http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-flint-honored-by-genesee-regional-chamber-of-commerce/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-flint-honored-by-genesee-regional-chamber-of-commerce/#When:20:08:16Z During the recent Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) 2009 Business Awards ceremony, Baker College of Flint was the recipient of one of the top honors: the Robert P. Gerholz Business of the Year Award. During the recent Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) 2009 Business Awards ceremony, Baker College of Flint was the recipient of one of the top honors: the Robert P. Gerholz Business of the Year Award. “This is a well-deserved award,” said Tim Herman, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Baker College of Flint has taken a strong leadership position in the community, continually expanding their vision and mission with a focus on developing programs to meet job needs in the marketplace.” Nominations for the 2009 Business Awards were selected from GRCC members, and a panel of judges from the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce chose the winners. Fifty companies were nominated to receive one of 10 awards. “I was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of Baker College,” said Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D., Baker College of Flint president. “It is a wonderful recognition by members of our community and a testament to the wisdom and vision of Eldon Baker and to all our leaders who have succeeded him since Baker Business University was founded nearly 100 years ago.” The GRCC plaque received by Baker College is inscribed as follows: “Established as a small business university in 1911, Baker College is now the largest private college in Michigan. While education is their business, Baker College is a community leader and a can-do institution that utilizes their entrepreneurial spirit to grow innovative educational programs, create jobs and improve the quality of life in Genesee County. For all Baker College has done for our community, we proudly present you with the Robert P. Gerholz Award.” Robert P. Gerholz was a prominent Flint community leader and a nationally recognized business entrepreneur.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-11-20T20:08:16-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-cadillac-surgical-technology-grads-achieve-89-percent-pass/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-cadillac-surgical-technology-grads-achieve-89-percent-pass/#When:20:04:21Z Baker College of Cadillac officials report that eight of its nine 2009 surgical technology associate degree program graduates have passed the rigorous national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination. Additionally, the category scores achieved by those students ranged 3-18 percent over the national average. All eight students to pass the test are currently employed in Michigan; the remaining student who will retake the exam has a job pending her successful completion. Baker College of Cadillac officials report that eight of its nine 2009 surgical technology associate degree program graduates have passed the rigorous national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination. Additionally, the category scores achieved by those students ranged 3-18 percent over the national average. All eight students to pass the test are currently employed in Michigan; the remaining student who will retake the exam has a job pending her successful completion. “These positive results are direct evidence of the hard work and perseverance of our students, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in providing the skills and training necessary to succeed,” said Robert Van Dellen, Ph.D., Baker College of Cadillac president. “Their excellent work has led to the ultimate measure of success – a rewarding career in an exciting field.” The pass rate of Baker’s surgical technology graduates measures well above the national average. In 2008, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, which administers the exam, reported an overall national pass rate of 65 percent for the CST examination. “I am so proud of our graduates for all their untiring efforts throughout a challenging curriculum,” said Cindy Kelley, Baker College of Cadillac dean of health sciences. “In addition, congratulations and kudos to Cyndy Shupe, our surgical technology program director. She is most responsible for the success of our program and for ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for their important job in the operating room.” Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as “scrubs,” are an integral part of surgical operations. Working under the supervision of a surgeon, they ensure the operating room is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Although current state and national laws do not require surgical technologists to take the CST exam, there is a pending bill in the Michigan legislature that will ensure that surgical technologists practicing in Michigan hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are appropriately educated and certified. Bill number 4834, the Michigan Surgical Technologist Credentialing Act, would require that new hires working in the “scrub position” successfully complete an accredited education program for surgical technologists and hold and maintain national certification. In addition, individuals employed by a hospital or surgical outpatient facility would be required to complete 15 hours of continuing education every year to remain qualified for and retain employment, contract or clinical privileges. “This is an important patient safety issue,” said Cyndy Shupe, CST/CFA, Baker College of Cadillac director of surgical technology. “The Cadillac campus has been very pro-active. Our students are trained in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic techniques. We combine the knowledge of human anatomy, pathophysiology, surgical procedures and implementation tools to facilitate a physician’s performance of surgery. Employers who hire our surgical technology graduates know they are employing highly trained individuals from an accredited program. We also require that every student take the certification exam before graduation.” Shupe adds that failing the exam does not prevent a student from graduating. “However, that might be implemented down the road as the regulations become tighter for the surgical technology practice,” said Shupe. {cf-blog-extended} 2009-11-18T20:04:21-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-auburn-hills-respiratory-program-granted-accreditation/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-auburn-hills-respiratory-program-granted-accreditation/#When:19:59:19Z The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) have approved and granted initial accreditation status to the respiratory care associate degree program at Baker College of Auburn Hills. Initial accreditation is valid for five years. The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) have approved and granted initial accreditation status to the respiratory care associate degree program at Baker College of Auburn Hills. Initial accreditation is valid for five years. “We appreciate the incredible amount of hard work and dedication that went into this effort,” said Jeffrey M. Love, Baker College of Auburn Hills president. “Congratulations to the entire program staff and faculty, with special thanks to respiratory care department chair Kathy Miller. It was through her perseverance and adherence to continuous quality improvement that we successfully completed the accreditation process.” The respiratory care program at Baker College of Auburn Hills prepares graduates for a highly professional and dynamic career as competent respiratory care practitioners. Also known as respiratory care therapists, they work with other health care professionals to evaluate, treat and manage patients with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory care practitioners may find employment in hospitals, home care companies, physician’s offices, extended care facilities, outpatient centers, respiratory care equipment sales, or as educators in hospitals, colleges and universities. Therapists may choose to specialize in neonatology or pediatrics, sleep diagnostics, pulmonary function testing, rehabilitation, or critical and emergent care. All of the 2008 and 2009 graduates from the Baker College of Auburn Hills respiratory care associate degree program are currently employed. In addition, 100 percent of the 2008 graduates have passed the credentialing examination issued by The National Board for Respiratory Care. To date, not all of the 2009 graduates have taken the exam.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-11-17T19:59:19-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-cadillac-therapeutic-massage-program-granted-certification/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-cadillac-therapeutic-massage-program-granted-certification/#When:19:42:12Z Baker College of "Cadillac":/campus/cadillac officials today announced that its therapeutic massage certificate degree program has been granted certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The organization also designated Baker’s Cadillac campus as an Assigned School for Nationally Certified Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers. This means that graduates of Baker’s therapeutic massage program are automatically entitled to take the NCBTMB’s national certification exam without having to first go through a lengthy approval process. Baker College of Cadillac officials today announced that its therapeutic massage certificate degree program has been granted certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The organization also designated Baker’s Cadillac campus as an Assigned School for Nationally Certified Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers. This means that graduates of Baker’s therapeutic massage program are automatically entitled to take the NCBTMB’s national certification exam without having to first go through a lengthy approval process. “Certification by NCBTMB demonstrates our curriculum meets national standards of excellence,” said Becky Stimak, Baker College of Cadillac clinical coordinator, therapy massage. “Our graduates can enter this industry confident that they are ready to begin a successful career in massage therapy or bodywork.” The Baker College of Cadillac therapeutic massage program is certified through October 2011. “We are proud our curriculum stood up to a rigorous national standard and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our instructors in securing this certification,” said Cindy Kelley, Baker College of Cadillac dean of health sciences. “Congratulations to Becky Stimak, who spearheaded and completed the certification process. She is the driving force behind our therapeutic massage program.” For more information about the Baker College of Cadillac therapeutic massage certificate degree program, contact Becky Stimak via e-mail or call the admissions office at 231.876.3100.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-11-06T19:42:12-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-fremont-announces-30-percent-fall-enrollment-increase/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-fremont-announces-30-percent-fall-enrollment-increase/#When:19:23:45Z Baker College of Fremont, a satellite campus of Baker College of Muskegon, today announced a 30 percent increase in student enrollment for fall quarter 2009 over fall quarter 2008. A total of 485 students are attending Baker’s Fremont campus this fall. Attendance has been growing steadily since the satellite campus was opened in 1995, but this is the largest one-year gain yet, bringing enrollment to nearly double 2003 levels. Baker College of Fremont, a satellite campus of Baker College of Muskegon, today announced a 30 percent increase in student enrollment for fall quarter 2009 over fall quarter 2008. A total of 485 students are attending Baker’s Fremont campus this fall. Attendance has been growing steadily since the satellite campus was opened in 1995, but this is the largest one-year gain yet, bringing enrollment to nearly double 2003 levels. “There are still job opportunities in this challenging economy, but having the right skill set is essential,” said James Kelly, extension director for the Baker College of Fremont satellite campus. “That’s why we continue to maintain a strong focus on practical, job-focused training. We’re proud to offer convenient, quality education to the people of Newaygo County and its surrounding areas.” Programs offered at Baker’s Fremont campus include certificates in emergency medical technician, office support and medical reception, as well as associate degrees in management, medical assistant and medical administrative assistant. Programs in the medical field have the largest enrollment. Forty-nine-year-old Newaygo resident Margaret Mumford is among the new enrollees. She’s attending Baker College of Fremont to finish a degree she started nearly 30 years ago. Mumford is studying accounting and computer information systems to better position herself to find a job after being a stay-at-home mom for the past 15 years. Mumford’s daughter is now 16, and work has dried up for her husband who was self-employed in the construction trades. “I had bookkeeping experience from several years of employment prior to being a stay-at-home mom,” said Mumford, who also took on side work at home. “But with my age and lack of recent work experience, I had trouble even getting an interview.” Baker College was a solution for her long-term problem. “I’m really happy with Baker,” said Mumford. “It’s also convenient. I can go to school and still be the mom my daughter needs me to be.” Mumford’s husband is enrolled in the Baker College of Cadillac truck driving certificate program. {cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-30T19:23:45-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-jackson-breaks-ground-for-new-welcome-center/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-jackson-breaks-ground-for-new-welcome-center/#When:19:19:29Z Baker College of Jackson officials recently broke ground for its new Welcome Center. The 25,000 square foot facility will house new admissions offices, the learning center and eight additional classrooms. Baker College of Jackson officials recently broke ground for its new Welcome Center. The 25,000 square foot facility will house new admissions offices, the learning center and eight additional classrooms. “An official Welcome Center is a much needed addition to our campus,” said Patricia A. Kaufman, Ed.D., Baker College of Jackson president. “In addition, as our enrollment continues to steadily increase, we are very pleased to offer our students more classrooms and an expanded learning center.” The new 4,500 square foot learning center area, approximately double the size of the old facility, will house tutoring sites, testing labs, a writing center and state-of-the-art equipment. The classrooms will be used for a variety of programs that utilize multi-media capabilities. The former admissions site will house additional student service offices. Jackson-based Sharp and Soltis is the general contractor and Feller Finch & Associates, also headquartered in Jackson, provided the architectural design. The Baker College of Jackson board of regents gave approval for the new construction project in June. Anticipated completion date is August 31, 2010. For more information, please contact Kevin Pnacek via e-mail or 517.788.7800. {cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-30T19:19:29-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-launches-hirequalified-initiative/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-launches-hirequalified-initiative/#When:19:57:04Z Baker College officials have announced HireQualified™, a free service to assist employers in identifying qualified job candidates. The program offers employers full support throughout the recruiting process and covers full-time, part-time and intern positions. The Web site HireQualified.com is the centerpiece of the initiative. “We’ve created a convenient online marketplace of job seekers and a range of services that employers can access to meet their specific needs. When an employer posts a position on HireQualified.com, we search through the Baker College database of graduates and students to find qualified candidates,” said Steve Gwisdalla, Baker College system director for Career Services. “We then submit candidates for consideration – all free of charge.” From HireQualified.com, employers may set up an account, review Baker College student resumes, request information from Career Services and post open positions in their organizations. Employers can also select from a menu of other services that extend far beyond the Web site. HireQualified will prescreen candidates, schedule interviews at an agreed-upon location, and conduct first-round interviews or narrow the field to just a few highly qualified candidates. All of the services offered are completely free. “We wanted to provide a higher level of customer service to assist employers with the entire hiring experience. By connecting directly to HireQualified.com, employers gain easy access to free services that encompass all aspects of the employee search.” Baker College’s strong focus on practical education and training makes students and graduates uniquely prepared to start working on day one. HireQualified is a logical extension of that effort and a straightforward way for employers to communicate their recruitment needs to Baker College. “As a career college, Baker’s single mission has been to provide quality higher education and training to enable graduates to be successful throughout their challenging and rewarding careers,” said Gwisdalla. “We have always sought and developed employer partnerships to assist us in our mission. HireQualified represents our sincere commitment to provide employers with qualified candidates that are fully prepared to enter the workforce.” Employer partners are invited to visit HireQualified.com to set up an account. For more information about HireQualified, please contact Steve Gwisdalla via e-mail or or 810.766.2168.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-21T19:57:04-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-clinton-township-hosts-blood-drive-on-campus/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-clinton-township-hosts-blood-drive-on-campus/#When:00:17:26Z Baker College of Clinton Township will host a blood drive on Monday, October 26, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m., 34950 Little Mack, Clinton Township. Baker College of Clinton Township will host a blood drive on Monday, October 26, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m., 34950 Little Mack, Clinton Township. As part of the day’s event, a WJLB disk jockey will be on campus from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. A total of 60 movie passes to “Saw VI” will be handed out to blood donors, compliments of Lionsgate. The film corporation is also providing branded t-shirts, candy and pens. “The Southeastern Michigan Region of the American Red Cross reports that approximately 900 units of blood are needed each day in southeast Michigan,” said Paula Sadler, Baker College of Clinton Township science department coordinator and instructor. “Of the eight blood types, six are at emergency or less than sufficient levels. The need is critical and Baker College is pleased to help by hosting a blood drive.” Baker College of Clinton Township will also participate in the Clinton Township Community Blood Drive, to be held March 3 and 4, 2010. For more information, please contact Paula Sadler via e-mail or 586.790.2801.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-15T00:17:26-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-allen-park-career-services-director-re-elected-to-miace-bo/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-allen-park-career-services-director-re-elected-to-miace-bo/#When:19:21:06Z Yvonne Langley, director of career services at Baker College of Allen Park, has been re-elected to the board of the Michigan Association of Colleges and Employers (MiACE). Yvonne Langley, director of career services at Baker College of Allen Park, has been re-elected to the board of the Michigan Association of Colleges and Employers (MiACE). “We are very proud of Yvonne’s appointment and her continued efforts to build strong relationships between employers and college career services staff,” said Aaron J. Maike, Baker College of Allen Park president. MiACE provides professional development, advice and services to career services professionals at Michigan colleges and universities. Through educational programs, problem-solving activities and networking opportunities, MiACE’s mission is to advance the career and employment services profession in Michigan. As a MiACE board member, Langley will coordinate and host educational programs for employers and college career services staff in southeast Michigan. “Our upcoming program, ‘The Value of Customer Service in Challenging Economic Times,’ features Ann Lofgren of Zingermans,” said Langley. “She provides ‘Zing Train’ customer service training to a variety of corporations.” The event is Thursday, November 19, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. For more information about MiACE or the upcoming program, contact Yvonne Langley at 313.425.3716, or via e-mail.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-12T19:21:06-05:00 http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-flint-appoints-new-regent/ http://www.baker.edu/news/read/baker-college-of-flint-appoints-new-regent/#When:19:15:06Z Baker College officials have announced the appointment of Mark R. Taylor to a 3-year term on the Flint campus board of regents. He is currently the president and chief executive officer of Genesys Health System, a leading health care provider in mid-Michigan. Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Genesys Health System has clinical locations in five Michigan counties. Baker College officials have announced the appointment of Mark R. Taylor to a 3-year term on the Flint campus board of regents. He is currently the president and chief executive officer of Genesys Health System, a leading health care provider in mid-Michigan. Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Genesys Health System has clinical locations in five Michigan counties. “Mark brings a wealth of professional and executive health care experience to our board,” said Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D., Baker College of Flint president. “We are delighted that he has accepted the position as a regent for our campus.” Taylor, a Brighton resident, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich., and a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He holds Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Reserved for health care executives who have made significant contributions to the field, FACHE status is considered the pinnacle of achievement in health care management. Taylor is also an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program. Congress established the award program in 1987 to recognize U.S. organizations for their achievements in quality and performance and to raise awareness about the importance of quality and performance excellence as a competitive edge.{cf-blog-extended} 2009-10-12T19:15:06-05:00