Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area Announces Launch of Health Sciences Programs

Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area is pleased to announce the expansion of its College of Health Sciences. Designed to meet the burgeoning need for qualified employees in the healthcare field, the university has expanded its programs to include degrees in the fields of medical laboratory technology, medical technology, histotechnology and public health.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare and social assistance industry is projected to create about 28 percent of all new jobs created in the U.S. economy. This industry—which includes public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services—is expected to grow by 33 percent, or 5.7 million new jobs.

To meet the need for skilled healthcare professionals, Argosy University offers practitioner-oriented instruction that provides the knowledge and tools to create rewarding careers.

Master of Public Health in Public Health The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health degree program at Argosy University is a professional degree designed to provide healthcare and other professionals with an understanding of the public health sciences, population-based research, and the community practice of public health. In addition, students will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that can be used in healthcare policy development and management. The public health program is intended to create professionals who will be able to close the gap between the concepts and principles of public health and the realities of actual practice to improve health and well being. Additionally, the program is designed to prepare its graduates for leadership roles in a variety of private, public, and regulatory agencies, in for-profit and not-for-profit health organizations, and in health services research.

Bachelor of Science in Medical TechnologyThe Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Technology degree program is designed for individuals who have completed an associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and are seeking to become medical technologists. Medical Technologists perform the more complex laboratory testing in the clinical lab which requires a higher level of judgment and expertise than that of a Medical Laboratory Technician. Medical Technologists write and implement new procedures, evaluate test results, establish and monitor programs to ensure the accuracy of laboratory testing. Additionally, this program includes coursework to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to seek entry-level management or leadership positions.

Associate in Science in Medical Laboratory TechnologyThe Associate in Science (AS) in Medical Laboratory Technology degree program prepares graduates to play a critical role in the diagnosis of illness and the fight against disease. In this associate of science program students learn to perform testing in the areas of chemistry, hematology, blood banking, and microbiology. The modern medical laboratory is a technologically advanced working environment that offers entry-level career opportunities for medical laboratory technicians.

Associate in Applied Science in HistotechnologyThe Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Histotechnology degree program is designed to teach students to work as healthcare professionals, to interact with other healthcare professionals and patients in a professional and ethical manner, to develop the best possible technical skills in histology, and to demonstrate at all times the utmost respect and concern for the well-being of the patients they serve. Graduates will be prepared to provide healthcare services as histotechnicians. Histology is the study of cells, tissues, and body systems. Histotechnicians prepare tissue specimens for examination and diagnosis by pathologists. These tissue sections enable the pathologist to diagnose body dysfunction and malignancy.

A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. Argosy University offers access to federal aid programs, work-study, and merit-based awards. For more information or a list of admissions requirements, contact Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area at 510-217-4700, email ausf_isr@edmc.eduor visit argosy.edu/san-francisco-california.

Dr. George Spagnola Devoted to Furthering Education in State of Florida

Argosy University, Sarasota Chair of the College of Education, Dr. George Spagnola, has been appointed to a number of education committees for the state of Florida. Through them, Spagnola is hoping to use his knowledge and experience in the field of education to help shape and influence education in the state of Florida.

“To be a part of shaping the lives of students through working with such outstanding committees is both an honor and humbling,” says Spagnola. “I am honored to have been asked to serve.”

His recent appointments include:

• Item Validation Committee for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12
• Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)  Middle Grades English 5-9 Competencies and Skills/Blueprint Development Committee
• Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) Written Performance Assessment (WPA) Supplemental Rating Criteria (SRC) Specification Validation and Competencies and Skills/Test Blueprint Finalization Committee
• Professional Development Reviewer for the State of Florida concerning district reviews of the Professional Development Departments  of  Florida School Districts
• Folio reviewer/reader for the Florida Department of Education application process for colleges/universities certification program  submissions
• Legislative liaison committee, Florida Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (FAPEL)

Dr. Spagnola has served as chair of the College of Education at Argosy University, Sarasota since 2009. From 1996-2009, he served as a member of the Manatee County School Board Curriculum Team. Prior to joining the school board, he had served in numerous leadership roles in higher education. Dr. Spagnola holds a Doctor of Education in Administration, Supervision and Management in 1972 from the University of Sarasota (now Argosy University, Sarasota), a master’s degree in Education from the University of Montevallo, a master’s degree in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Bernard College.

Argosy University, Denver Announces Launch of Two New Graduate Programs for Educational Administrators

Argosy University, Denver is pleased to announce the launch of two new Colorado state approved programs for educators. These programs include:

• Master of Arts In Education (MAEd) in Educational Administration
• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Initial Educational Administration

“These innovative and comprehensive programs combine flexible formats that include face-to-face and online learning designed for working professionals. “Courses are offered during the week, on weekends and online,” says Dr. Patricia Nelson, Program Chair in the College of Education at the campus.

The EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program is designed to prepare individuals to serve as school principals and/or building-level administrators. It is for practicing educators who have already completed a graduate level program from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution, and who are seeking administrative certification at the initial or K-12 level. Completion of the EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 60 credit hours and results in a doctoral degree which includes a specific writing, research, and dissertation sequence. Program learning outcomes for the EdD in Educational Administration align with Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards. The program leads to Colorado principal certification upon completion of all state and program requirements.

The purpose of Argosy University’s Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Educational Administration degree program is to prepare individuals to serve as school administrators. The program is designed for practicing educators who have already completed a bachelor’s degree program from a regionally accredited institution and seeking administrative credentialing. Based on state requirements, students may be required to complete additional experiences or coursework. The MAEd in Educational Administration degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 30 semester credit hours.

Today, Dr. Kessler is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Wisconsin

Shortly after completing her undergraduate studies in psychology, Dr. Alanna Kessler decided shortly that, though she loved the field, advancing in the discipline would require further education. She enrolled in and completed both a master’s and doctorate degree at Argosy University, Schaumburg.

Today, Dr. Kessler is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Wisconsin and works as Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neuropsychology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is responsible for conducting pediatric neuropsychology evaluations for outpatients, as well as providing consultation to a number of other multi-disciplinary clinics at the local children’s hospital.  

During her time at Argosy, Dr. Kessler was exposed to many of the subspecialties within psychology, including psychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and child/adolescent therapy.  After completing a practicum in a pediatric neuropsychology clinic, she felt she had found her calling and was able to specialize in Pediatric Neuropsychology during a two-year fellowship completed at the Dartmouth Medical School.

Moving forward in the field of psychology didn’t come without a price, she says. “I have moved numerous times and lived great distances away from my family.  However, the high quality of training I received has afforded me the opportunity to work in an excellent institution near my family.”  

“Argosy afforded me unique learning and training opportunities,” she says. I had relationships with professors who took the time to get to know me.  Like all students at Argosy University, Schaumburg, I received individual mentoring and guidance through the clinical training department which gave me an advantage during the competitive internship process.” She adds, “Not only did I receive excellent educational and professional mentoring, but I also acquired a support network that I still trust and rely on today.”

Dr. Kessler is a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the International Neuropsychology Society and Psi Chi National Honor Society.

Dr. Orlando Rivero is influencing the academic world using the knowledge and skills he learned from Argosy University, Sarasota.

Dr. Orlando Rivero is influencing the academic world using the knowledge and skills he learned from Argosy University, Sarasota.

“During the time I was searching for a Doctoral Program, I was looking for a program that would fit into my family and day-to-day responsibilities. I was also looking for an institution of learning that would academically challenge me to pursue my outer limits.   Through its faculty members, I was able to learn the importance of academic research.  Most importantly, the faculty had years of industry experience, which made sense to attend Argosy University to complete my degree program,” commented Rivero.

Before attending Argosy University, Rivero was employed for the Miami-Dade County government for 20 years where he received the 2004 National Association of Counties (NACO) Achievement Award for the implementation of several community driven programs in Miami-Dade County, Florida.  While employed at Miami Dade County government, Rivero graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.  He later went on to further his education by graduating in 2005 with a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Management from Argosy University, Sarasota. From there, Rivero went on to work for multiple universities across the country assisting with implementation of public administration and management courses as well as sitting on several dissertation committees.

Currently, Rivero is the Director of the Business Department at Carlos Abilzu University in Miami, Florida. As the Director, he oversees undergraduate and graduate programs for over 150 students. He also helped establish curriculum designs for the first Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) online programs, revised and updated curriculums for all upper division BBA and MBA courses, doubled the number of faculty with terminal degrees, increased BBA/MBA enrollment by 50% within a year period, and established Future Business Leaders of America and Phi Beta Lambda Society and Sigma Delta Honor Society among other accomplishments.

“I was able to make a career change at the age of 40 years old and continue to reach my career goals and objectives.  This would not have been possible if I had not taken the initiative to complete my DBA program at Argosy University,” commented Rivero on how Argosy University made a difference within his life. “Stay focused and continue to inspire to be. I thought I knew what I truly wanted to become, but Argosy University allowed me to pursue my goals and objective further.  Choosing Argosy University to complete my DBA program was a wise decision then and thank goodness I followed my intuition.” 

Argosy University, Salt Lake City Faculty Member Named Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) has named Dr. Jason King Mental Health Counselor of the Year. King, who serves as Director of Clinical Training for the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program at Argosy University, Salt Lake City, will receive his award at the AMHCA’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida later this month.

AMHCA is a growing community of more than 6,000 clinical mental health counselors whose mission it is to enhance the profession of clinical mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education and professional development. Their organization represents licensed clinical mental health counselors and state chapters, providing them with consistent standards of education, training, licensing, practice, advocacy and ethics.

“I am honored by this recognition from AMHCA, and I feel privileged to associate with my fellow clinical mental health counselors in Utah and throughout the nation,” says King.

In addition to his duties at Argosy University, Salt Lake City, King is the clinical director and co-owner of a clinical training and research facility, assisting agencies in seeking services for their clients. Last year, King was honored by the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) with the Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award. 

Argosy University, Salt Lake City Announces Program Designed to Assist Law Enforcement Officers Seeking Their Degree

Argosy University, Salt Lake City is pleased to announce the acceptance of Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for prior learning assessment at the university. Through this assessment program, Utah peace officers can receive up to 29 college course credits when they choose to attend bachelor of science in criminal justice or other program at Argosy University.

Prior learning assessment is the process used by the university to evaluate learning acquired outside the classroom for the purpose of assigning academic credit. Common ways that college-level learning is acquired through law enforcement, corporate or military training; other work experience; civic activity; and independent study.

“Prior learning assessment helps us to recognize, through college credit, the knowledge, skills and training that peace officers in the state of Utah bring to their college education,” says campus President David Tietjen. “This helps our commitment to supporting the educational needs of our law enforcement community by helping those who qualify to reduce the total cost of, and amount of time it takes for, an officer to complete their education.”

Through prior learning assessment, Utah peace officers can potentially qualify for up to 17 college course credits for those who have completed their basic training or up to 29 credits for officers with several trainings. These credits can be applied towards and undergraduate degree at the university.

For more information about prior learning assessment or the criminal justice program at Argosy University, Salt Lake City, visit www.argosy.edu/saltlakecity or contact Amy Miner at arminer@argosy.edu or 801.601.4932.