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Graduate School USA Expanding Center for Health Sciences
Exciting New Hire, Advisory Group and Three New Programs of Study
WASHINGTON, November 18, 2011 – Graduate School USA’s Center for Health Sciences is undergoing an exciting expansion with the addition of new allied health programs, and new academic staff and advisory councilmembers. The Center for Health Sciences will play a key role in advancing the careers of area students as they prepare to move into new positions or enhance their existing educational background.
“Healthcare jobs continue to be one of the bright spots in the U.S. employment outlook,” says Dr. Jerry Ice, CEO and President of Graduate School USA. “We are expanding our already robust health program by providing students with the tools to either start a course of study or use this program as a foundation for further educational growth.”
Specifically, Graduate School USA’s Center for Health Science is expanding by offering three new programs,including a Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science degree, an Electrocardiographic (ECG) Technician certificate, and a Medical Office Administrative Assistant certificate. All three provide a combination of coursework and practical experience, with each curriculum matched to its respective industry standards and protocols.
Graduate School USA’s program offers academic certificate programs leading to entry-level positions and provides students with a foundation to pursue continued higher education. The certificate courses are embedded into the degree programs, permitting students to continue into a degree program with ease and affording themthe added value to pursue multiple job opportunities.
The Center has added seasoned educatorDr. Ateegh Al-Arabito its academic team as an associate professor. Dr. Al-Arabi will be responsible for teaching andcourse and curriculum development, and will serve as student faculty advisor.
Dr. Al-Arabi bringsthirty years of experience in teaching biological and medical science, including undergraduate courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical terminology, as well as specialized graduate courses in neurophysiology and cardiovascular physiology. He has research experience in physiological and molecular biological techniques from his postdoctoral fellowship at Rutgers University as well as his work at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Kansas City, MO. His work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Al-Arabi brings to Graduate School USA administrative experience, having served previously as a department head and chair of various academic committees.
“Our instructors are the biggest reason that people choose our School and having a talented individual like Dr. Al-Arabi join us further strengthens our academic offerings and sets the Graduate School USA’s Allied Health offerings apart from others available to the DC Metro community,” adds Dr. Ice.
To assist with curriculum review, Graduate School USAhas added sixnew members to its Health Sciences advisory group:
- Stephen Burns, RN, MBA, former Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Providence Hospital
- Judith Levy, RN, Coordinator, D.C. Coalition on Long Term Care
- Dr. Leslie Pickens, physician owner/operator of Advanced Urgent Medical Care and About Face Medical Spa
- Dr. Keita Vanderpool, Senior Consultant-Owner of Chirokei Consulting and Interim Chair, D.C. Board of Chiropractors
- Maggie Burkhead, CMA (AAMA), CPC, AHI, RMA, Immediate Past President, Maryland Society of Medical Assistants; House of Delegates, American Association of Medical Assistants
- Charles Britt, Founder and President, Center for Minority Achievement in Science and Techology
- Elizabeth Lindsey, Managing Director, The DC Project
For additional information on the Center and Graduate School USA, visit graduateschool.edu/health.
About Graduate School USA’s Center for Health Sciences
The Center for Health Sciences, launched in October 2010,is a part of Graduate School USA's new mission and strategic plan to provide a full complement of occupational courses, certificates, degrees, and other professional development activities.
The Center for Health Sciences caters to working adults in the Washington metropolitan region with a goal of becoming recognized as a preeminent provider of education in Allied Health careers by offering the highest quality curriculum content and delivery, emphasizing academic excellence in both knowledge and skills-based competency, while promoting lifelong learning and professionalism to foster successful careers for its students.
About Graduate School USA
Dedicated to providing relevant learning opportunities in public service, Graduate School USAhas served the DC metro community since 1921. An independent, non-profit accreditededucational institution, the School is dedicated to academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Services include individual assessments, career-related courses, certificate and degreeprograms, continuing education, and distance learning. Graduate School USA has recentlyexpanded its mission to reflect a greater emphasis on preparing the residents of the District ofColumbia for long-termpublic service careers. More information can be found at graduateschool.edu.
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