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Students study at Washington Health System facilities, earn a Cal U degree

By Christine Kindl

Future X-ray technicians have found a new collegiate identity now that California University of Pennsylvania has assumed operations of the former Washington Health System School of Radiologic Technology.

The program – now known as the California University of Pennsylvania Radiography Program at Washington Health System – continues to prepare skilled radiologic technologists for careers in the booming healthcare sector. These patient-focused healthcare professionals also are known as radiographers or X-ray technicians.

Students in the Cal U radiography program take classes and learn diagnostic imaging skills at Washington Hospital, in Washington, Pa., and gain hands-on experience at WHS facilities and other clinical locations. Those who successfully complete the two-year, 86-credit program earn an associate degree from Cal U.

Black hospital scrubs and lab coats — a nod to Cal U’s red-and-black school colors — signify their status as California University students. Ten first-year students are newly enrolled in the program, and two second-year students are completing their studies. [Read more…]

Medical marijuana is a trending term in 2017 with many states legalizing the plant for recreational and medical purposes, it wasn’t long ago that even the thought of a marijuana user carried connotations of drug abuse and addiction. Now we’re starting to understand the many benefits of this wonderful plant and integrate it into our established medical fields. Marijuana has proven benefits such as pain relief, decreased anxiety, and the ability to stop epileptic seizures and enhance appetite. It’s even been proven to stop the spread of cancers! This is just a short list on the many uses of marijuana. Let’s take a look at some of the studies that have been going on in 2017.

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Reduced Opioid Related Hospitalizations

In a study done at the University of California, researchers concluded that the introduction of medical marijuana related policies had a direct impact on the number of opioid related hospitalizations seen. The reason for this correlation wasn’t expressed specifically, but could be due to giving the patients an alternative to their opioid based medication. [Read more…]

By Mary A. O’Connor, Ph.D., MSN
Global Online Coordinator, MSN and MSN-MBA Programs

California University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce a new Master of Science in Nursing program in Nursing Education and is accepting candidates for a first cohort beginning in August. In addition, a new Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education will be offered beginning January 2018. 

The new programs will be offered 100% online as part of the University’s Global Online programs. The Global Online programs allow students to live and work anywhere while attending online classes and earning a degree.  Students progress through the program in a cohort model which allows them to build relationships with other students and share academic experiences all online. Nurses can continue to work full time as they take one course at a time and can therefore balance professional, personal and family commitments.  [Read more…]

In response to the growing opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and in the nation, Clarion University College of Health and Human Services announced today that it has developed an opioid treatment specialist certificate, which will be offered online, beginning this fall.

“The certificate was developed to educate treatment professionals in prevention and treatment of opioid abuse and addiction,” said Dr. Ray Feroz, professor and chair of the department of human services, rehabilitation, health and sport sciences. “It is one way Clarion can aid in combating the statewide and nationwide opioid crisis.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania was fourth in the nation in drug overdose deaths in 2015 – an increase of 28 percent over 2014 statistics – and the epidemic continues to grow. Drug overdose has surpassed traffic accidents and gun deaths as the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 33,000 people in the United States died of opioid overdoses in 2015.

“Fighting the ongoing battle against heroin and opioid abuse in the state is a top priority of my administration,” Governor Wolf said. “I’m proud to announce this new curriculum with Clarion University because education is a powerful force in this fight and it is my sincere hope that people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about opioid addiction and what part we can each play in this effort.” [Read more…]

Applications being accepted for Fall 2017 enrollment

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg received approval to add a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing to the 28 majors that it offers undergraduate students. The new four-year degree program is affiliated with the nationally and internationally recognized University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing and is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Pitt’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. This past year, the program received more than 1,800 applications for approximately 145 places. Pitt-Greensburg’s BSN will follow the same curriculum as the program in Oakland.

“Prospective students can apply now for admission to Pitt-Greensburg for fall 2017,” said J. Wesley Jamison, PhD, past vice president of Academic Affairs, who has worked with the Pitt School of Nursing to bring the program to fruition. “Twenty-five students will be selected for the first cohort, with the goal of 40 students per year in later cohorts.”

Pitt-Greensburg’s nursing program is designed to provide a strong foundation for professional practice in today’s health care environment. The BSN program will prepare students as generalists in nursing who are ready for clinical practice, as well as for continued professional development and graduate education. Graduates will qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. [Read more…]

 

La Roche College announced that the 2015-2016 pass rate for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is 92.31 percent on the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam).

Department Chair of Nursing Terri Liberto, Ph.D., RN, said, “The nursing department at La Roche is thrilled with this report and so proud of our ASN graduates. Dedicated faculty, small classes, determined students and excellent clinical settings are responsible for this outstanding pass rate.” 

The NCLEX is a nationwide examination for registered nurses. After graduating from nursing school, potential registered nurses take the NCLEX to receive their nursing license from the state in which they plan to practice nursing.

In addition to the ASN program, La Roche offers an online RN to BSN with an RN to MSN option, an online MSN program with specializations in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education, and a School Nurse certification program. La Roche has articulation agreements with several area community colleges and diploma programs for the RN to BSN degree completion program. 

For admission requirements or to apply, visit laroche.edu or call the Graduate Studies and Adult Education office at 412-536-1260.

About La Roche College: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche College embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche College educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.