School leaders in today's global economy must be agents of change and committed to instructional excellence, cultural diversity, and collaboration.  The iLEAD Principal Preparation Program at the University of Indianapolis engages candidates in a variety of experiences that prepare them to confront the complex realities of educating students in a rapidly changing world.  Fall 2009 course work began on September 12, 2009 for the three cohort groups in our graduate education leadership program.  Cohort VI will complete the masters degree in education in May, 2010 and will be eligible to pursue an Indiana Building Administrator License.  Cohorts VII and VIII will finish in December 2010 and May 2011.

Our hybrid program currently includes students from throughout Indiana.  Clicking on the attached link will lead to a locator map of the districts represented in the iLEAD masters degree in education/principal leadership program: uindyilead.org  The executive or hybrid program helps you achieve your professional goals in a project-based leadership curriculum with field experiences to research and solve problems.  You interact with clinical faculty, current practitioners, and proven school leaders who possess a wealth of inside knowledge and expertise.  You complete online assignments in collaboration with your cohort group.

Information will be posted throughout this semester about our iLEAD activities and how to apply to join Cohort IX who will begin their classes in June, 2010.  If you have questions or need more details, visit our website at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD and learn more about our dynamic program.  In the next blog, we'll talk more about the iLEAD program and the new mentor cadre roundtable.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy, is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence focusing on aging studies and education reform.  Personal attention, small, interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception.

The School of Occupational Therapy at University of Indianapolis partnered with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to conduct a backpack awareness day in September to educate students, school administrators, faculty, and communities about the serious health effects from backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly. This local event was part of the National School Backpack Awareness Day, held by occupational therapy practitioners across the country.

A Backpack Awareness Day "Weigh-In" of college students, faculty, and staff and their backpacks, briefcases, and purses illustrated the amount of weight that students and workers carry on their backs or with their upper extremities to and from school/work each day. Occupational therapy practitioners and UINDY occupational therapy students weighed backpack-wearing UINDY college students, faculty, and staff.

Backpack Awareness Day events are important because the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 23,000 people ended up in emergency rooms in 2007 with injuries from backpacks and book bags. More than 79 million individuals in the U. S. carry heavy loads back and forth to school every day. Experts estimate that about 55 percent of children carry too much weight. Research also shows children carrying overloaded and improperly worn packs are likely to experience neck, shoulder, and back pain; adverse effects on posture and the developing spine; and compromised breathing and fatigue.

AOTA recommends that school backpacks weigh only 15 percent of a child’s weight. Following this same guideline, these recommendations are prudent for adults to observe, as well. The growing awareness of potential long-term problems to children has resulted in increased medical research, and more coverage of the issue in mainstream publications as well as medical journals.

The School for Adult Learning (SAL) at the University of Indianapolis is expanding its Institute for Leadership and Professional Development (ILPD).  The University of Indianapolis has been serving Indiana businesses and individuals for almost 60 years by providing a variety of continuing education experiences.  ILPD offers institutes for new and experienced managers that enhance their leadership skills.  Dr. Tom Christenberry, Director of Strategic Operations for SAL, is taking the lead to expand ILPD. 

On November 9-10, 2009, ILPD is bringing the Coaching Clinic to UIndy.  Jack Needham, author of Stop Fixing, Start Leading! and The Zebra Hunter, is an executive coach, motivational speaker, and master trainer who has spent more the 25 years assisting individuals in transforming the way they live their lives.  This two day event will be held in the Schwitzer Student Center at UIndy from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  The cost to attend this event is $495 which includes16 hours of classroom discussion, workbook and guide, Jack Needham's book Stop Fixing, Start Leading!, and (2) 30-minute personal coaching sessions with the instructor.  The Coaching Clinic provides executives, managers, and supervisors with a common set of skills and understanding which will be consistent across businesses. 

For more information or to register for the Coaching Clinic, contact Margie May at 317-791-5716 or email maym@uindy.edu.  The deadline to register is November 2, 2009.

ILPD will continue to provide seminars and clinics throughout 20010. You will find  more information on our website, http://sal.uindy.edu. 

In December 2009, ten Doctor of Physical Therapy students and two faculty members (Renee VanVeld and Stacie Fruth) from the Krannert School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis will be participating in a service-learning trip to provide medical and educational services to the underserved population of Pommern, Tanzania. The goal is for the participating DPT students to return to the U. S. with a renewed enthusiasm for service, increased creativity for solving problems with few resources, a heightened appreciation for cultural differences, and a newfound appreciation for medical resources in the U. S.

The 2009 trip to Tanzania will incorporate a formal qualitative research study involving students on campus as well as those traveling abroad. DPT students traveling to Africa will apply skills learned in the classroom when they are performing physical therapy services including the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary and cardiopulmonary conditions. In addition, students will assist in the rudimentary medical clinic with conditions including malaria, tooth extractions and intestinal worms. Students will conduct well-baby clinics for mothers who travel great distances in order to have their children weighed and vaccinated in order to reverse striking national statistics of infant mortality and malnutrition. Students will also have the opportunity to teach in a local school, assist with local construction projects and participate in cultural sharing.

A qualitative research study is being conducted on the students who are traveling to Tanzania to determine what changes may occur with regards to cultural understanding and appreciation, the level of interest in international service, resource management and personal struggles encountered. Data for the study will be gathered one month before departure, immediately upon returning, six months and one year post trip by students in the Class of 2012 by means of interviews and journal reviews. The students collecting the data will then be studied to determine whether or not participation in the study increases a desire to participate in future studies in international health.

Participating in this project will catapult theses students into a journey focused on international health. KSPT students participating in this experience will take away in experience more than they could ever give to the people of Tanzania. According to Assistant Professor and trip organizer Stacie Fruth, "myself and others I know who have been on similar trips know that, upon returning home, you definitely feel like you received far more than you gave. I guess I can't say that's my goal for these students, but I do hope it happens."

Are you thinking about returning to school, but don't know where to begin?  Start with the University of Indianapolis School for Adult Learning (SAL) Information Open House on Thursday, October 1st from 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Join us in our office, Esch Hall Room 103 for this informative session.  Most of our staff will be here to answer your questions and explain what makes our accelerated degree program for adults so successful.

We have helped hundreds of adult students complete a bachelor's degree. Our students receive personal attention from our faculty and staff. Our classes are:

• Flexible:  Classes begin every five weeks and students can begin in any of these sessions.
• Accessilble:  You'll attend class on our conveniently located campus which is just minutes from downtown Indy.
• Accelerated:  You'll attend class just one night per week, and you can complete your degree at your pace.

When you come to class in the evening, our office is open and the staff is ready to help.  We have an academic advisor, a financial aid representative, and a career advisor here in the evening when you are here.

Stop by on October 1st to find out for yourself why our students say, " It is possible to get the education.  It's possible no matter what your circumstances, and that's the wonderful thing about SAL."

If you can't join us on October 1st, call our office at 317-788-3393 or email at sal@uindy.edu. 

Please be our guest at our next UINDY MBA Open House on August 5, Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

The location is the Marriott Courtyard , 8670 Allisonville Road, Castleton.   The exit closest on 465 is the Allisonville exit.

 

There will be a presentation by Steve Tokar, Director of Graduate Business Programs. This presentation will give you the information you need in making a decision to begin a MBA program. There will also be MBA professors available to answer any questions you might have about our MBA program.

 

The University of Indianapolis offers a MBA program that is highly accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). We also have the honor of being accredited under the Baldrige Quality Standard of the ACBSP. Our MBA curriculum combines the latest business theory with the latest business practices in our foundational courses. MBA students are also offered optional majors in the areas of finance, organizational leadership, international business, marketing, technology management and global supply chain management. 

 

We offer a choice of evening on-campus classes, a Saturday Executive MBA, an international business travel study option and convenient northside locations to attend the program.

 

If you would like to learn more about the program, rsvp for an open house, request an informational packet or inquire about the application process, please contact myself, Melissa Newman via email newmanma@uindy.edu or call 317-788-6206.

 

Join the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community in the Twitosphere where we plan to share -- and pass along from others interested in aging -- news and commentary on issues related to the aging population, baby boomers, gerontology education.

You can follow us @AllThingsAging. We'll follow you back. Promise.

And if you haven't joined our discussion of aging issues on our blog, visit us at http://allthingsaging.blogspot.com.

The University of Indianapolis MBA program has recently added International Business to the available certificates in the MBA program.

The International Business concentration includes courses in international business and marketing and travel.   A global business seminar offers students the opportunity to travel and study abroad. This seminar provides participants an opportunity to develop insight into the cultural, economical, and political environments of each country to be visited.

Other certificate areas include; Finance, Marketing, Global Supply Chain Management, Organizational Leadership and Technology Management.  www.mba.uindy.edu

At the University of Indianapolis, a graduate degree in iLEAD (our principal leadership program) or our teacher education programs will help you build your knowledge, advance in your field, or embark on a new career.  Following admission to education graduate programs, students want information about cost and financial aid.  Cost per credit hour for iLEAD classes is $360.  Financial assistance is available for School of Education masters degree and certification programs.  A good place to start is the University of Indianapolis Financial Aid Office at 1-800-232-8634 or http://financialaid.uindy.edu/grad_front_page.php.

Filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and completing the UAPP (University Financial Aid Application) are the first steps for obtaining financial aid.  The main sources of assistance are the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan.  Other resources are described through the University of Indianapolis Office of Financial Aid links, including financialaid.uindy.edu/additional_links.php.  Personal attention is a priority for University of Indianapolis staff, as we work to explore multiple financing options for our graduate education students.  These may include private alternative loans, United Methodist loans, and other possibilities described on our web site at financialaid.uindy.edu/alternative_financing_grad.php.

If you are beginning an iLEAD principal     
leadership program in May or September,
2009, you may want to access financial aid forms for graduate students on our website at
financialaid.uindy.edu/finaid_forms_grad.php.
We want to help our students plan for the smoothest transition possible in preparation for becoming educational  leaders.  We welcome the opportunity to help you.  If you have questions or need more details, please visit our website at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy, is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution, located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence focusing on aging studies and education reform.  Personal attention, small interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception.  In the next blog, we'll talk more about the iLEAD student capstone projects.

Dr. Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited the University of Indianapolis EDUC 605 (Using Data to Build High Performing Learning Cultures) class in the iLEAD principal leadership program on Saturday, March 21st.  Dr. Bennett's presentation was an excellent opportunity for students in our graduate education program to hear his reflections on his first months in office and ask questions to enhance their ability to develop sustainable plans for increasing student achievement.  Cohort VI includes 23 students who began their masters degree in education/licensure course work in September, 2008 in an executive-style program with personal attention and small class sizes.

During his conversation with Cohort VI, Dr. Bennett reviewed his goals for student achievement and his focus on student needs.  He expressed strong support for the value of mentors in graduate education programs, citing the impact experienced administrators had on his skill developmdent.  Dr. Bennett emphasized his continuing efforts to create "multiple pathways to do the job," a concept which resonates with UIndy's varied options for a rewarding masters degree in education and certification opportunities.   

Cohort VI students were enthusiastic about the chance to interact with Indiana's educational leader.  Following the presentation, Dr. Bennett toured the School of Education department and visited with seniors participating in the Kappa Delta Pi Candidate Practice Interview Day for our teacher education program.  He also greeted State Board members for the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children who were meeting at the University of Indianapolis on March 21st.   All of these activities reflect the UIndy focus in our teacher education and our principal preparation programs on providing interactive experiences for personal growth to help you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and 
increase your leadership skills.  

If you have questions or need more details, please visit our web site at http://education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

Some things never change. But others will not stay the same no matter how hard we wish or work to make it so. At the recent Annual Meeting of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) in San Antonio, much focus was on two issues that are currently running wild like a Texas steer on a rampage – the global economic crisis and the demand for the use of technology in the delivery of education.

At the AGHE conference, there were hundreds of academics and students in attendance representing colleges and universities from around the country. I made it a point to attend a variety of meetings, presentations and discussions on different topics related to aging issues. Almost every session that I attended included questions and concerns from participants about the effects of the economic downturn on our academic programs and also how the demand for online learning options is forcing changes in the way we plan and conduct our courses.

These are difficult times we are facing and there is great uncertainty about what the future holds. When we dwell on the uncertainties we may feel powerless. However, there are always opportunities that manifest in the midst of hardship. Lessons from history have taught us that to effectively address the issues and move forward beyond the difficulties requires creative thinking and innovation.

In the Aging Studies program at the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC), we’re working to incorporate technologies such as Skype, SnapKast and various other Web 2.0 technologies into our undergraduate and graduate certificate programs and our graduate degree programs, all of which have always been delivered in an online format via Blackboard.

By facing the challenges before us and working together to make improvements, we can become empowered and create positive changes that make a difference. Change happens whether we want it to or not and every day we grow older – it just happens naturally, but getting better with age happens on purpose.


Tamara Wolske, MS
Academic Program Director

Are you passionate about improving student achievement?  Do you have the vision and drive it takes to create a school environment that values and supports learning for all students?  Take your teaching career to the next level and become an educational leader!  Bottom line?  When you have completed the iLEAD principal leadership program, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve as a change agent in your school and your community.  Learn more about this graduate education program at http://education.uindy.edu/iLEAD.

We are now recruiting for 2009 summer and fall cohorts.  To apply for the iLEAD masters degree in education/principal leadership program, submit a dossier, which should include the items listed below to Chemain Arens in the School of Education at the University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227.  Contact Chemain at carens@uindy.edu or (317) 788-6098.  Interviews will be conducted with a select number of prospective candidates after an initial review of their dossier is complete.  Online application documents may be found at http://education.uindy.edu/ilead/forms.php.  Here’s what you’ll need:

1.       Completed application with writing sample

2.       Official post-secondary transcripts

3.       Vita or resume

4.       At least three (3) letters of recommendation

5.       Agreement from your school corporation for release time to complete required field experiences

6.       Interview with the University of Indianapolis iLEAD coordinators

 

Our newest graduate education leadership community, Cohort VII, will begin their program Saturday, May 16, 2009.  Cohort VIII will start Saturday, September 12, 2009.  The iLEAD principal leadership courses are offered so that candidates can complete their program of study in 18 months in an executive-style format.  Cohort VII will finish in December, 2010 and Cohort VIII in May, 2011.  Learn more about how iLEAD can help you achieve your professional goals in a graduate education program at a college with personal attention, the University of Indianapolis.

Earning an associate degree in nursing from the University of Indianapolis will provide you with the basic technical nursing skills. You’ll be prepared for entry-level positions in giving bedside care, most often in hospital settings and extended or acute-care facilities. You’ll be prepared to work directly with patients suffering from common health problems and help others achieve an optimal level of wellness. You’ll also be prepared to continue your education and work toward a bachelor's degree in nursing or explore the nurse practitioner programs.

You will receive personal attention from faculty advisors and you will be invited to join our Student Nursing Association so that you will receive a solid base of support. With the experience students have received inside and outside of the classroom, our pass rates on the licensing exam (NCLEX) are consistently above the national average.

Our ASN students are taught by expert faculty, never by graduate students. Although our faculty have high standards and expectations, they truly care about helping you succeed. They’ll take time to meet with you outside the classroom to give advice, constructive comments, and encourage you. For more information, call (317) 788-3206 or e-mail nursing@uindy.edu.

Take your teaching career to the next level and become an educational leader!   Complete the innovative 18-month iLEAD principal leadership program at the University of Indianapolis.  This Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (Masters degree in education) is designed for elementary, middle, and high school teachers who seek careers as building-level principals, department heads, and other academic leaders.  Unlike traditional graduate education programs and teacher education programs, iLEAD classes meet on select Saturdays in an executive style format for 18 months.

The executive or hybrid program will help you achieve your professional goals in a project-based principal leadership program with field experiences to research and solve problems.  You will interact with clinical faculty in the graduate education program, current practitioners, and proven school leaders who possess a wealth of inside knowledge and expertise.  You will complete dynamic on line assignments in collaboration with your cohort group.

You will receive your Masters degree in education and prepare for licensure.  If you already hold a masters degree (MA in education), you will complete 24 credit hours of coursework and be prepared to take the Indiana Building Administrator License exam.  If you have questions or need more details, please visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs, at (317) 788-6098.

 

 

 

Our first class of the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship at the University of Indianapolis will begin in the summer or 2009 with school-based experiences from day one.  UIndy Fellows will be immersed in classrooms, and these clinical experiences will be closely linked with the project-based curriculum in their graduate education program.   

The Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship at the University of Indianapolis leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree which will prepare you to become a mathematics, life science, or chemistry teacher at the middle and high school levels.  UIndy is one of four Indiana universities participating in the launch of this graduate education program through the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.  The Fellowship is open to college seniors, graduates, and career changers who:

• Have completed or are completing a math or science major as undergraduates, or who have significant work experience in math- and science-related fields
• Graduate in the top 10 percent of their class, and/or demonstrate strong potential through professional accomplishments
• Are interested in teaching in a high-need school in Indiana
• Are willing to reside in Indiana while completing their masters degree in education and three–year teaching commitment.

The fellowship in our graduate education program does not require previous coursework in education nor prior teaching experience.  UIndy Woodrow Wilson Fellows will become teacher-leaders for 21^st century urban schools and will be prepared to lead their own classroom, with mentoring, during the second semester of the program.  Applicants must apply to the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation by December 15^th of each year to begin graduate studies in the following summer.  For more information, visit the Fellowship’s website at www.woodrow.org, our web site at education.uindy.edu/teachingfellowship/index.php, or contact Dr. Jen Drake at jdrake@uindy.edu.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence focusing on aging studies and education reform.   Personal attention, small, interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception. 

 

 

According to the National Education Association, an historic change is taking place in America.  While K-12 student enrollments are growing, the pool of qualified teachers is shrinking as nearly one million of them approach retirement.  Other experts report as many as two million new teachers are needed over the next decade to keep pace with this changing educational landscape. 

Maybe you thought about a teacher education program as an undergraduate, but decided to pursue another career path.  Now you've discovered your true calling is teaching and helping young people achieve academic success.  If so, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at the University of Indianapolis may be the change you need.  

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is designed for career changers who wish to become secondary school (middle/junior high and high school) teachers.  Candidates can apply to this graduate education program if they have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and have passed Praxis I, a pre-professional skills test (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) required of all teachers.  Middle Level/High School Licenses are offered in the specialty areas of Mathematics, Business, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth-Space Science, and Physics), English Language Arts, Theater, Social Studies, and Modern Languages (French, Spanish, and German).  All Grade Licenses are offered in Music, Health/Physical Education, and Visual Arts.  Candidates in the MAT teacher education program are assigned to a cohort group devoted to best practices in teaching.  Additional information is available at education/uindy.edu/mat/ or contact Dr. Angelia Ridgway via e-mail at aridgway@uindy.edu. 

Make your career goals a reality.  Our graduate education programs are known for their small classes and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty.  If you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited public or private college or university as well as a desire for a rewarding K-12 teaching career, the time for change through our MAT teacher education program is now. 

     Our graduate education programs are known for their leading-edge curricula, strong relationships with Indiana schools, small classes, and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty and mentors.  Today's blog describes the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, a program designed to advance the knowledge and skills of classroom teachers.

     With an emphasis on best practices, the MA in Curriculum and Instruction courses provide opportunities for candidates to reflect on their own learning and teaching in their graduate education program.  Candidates can choose from a variety of electives in education---as well as arts and sciences---to complete their graduate studies and meet their own needs and those of their students.  The 36-credit hour masters degree in education curriculum may also include additional licensure in Exceptional Needs (Mild Intervention) through graduate-level courses as part of the degree program.  For more details, you can visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/ci/, or contact Donna Stephenson, Teacher Education Program, at (317) 788-4917. 

Take your teaching career to the next level in our graduate education program in Curriculum and Instruction! 

Welcome to the University of Indianapolis School of Education Graduate Programs blog!  Our graduate education programs are known for their leading-edge curricula, strong relationships with Indiana schools, small classes, and personal attention from supportive, experienced faculty and mentors.  We want to tell you about options for a rewarding masters degree in education experience and also about certification opportunities.  In this blog, we'll have information about our Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, iLEAD.  We'll follow up later with a review of three other graduate education programs:  Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction; Master of Arts in Teaching; Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship.

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership equips new leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to confront the complex realities of today's schools.  ILEAD (Inspiring Leadership for Educational Excellence and Equity through Application and Academic Development) is a cohort program that offers a rich mix of practice and experience in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and school leadership.  Classes meet on selected Saturdays in an executive style format for 18 months.  This principal leadership program provides a variety of field-based experiences to integrate theory and practice.  On completion of the required 36 hours of coursework, individuals will be recommended for licensure in Indiana as building-level administrators after achieving qualifying scores on the ETS School Leaders License Assessment (SLLA) exam.  Those candidates who already hold a masters degree in education may enroll in iLEAD and pursue a license as a building-level administrator, which requires 24 credit hours.  For more details, please visit our web site at education.uindy.edu/iLEAD, or contact Chemain Arens, School of Education Graduate Programs at (317) 788-6098.

The University of Indianapolis, or UIndy, is a comprehensive, independent, student-friendly institution located just minutes from a thriving city center.  Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you become more effective in your daily work with students, to maximize your potential, and to prepare you for leadership.  UIndy is distinguished by highly respected undergraduate programs in teacher education, communications, and the health sciences, nationally ranked graduate programs, and Centers of Excellence, focusing on aging studies and education reform.  Personal attention, small, interactive classes, and flexible programming are the rule rather than the exception. 

 
 

Welcome to the School of Nursing blog! In this discussion, we want to talk about the fantastic opportunities in nursing, and the options to join the nursing profession at the University of Indianapolis—known as UINDY.

Nursing is a GREAT career choice!

First, did you know that nursing is one of the top 5 career choices that is reported to have the best prospects for job hunters?

 

Second, did you know there is a nursing shortage? While other careers are facing layoffs, nursing is considered to be one of the few jobs that will be hiring for at least the next 30 years. While nobody can promise absolute job security in this world, nursing is a career choice that carries a very low probability of its graduates ever facing a poor job market.

 

UINDY has three ways you can become a nurse.

First, we have a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. This is a 4 year program. For the first year, students take pre-requisite and general education core courses (required of every student seeking a college degree). For example, our first year students take Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, English Composition, Math, Speech, and a variety of other courses to fill their schedules. In their sophomore year, they start their clinical nursing courses, including having experiences with real patients in hospitals. They complete their nursing courses and any other requirements in their Junior and Senior year.

 

Second, we have an Accelerated Nursing Program. In this program, people who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field have the opportunity to complete both their Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in nursing in about 3 years. We call this the AMP program for Accelerated Masters Program. During the first year, students take prerequisite science courses and complete three nursing courses. A typical student in the AMP program will take Anatomy, Microbiology, Nutrition, and a second level psychology course the first semester. The second semester the student will take Physiology, Chemistry (if it has not already been taken as part of the first degree), Pharmacology, Nursing Research and any other pre-requisites still needed. In May, the students start their clinical nursing courses, and receive their bachelor’s degree in nursing at the end of the following summer. Then they complete their masters courses in another year. That means in three years—less time than it would take them to get a traditional BSN degree—the AMP students have two degrees!

 

Third, we offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (this is the Associate of Science in Nursign or ASN). In this program, students attend school for three years to obtain a degree that allows them to take the State Licensure examination. This is a beginning level of registered nurse, and most find that to progress in their careers, they need to complete the bachelors in nursing degree.

 

Fourth, we offer an RN-to-BSN degree for ASN nurses who wish to complete their BSN degree. The courses in this program are offered mostly in the afternoons and evenings to accommodate working nurses.

 

We hope that you will contact the school of nursing if you are interested in pursuing one of these avenues into the nursing profession. Nursing is the hardest job you will ever love.

 

In my next blog, I will talk about our exciting Masters programs in nursing and our Certificate programs.

 

Mary McHugh

Dean, School of Nursing

University of Indianapolis

State’s list of ‘hot jobs’ includes UIndy specialties

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has released its annual “Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs” ranking, and as in previous years, several careers on the list correspond with the University of Indianapolis’ flagship academic programs in health care and education.

Physical therapists are No. 5 on the list, which reflects such factors as earnings, job availability and projected industry growth. UIndy’s Krannert School of Physical Therapy produces more physical therapists than any institution in Indiana. Also in the state’s Top 10 are registered nurses and medical and healthcare managers.

Other UIndy-related occupations in the “Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs” include occupational therapists, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

For more information about UIndy’s programs in these fields, see:

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

Nursing

Healthcare management

The College of Health Sciences will host an open house on March 21, 2009. The University of Indianapolis is a private university in Indiana, and ranked among the best universities in the Midwest. The university is a favorite choice among students wishing to attend Indiana nursing schools, physical  therapy programs in Indiana and occupational therapy programs in Indiana; all three are ranked among the best of these programs nationally.