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July 29, 2008
Barry University Program Ranked Seventh in Nation for Physician-Executives
- For the fourth consecutive year, Barry University's Master of Science in Health Services Administration program has been ranked at the national level according to Modern Healthcare magazine. The program was ranked seventh in the nation out of business graduate schools for physician-executives. As such, the program was ranked against universities with the same degree program, as well as other degrees for physician-executives such as Master of Public Health and Master of Medical Management degrees. There are more than 300 Master of Science in Health Services Administration programs in the country alone. "Our continued success attests to the excellent career outcomes of our alumni and current students," said Dr. Alan Whiteman, director and associate dean of the program. "It speaks to the caliber of our faculty and administrators, as well as those partnerships that have evolved with local healthcare organizations in the tri-county area." Programs were ranked by five factors, including length of time to complete, cost of total tuition, number of days students spend on campus, age of the program in years and number of total graduates. Rankings were based on a list of programs awarding MBAs or similar degrees in courses that focus on physicians. Barry University's degree program was ranked above many well-known names, including Carnegie Mellon, Duke and Harvard's School of Public Health. It is the fourth year the Master of Science in Health Services Administration has been ranked by Modern Healthcare, as it has been included in the magazine's list of largest health administration degree programs the past three years. Barry University's Master of Science in Health Services Administration degree is part of the university's newly created College of Health Sciences. There are currently 105 students enrolled in the program, with more than 450 total graduates since the program's beginning 14 years ago.
Source: Barry University, Florida
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July 29, 2008
Duquesne University Hosts Summer Commencement for Health Sciences Graduates
WHAT: The John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences will host its annual summer commencement exercises at Duquesne University. The Rev. Sean Hogan, C.S.Sp., executive vice president for student life, will confer degrees upon the 74 graduates from the class of 2008. Dr. Edward G. Kelley, volunteer medical director for Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center, will deliver the commencement address. A retired orthopedic surgeon, Kelley was in private practice for more than 30 years and was on staff at Mercy and St. Clair Hospitals. The Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center provides primary health care at no cost to individuals unable to afford adequate health insurance or otherwise in need, regardless of religion. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony. WHEN: Friday, Aug. 1, at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Duquesne Union Ballroom, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave.
Duquesne University, Pennsylvania
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July 23, 2008
Argosy University, Orange County Receives Seven Year Accreditation
Argosy University, Orange County announced Accreditation of its Doctor of Psychology in the Clinical Psychology Program (PsyD) by the American Psychological Association (APA). The Orange County Campus received a seven year accreditation, the maximum number of years possible, making this the 10th accredited Clinical Psychology Program for the entire Argosy University. “The APA accreditation is the gold standard for doctoral programs. It is confirmation that Argosy University meets the standards established by the leading professional organization, and that our faculty, curriculum and support systems offer our students an uncompromising education,” said Argosy University, Southern California President Dr. Barry Ryan. According to Dr. Gary Bruss, program chair of the Clinical Psychology Program, APA accreditation reflects the highest standard a program can achieve at the doctoral level. He refers to the accreditation as a stamp of approval on the strength of the curriculum and the clinical training program, and the quality of the faculty. “As graduates of an APA accredited program, our students will be positioned to compete at the highest levels in the field, and will be equipped to offer innovative psychological services,” Dr. Bruss said.
Source: Argosy University
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July 17, 2008
Pace University: Further Worries about Financial Crisis and IndyMac, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
Ann Lee, an adjunct finance professor at Pace University's Lubin School of Business in New York, is worried. "The banks no longer trust one another." "Marking-to-model … practically begs bankers to commit fraud." Lee is an authority on financial markets and financial consultant who often has appeared on national television. She is available to comment on the current financial crisis, the failure of IndyMac, and rescue plan for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. E-mail: alee@pace.edu In a recent Forbes.com piece, Lee wrote: "Don't believe anyone who tells you that the worst is over until the banks, insurance companies, investment funds and mortgage companies that hold securitized debts fess up to what those securities are actually worth. The problem isn't that the securities are illiquid, it's that the prices should be lower than the financial institutions are willing to admit. "Probably by the end of the month, Goldman Sachs will auction off assets from a $7 billion structured investment vehicle that was previously owned and managed by Cheyne Capital Management, a London hedge fund shop that faced massive losses this summer when its commercial paper went illiquid. The Goldman auction might give us a clue about how inflated these assets are, despite the more than $400 billion in write-downs that banks have taken since the credit markets went south last summer. "Throughout the industry and around the world, investment banks and other financial companies that own structured mortgage securities have advanced the fiction that because the market for these securities is illiquid that they have no fair market value. Up until August 2007, when banks were able to sell these securities at attractive prices, they marked the securities to market, just as they would with a liquid stock. When prices plummeted, the banks ignored the inconveniently low "buy" prices and decided to price them based on their own secret algorithms. Mark-to-market has given way to mark-to-model. "Since every multinational bank is playing the same game, and every bank has a different model, we're seeing banks give different prices for identical securities. What Morgan Stanley might say is worth $0.80 on the dollar could be worth $0.60 to Goldman Sachs. Who's right? Nobody knows. But this is why LIBOR, the lending rate between banks, has shot up despite lower Fed Funds rates--the banks no longer trust one another, even on overnight loans. "The banks claim that since the securities aren't trading, these models are appropriate. But even in the absence of a trade, bid/ask prices exist for all marketed products. A conservative firm will usually mark an illiquid position to an average of three "bid" quotes. The banks will counter that they don't intend to sell these securities for the current bids. But they might not have a choice. A leveraged institution like a bank--and the investment banks have leverage in excess of 30-to-1--doesn't always get to decide when it's going to sell securities. "Marking-to-model is so subjective and secretive that it practically begs bankers to commit fraud. Traders who work on proprietary trading desks almost always report different prices for the same security that was being held in another department of the bank, such as the asset management department for a fund managed for clients. In some cases, a bank allows such inconsistencies because it has spent millions to hire a star trader and doesn't want to look like an idiot for doing so. "Banks use third parties like State Street to build models for valuing these securities when they're in client or mutual fund accounts. But sometimes clients or account managers disagree with their contractor. When that happens, the manager or client might push for a different valuation, and they usually get their way. The third party can only proffer a number; it can't force anyone to accept it. "So long as the banks refuse to mark their securities to market (a task they claim is impossible), investors will have to blindly navigate the credit crisis. There's too much fog for us to be able to tell if we're on the near shore, the middle of the river or nearing the next bank. Definitely watch Goldman's auction. It won't change anything, but it will offer some clues as to how much more pain will have to be endured.
Source: Pace University, New York
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July 17, 2008
The University of Texas at Dallas Business School Offers Two New Master's Degrees
To keep pace with the changing business world's demands, UT Dallas is rolling out new graduate programs in finance and supply chain management. The School of Management's new master's programs make their debut in August. The finance degree will prepare students for a variety of careers. Students will specialize by choosing one of four degree concentrations: Financial Analysis, for students interested in completing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examinations in preparation for careers as financial analysts. Financial Management, allows students to tailor their course work for careers in a range of activities: e.g., corporate finance, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, commercial banking, insurance, etc. Financial Risk Management, designed for students interested in careers in financial risk management and one of the financial risk management certifications. Financial Engineering, designed for students with the quantitative ability to pursue a career applying quantitative methods to investment and risk management problems. "These are some pretty hot areas right now that will help people planning to take specific certifications," said David Ritchie, associate dean for operations in the School of Management. Dr. David Cordell is faculty liaison for the program. Dr. Robert Kieschnick, associate professor of managerial economics and finance, pulled together observations from graduate students and employers to fashion the new degree. "Students wanted to be identified as a master of finance; the old degree didn't identify their expertise," Dr. Kieschnick said. "This degree better suits their needs. If you were to ask people what they wanted in finance, this is what they would ask for." For the master's degree in supply chain management, students will study the intricacies of supply chain management, which is the discipline of finding the cheapest and most timely way to procure parts and supplies for a company's operations. Because businesses spend billions of dollars buying parts from all over the world, even a marginal improvement in the procurement process can result in substantial cost savings and the reduction of bottlenecks. A supply chain manager bridges the gap between a company's needs and the availability of supplies. The manager must use his knowledge to optimize the process. The tools include inventory management, logistics, information technology, marketing and negotiation. The program will furnish opportunities to learn about improvement of supply chain operations in addition to projects and connections with area companies. "The program has been driven by the industry and tailored by people high up in surrounding corporations," said Dr. Avanti Sethi, faculty liaison for the supply chain management degree. "They told us what they needed and we built from there."
Source: The University of Texas at Dallas
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July 11, 2008
Howard University: School of Pharmacy and CVS/pharmacy Open New Practice Laboratory
Howard University's School of Pharmacy has a new, state-of-the-art Pharmacy Practice Laboratory, thanks in large part to CVS/pharmacy. CVS/pharmacy donated $300,000 to the renovation of the laboratory, where students can hone their skills in a practice setting, learning how to dispense medication, counsel patients and utilize technology found in many pharmacies. "We are pleased that CVS/pharmacy has contributed to the renovation of our laboratory so that we may continue to attract talented students and better train them for their pharmacy careers," Clarence E. Curry, Pharm.D., interim associate dean at the School of Pharmacy, said at the ribbon-cutting last week. "As the demand for top pharmacists increases nationwide due to an aging population and increased use of prescription drugs, Howard University is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of applicants to our pharmacy school. Partnerships such as with CVS/pharmacy have helped us become more competitive." Beatrice Kelley, Ph.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, also praised CVS/pharmacy for its contribution. "The College and Board of Visitors hold in high esteem our partner relationship with CVS/pharmacy," Adderley-Kelly said. "The primary focus of CVS/pharmacy programs is health and education. Howard University is a direct benefactor of CVS/pharmacy's widespread giving programs." Gordon Howard, CVS/pharmacy vice president for Washington, D.C., area, said the facility reflects CVS/pharmacy's ongoing relationship with Howard. "CVS/pharmacy is committed to building an outstanding workforce through win-win partnerships such as with Howard University and through the hiring, training, development and retention of quality colleagues," Howard said. "We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Howard University, a school with many outstanding alumni who are now talented pharmacists at our CVS/pharmacy stores in Washington, D.C., and beyond." About 35 percent of 2008 Howard School of Pharmacy graduates began their careers this summer at CVS/pharmacy stores. The Pharmacy Practice Laboratory houses 24 high-tech workstations that allow students to gain experience in entering and assessing patient-related information, such as health, allergy and medication history. The workstations also provide access to other technical support needed to ensure appropriate delivery of medications, patient counseling and medication therapy management. The laboratory is stocked with prescription and over-the-counter medications, alternative medications and home-testing devices so students can practice dispensing and advising on medication and home tests. Howard University has received an increased demand for its 70 freshmen pharmacy positions, growing from 300 applicants annually 10 years ago to 1,300 applicants today. A main driver for this growth is the booming job market. While many new college graduates in other fields may struggle to find jobs, pharmacist graduates generally receive numerous job offers with highly competitive salaries. Nnenna Okeke, 26, who graduated from the school in May and now works a Washington, D.C., CVS/pharmacy store, broke into a smile as she toured the new facility during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Current and future Howard students are in for a treat with the new laboratory and will be even better prepared for their careers," she said.
Source: Howard University, District of Columbia
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July 8, 2008
Howard University Division of Nursing Receives $750,000 from the Helene Fuld Health Trust for Student Scholarships
With a gift that will help alleviate the nation's persistent nursing shortage, the Helene Fuld HealthTrust has awarded Howard University's Division of Nursing a $750,000 grant for nursing scholarships. The grant will be used to establish the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship Fund for Baccalaureate Nursing Students. "This is fantastic," said Beatrice Adderley-Kelly, Ph.D., RN, dean and professor of the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. "We are so pleased to receive this award from the Helene Fuld Health Trust. "This generous scholarship fund will help the Division of Nursing recruit the best and the brightest students to Howard University. It will also support deserving students who are currently enrolled." A total of $450,000 is earmarked for endowment. Meanwhile, $300,000 will be awarded over the next three years in scholarships to students enrolled in the division's baccalaureate nursing program. "This is going to assist in adding more nurses to the nursing workforce, and it will particularly help increase the number of underrepresented minority nurses," Adderley-Kelly said. The United States is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows. The Council on Physician and Nurse Supply, an independent group of health care leaders, reported in March that 30,000 additional nurses should be graduated annually to meet the nation's healthcare needs, an expansion of 30% over the current number of annual nurse graduates.
Source: Howard University, District of Columbia
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July 7, 2008
George Mason University's College Of Education And Human Development Offers New Minor In Education Studies
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is offering a new 18-hour undergraduate minor in education studies for students who are interested in the field of education, but not sure if they want to pursue a licensure in teaching. Students began taking classes in the spring. "The minor in education studies is not just intended for students who want to become educators," says Jeannine Tate, director of field relations and undergraduate studies in Education. "The minor will allow students who aren't sure if they want to teach the opportunity to major in other areas while still developing a strong background in the field of education." The minor was developed after more than 200 potential and enrolled students in CEHD expressed an interest in it. Although the minor will not lead directly to teacher licensure, it will serve to complement students' degree programs in almost any major. While every state has its own set of requirements for becoming licensed to teach, those who want to teach in Virginia are required to have a bachelor's degree in a content area. In addition, they must complete a state approved licensure program at the graduate or undergraduate level that includes curriculum, methodology, and specialized skills. The minor is designed to serve two groups of students. The first group consists of those who are considering teaching as a profession. Currently, CEHD offers a variety of licensure programs, mostly at a graduate level, for those with a desire to teach in K-12 classrooms. For undergraduate students considering education, the education studies minor will allow them to explore the field of education and to develop a better understanding of schools and schooling. The second group of students includes those who might be interested in teaching or working in schools, but who are interested in disciplines which interact with and inform education in areas such as the law, public policy and social work. For these students, the minor will provide a better understanding of the ways in which their particular interest functions within an institutional setting like education. Various topics important for a basic understanding of the foundation of the field of education will be integrated into the undergraduate minor. Subject matter will include an overview of the field and issues that affect it as well as school law, the organization and management of schools, technology and society, politics of American education and the sociology of education. Jessica Arias, a senior majoring in math, chose to minor in education studies because of the background in education laws and policies it will provide which she might not receive in other programs. Arias will receive a degree in math and continue on to graduate school to become licensed as a teacher at the high school level. "I chose to minor in education studies because I don't want to go right into graduate school as a math major without having gotten my feet wet in the field of education," says Arias. "The minor in education studies will give me the background I need before starting the licensure program at the graduate level." Students will have an opportunity in some classes to gain experience in the field by observing students at a school site and completing assignments about how instructional and behavior management strategies used in the classroom related to their studies. CEHD also offers minors in early childhood special education, mild disabilities and severe disabilities. These minors are designed to provide students with background knowledge in special education and can lead to licensure if students complete graduate level special education teacher licensure programs. About The College of Education and Human Development The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a dynamic academic unit that provides leadership in the transformation of schools, organizations and communities. In response to the complexity of a pluralistic society, CEHD infuses diversity into its academic programs and research. The college provides an ideal site for educational researchers and scholars who have an applied, collaborative, orientation and an interest in preparing education professionals for the challenges of the 21st century. CEHD is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and all licensure programs have been approved by the Virginia Department of Education.
George Mason University, Virginia
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