What Is CEH Certification?

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Earning your Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential gives you a cybersecurity certification that is internationally recognized and in high demand. The process of obtaining this credential gives you the skills to identify system vulnerabilities, conduct penetration testing, and understand how malicious hackers attack. Here鈥檚 an overview of CEH certification and the career paths it opens.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking mirrors the techniques and tactics that malicious hackers use to break in, steal, or destroy systems and information. As an ethical hacker, your goal is to uncover, understand, and ultimately fix vulnerabilities and neutralize threats. You will evaluate the effectiveness of your countermeasures with penetration testing and will scan networks while continuously monitoring threats. Particularly challenging are the advanced persistent threats that infect systems and remain undetected for extended periods, quietly executing their attacks.

As a CEH, you will be on the front lines in thwarting attacks and neutralizing threats. Ethical hackers are motivated by a desire to protect systems and data; malicious hackers have criminal听intent.

What Is the Certified Ethical Hacker Certification?

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification validates your skills and expertise in counteracting malicious hackers, making you a valuable resource for organizations wanting to strengthen their defenses against cybercriminals. You earn the certification by .

This credential enjoys significant support from government organizations at the forefront of fighting cybercriminals, from individual hackers to state-sponsored threat actors. The Department of Defense (DoD), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Committee on National Security Systems advising the intelligence community are examples of the entities that recognize this certification.

IT and cybersecurity professionals can advance their careers and boost their salaries by earning credentials like the CEH. According the , information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $120,360, and as of February 2025, per , the average annual salary for ethical hackers, in particular, was $135,269 nationally.

Start your exciting career in ethical hacking with a BS in Cybersecurity from 91直播.

What You鈥檒l Learn in a CEH Program

  • How to hack systems, networks, cloud servers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things and operational technology (OT) applications
  • Tools and techniques such as sniffers, denial of service, SQL injections, phishing and other social engineering, evading an intrusion detection system (IDS), firewalls, and honeypots
  • Scanning, cryptography, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis
  • AI-powered cybersecurity, including how malicious hackers use artificial intelligence, automating AI for monitoring, and AI reporting that uncovers patterns and details of attacks

How to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker

The typical CEH process involves getting approved training that puts you in the hacker mindset and provides you with critical knowledge and skills. The is vendor-neutral when it comes to training courses. In fact, you don鈥檛 need to have CEH training to take the exam. But you do need two years of experience and an educational background in information security, demonstrated by an eligibility application, when signing up for the exam.

The skills and knowledge you need to pass the CEH exam and to thrive in the field are part of the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity offered at 91直播, designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the . The degree prepares you for a rewarding career in cyber defense, whether in the corporate world, law enforcement, or government agencies like the U.S. Cyber Command. Pairing a Certified Ethical Hacker credential with your bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity can set you up for the most rewarding roles with a higher salary potential.

And you can continue to advance your career with additional certifications and training, including certificate programs in penetration testing like the one offered through Excelsior鈥檚 partnership with . Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date is the best way build on the foundation of a solid degree and enjoy a long, successful career as an ethical听hacker.

How to Make More Money as a Nurse

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Your passion is caring for others. You have always wanted to help others recover from their afflictions while providing the best possible bedside manner. Nursing is your calling.

But you鈥檝e heard that becoming a nurse won鈥檛 make you a lot of money. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the was $86,070听as of May 2023, with the lowest 10% only making $63,720. And at a median annual salary of $59,730.

So, what do you do if the wages you鈥檙e earning just aren鈥檛 cutting it? Don鈥檛 worry! Here鈥檚 how you can still land your dream job as a nurse and make some extra money.

Make an impact in health care with a nursing degree from 91直播.

5 Ways to Earn More as a Nurse

You鈥檝e got your heart set on becoming a nurse but need to learn how you can make extra money doing it. No problem. There are plenty of ways you can increase your salary potential as a nurse.

Optimize Your Schedule

An easy way to increase your nursing salary without putting too much stress on yourself is to optimize your schedule. Many workplaces offer extra pay for working the less desirable night, weekend, and holiday shifts. , the difference in earnings on these shifts can range from 10% to 15%! For instance, you could switch a couple of your eight-hour shifts for 12-hour shifts or take a night shift in addition to a day shift. The important thing to remember here is that you need to plan accordingly so you don鈥檛 burn yourself out.

Become a Travel Nurse

Have you ever considered becoming a nurse who fills in wherever there are staffing shortages at hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and more? You could become a travel nurse and . Being a travel nurse requires you to move to various locations, be ready to respond to crises or rapid response assignments, or fill in when there are labor disputes.

Because of the immediate need in these kinds of situations, travel nurses can expect lucrative wages, not to mention the occasional bonus pay. , as of February 2025, travel nurses made an average annual salary of $101,132. Travel nursing is an excellent choice if you love to explore new places and are looking to bump up your earnings.

Sign Up to Be a Nurse Preceptor

If you鈥檙e interested in earning additional compensation as well as developing your leadership skills, could be right for you. Preceptors mentor and train new nurses by guiding them through clinical procedures and techniques and the workplace environment. Many workplaces offer increased salary for this added responsibility, and compensation can vary based on your location, employer, and experience.

Specialize

Another good way to boost your salary is by choosing a specialty in nursing. can offer a substantial increase in pay. For instance, nurses who work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or specialize in can expect to earn more than the average RN. And advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) typically : Certified registered nurse anesthetists, neonatal nurse practitioners, critical care nurse practitioners, oncology and hematology nurse practitioners, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are among the highest-paying nursing specialties because of the complexity of knowledge, responsibility, and patient care they require. In addition to higher pay, choosing a specialty that aligns with your interests and career goals can be rewarding and satisfying.

Get an Advanced Nursing Degree

If you鈥檙e interested in specializing in a certain field, it鈥檚 important that you pursue the appropriate education. Many nursing specialties require advanced degrees鈥攁t least a bachelor鈥檚 degree, but often a master鈥檚 degree or doctorate. Earning one of these higher degrees can greatly boost your nursing salary and improve your career outlook.

Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can improve your career opportunities because it offers more education. When comparing a BSN versus an RN, it should be noted that a nurse with a bachelor鈥檚 degree can earn significantly more than a nurse with just an associate degree. With a bachelor鈥檚, you can develop a broader skill set and grow your nursing knowledge, earn special certifications, and apply for leadership positions. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can give you a competitive edge in the job market, or you could pursue more advanced degrees.

Graduate Degrees in Nursing

Earning an even higher degree in nursing can increase your salary potential even more and set you on the track for executive leadership positions in the field. A Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice can prepare you for advanced careers like nurse practitioner, nursing informatics specialist, clinical nurse specialist, and administrative and academic positions like nurse educator or nurse manager. These positions lend themselves to higher salaries and opportunities to open independent practices.

If you have your heart set on becoming a nurse but have heard negative things about salary, don鈥檛 give up your career goal. There are plenty of options you can pursue to make sure you land your dream job of becoming a nurse while also being able to earn enough to meet your financial needs. Whether you want to become a travel nurse, specialize in a particular nursing niche, train others, or get an advanced degree, remember that having the right education will help open more career opportunities, landing you the perfect job with the right pay.

What Is an Executive MBA?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

If career advancement is one of your long-term goals, there鈥檚 a good chance that earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is also on your list. The MBA is a benchmark for business professionals, and it signals you鈥檙e serious about building the high-level skills effective managers need.

MBA programs can be found in university business departments across the world, and the specific program you choose depends on your interests and schedule, but an increasingly popular option for professionals in more senior positions is the executive MBA (EMBA.) The first executive MBA program launched at the with an aim to strengthen American business in an uncertain world still in the midst of World War II. Unique for the time, the majority of the first 52-student cohort were in their 40s and 50s. They had decades of work experience but little formal business education. Meeting part time, two nights a week, students were able to learn together and make valuable connections while balancing careers in busy midcentury Chicago industry.

Today鈥檚 EMBA programs have the same basic mission: to provide high-level business education to experienced adult students seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills while continuing to contribute to their companies and communities.

EMBA vs. MBA

Whether you enroll in a traditional or executive program, the degree you鈥檒l receive will still be a Master of Business Administration. One way of learning is not 鈥渂etter鈥� than the other. The real is the curriculum focus and student experience.

Traditional MBAs are often designed for professionals with a shorter work history to grow or change their careers. Courses have an emphasis on practical skills in marketing, finance, and resource management. Executive MBAs are geared toward those already in management positions aiming for higher levels of leadership. 91直播鈥檚 program features coursework focusing on strategy, sustainability, and change management. EMBA programs are typically run on a condensed schedule to accommodate working professionals, with classes typically held on weekends, on evenings, or in a hybrid format (online and in person).

Transform your career in a year with 91直播鈥檚 Executive MBA program.

What Is the EMBA Program at 91直播 Like?

If you鈥檙e considering an EMBA, it鈥檚 essential to research different programs, compare their curricula and faculty, and determine which one best aligns with your aspirations. 91直播鈥檚 Executive MBA program has been designed so working adults can forge new paths in their careers and grow their networking potential, all while working full time.

Intensive 12-Month Program

Because executives don鈥檛 have time to waste, Excelsior鈥檚 program is an intense but effective 12 months with a curriculum that includes courses like Strategy and Entrepreneurial Innovation, Strategic Brand Marketing, Systems and Sustainability, and Resilient Leadership and Organizational Behavior.

Designed for Experienced Professionals

Excelsior鈥檚 Executive MBA program advances past business basics. The curriculum is ideal for seasoned professionals who are prepared for immersive experiences that challenge and strengthen their management style and strategic thinking skills.

Combination of Online Learning and In-Person Residencies

Unlike Excelsior鈥檚 online MBA program, the hybrid format of Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA balances the convenience of interactive online courses with in-person residencies. In each of three major U.S cities, you鈥檒l have the chance to tackle hands-on projects with industry partners, as well as with your fellow cohort students, that hone your talents in strategy, innovation, sustainability, and more.

How to Get Started

If you thrive on challenge, connection, and personal growth, then you鈥檝e reached the level in your career where you鈥檙e ready to invest in your leadership skills with an EMBA. 91直播鈥檚 impactful hybrid program could be right for you, and our team makes it easy to get started in our next program cohort. Read more about the program details and how to apply today.

Nursing Informatics vs. Clinical Nursing: What鈥檚 the Difference

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Careers in nursing offer multiple paths and areas of focus. For instance, take nursing informatics vs. clinical nursing. Both are concerned with patient care, yet they deal with distinctly different aspects of it.

Nursing Informatics: The Intersection of Technical and Clinical

Health care is becoming more data-driven, and the need for people with a combined background of patient care and information management is exploding. You can play a key role in putting health care technology to work for patients and the organizations caring for them.

In nursing informatics, you鈥檒l support all the stakeholders involved with the health of a patient. That starts with providing good, clear information to patients themselves and extends to the medical care team and on to facilities and operations professionals, too.

Harness data to improve patient care with an MS in Nursing Informatics from 91直播.

How Is Clinical Nursing Different from Nursing Informatics?

As a clinical nurse, you apply your medical knowledge and patient care skills in hands-on roles assessing patient conditions, diagnosing, and treating conditions in hospitals, clinics, and doctors鈥� offices. Your focus is on people.

In nursing informatics, your focus is on data and IT systems. You spend your time on information technology integration, data management, and the maintenance and analysis of . You contribute to decision support, both for the clinical and the business operations side of health care. You may work at clinical sites but could also work in a traditional office setting for consultants and informatics specialty companies.

Do nurse informaticists care for patients?

Working in nursing informatics, you typically won鈥檛 care directly for patients. Instead, you鈥檒l apply your medical knowledge to analyzing data and building systems that help others uncover insights in data. Maintaining complete and accurate health records is part of the role, as is tracking pharmaceuticals, clinical outcomes, and other kinds of health data. Although you won鈥檛 care for patients directly, your work is vital to improving patient outcomes.

Do you need to be an RN to be a nurse informaticist?

Getting a start in a nursing informatics career typically requires that you be an RN. Nursing expertise helps you to use health care technology to its fullest and to effectively function as a liaison between the technical and the clinical. However, many organizations may require additional education, like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a master鈥檚 degree.

Can you work from home as a nurse informaticist?

Nursing informatics is one of the few areas in nursing where is possible.听 Whether you work for a health care institution like a hospital, a data consulting company, or a software developer, your work is largely done on a computer. You can work anyplace you can get a secure and reliable connection to data and IT systems.

Which Degree Is Right for Your Career Goals?

The place to start your career is to earn your nursing degree. Excelsior鈥檚 associate degree and bachelor鈥檚 degree program in nursing prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary for getting licensed as an RN.

You may then wish to explore multiple career paths in nursing to make sure you understand your options to find the right fit for you. If you think you may be interested in becoming a specialist in nursing informatics, you will likely need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and, if you want to advance, a specialized graduate degree.

The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics at Excelsior offers a robust curriculum that prepares you to make the best use of data in addressing health care challenges, improving patient care, and optimizing operations. The program gives you the right blend of advanced nursing science, data science, and information technology expertise for exciting roles in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, research laboratories, insurance agencies, consulting companies, and more.

Working in nursing informatics is the ideal career for you if you love technology and have a strong interest in life sciences and helping people. Technology in the field of health care is evolving fast, opening well-paying opportunities at the beginning of your career and chances to grow as you progress.

Level Up Your Management Skills with Six Sigma

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

What do Intel, PepsiCo, and Volvo have in common? They all have a not-so-secret weapon helping them manage production and keep customers happy: Six Sigma, a data-driven methodology used to improve systems and reduce defects.

From computer processors to beverage manufacturing, organizations are constantly striving for the smallest margins of error in their processes to meet high levels of competition and satisfy customers accustomed to consistent products delivered fast. Six Sigma is not only relied on by some of the world鈥檚 biggest manufacturers but also a philosophy of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction you can use to dramatically enhance your management skills, no matter your industry.

What Is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma can get complicated quickly, but at its core, it is a method for applying statistical analysis to manufacturing processes to remove variation and eliminate error. It operates on the idea that by turning work into data, we can track, measure, and ultimately control the output.

The techniques and tools that form the method were developed in the 1980s by Motorola engineer Bill Smith as a proposal to improve the quality of the company鈥檚 products. The system gained even greater prominence in the 1990s when , then CEO of General Electric, championed Six Sigma as one of the key tools he used to overhaul business operations and achieve record growth for the company.

Why Is It Called Six Sigma?

The name 鈥淪ix Sigma鈥� comes from the bell curve in statistics, where one sigma represents one standard deviation from the mean. When a process reaches six sigma, that means there are only 3.4 defects per million opportunities. The method was developed for large-scale manufacturing processes, and it鈥檚 in those industries where you鈥檒l find it most used, but the principles can also be applied to find continuous improvement and efficiency in other areas of an organization鈥檚 processes, to identify trends, to predict outcomes, and to make informed decisions that drive positive change.

Take your leadership to the next level with a business degree from 91直播.

How Is Lean Six Sigma Different?

Six Sigma seeks to minimize errors and inconsistencies during production, whereas Lean Six Sigma looks to streamline or 鈥渓ean out鈥� processes throughout an entire workflow.听The traditional method defines waste as defective products and uses statistical analysis to drive improvements. In Lean Six Sigma, waste is defined more broadly as any activity that doesn鈥檛 benefit the customer and can include wasted time, effort, or materials. The tools for improvement in rely less on numerical data and more on process visualizations like flow charts and value maps.

What Are the Steps of Six Sigma?

relies on a structured approach to process improvement involving two sets of five key phases that practitioners refer to by their initialisms, DMAIC and DMADV. Which set you use depends on what type of process you鈥檙e trying to impact.

DMAIC

Geared toward existing processes, DMAIC stands for 鈥渄efine,鈥� 鈥渕easure,鈥� 鈥渁nalyze,鈥� 鈥渋mprove,鈥� and 鈥渃ontrol.鈥� Each phase is designed to produce data that is actionable in the next step.

Define
Identify the problem and process to be improved. Then, create project goals, a project charter, a process map, and the metrics by which you鈥檒l measure success.

Measure
Gather data and measure key performance indicators related to the process.

Analyze
Examine the data to identify the root causes of the problem. Use process data for hypothesis testing, visualization, and validation.

Improve
Generate a solution and create new process maps for improvements. Implement a pilot program, continue measurements, and adjust as needed.

Control
Monitor the improved process to ensure that continuous improvement is sustained over time. Document and standardize changes and then launch a plan of training and communication on new processes for stakeholders across the organization.

DMADV

DMADV shares its first three steps with DMAIC, but they are applied slightly differently. The last two steps, 鈥渄esign鈥� and 鈥渧erify,鈥� are specifically tailored to creating new processes.

Define
Identify the customer鈥檚 needs, goals, and success metrics of the new product.

Measure
Establish parameters for the product and process that are measurable, allowing data to be collected and compared with the specified requirements.

Analyze
Study the proposed specifications, making changes if necessary, to proactively limit future issues and errors.

Design
Using information gathered during analysis, design the complete process and create prototypes.

Verify
Ensure that the final product meets the customer鈥檚 requirements and that the process design is viable, sustainable, and error-free under real-world conditions.

DMAIC vs. DMADV

steps for continuous improvement

 

DMAIC is used to improve a process that already exists but is producing an unacceptable number of errors. For example, say you oversee a factory that produces cars, but customers complain that the side mirrors keep falling off. DMAIC can help pinpoint where in the production line the mirrors become faulty, why the fault is occurring, and then what changes need to be made in the process to correct it.

DMADV is used to create completely new processes that meet the customer鈥檚 needs and specifications. Now, imagine that your car factory got the order to pivot production and manufacture toasters instead. The steps of DMADV address the process of designing, testing, and implementing the new systems needed to make the switch.

Where Can You Learn About Six Sigma?

If you鈥檙e interested in learning more about Six Sigma, there are an abundance of training and certification programs offered online and in person. Certification levels are named after , much like martial arts, and go from a white belt, where you learn the fundamentals, to a master black belt that designates you have the experience needed to implement Six Sigma projects at an enterprise level and coach others in the method across teams.

By incorporating these principles and methodologies into their management style, leaders can become more effective, efficient, and confident in their decision-making and overall leadership. But Six Sigma is only a tool, and it鈥檚 at its most impactful when wielded by those with the comprehensive business education to know how and where to use it. Excelsior offers a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business as well as an online MBA program and a hybrid Executive MBA program designed to give you a foundation of analytical skills and leadership ability that complements Sig Sigma training and earns you a seat at the table when important decisions are being made.

 

Cognitive Skills Remain Important in Age of AI

Posted on by David Schejbal

In an interview with Presidents Forum, 91直播 president David Schejbal discussed the importance of higher education in developing the critical thinking and cognitive abilities of students as they prepare to join the workforce or advance in their careers. President Schejbal speaks on the “soft skills” that higher education imparts and how they will remain essential even as AI and technical abilities gain prominence.

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How to Grow Your Network

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Networking is a powerful way to start and build a rewarding career. The saying about who you know versus what听you know holds true: Your personal and professional relations can open doors to opportunities, lead to strategic partnerships, provide careerlong mentorship, be a source of industry insights, and more. Creating and maintaining a professional network can power your advancement in ways that skills and knowledge alone cannot. And meaningful connections enrich your work life on a personal level, too.

10 Tips for Honing Your Networking Skills

Business networking is a skill that gets easier with practice. With these tips, you can build an effective professional network, whether you鈥檙e still in school, just entering the job market, or several years into your career.

Set Your Goals

Define what you want to achieve through networking and business relations, such as advancing your career, getting help and advice, learning about an industry, or getting job leads. Consider creating that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to increase your likelihood of success.

Be Confident

If you鈥檙e naturally shy, business networking can seem daunting. Keep in mind that many people at business networking events are in the same shoes. Have a few introductory lines in mind and then boldly walk up and introduce yourself. Most people are delighted to be approached.

Prepare

Take a moment to learn about the speakers at conferences or networking events. See whether there鈥檚 an attendee list and identify people you most want to meet and check their LinkedIn profiles. Make a list of a few questions to ask at the event.

Attend the Right Events

Look for events that attract people from your industry and that align with your business networking goals. Conferences are great for learning about industry trends, and job fairs work best for finding your next position. If you鈥檙e selling something, trade shows open doors. Although online networking isn鈥檛 as easy and natural, virtual events are still worthwhile, and joining , particularly if you participate actively in them, can be useful.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Your goal is to provide people with information that gives them an idea of who you are and why you鈥檙e worth knowing. And you often won鈥檛 have a lot of time to get your point across鈥攎aybe only the length of an elevator ride鈥攕o it鈥檚 helpful to have your ready to go whenever the opportunity presents itself. Have some ready answers for follow-up questions, too.

Make Your Business Card

Although younger people at business networking events are happy exchanging e-cards from phone to phone, old-fashioned paper business cards can still be of value. They are a physical reminder for people you meet and make it easy for them to connect with you. When you get business cards from others鈥攑hysical or digital鈥攂e sure to follow up with a short email. That way, you鈥檒l be in their address list going forward and can further business relations.

Join Relevant Organizations

Adding memberships to your professional life gives your LinkedIn profile and resume more weight, especially if you volunteer to help in some way or can provide bylined content. Most organizations host events, have active websites, and interact on LinkedIn, giving you more places to connect and potentially showcase yourself.

Be Curious and Ask Questions

Having ready questions supports the back-and-forth that makes conversations interesting. Include questions about the speakers, the event, the hosting organization, and what is going on in the industry. Asking questions of others shows that you鈥檙e interested. What鈥檚 more, if you鈥檙e shy, they focus attention on others.

Leverage Social Media

Online networking through group Zoom meetings, webinars, and question-answer sessions are ways to get your name out there. Beyond these options are social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Actively sharing your perspective, and particularly adding to the conversations of others, will get you noticed in a good way.

Help Others

If you network purely for selfish reasons, your connections will be superficial and short-lived. Contribute, do favors, answer questions, share resources, and make helpful connections for people without any kind of quid pro quo. Being generous is intrinsically rewarding and establishes you as a person of character that people will want to know.

Transform your business career in a year with an Executive MBA from 91直播.

Advanced Techniques to Build Business Relationships

As you gain confidence and experience, you can add advanced techniques to furthering your business relations.

The 3 C鈥檚

Three words beginning with 鈥渃鈥� are the heart and soul of networking. It starts with connecting with people and forming genuine bonds with them. Communication is the key to that. Sharing generously and active listening are important. Lastly, collaboration can truly cement business relationships. When you work together with someone, you tend to get to know them on a deeper level.

Be Generous

Begin with giving, not asking for something. And never accept a favor without clear gratitude and an offer of reciprocation.

Don鈥檛 Forget the Human Touch

Show your true self. Telling compelling stories, listening, and being humble and vulnerable help people get to know and value you. Take genuine joy in helping others and opening other connections for them.

Leveraging Your Education to Build Your Personal Network

Don鈥檛 forget your alma mater when building business relationships: Higher education institutions typically provide an array of networking resources, from alumni networks to events and webinars. Indeed, one reason for continuing your education at the graduate level is to build your professional network.

For instance, networking is a key part of Excelsior鈥檚 Executive MBA program, offering three in-person residencies in three different U.S. cities, where you鈥檒l collaborate and network with peers and industry experts. The invaluable experience of these hands-on residencies, as part of a hybrid curriculum that makes the program doable for working professionals, is a big part of what makes Excelsior鈥檚 EMBA program different from other MBA programs. And as a graduate, you鈥檒l enjoy access to a community of nearly 200,000 Excelsior alumni worldwide.

To expand your network, gain invaluable experience, and earn a highly sought-after Master of Business Administration, consider . You can transform your career in a year.

The Cybersecurity Tools You Need to Secure Your Data

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, protecting sensitive and private information has become a top priority. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like phishing, ransomware, malware, and data breaches to exploit vulnerabilities, which makes strong cybersecurity measures essential. Governments, businesses, and even individuals should all be aware of basic cybersecurity tools that are critical to securing important data.

Types of Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity tools play a crucial role in protecting data. By using cybersecurity best practices, individuals and organizations can keep their data safe from cyberattacks and other security risks. Let鈥檚 take a look at some of the many types of cybersecurity tools.

Encryption Tools

An protects data by converting it into an unreadable format that can only be accessed with the proper decryption key or password. Some common encryption software includes , , and .

Packet Sniffers

involves detecting, capturing, and analyzing data packets transmitted through the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), which connects devices to wired or wireless networks. These packets contain data including login credentials, passwords, IP addresses, and more.

Network Security Monitoring Tools

is the continuous process of responding to security threats within a network in real time. NSM helps security professionals detect security infractions and other potential threats by analyzing data and other system behaviors.

Help battle cybercriminals with a BS in Cybersecurity from 91直播.

Web Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Web vulnerability scanning tools are automatic security applications that identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in websites, web applications, and servers. Common web vulnerability scanners include , , and .

Penetration Testing

Penetration testers conduct 鈥減en tests,鈥� which involve simulating cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities in an organization鈥檚 technology infrastructure and providing recommendations for improving security. This practice is known as ethical hacking.

Antivirus Software

finds, blocks, and extracts malicious software (malware) like ransomware, Trojans, and worm from technical devices. Some popular antivirus programs include , , and .

Firewalls

A can be either hardware or software and uses predetermined security rules to monitor and regulate network traffic, whether incoming or outgoing. These security devices shield internal networks from unknown and potentially untrustworthy networks like the internet.

Network Intrusion Detection Tools

, or network intrusion detection systems (NIDS), are security applications that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and identify potential attacks and unauthorized access. They can be signature-based, anomaly-based, or hybrid. Popular NIDTs include , and .

Managed Detection Tools

provide continuous monitoring and management of an organization鈥檚 network and systems to identify, detect, and respond to security threats. These tools are often used combined with human expertise as part of a managed detection and response (MDR) service. Cybersecurity professionals use these tools, as well as techniques like behavioral analysis and threat intelligence, to oversee real-time security events. Popular managed detection tools include , , and .

Types of Cybersecurity Tools

Where to Learn About Cybersecurity Tools

Cyberthreats are becoming increasingly complex, fueling the demand for skilled professionals. This perpetual need for problem-solving and innovation makes cybersecurity a dynamic and rewarding field. A bachelor鈥檚 degree program in cybersecurity offers a broad range of career opportunities, and a master鈥檚 degree program in cybersecurity and certifications can lead to advancement, including higher salaries. You can specialize in ethical hacking, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, and many other areas.

If you want to learn about implementing popular cybersecurity tools, 91直播 can help get you started on a path toward a fulfilling career. Our cybersecurity programs prepare you with the knowledge and experience you need to tackle the complex challenges of cyber defense.

91直播 Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Health Care Workforce in Upstate New York听

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 鈥� 91直播 announced today that it has entered a partnership with the Caring Gene庐 (CPT) to address health care workforce shortages in the hardest-hit areas of New York state, reduce barriers to career advancement, and support individuals in underrepresented communities who seek to become compassionate professionals in the health care industry. 听

Through this partnership, eligible New York state residents and residents of certain bordering states receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 health care fields. The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports both new health care workers and current professionals seeking career advancement.听

鈥�91直播 is proud to partner with the Caring Gene to provide meaningful education opportunities for students and address the ongoing need for health care workers in New York state,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 91直播. 鈥淭ogether, we aim to build a stronger health care workforce, support career advancement, and improve community health outcomes.鈥�听

To qualify for the program, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a health care, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York state that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by 2031.听

“91直播 shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York state health care workers,鈥� said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. 鈥�This program is an important step toward strengthening our health care workforce and expanding access to quality care in the communities that need it most. We look forward to working with Excelsior to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene鈥檚 CPT program.鈥�听

The Caring Gene鈥檚 CPT program offers two distinct tracks: one for individuals aspiring to enter the health care industry, and another for current professionals looking to advance their careers.听听

The Caring Gene鈥檚 case specialists will guide participants throughout their educational journeys, ensuring they receive services and support to enter the health care workforce, and provide career advancement opportunities for current health care employees. In partnership with the Caring Gene, 91直播 will actively recruit eligible students to apply and complete their training in health care career pathways including nursing, professional and technical roles, and front-line public health workers.听听

Recruitment strategies will focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure the health care workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.听听

Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the CPT program can learn more about eligibility by visiting the Caring Gene鈥檚 website: .听听

For more information on 91直播, visit excelsior.edu.听听

Media Contact, 91直播: Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446听

Media Contact, Caring Gene: Grazia Yaeger, GYaeger@caringgene.org, 518-383-5060 Ext. 7444听

About the Caring Gene:听
The Caring Gene庐 Healthcare Career Pathways Training Inc. is a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association. It is dedicated to helping people start and grow their health, behavioral health, and social care careers in New York, providing comprehensive support to individuals who have a natural calling to care for others. Learn more at .听听

About Iroquois Healthcare Association:
Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is a regional health care trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers in Upstate New York鈥檚 urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-savings initiatives and innovative business solutions.听听

About 91直播:
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

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5 Nursing Myths鈥擠ebunked

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Nursing. The word is synonymous with care and compassion. From the moment we鈥檙e born, nurses are our first point of contact with medical care, and the estimates that there are about 29 million of them worldwide. But despite their importance in literally keeping us alive, not to mention their indispensable role in the medical system, it鈥檚 been hard for these health care professionals to shake the nursing stereotype of a kindly woman dispensing Band-Aids and lollipops.

The truth is that nursing is an incredibly diverse profession, and being a nurse requires a high level of skill and training. Let鈥檚 debunk five of the most common nursing myths your nurse wishes would disappear for good.

Called to care? Grow your nursing career at 91直播.

5 Myths About Being a Nurse

Nursing Myth 1: All Nurses Do the Same Work

There are as many nursing specialties as there are branches of medicine, and nurses often have very specific skill sets depending on where they work. One of the main appeals of being a nurse is its flexibility and variety. From aesthetics听to podiatry, there are endless choices when it comes to what kind of work you want to do beyond the nursing stereotypes.

Nursing Myth 2: Nurses Are Doctors鈥� Assistants

Don鈥檛 let a nurse catch you repeating this myth! Nursing is a complex and specialized field in its own right. Although nurses collaborate closely with all health care providers, including doctors, they make their own decisions and recommendations for the patients they care for. Many nurses can even provide the same level of treatment to patients without the need to even see a doctor.

Nursing Myth 3: Nurses Only Work in Hospitals

Anywhere health care happens, you can find nurses working. This, of course, includes all the places you would expect, like hospitals and medical offices, but also places you probably wouldn鈥檛. , such as schools, insurance companies, rehabilitation centers, and pharma, among others.

Nursing Myth 4: Nurses Only Work with Patients

Caring for the health of individuals and communities is at the core of everything nurses do, but being a nurse doesn鈥檛 mean you have to only work one-on-one with patients. Informatics, health care policy, research, education, hospital administration, and consulting are all areas where nurses can make a difference without being bedside.

Nursing Myth 5: Nurses Don鈥檛 Make Good Money

No one becomes a nurse to get rich. Nursing is a calling as much as it is a profession. However, it鈥檚 a highly regulated profession that requires rigorous training and education, and as such, it鈥檚 compensated accordingly.

Nursing salaries vary depending on your level of education, specialty, and the geographical area in which you work, but the reports that the median annual pay for registered nurses was $86,070 in 2023. Plus, with an average of 194,500 nursing jobs projected to open each year, nursing is a career with a lot of room to grow, especially if you continue your education. One of the benefits of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing is that you could earn even more over the span of your career.

The Truth About Your Nursing Career

Nurses work hard every day proving these five wrong, and despite some pesky nursing stereotypes, an annual measuring the honesty and ethics of various professions has listed nursing as the profession trusted most by Americans since 2002.

Is nursing right for you? The truth is that being a nurse is a rewarding professional path for a person with a calling to care, and 91直播 has nursing degree programs at every level so you can build the career you want.

 

What Is Mental Health Nursing?

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Mental health nursing is a critical occupation in an enormously important field. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives鈥攈ow we think, feel, and behave in everyday situations. The National Institute of Mental Health that 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Taking care of our mental health is essential to being productive, building good relationships, handling stress well, and enjoying life.

The nurses who help care for patients with mental health issues are called psychiatric-mental health nurses. Let鈥檚 explore how they help individuals deal with mental health conditions so they can lead more fulfilling lives.

What Is the Role of Nurses in Mental Health?

In nursing, patients are the focus. Nurses care for individuals, families, and communities by offering medical assistance, emotional support, health education, and medical aid. It鈥檚 no different in mental health nursing. Mental health nurses focus on the social and behavioral influences on a person that affect their mental health and neurological disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients affected by mental health conditions; indeed, broadly defined, they constitute the .

Psychiatric-Mental Health Registered Nurses

help individuals, families, and communities with mental health disorders, emotional problems, and behavioral issues. PMH RNs assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders, as well as promote mental health advocacy and education programs. You can find these nurses in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community organizations, psychiatric facilities, and more. PMH registered nurses play a key role in helping patients and families understand conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in mental health, also known as a , is a registered nurse sharing many of the same responsibilities as PMH RNs, but with an advanced education, like a master鈥檚 or doctorate, and extensive training. A PMH-APRN may be either a (PHM-NP) or a (PMH-CNS). These advanced practice nurses work with or independently from other mental health providers to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, as well as develop treatment plans, provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, conduct crisis intervention, and help patients in rehabilitation efforts.

Help improve patients鈥� mental health with a nursing degree from 91直播.

What Are the Skills of a Psychiatric Nurse?

Mental health nurses require a to care for their patients. They should possess technical abilities like conducting assessments and administering tests. Critical thinking is crucial for mental health nurses because every patient has unique psychological needs that require a personalized approach. A successful mental health nurse must employ active listening, building and deepening trust by thoughtfully and attentively receiving patients鈥� stories, history, and thought processes. Collaboration is also essential because patients should be treated as active participants in their recovery process. Clear communication helps ensure patients understand their treatment plans, and empathy and compassion allow nurses to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel supported.

How Can You Get Started in Mental Health Nursing?

The first step in becoming a mental health nurse is earning either an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the next step so you become a licensed registered nurse, which allows you to work in various health care facilities, including mental health settings. Gaining experience in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and other places is essential to developing your skills and gaining employment as a PMH RN.

You should consider obtaining optional certifications such as the through the . Pursuing certifications through Excelsior鈥檚 partnership with can also prepare you for a career in mental health nursing, building your skills in programs like Mental Health Support Professional while potentially earning you credit toward your Excelsior degree. You might also consider earning an advanced degree to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

With the proper education, licensure, and clinical experience, you can start a mental health nursing career, helping patients who need sensitive, compassionate care. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can make a lasting difference in others鈥� lives and society at large.