Owens Community College · A job seeker’s guide to the stimulus package Biomedical Electronics...

Owens Community College Winter 2010 Volume 5 Issue 1

Find Good Jobs Now

Your Guide to the Stimulus

Package

Thank a Biomedical Technician

Get in the Driver’s Seat

What in the World?

New Training Opportunities

3+1= 2

Features

2 Facts & Finds

3 MP3 Players Aren’t Just for Music College podcasts becoming more common

4 Good Jobs Now You’ll find plenty of opportunities with two-year degrees

6 Economic Recovery: A job seeker’s guide to the stimulus package

Biomedical Electronics Major8 Have you thanked

a biomedical technician today?

9 In the Driver’s Seat

10 What in the World?

11 Owens expanding training opportunities

12 3 + 1 = 2

Editor: ...........................................................................Michelle Dockins

Writers: ..............................................Michelle Dockins, Deborah Gavlik, Esther Hurwitz, Laura Lyjak Crawford, James Militzer

Photography: ............ Point Seven Studios, Brian Yinger, Sarah Kurmin

www.owens.edu

Owens Community College President Dr. Christa E. Adams

Owens Community College ProvostDr. Paul Unger

Owens Community College Board of Trustees

John Moore, Chair

Diana H. (Dee) Talmage, Vice Chair

John G. Ault, Trustee

Dave W. Habegger, Trustee

Allan J. Libbe, Trustee

Dr. Ronald A. McMaster, Trustee

R J Molter, Trustee

H. Richard Rowe, Trustee

William E. Takacs, Trustee

CareerFocus is published three times a year by Owens Community College, P.O.Box 10000, Toledo, OH 43699-1947, in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI.

All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

© 2010 Owens Community College

CareerFocus Café is the new online companion to CareerFocus magazine

1-800-GO-OWENS I Owens Community College I www.owens.edu CareerFocus I Winter 2010 I 1

ContentC

are

erF

ocu

s

the real source of their resilience and ultimate success suggests

Bruce Grierson in his article “Weathering the Storm” (Psychology Today, May/June 2009).

There are so many good lessons to be learned by a significant failure, that you may want to get right out there and fall on your face so that you can get up brush off and get on with it.

“Adversity, setback, and even trauma may actually be necessary for people to be happy successful and fulfilled,” writes Grierson.

How can you turn failure into the kind of

learning experience that transforms you rather than letting it

drag you down? Part of it is honesty. The more you take the time to commiserate with others, address your feelings and look for

alternatives, the easier it is to move on. The other

part of it is attitude. The more you can cultivate a sense of optimism and

humor that allow you to accept

responsibility and create a new start, the more likely you are to eventually succeed. CF

Fail Now, Succeed Later

A N D

The love of learning no longer requires you to strap on the book bag and find a seat in the lecture hall. Now sitting in on a class is as easy as sitting down at the computer.

Many colleges and universities, from the Ivy League to community

colleges post videos of popular lectures online at You

Tube Edu, and over at ITunesU, you’ll find podcasts of lectures on topics ranging from the cosmos to creative

writing.

You’ll also find lectures from authors, artists and thinkers at two lively sites – TED and PopTech.

Here, the most popular thinkers of our day provide provocative and insightful

lectures on everything from neurobiology to the economy

and perfume design to artificial intelligence.Take a look for yourself at:

www.youtube.com/eduwww.apple.com/tunes/hatson/itunesuwww.ted.comwww.poptech.com

There are indications that the current “Great Recession” may be winding down. No wait, there are indications it will continue for six months, a year, three more years. But it’s not so much that the facts and figures are in dispute, it’s how they’re being interpreted.

For the pessimistic set, there is evidence that the pay cuts and reduced hours that many workers have taken to stay employed may actually worsen the economy in the long run (“Falling Wage Syndrome,” www.nytimes.com).

A slightly more positive bit of news is that college

interns were offered higher salaries this year than last, even though fewer positions were open. (“Salaries for College Interns Rise 5 Percent,” www.naceweb.org)

Optimists, on the other hand, will take heart from the Wall Street Journal report that even in these hard times there are new job openings every day.

Workers to fill positions such as computer systems analysts, accountants, registered nurses and sales managers are still in strong demand. (“You Can Land a Job – Even Now,” online.wsj.com).

“Your portfolio is down 50 percent, your mortgage is worth more than your house, and your savings account is barely visible. Jobs, meanwhile, are making a roaring comeback…we’re rediscovering the job as the most valuable asset a person can have…The cognition you’ve got up there in your head–your education and training–it’s worth something.”

“Jobs Are the New Assets” Time Magazine, March 23, 2009

suggests

Grierson in

“Weathering

Psychology May/June

so many lessons to

by asignificant failure,

may want out there out there out your face your face your can get

Howinto

learningthat transformsthat transformsthatrather

drag youof itof itof is it is itmoreto commiserateothers,feelings

alternatives,is to move

part ofpart ofpart it of it ofmore youa sense

failure

it

and accept

Is the Recession Over Yet?

The Classroom Comes to You

The debate continuesabout whether thenearly limitlessflow of informationand distractionsoffered by theInternet are a blessingor a curse.

Maybe, just maybe,says Sam Andersonin his article

“In Defense ofDistraction” (NewYork Magazine,May 17, 2009)those tangents

of unproductiveforays into UTube,

Wikipedia ande-mail are justas importantto creative

thinking assetting them aside is

important to actually gettingsomething done.

Somewhere between the ideathat Internet addiction is aclassifiable disorder and theidea that Twittering, texting,Googling and Blogging arethe lifeblood of the modernworld is another idea. “Thetruly wise will harness ratherthan abandon the power ofdistraction,” says Anderson.

Between Multitasking and Lifehacking

2 I Winter 2010 I CareerFocus Owens Community College I www.owens.edu I 1-800-GO-OWENS

Facts and FindsC

are

erF

ocu

s

IPods and other MP3 players are generally known for their abilities to play music, videos and games – after all, one has to take breaks from study or work. But don’t be distracted by their entertainment value here, we’re going to talk about

the unique features that make these devices effective study tools.

Many colleges and universities, including Owens, now record lectures in audio or video formats that can be downloaded to your computer or MP3 player. These podcasts, are especially helpful if you miss a lecture or want to review information before an exam.

One repository for college lectures available to anyone with iTunes software is iTunes U (www.apple.com/itunes). It features free, regularly-updated podcasts of lectures from more than 100 participating universities all over the world, including Auburn University, Open University and Yale.

Downloadable news and entertainment podcasts, and audio books are also available from other services like the Zune Marketplace (www.zune.net:80/ en-us/entertainment/podcasts) or Web sites such as Audible.com.

If you don’t want to study in front of your computer you can download podcasts to an MP3 player or iPod.

Apple iPod nanoThe fourth generation, moderately-priced iPod nano is admired for its snazzy looks and easy-to-use interface. And, of course, you can download anything to it from the iTunes store in various audio formats. Although you can play podcasts, you can’t actually record a lecture. Still, the nano’s extra features make it a worthwhile campus companion. Carry current copies of your computer’s address

book, calendar and to-do lists (from either Mac or Microsoft Outlook) to keep you on track throughout your day. Multiple alarms keep you on time for appointments and study dates; the stopwatch is handy for timing workouts or your next class presentation.

You can store study notes or other text documents, increase the font

size of the menus or configure the unit to speak the menus for increased accessibility.

At the end of your busy day, the sleep feature automatically turns off the music. The nano 8GB holds up to 2,000 songs or 8 hours of video and it plays audio for up to 24 hours or video for four hours on a 2” display. Available at www.apple.com for $149.

Zen music and video player by Creative Don’t miss a lecture because you were reliving the fun you had last night instead of taking

notes – the Zen 8GB has helpful features including a digital voice recorder that can record an entire class session as well as an alarm clock to alert you to wake up

when class is over.

Like the nano, the Zen has a

clock, setable alarm, can keep updated copies of Microsoft Outlook contacts, calendar and to-do lists and can also be used as an external hard drive to store files. However, the Zen also has an FM radio with 32 station presets and the flexibility to allow you to add music or videos from different sources using drag-and-drop or jukebox programs such as Windows Media Player or Rhapsody.

The Zen has superior storage capabilities, which it needs with all

the many formats it accepts. And it plays up to 2,000 songs or 30 hours of videos. If that isn’t enough, you can add more memory.

Its 2.5” high-resolution screen makes it easy to watch videos or customize the main menu. Battery life is up to 30 hours of audio playback and five hours of video playback. The 8GB version is $129 and barely bigger than a credit card. You can get more information at us.creative.com.

The Microsoft Zune8The Microsoft Zune8 is more of an entertainment and networking tool than the other two players. The unique thing about the Zune is its built-in wireless capabilities that allow you to download podcasts, exchange songs with other Zune users, purchase music directly from one of its FM radio stations or

synchronize your music library with your computer.

Like the Zen and the nano, the Zune includes a clock, however, interestingly enough, the player does not synchronize with your computer’s Microsoft Outlook files. The Zune does accept a wide variety of formats, so when you connect

to Zune Marketplace or Audible.com, you’re sure to find something you want or need.

The display, at 1.8”, is the smallest of the three, but it has the same 320 x 240 pixel high-resolution as the other two, and stores up to 2,000 songs and 25 hours of video. With the Wi-Fi turned off, the player averages up to 24 hours of audio and four hours of video playback. It comes in five vivid colors, and you can get one for $149 at www.zune.net:80/en-US.

sizeunitaccessibility.

Atfeaturemusic.songsaudiofourwww.apple.com

features includingrecorder thatclass sessionclock to alert

whenThecapabilities,

synchronizeyour

Likeincludesenough,withfiles.variety

MP3 Players Aren’t Just for MusicCollege podcasts becoming more commonBy Esther Hurwitz and Michelle Dockins

IPodsplayers

MP3CollegeBy

Omail+Owens revolutionized the way students get information and communicate with others with the implementation of Omail+. This new application, which is powered by Google, is an enhanced version of email and provides many tools to help students communicate with friends and instructors:

• Google mail (Gmail) – chat, send email messages to friends and instructors

• Google calendar – stay on schedule, check your calendar and your friends’ calendars

• Google docs – do group projects, get class notes from a friend

• Google sites – work on a team project, lead a cause, share memories, stay informed

• Google talk – chat, share files, call friends, chat on the go

Omail+ can be found on Ozone and can be used by all students. CF


Ca

ree

rFo

cus

Toolbox

GOOd JOBS

NOw Looking for the next step in your education?

Maybe there’s a good fit for you in this U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics list of jobs with above-average growth and above average pay.

Median wage Openings

Advertising Sales Agents $42,750 35,000

Education: Employers prefer a college degree. Courses in marketing, leadership, communication, business and advertising are helpful..

Related Owens program: Marketing and Sales; Marketing and Sales Certificate

Automotive Body and Related Repairers $35,180 26,000

Education: Six-month to two-year programs in collision repair at community colleges, trade and technical schools.

Related Owens program: Automotive Technology

Automotive Service Technicians $33,780 110,000

Education: Six-month to two-year programs in automotive services at community colleges, trade and technical schools.

Related Owens program: Automotive Service Management Majo

Computer Support Specialists $41,470 71,000

Education: A college degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but certification and relevant experience may be sufficient for others.

Related Owens program: Various programs in Owens School of Technology.

Construction and Building Inspectors $46,570 20,000

Education: A two-year degree with courses in building inspection, home inspection,construction technology, drafting and mathematics or a certificate or associate degree in building inspection technology..

Related Owens program: Construction Trades Major

Dental Hygienists $62,800 50,000

Education: A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is required for practice in a private dental office.

Related Owens program: Dental Hygiene Program

ob security. Those are the magic words for many people looking for a new career in today’s unpredictable economy. Why would you train for a profession today, if you’re not sure a job will be there tomorrow?

And while no one can truly predict which jobs will be in demand in two or ten years, (finance, anyone?) there are plenty of people still willing to make an educated guess.

If you’re looking for a good solid career, but aren’t ready to invest four years into a college degree, we’ve assembled a list of some

of the best bets for a career with an associate degree.

These are solid jobs with a bright future and good pay, and offer steady employment. They’re selected from the list of occupations that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will continue to have above-average growth and above-average pay though the year 2016.

Many of these occupations, such as physical therapist assistants, are expected to grow because of increased demand. Others, like automotive services technicians, will continue to have many openings because of steady demand. Still others, such as registered nurses, are experiencing both many openings and increased demand. CF

Good Jobs NowYou’ll find plenty of opportunities with two-year degreesBy Laura Lyjak Crawford


Ca

ree

rFo

cus

Owens Programs


Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

$37,240 239,000

Education: One and two-year programs in office administration at technical schools and community colleges. Employers of executive secretaries increasingly are seeking candidates with a college degree.

Related Owens program: Office Administration

Firefighters $41,190 35,000

Education: Community college courses, or an associate degree in fire science will improve an applicant’s chances for a job.

Related Owens program: Fire Science Technology

Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses $36,550 105,000

Education: One-year training programs offered by technical schools or community colleges.

Related Owens program: LPN/Associate Degree

Massage Therapists $33,400 24,000

Education: Training standards and requirements for massage

Related Owens program: Massage Therapy Program and Certificate

Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters $42,770 24,000

Education: Training from technical schools and community colleges and formal apprenticeship programs.

Related Owens program: Pipefitting/Plumbing Certificate

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers $47,460 70,000

Education: Police academies and community college and university programs in law enforcement or administration of justice.

Related Owens program: Peace Officer Academy Option


Physical Therapist Assistants $41,360 20,000

Education: An associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

Related Owens program: Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $48,170 30,000

Education: Certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in radiology. Two-year associate’s degree programs are most prevalent.

Related Owens program: Radiography Major

Registered Nurses $57,280 587,000

Education: An associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree program.

Related Owens program: Registered Nursing Program

Sales Representatives (wholesale manufacturing technical and scientific products)

$64,440 51,000

Education: Levels of education vary, although a bachelor’s degree can be highly desirable.

Seminars in sales techniques, courses in marketing, economics, communication, or foreign language can provide the extra edge needed to make sales.

Related Owens program: Sales and Marketing

Surgical Technologists $36,080 21,000

Education: Nine month to two-year programs that lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate degree.

Related Owens program: Surgical Program

Truck Drivers $35,040 193,000

Education: Private and public vocational-technical schools offer tractor-trailer driver training programs.

Related Owens program: Truck Driving Academy

www.bgsu.eduwww.bgsu.edu

Discover an exceptional University that engages, challenges and prepares you for a meaningful future.

Academic excellence and choice:» Nationally recognized among the best by U.S.News & World Report for: » Teaching Undergraduates » First-Year Programs » Residential Learning Communities

» More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs in the areas of: » The Arts » Business » Education » Health and Wellness » Science and Technology

Bowling Green State University— a decision worth celebrating.

»

educationw o r t h c e l e b r a t ! n g

Za

c a

nk

ro

m

| H

ea

lt

Hc

ar

e a

dm

inis

tr

at

ion

»

b o w l i n g g r e e n s t a t e U n i v e r s i t y


The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act presents a dilemma to many job seekers. Sure, it’s projected to save or create 3.5 million jobs. Its goal is to stimulate the economy quickly, but what if you’re still in school or are contemplating a career change, will the hiring be

over by the time you enter the job market?

Perhaps you need to take a short-term stimulus into account when planning your long-term career by exploring the four major elements of the Recovery Act, the jobs they’re creating now–and whether these jobs will still be around after the spending ends.

Economic Recovery: A job seeker’s guide to the stimulus packageBy James Militzer

Struggling with college costs? Here are three major ways the Recovery Act can help put money in your pocket, as described by Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of financial aid Web sites FastWeb.com and FinAid.org.

1. The stimulus increases the maximum Pell Grant from $4,731 to $5,350 and new eligibility requirements mean an additional 800,000 students will qualify. The maximum grant will rise to $5,550 next year.

2. It expands the Hope Scholarship tax credit for the 2009/2010 tax years, extending it to millions of additional families.

3. It includes $200 million for federal work-study, enough for an additional 181,000 recipients.

According to Kantrowitz, financial aid is especially important for community college students. “They are eligible for Pell Grants and Hope Scholarships just like students at four-year institutions. But instead, many of them work full-time while pursuing their education. This limits the amount of time available for

The Effects of the Stimulus on Education Costs

INFRASTRuCTuRE AND TRANSPORTATION

The stimulus: $27.5 billion to repair or construct highways and bridges, $17.7 billion for passenger rail and other public transit.

Short-term outlook: The government estimates that infrastructure and transportation projects in the stimulus will create or save 1.8 million jobs in everything from civil engineering and cost estimating to construction labor.

While short-term job opportunities will be plentiful, Joel Elvery, labor economics professor at Cleveland State University, cautions that the construction industry’s struggles will make competition tight. “There were 1.8 million unemployed construction workers in April 2009,” he says. “So it will mostly help put people who are currently out of work back to work, not create new opportunities for entry-level workers.”

Long-term prognosis: If the economy hasn’t recovered when government spending ends, demand for construction projects could dry up. So it would be risky to enter the field based solely on the stimulus.

If construction work interests you, do some research to determine how strong the job market is in your area. As Elvery puts it, “Students should be focused on finding a career, not a job. Choose a career that matches your interests and has had steady growth in your region before the recession.”

HEAlTHCAREThe stimulus: $87 billion in assistance to Medicaid, $19 billion to accelerate adoption of health information technology, $10 billion for medical research and facilities upgrades.

Short-term outlook: The government estimates that healthcare stimulus projects will create hundreds of thousands of jobs–and not just for highly trained medical providers.

According to Laurence Shatkin, career expert and author of Great Jobs in the President’s Stimulus Plan, “Stimulus funding for extended COBRA insurance and Medicaid will create many associate-level jobs, including licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and radiologic technologists. Medical records technicians, systems analysts, database managers and data entry workers will also see job openings from the funding for digitizing health records. And as a relatively new career, health information technology will experience less competition from experienced workers.”

Long-term prognosis: Healthcare was a great career choice before the stimulus, and it’s even better now. Patient care jobs will show continued strong growth, and the national transition to electronic medical records could make health information technology a hot career for years to come.


FeatureC

are

erF

ocu

s

JOBS CF

ENERGY aNd ENvIRONMENTThe stimulus: $34 billion for smart grid, renewable energy and efficiency projects, $10 billion to lower energy use in federal facilities and public buildings, $5 billion for home weatherization.

Short-term outlook: With over 500,000 new jobs projected in renewable energy development and energy efficiency initiatives, the stimulus will spark a major expansion of the green economy.

Job opportunities will range from manual “green collar” work such as insulation and solar panel installation, to higher level positions in environmental engineering, sustainability consulting, architecture and urban planning.

Long-term prognosis: Oil reserves are dwindling, global warming is increasing, and the president hopes to invest $150 billion in clean energy over the next ten years. So green jobs should be plentiful long after the stimulus is over.

According to Stacy Ho, a policy associate at Green For All, “The Recovery Act is designed to set the foundation for projects that are financially self-sustaining in the long run. For example, if we install solar panels in homes, those panels will have to be maintained and repaired. There’s continual work that needs to be done. So we’re looking at an economic and environmental transformation of our economy – it’s not a short-term thing.”

GOvERNMENTShort-term outlook: The Obama administration predicts that only 10 percent of Recovery Act jobs will be in the public sector. But with 3.5 million stimulus jobs projected, that still translates to hundreds of thousands of new government positions.

According to Stewart Liff, author of Managing Your Government Career, “It is clear that the government will be hiring an enormous number of people over the next few years. To put things into perspective, the federal government’s official job site, usajobs.gov, is currently listing over 47,000 vacant positions.”

With so much public money being mobilized, auditors, attorneys and investigators will be in particular demand, as the Inspector Generals offices in government agencies try to reduce fraud and keep tabs on expenditures.

The stimulus will also create positions for a wide variety of professionals, in fields from healthcare to law enforcement. According to Lily Whiteman, career coach and author of How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job, “Federal openings created by the stimulus package include jobs in virtually every profession, and every career level, from interns through executives.”

Long-term prognosis: Administrations and budget priorities change and demand driven by the current stimulus may be temporary. But other factors could make government work a promising long-term career path. As the aging federal workforce retires, there will be hundreds of thousands of positions to fill in coming years, over and above stimulus-related hiring. CF

EDuCATION The stimulus: $39.5 billion to help states avoid teacher layoffs and other education cuts, $13 billion for schools serving disadvantaged

children, $12.2 billion for special education.

Short-term outlook: A recent study at the University of Washington estimated that

state budget cuts could claim almost 600,000 education jobs over the next three years.

That means much of the stimulus money for education will be spent on preserving

existing jobs rather than creating new ones. While that’s good news if you’re already teaching, it means prospective teachers shouldn’t expect a sudden hiring boom. The best way to find a stimulus job in education is to follow the money. Targeted funding should increase demand for special education teachers, teachers

serving low-income communities, early childhood educators and teacher performance auditors.

Long-term prognosis: Since cash-strapped states often cut their education budgets, a prolonged recession could lead to job losses after the stimulus spending is over. Even so, teaching has a solid future beyond the current recession.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics characterizes teaching job opportunities from 2006-2016 as “good to excellent,” due to the large number of teachers who are expected to retire in this period. Jobs will be plentiful for bilingual teachers,

special education teachers, teachers in inner city or rural districts and teachers in high-demand fields like math and science.studying, and many drop out

without obtaining a degree. Applying for federal student aid can help them reduce their work hours and graduate. More than 1.5 million community college students would have qualified for a Pell Grant in 2007-08, but did not submit the application.”

Students can apply for both the Pell Grant and federal work-study funding at www.fafsa.ed.gov. They can claim the Hope Scholarship tax credit on their 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns. CF


or those who have ever been in a hospital and have seen the equipment that patients are usually hooked up to beeping like they are supposed to, have a biomedical technician to thank for that.

Biomedical technicians maintain and calibrate medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics to address diagnostic and life support needs.

This meaningful career is one of the majors offered within the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology department, within the School of Technology at Owens. This major teaches students how to repair, calibrate, and evaluate the performance of electro-mechanical equipment used in the medical field and prepares students for a variety of exciting careers that are in high demand both locally and globally. Students receive a strong background in electronics, life sciences and biomedical instrumentation.

“As the health care industry is challenged to improve cost efficiencies and better integrate digital medical technologies, the skills we impart at Owens will

prove a foundation for continued progress in the field,” said Nerur Satish, chair, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology. “For example, our intensive networking courses will act as a catalyst to further this transformation. We address additional key fields of expertise, such as remote management of networked equipment, diagnosing device issues, and recommending maintenance and repair solutions.”

During the second year of the program, students take the following required courses:

EET 250 – Biomedical Instrumentation I and EET 251 – Biomedical Instrumentation II. Both are four credit courses and consist of three hours of lecture at the College and 10 hours minimum per week of internship/clinical experience at hospitals and other biomedical enterprises that work

with Owens to provide hands-on training.

The internship program provides valuable learning and practical hands-on experience in the workplace. As students start their internship experience, they go through and prepare their resume and work through the interview process with prospective hospitals. This matching experience is like a real-life job hunt, so it prepares students with these skills as they graduate from the program.

The job market for biomedical technicians is positive and steady and the long-term outlook is strong. The median salary for those with a two-year degree in applied science and eight years of experience is $49,000, with eight or more years of experience $46,100 – 63,400. Those employed by an equipment manufacturer who have the appropriate specialty certification can expect a salary

that exceeds $90,000. (Information obtained from Payscale.com)

The number of jobs in the United States will increase 22% between 2006 and 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With the rapidly expanding elderly population, demand for healthcare professionals will remain high.

“Owens biomedical students will graduate with skills that are increasingly vital to succeed in a growing, competitive marketplace,” said Satish. “Moreover, their efforts will help to continue the transformation of a vital segment of our regional economy, while also making a significant contribution to the health and well-being of our local communities.”

To register for a course in biomedical technology, please visit www.owens.edu and click the Register Now button. Spring classes begin January 7, 2010. CF

Biomedical Electronics Major

Have you thanked a biomedical technician today?

About the ProfessorsProfessor Mike Sparks, who works in the field at the Mercy hospitals locally (St. Vincent / St. Anne hospitals in the Toledo area), teaches and has a true passion for the subject. For prospective students seeking a “job shadow” experience, Sparks is always ready and willing to help provide a setting to help students firm up their career choice.

Professor Paul Svatik (past VP for NW Ohio region of OCEA – Ohio Clinical Engineering Association) headed up this major for 30 years making excellent contributions to the field and his students before retiring from Owens in December 2008.

Professor Linda Deutsch is a graduate of the Owens biomedical programs and has experienced the superb educational value of the internship training firsthand. Upon completion, she went on to the University of Toledo for her higher degrees. She has excellent educational qualifications and industrial experience.

Professors Jay Taylor and Paul Svatik teamed up in 2007 and identified a promising continuing education opportunity for professionals in the biomedical field. As medical devices are increasingly networked and continue to transform the medical workplace, a solid understanding of network protocols has become essential in the field. Taylor has addressed this by teaching relevant courses, which have been well received by several biomedical professionals from various hospitals and institutions across Ohio and the Midwest region.

Members of our biomedical advisory team are department managers drawn from medical hospitals across the state of Ohio and are leaders in their field. They not only provide students with internship opportunities, they also give us much needed advice to keep our curriculum current. CF

By Michelle Dockins


Ca

ree

rFo

cus

Program Spotlight

In the Driver’s Seatomen who are looking for an in-demand career with excellent pay and benefits should consider becoming a truck driving professional. Owens Community College,

in partnership with TRAINCO, Inc. Professional Truck Driving School and Career Center, is offering this program to women of all ages.

Being a woman in a predominantly male profession presents its own unique set of challenges, but women have always been visible in the field – inside the cab, under the hood or in the terminal – but the numbers are slowly increasing and more and more women are taking advantage of this great job opportunity.

Female population in the truck driving field range from 4% - 11%. In our local region, that number is 7% for CDL drivers. This profession isn’t limited to driving semi trucks, there are also many opportunities as bus drivers, delivery drivers and heavy equipment operators

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006, 182,000 (or 5.2%) of the country’s 3.5 million truck drivers were women. That number is up from 84,000 (or 3.5%) of the 2.4 million in 1983. The numbers are growing and women are starting to realize that this area is a real growth opportunity for them.

TRAINCO, Inc and Owens Community CollegeNinety percent of graduates of the TRAINCO program go to

work in the trucking industry and most have secured a job before graduation.

Students who successfully complete TRAINCO’s program also receive five credit hours of college credit toward an associate degree

in Technical Studies or other related field at Owens.

Funding opportunities for training is provided by Job Solutions of Wood County. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement and reimburse your full tuition on a monthly basis.

This is a growing field for women and one that women who are considering a new career or a career change are encouraged to explore.

Contact us today for more information (567) 661-7320. CF

We Are . . .One Click AwaySiena Heights University is a leading provider of distance education offering a Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies degree. We have classes available in an 8-week format and a flexible schedule that works for you!

Contact Us Today!Distance Learning ProgramsPhone: 866.937.2748Email: [email protected]

We Are . . .Just Miles Away Siena Heights University is located in Adrian, Michigan and boasts a beautiful setting with on campus student housing and the true college life including over 40 undergraduate major courses programs, Graduate programs, intercollegiate athletics, and student activities.

Contact Us Today!Office of Undergraduate Admissions1247 E. Siena Heights Dr. Adrian, MI 49221

Phone: (800) 521-0009 ext 7180 Email: [email protected]

“Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.”

Do You Want Options?

www.sienaheights.edu


Ca

ree

rFo

cus

Program Spotlight

o matter what your major is, chances are the business or industry in which you will eventually work will have global connections. Perhaps you are interested in solar energy. Did you know that America’s largest solar equipment maker,

Applied Materials, will soon open the biggest solar research center in Xian, China? Perhaps your major is in Automotive Technology or Manufacturing Technology. Did you know that Honda, Incorporated works with over 150 suppliers in Ohio, and that these suppliers employ more than 40,000 Ohioans? Or perhaps you are in the high-tech field. Did you know that Ohio sells over $3.5 billion in high-

tech exports, and that 10,700 jobs in Ohio are supported by tech exports?

Globalization is a fact and it is increasing at a rapid pace. In today’s world, it is vital for students to be proficient in international skills. It is more important than ever to understand other cultures, languages and beliefs. To be successful in today’s world, global competency is a critical skill.

How to become globally competent You may find yourself working for an international company or organization in the future. You will

interact with people from other countries and people from other countries will likely be part of your work group. You may even have the opportunity to travel outside of the U.S. on occasion. You will have a specific skill such accounting or biomedical electronics, but it will be beneficial to your career to be globally competent.

Here is a short list of some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for work in a global marketplace:

• Learn a foreign language

• Increase your communication and intercultural skills

• Join the Owens International Union student organization or other multicultural organizations

• Look for a co-op or intern work experience with an international company

• Expand your cultural sensitivity and understanding

• Travel or study abroad

• Enroll in an international business course

• Stop by Owens Office of International Programs to learn more

Globalization at Owens Community CollegeFortunately for Owens students, there are many ways to gain global competency. You have the opportunity to meet and interact with international students, take classes with international faculty, enroll in international courses and study world languages.

This fall, 134 international students are studying at Owens! These students are from 50 different countries including: South Korea (12 students); Kenya (10 students); China (9 students); Saudi Arabia (8 students); Egypt (7 students); India (7 students);

Canada (6 students) and many more.

Students can also take courses from international faculty from India, Cyprus, China, Palestine, and Egypt, and more. These faculty members bring a wealth of international experience to their classrooms.

The world languages offered at Owens include:

• Arabic

• Chinese

• French

• German

• Japanese

• Russian

• Spanish

Owens also offers a wide range of international courses, from cultural diversity, to world religions, international business, international marketing, and contemporary global issues. Business students also have the opportunity to major in international business and nursing students are able to take an international nursing curriculum.

Globalization is a fact of life. We see it in the products we buy and in the international influences we experience with music, culture and ideas. It is vitally important for students to prepare themselves for work in a global marketplace. Owens students can become globally competent by taking advantage of the many opportunities the College has to offer.

For more information about how to become globally prepared, contact the Office of International Programs and Services at (567) 661-2773. CF

Source: Trade in the Cyberstates 2008

What in the World? By Deborah Gavlik, Owens Director of International Programs and Services

International students at Owens!

International students at Owens!134


FeatureC

are

erF

ocu

s

Owens expanding training opportunities

wens Community College is broadening access to educational and training opportunities by relocating Workforce and Community Services to Arrowhead Park in Maumee. The new on-site educational learning

center will begin serving area residents, businesses and industries in January. Current WCS offerings will still be available on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

The new site will feature multiple classrooms and computer laboratories that

will be used to provide quality-driven workforce training and education that meets the current and future needs of businesses throughout the region. Training will include new classes in solar production, energy management, solar thermal and wind installation.

“Owens Community College is committed to meeting the education and training needs of the surrounding communities in Northwest Ohio,” said Christa Adams, Ph.D., President of Owens Community College. “As an academic institution, Owens is continuously looking

for opportunities to provide greater access to education. The relocation of Workforce and Community Services will enable Owens to broaden its workforce development and training programs for area businesses and students and further support local economic growth and vitality within the region.”

Workforce and Community Services’ learning-centered approach focuses on developing and enhancing personal and professional skills to meet the needs of the community, customizing academic curriculum in

the areas of professional development, computer and software applications, green training, artful living, personal development, real estate, children’s programming, and apprenticeship-related training and skilled trades. CF

Situated within close proximity to I-475, Owens’ new center will be located at 1724 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio.

The UniversiT y of findlay

rewardedwww.findlay.edU, Keyword: Transfer

• Generous merit scholarships ranging from $9,000 to $14,000 per year

• One of the most generous renewable transfer scholarship programs in the state of Ohio

• Nearly 60 majors, seven master’s degrees, a doctor of pharmacy and a doctor of physical therapy

• Small classes with one-on-one faculty advising

Katherine RadlFindlay, OHThird-Year Transfer

HIGHER EDUCATION.

SMARTLocations.Take Owens Community College classes online or at locations close to your home or work:

• ARROWHEAD PARK IndianWoodCircle,Maumee (Opening January 2010!)

• TOLEDO-AREA CAMPUS OregonRoad,Perrysburg

• FINDLAY-AREA CAMPUS BrightRoad,Findlay

• THE SOURCE MonroeStreet, downtownToledo

www.owens.eduREGISTER NOW!

CONNIE MOOREOwens Graduate

Vice President, Estimating Mosser Construction, Inc.

Classes begin January 7.


Ca

ree

rFo

cus

Feature

hanks to the program between Owens and Ohio University, you can earn your associate and bachelor’s degree simultaneously by attending Owens Community College for three years and Ohio University for one. This collaborative opportunity maximizes the transfer of credits earned during associate degree study and builds on

that base with course work in professional, behavioral, and leadership skill areas. One more bonus is that the courses offered by Ohio University are all online so you do not have to travel or find a parking spot. They will fit your schedule.

Flexibility is the key! You can take courses at Owens, paying Owens’ tuition rate, and online courses from Ohio University at $153 per quarter credit hour. You can even take classes from both schools at the same time, and save a lot of money in the process.

“Basically, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving Owens,” says Hank Thomas, Ohio University’s Community College

Partnership Director for Owens. “Degree requirements work out to about one more year of Owens courses and 12-13 online courses from Ohio University.”

The exact courses required depend on the associate degree major and the bachelor’s major a student wishes to pursue.

Currently there are two degree programs available: a bachelor of criminal justice and a bachelor of technical and applied studies. There are plans to add an RN-to-BSN bachelor of nursing degree and a bachelor of business degree in the future.

“We know working professionals and adult students have diverse and unique educational needs,” Thomas said. “With this partnership program we’re helping to meet those needs for students who want to advance their education, and their career, without leaving home.”

For more information, contact Owens Office of Enrollment Services at (567) 661-7777 or Hank Thomas at Ohio University at (567) 241-3726 or email [email protected]

Check out Hank on Twitter at HankfromOhioU or on Facebook at Community College Partnership Program – Ohio University. CF

Community College Partnership

That’s right! Your applied associate degree is just the beginning. Take classes at Owens Community College and online classes from Ohio University to earn a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

Earn your bachelor’s degree without leaving Owens!

Apply Now! ohio.edu/owenscc

For more information contact the Owens Community College Partnership DirectorHank Thomas | 567.241.3726 | [email protected] | twitter.com/HankfromOhioU


FeatureC

are

erF

ocu

s

ADVANCE in YOUR CAREER!

Classes just one night aweek for working adults

Complete your bachelor’s degree

www.bluffton.edu/age

Classes start in January!

Your Career with ProMedica

Growth Opportunity ... Rooted in ValuesProMedica Health System gives you the opportunity to grow personally

and professionally in a culture based on values that support our dedication

to improving the health of the community. From patient care to leadership,

recent graduates to seasoned experts, you will continue to learn, develop

new skills and embrace new challenges throughout your career. We want

to see you reach your potential so you can help us reach ours.

www.promedica.org/careers

For more information or to search jobs online, visit

s

© 2009 ProMedica Health SystemExcellence

Community-based

IntegrityCollaboration

StewardshipCompassion

BJ-102-09 Owens Career Focus Magazine: HR Ad_9.75”_x_6.0625”; Full color

1724 Indian Wood Circle Maumee, OH 43537

www.owensworks.com(567) 661-7357

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

COMING SOONTO

This Maumee location will provide area residents, businesses and industries with convenient access to customer-driven workforce development, job training and continuing education.

OFFERING COURSES IN:

• professionaldevelopment• computerandsoftware applications• greentraining• artfulliving• personaldevelopment• realestate• children’sprogramming• apprenticeship-relatedtraining and skilled trades.

OwensCommunityCollege’sWorkforce and Community Services is coming soon to Arrowhead Park.

HIGHER EDUCATION.

SMARTLocation.ECRWSSRESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

NON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDANN ARBOR, MIPERMIT NO. 48

PO Box 10,000Toledo, OH 43699 -1947

Owens Community College · A job seeker’s guide to the stimulus package Biomedical Electronics...

Documents

Transcript of Owens Community College · A job seeker’s guide to the stimulus package Biomedical Electronics...