of programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development with liberal arts courses in areas like English composition, humanities, and social and natural sciences that help you with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary for a well-rounded education and a successful career.
Beyond the classroom, Excelsior is known for supporting adult learners and working professionals with 100% online courses. Extensive student support and career readiness resources help you balance your responsibilities with your studies and then apply your education toward your professional goals. 91直播 can help you launch or advance a rewarding and growth-oriented career. Start your journey today and learn why you belong at Excelsior.
A question I hear quite often from prospective students, alumni, and industry partners today is both timely and understandable: Is getting an MBA still worth it in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)? My answer is an unequivocal yes! A Master of Business Administration is not only worth it; it is more valuable now than ever. However, the reasons why an MBA is worth it are evolving.
The AI era is not diminishing the MBA鈥攊t is clarifying its purpose. Many universities that had seen a decline in MBA enrollments since 2024 are . At first, this may seem counterintuitive, but that does not reflect market realities.
The market reality hitting nearly every industry is that AI is transforming how work gets done. Routine analysis, data processing, and even elements of decision support are . This means that entry-level tasks that have been the very foundation of many traditional career ladders are being altogether. Yet this shift reveals something critical: As AI expands, the increases. Some examples of this include:
AI can generate insights, but it cannot define purpose.
AI can optimize decisions, but it cannot own consequences.
AI can process data, but it cannot lead people to respond to the information derived from processed data.
Emerging evidence suggests that AI will disproportionately impact , while managerial and leadership roles will remain more . MBA programs prepare students for these critical leadership roles of the future. The central paradox of the AI era is that the more powerful AI technology becomes, the more essential human leadership becomes.
The Value of an MBA
There is a misconception that the Master of Business Administration is primarily about acquiring business knowledge in a respective business domain (leadership, human resources management, finance and accounting, marketing, etc.). However, that was never its true value. The real value of an MBA lies in three enduring capabilities:听
Strategic thinking under uncertainty. AI thrives on patterns from the past. must make decisions about the future. MBA programs develop that allow individuals to navigate ambiguity, assess risk, and make high-stakes decisions.听
Integration across disciplines. Organizations are not spreadsheets; they are of people, incentives, markets, and constraints. MBA graduates learn to integrate across functions, where they connect finance to strategy, operations to customer experience, and technology to value creation.听
Leadership and accountability. Perhaps most importantly, MBA graduates are trained to lead. Not to manage tasks, but to guide people, , and assume responsibility for outcomes.
As one noted, the enduring value of the MBA lies in developing leaders who can integrate technology, people, and strategy while making decisions under uncertainty. These are not skills that AI replaces. They are skills that AI amplifies.
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Is an MBA Worth the Cost?
Let us address the most practical question: Is the MBA financially worth it? The data remains compelling. According to the , the median salary for MBA graduates in the U.S. is approximately $125,000, compared to about $75,000 for bachelor鈥檚 degree holders. Many programs report opportunities for within a few years of graduation.
Even more telling, employers continue to value the degree. indicate that a majority of corporate recruiters still view full graduate business degrees as more effective than short-form credentials for long-term success. Yes, costs matter. Yes, return on investment varies by program and career path. But the fundamental economic signal has not changed: An MBA remains one of the most reliable pathways to upward mobility and leadership-level compensation.
How AI Is Changing the Business World
The more important question is not whether the MBA is worth it, but whether the right kind of MBA is worth it. Modern MBA programs are evolving rapidly in response to AI. At 91直播, and across forward-thinking institutions, we are seeing three major shifts.
1. AI Literacy as a Core Competency
Students are no longer expected to become data scientists. However, they need to understand how AI works, , and where it introduces risk. AI is becoming a decision support tool, and leaders must know how to interpret its outputs, question its assumptions, and apply its insights responsibly. They must do so while remembering they are ultimately responsible for presenting their own conclusions, authority, and authorship of decisions made. AI does not create a loophole for avoiding being a subject matter expert.
2. Emphasis on Human Skills
As technical tasks become automated, human capabilities become . These capabilities include communication, ethical reasoning, change leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and being a champion for the inclusion of diverse ideas and voices. These are not 鈥渟oft skills.鈥� They are strategic capabilities in an AI-enabled economy.
听3. Applied, Experiential Learning
The best MBA programs are . They are immersing students in real-world problems, which often involve AI integration, digital transformation, and organizational change. This is critical because in the AI era, knowing is not enough. Leaders must apply, adapt, and execute.
The Future of Business Belongs to AI-Augmented Leaders
The future does not belong to those who compete with AI. It belongs to those who lead with AI. Think of them as AI-augmented leaders. This is where the Master of Business Administration becomes uniquely powerful. An MBA graduate in today鈥檚 environment is not simply a business generalist. They are:
A translator between technical teams and executive leadership
A strategist who understands both data and context
A decision-maker who balances analytics with judgment
A leader who can align people around change
In other words, the MBA prepares individuals to become AI-augmented leaders. These are the professionals that organizations are . They are the individuals who can harness AI not only to improve efficiency but also drive innovation and growth.
The Underappreciated Benefits of an MBA
One of the most overlooked benefits of an MBA is not immediate salary鈥攊t is career optionality. In a rapidly changing economy, the matters. An MBA provides access to multiple industries (consulting, health care, tech, finance), flexibility to move into leadership roles, and a credential recognized across sectors and geographies. Even in a shifting job market, MBA employment outcomes remain relatively strong, with employment rates around . More importantly, MBA graduates are increasingly being hired into emerging fields, even AI-driven industries themselves.
There is one aspect of the MBA that AI cannot replicate: . Business is fundamentally relational. Opportunities often emerge not from applications but from connections. An MBA provides access to peer networks of high-performing professionals, faculty mentorship, alumni communities, and industry connections. These networks compound over time. They open doors, create partnerships, and accelerate careers in ways that no algorithm can replicate. In an increasingly digital world, trusted human relationships become more, not less, valuable.
A follow-up to the main question is, In what situations is an MBA not the right choice? An honest answer requires some nuance. An MBA is not universally the right path for everyone. If your goal is deep technical specialization in AI or machine learning, immediate entry into highly technical roles, or low-cost or short-term skill acquisition, then alternative pathways, such as a specialized master鈥檚 degree or certification, may be more appropriate. (91直播 can help with some of those paths, as well.) However, if your goal is to lead teams and organizations, transition into management, influence strategy and decision-making, and build long-term career mobility, then the MBA remains one of the most effective investments you can make.
MBA: A Degree in Leadership
A final perspective worth noting is that the MBA is really a leadership degree. This shift in thinking took time to set and, in part, contributed to periods of weakened MBA enrollments as prospective students and relevance of traditional business education. However, recent trends indicate a of the MBA鈥檚 core value, not as a purely technical or functional credential, but as a developmental pathway for leadership in increasingly complex and dynamic environments.
Now that this shift is more fully realized, the MBA is no longer just a business degree; it is a leadership degree for a complex, technology-driven world. Organizations today operate in conditions characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), requiring leaders who can synthesize information, make decisions under uncertainty, and guide organizations through continuous transformation. MBA programs are uniquely positioned to develop these capabilities by integrating strategic thinking, cross-functional decision-making, and leadership development into a cohesive learning experience.
AI will continue to evolve. Industries will continue to change. Roles will continue to be redefined. But organizations will always need individuals who can make sense of complexity, align people around a vision, make decisions when outcomes are uncertain, and very importantly, take responsibility for results. That is what MBA programs are designed to develop.
Returning to the primary question, Is getting an MBA worth it in the AI era? Yes! But not because it teaches you what AI already knows. Rather, it develops what AI cannot become: a leader. The Master of Business Administration prepares you to lead. And in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines, the need for thoughtful, capable, and ethical human leadership has never been greater.
If you are considering an MBA, the question is not whether AI will replace the degree. The question is whether you are prepared to lead in a world where AI is part of every decision. At 91直播, we believe the answer should be yes.
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is typically employed through a staffing agency and placed on short-term jobs in hospitals, clinics, or other care settings experiencing staffing shortages. This flexible career path allows nurses to explore new places, gain experience, and often earn higher-than-average pay. Travel nurses play an increasingly important role in offering quality patient care across a variety of听environments.
What Does a Travel Nurse Do?
A travel nurse鈥檚 daily responsibilities vary depending on the assignment, specialty, and health care facility. However, most carry out basic nursing duties like assessing patients, administering medications, and assisting with treatment plans. They work with other health care professionals to ensure the best care and adapt to new teams and environments. Because they frequently change assignments, travel nurses must also be comfortable learning new electronic health record systems and adjusting to different workplace听expectations.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Travel Nurse?
To become a travel nurse, you must earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Although you don鈥檛 need a bachelor鈥檚 degree necessarily to become a registered nurse, many employers prefer candidates with their baccalaureate. After completing your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain your license. Most travel nursing agencies also require hospital clinical experience (a year or more, typically) before accepting candidates. Additional certifications may be required depending on your nursing specialty, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support听(ACLS).
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
is an agreement that allows registered nurses to hold one license that allows them to practice in several states without needing to obtain separate licenses. This is beneficial for travel nurses because it streamlines the process of working across state lines. It should be noted, however, that nurses must still follow the regulations of the state where they are practicing. Also, not all states participate in the NLC, so you may have to pursue additional听licensure.
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What Are the Benefits of Travel Nursing?
One of the biggest benefits of travel nursing is the opportunity for professional growth. By working in a variety of health care settings, nurses gain hands-on experience in new technologies, care techniques, and working with different patients. Nurses can strengthen their clinical skills and build their confidence and adaptability, making them more competitive in the job market and opening doors to听advancement.
Another major advantage of travel nursing is the ability to explore new places. You can take on assignments in different cities across the country or even around the world. You can experience new cultures, meet people, and visit exciting places. Combined with flexible scheduling, this lifestyle gives nurses more control over their听time.
Finally, nursing offers strong financial and job security benefits. Travel nurses often earn higher pay than staff nurses, along with perks like housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance options. Also, there is a constant demand for nurses, so there are always opportunities听available.
What Is a Travel Nurse Salary?
Travel nurse salaries can vary widely depending on location, specialty, experience, and demand. On average, travel nurses tend to earn an annual average of . Compare that to $93,600, which is the latest median annual wage for registered nurses, reported by the . Assignments in high-need areas or during health care crises may offer even higher pay. Compensation packages may include additional benefits like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and听bonuses.
Advance Your Nursing Career with Excelsior
Starting your journey as a travel nurse begins with the right education. Excelsior offers flexible nursing programs designed to help students build the knowledge and skills needed for a successful nursing career. Whether you鈥檙e just beginning or looking to expand your opportunities, one of our programs鈥�Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing鈥攃an help you build the skills employers value. Many travel nursing roles increasingly prefer or require a bachelor鈥檚 degree, making continued education a smart investment in your听future.
Travel nursing offers an exciting blend of professional advancement and personal exploration. As demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, travel nurses remain essential in filling critical gaps in health care systems nationwide. Explore Excelsior鈥檚 nursing programs and resources to start down the path toward your dream听career.
Melissa Chim, scholarly communications librarian at 91直播, published the article “AI and Library Publishing: A Reflection”听for Society & AI. The article discusses the impact AI has on open access publishing and authors鈥� rights.
91直播 President David Schejbal spoke with Presidents Forum about Excelsior鈥檚 commitment to designing programs for working adults balancing multiple responsibilities. President Schejbal details how Excelsior鈥檚 learner-first workforce model supports long-term career advancement for students by reducing barriers to education and aligning programs with workforce demands.
Sarah Egerton, director of risk management and internal audit at 91直播, published an article in the journal HigherEdRisk titled “When Federal Uncertainty Becomes a Barrier to Student Success.” In the article, Egerton discusses the challenges that colleges and universities serving military students face, particularly during federal government shutdowns and times of policy uncertainty. She makes recommendations for institutions to proactively plan for governmental volatility to protect these students’ educational pathways and mitigate institutional risks.
The American health care system continues to evolve rapidly because of technological advancements, new health care policies, and the changing needs of the population. Health care organizations increasingly seek skilled professionals who can analyze complex challenges, make strategic decisions, and contribute to improving the quality of health care services.
A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences offers students a strong foundation in health care systems, public health, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including both clinical and nonclinical roles. Clinical roles involve direct patient care, whereas nonclinical roles focus on administrative, leadership, research, and education positions. Understanding the differences between these pathways can help students choose the career direction that best aligns with their professional goals.
Many graduates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences enter the workforce after graduation, while others choose to pursue advanced degrees to expand their career opportunities.
Differences Between Clinical and Nonclinical Roles
Clinical roles involve direct interaction with patients and focus on patient care, treatments, and support for medical teams. These professionals work in environments such as clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and other medical facilities where patient care is the primary focus.
Nonclinical roles, on the other hand, support the health care system without providing direct patient care. Professionals in these positions often focus on improving health care delivery, managing health care organizations, conducting research, or developing health programs. Nonclinical professionals frequently work in areas such as health care leadership, administration, policy development, education, and research. Although they may not interact with patients daily, their work plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the American health care system.
Clinical Careers with a Bachelors鈥� Degree in Health Science
Many students use a health sciences degree as a stepping stone toward advanced clinical careers as physical therapists, physician assistants, and other roles requiring advanced degrees. In some cases, additional education, training, or certification may be required. However, several clinical or patient-focused positions are available to graduates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health science.
Some common clinical career paths include:
Health educator: These professionals develop and implement programs that promote healthy behaviors and the well-being of communities. Health educators may also participate in research projects aimed at improving public health outcomes.
Medical assistant: In this role, you鈥檒l support physicians and other medical providers with patient care and help during medical procedures.
Medical technologist: At the intersection of health care and tech, medical technologists analyze bodily fluids, including blood and tissues, to help health care providers diagnose and monitor diseases.
Physical therapist aide: This clinical job involves assisting physical therapists in rehabilitation settings by helping patients perform exercises to recover from injuries and increase their mobility.
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Nonclinical Careers with a Bachelors鈥� Degree in Health Science
Many professionals contribute to improving the health care system through leadership, research, and management. Some of the most common nonclinical roles you can land with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences include:
Medical office manager: In this important role, you鈥檒l manage the daily operations of health care departments or organizations.
Health care consultant: This nonclinical role involves advising health care organizations on strategies to improve efficiency and overall performance.
Patient care coordinator: Although technically not clinical in nature, patient care coordinators nevertheless interface with the public, working with medical and administrative teams to ensure that patients receive coordinated and efficient services.
Clinical research coordinator: These nonclinical workers assist with clinical trials and research studies by recruiting participants and collecting and managing data.
Community health worker: In this role, you鈥檒l support individuals and communities by providing education and guidance on accessing health care resources and improving health outcomes.
Choosing the Right Career Path
A bachelor鈥檚 degree in health science offers graduates significant flexibility when entering the health care workforce. Students don鈥檛 necessarily need to decide immediately whether they want to pursue a clinical or nonclinical career path, and many professionals transition between roles as their interests and experience evolve. Excelsior鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program offers a diverse, career-focused curriculum that prepares students for the full spectrum of jobs available in health care, with a choice of four concentrations to help students shape their degree paths to fit their interests and goals. What鈥檚 more, Excelsior鈥檚 flexible online courses and support from start to finish are designed to accommodate busy schedules, even if students already have work and family commitments. And it鈥檚 also worth noting that earning Excelsior鈥檚 BS in Health Sciences positions graduates to pursue an advanced degree, which can provide greater job security and financial stability.
When exploring career options, it鈥檚 important to consider personal interests, professional goals, and the type of impact one hopes to make in the health care system. Some individuals find fulfillment in working directly with patients, while others prefer roles in research, leadership, or management. Both clinical and nonclinical pathways play essential roles in supporting health care systems and improving patient outcomes. Regardless of the path chosen, graduates with a degree in health science are well positioned to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and Excelsior is here to help mold those graduates into capable, versatile professionals and start them on their way.
Criminology. Criminal Justice. Forensics. They all mean the same thing when it comes to fighting crime,听right?
Not听exactly.
The reality is more nuanced. Although they all share a common focus, criminology, criminal justice, and forensics are three distinct methods that help shape how our society thinks about, investigates, and addresses crime. Learning the differences between them can help us better understand the entire life span of a crime, from the individual responsible to the systems that help keep us听safe.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field working to develop theories to explain the social, economic, and psychological reasons why people commit crimes. Spanning sociology, psychology, statistics, and public policy, criminology is predictive and preventative. Criminological research informs changes to social policy and law and then monitors how individuals interact with the changes over听time.
The history of criminology has its roots in the Enlightenment in Europe, a period during the 18th century when humanistic ideals emphasizing tolerance, reason, and personal liberty were gaining strength over the authority of religion and royalty. of this time centered on examining the motivations of the individual as opposed to the details of the crime. Thinkers like and rejected corporal punishment in favor of social reforms and focused on the choices each individual has in opposition to the internal and external factors influencing听them.
Modern criminologists are still studying the criminal implications of societal forces like poverty, childhood trauma, or addiction. Researchers look at longitudinal data on demographics and economics to identify trends in criminal activity and its impact over time, with an eye toward decreasing crime听rates.
Criminologists do important work that helps us understand the interconnected reasons why crime happens, but they don鈥檛 arrest suspects, solve crimes, or gather crime scene evidence. Criminal justice professionals and forensics experts take over from听there.
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What Is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is a system of institutions and services that function as society鈥檚 day-to-day response to crime, as compared to criminology, which is a research-based field that explores the causes of crime in the long听term.
The U.S. system is divided into the three pillars of law enforcement, courts, and corrections that manage the criminal process from investigation to rehabilitation. Police enforce laws, investigate crimes, and make arrests. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges ensure that legal due process is followed, determine culpability, and deliver sentences. Corrections, probation, and parole officers focus on punishment and behavioral听change.
Criminologists may not necessarily work within the criminal justice system, but there is a symbiotic relationship between the work that they do. A criminologist might discover that a neighborhood has a high rate of juvenile delinquency because of a lack of after-school programs. Based on that research, local law enforcement might shift their policing toward for crime prevention and away from increasing arrest volume. In turn, the criminal justice system provides ongoing crime statistics such as arrest records, recidivism rates, and trial outcomes, which criminologists then analyze to refine their听theories.
What Is Forensics?
At its essence, forensics is concerned with proving or disproving the involvement of a person, place, or thing in a crime by using chemistry, physics, and technology to analyze physical and digital artifacts. While criminology works on the theoretical why听of crime, and criminal justice deals in the how of enforcing the law, forensic science is focused on the physical what. The role of forensics is to act as the bridge between the lab and the legal system, providing objective scientific evidence that can be used in听court.
Evolving from the early days of fingerprinting and crime scene photography, modern forensics encompasses several fields, including DNA analysis, toxicology, forensic pathology, ballistics, and the newest forensic innovation of digital forensics, which recovers and analyzes data from encrypted phones, hard drives, or deleted听emails.
Criminology vs. Criminal Justice vs. Forensics
Criminal behavior is complicated, and it doesn鈥檛 happen in a vacuum. The challenge of preventing and addressing crime is a collaboration among professionals in criminology, forensics, and criminal justice, all working in parallel on different elements of the听process.
Here鈥檚 a breakdown of the goals of each discipline, the tools they use, and where they听work.
Essentially, if you鈥檙e analyzing DNA from blood spatter, you鈥檙e a forensic specialist. If you鈥檙e arresting the suspect, you work in criminal justice. If you鈥檙e researching why that specific neighborhood has seen a 10% spike in homicide, you鈥檙e a听criminologist.
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Anyone starting their career in public service needs empathy, attention to detail, and a nuanced understanding of people, processes, and听politics.
While criminology, criminal justice, and forensics are distinct disciplines, they are all committed to serving the public good, and they are each writing parts of the same story about crime and society. 91直播鈥檚 BS in Criminal Justice program curriculum incorporates elements of all three, with courses like Criminology, Statistics, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and Criminal Justice Administration so you can build the well-rounded base of knowledge employers are looking for. Which crime prevention career path you decide to take depends on where you want to make a difference within that听story.
