Johnson College Receives Grant to Support Veterinary Animal Care Clinic Johnson College has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support the College’s Animal Care Clinic and pet owners in our community. Johnson College will purchase medical equipment that will help enhance the safety and comfort of patients receiving surgical care. The grant will give Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program students valuable clinical experience preparing them to enter into the workforce or advance their careers. As many people struggle to feed their families every week, family pets, while loved dearly, are not always updated on vaccines and spay/neuter procedures until finances are available. This grant will help these families take proper care of and responsibility for their pets by providing up to 20 reduced-cost spay/neuter surgeries for qualifying low-income families. The grant will also provide low-cost rabies vaccines. Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing Program prepares students to join an animal care team as entry-level technicians. Their tasks can include collecting samples, performing lab tests, taking radiographs, preparing the surgical suite, assisting in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, and providing general nursing care to patients. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits the program. Students become Certified Veterinary Technicians upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam. “Through this grant, we are excited to give low-income pet-owning families peace of mind that their pet is cared for without incurring financial hardships,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Equipment purchased will help our Veterinary Nursing Program students with the hands-on training they need to pass their national exams and enter the workforce.” Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 16 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu. Pictured left to right: Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College, Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants and Scholarships Manager, The Scranton Area Foundation, and Jack Nogi, Trustee, Robert H. Spitz Foundation.
Johnson College Announces Record-Setting Enrollment for Third Consecutive Year Johnson College has announced a record-setting enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year. The College outpaced its enrollment for 2020-2021 by 8 percent. With a record number of students enrolled for the third year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more about workforce development. In addition to a record number of incoming first-year students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Dual Enrollment-Industry Fast Track class to date. More than 40 students from around the area have enrolled either part time or full time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas. “The increase in enrollment in these areas demonstrates that our programs, and the careers they lead to, are more in demand than ever,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Our students get the opportunity to work in industry from day one, which gives them the leading edge when they are ready to seek in-field employment upon graduation.” Several recent Johnson College graduates have found employment at Automated Lifestyles LLC in Moscow, PA, which installs audio, visual, and other electronic equipment for security, home automation, and other home and commercial media needs. “Finding technicians for such a specialized industry can be a challenge,” Larry Supon, Owner and President of Automated Lifestyles, said. “The partnership (with Johnson College) works because students come to us prepared with the skills for the job, and also the ability to think outside the box.” Partnerships with established industries throughout the region remain a key component of what sets Johnson College apart. “Johnson College helps provide a fundamental training that allows their students to enter the workforce, as well as positioning them to enter more specialized training provided at the employer level,” said Tom Spall, owner and president of T.E. Spall & Son, a College industry partner based in Carbondale that provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. “This helps position the students with the necessary tools for their individual success.” Marcelo Desousa, regional operations manager at Fastenal in Jessup, PA,, said that the ongoing and reciprocal relationship between Johnson College and Fastenal has helps the company build its employee base. “We have students come for part time work or for internships, and we are able to seamlessly bring them on board once they finish their degree program,” Desousa said. “The College understands where the workforce is going, and we know that the students who come to us have the type of training we need.”
Northeast Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Awards Careers in Care Grant to Johnson College The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has awarded Johnson College a $30,000 grant from its Careers in Care initiative. The grant will support the College’s “Widening the Pipeline for a Trained Healthcare Workforce” project designed to increase the pool of qualified, well-trained health care workers for our area. With the grant, Johnson College will establish a mobile training laboratory to provide a hands-on experience for potential students to see and feel what it is like to work in the health care field. The board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation recently met with Johnson College to discuss the $30,000 grant awarded to the College in support of its “Widening the Pipeline for a Trained Health Care Workforce” project and tour the mobile training laboratory. Photo: Front Row L-R: James Clemente, board chair, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Shubhra Shetty, M.D., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Marie Roke Thomas, Ph.D., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Donna Martucci, board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President & CEO, Johnson College, Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College, Michele McGowan, D.B.A., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, and Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Back Row L-R: The Honorable Terrence Nealon, board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Robert Knowles, Vice Chairman, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Kerry O’Grady, board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Christopher Dressel, M.D., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Mark Mitchell, board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, James Mileski, board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Jeremiah Eagen, M.D., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, and Peter Cognetti, M.D., board member, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation.
Johnson College Announces New Two-Year Associates Degree Program Students can enroll in Johnson College’s new two-year Civil Design Technology associates degree program launching during the spring 2022 semester. This two-year associate degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the field of civil engineering. This program provides the foundation for applying basic engineering principles and technical skills to support civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels, and other facilities. The program also emphasizes professional interpersonal skills. Students will acquire the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in the civil design field, which has a 3% growth potential through 2029 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They will also demonstrate professional behavior and ethics to meet work challenges and develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Graduates will work as civil designers, CAD technicians, survey technicians, design engineering technicians, or similar roles in the civil engineering industry and have the opportunity to make a medium annual income of up to $53,410. Typical employers in the civil design career field are civil design and engineering firms, structural engineering companies, environmental engineering firms, surveyors, consulting firms, construction companies, and government design agencies. “The launch of the Civil Design Technology program is a great example of how Johnson College continues to answer industry demand for highly skilled technicians,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO. “The College will work with industry partners to ensure our Civil Design Technology students are introduced to industry from day one and get the hands-on education needed for this in-demand career.” To learn more about Johnson College’s new Civil Design Technology Program visit Johnson.edu/civildesign.
Johnson College Accepting Students for CNC Machining Training at Don’s Machine Shop In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Johnson College is now accepting students for its next CNC Machining training in Luzerne County. The course begins Monday, November 1, 2021. During this course, students will train to program and utilize Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. All class and lab work is completed inside Don’s Machine Shop’s classroom and lab at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. The relationship with Don’s Machine Shop truly demonstrates Johnson College’s dedication to making industry our students’ campus. This 510-hour class for beginner-level students includes theory as well as practical learning methods. Students will receive hands-on training on some of the most state-of-the-art equipment in the region. This unique training experience will open up new career opportunities right away. Industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania are currently in need of well-trained CNC machinists. CNC machinists manufacture precision products and components used in various applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, and military-related industries. Per the Bureau of Labor Statics, metal and plastic machine workers, including CNC Machinists, have the opportunity to earn a median annual income of up to $38,270. Cost for the CNC training class is $7,500 and funding sources may be available for those who qualify. Space is limited. To learn more or to enroll, contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. Since starting over 30 years ago, Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. has become one of the largest machine shops in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Their 77,000 square foot climate-controlled facility contains millions of dollars’ worth of modern equipment that is continually upgraded. Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. employs 30 people and makes machine parts for companies around the globe. Many things have changed over the past three decades, but Don’s Machine Shop’s commitment to providing quality parts and service will never change. For more information, visit http://www.donsmachine.com/.
Johnson College Signs Articulation Agreement for Veterinary Nursing Program with University of Missouri Johnson College has signed an articulation agreement with the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, for the College’s Veterinary Nursing program. The agreement provides students who earn a two-year Veterinary Nursing associate degree at Johnson College with the opportunity to transfer all 74 credits earned through the program into the University of Missouri’s Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology program. Qualifying students will graduate from Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program with at least a 2.5 GPA. Students transferring through the articulation agreement must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to earn their national certified veterinarian technician license. They must receive a score of at least 425. Graduates of the Veterinary Nursing program at Johnson College enter the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a junior-year standing in the Veterinary Technology Bachelor of Science program. “Creating this agreement gives our Veterinary Nursing students a new pathway to a bachelor’s of science degree to help them advance in their careers,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Our students will use the strong values and hands-on training they received at Johnson College as they continue on their academic journey at the University of Missouri.” “We began developing our bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology program more than two years ago to help remediate the national shortage of veterinary technicians,” said University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Carolyn J. Henry, DVM, MS. “It’s gratifying to now be able to form partnerships with institutions like Johnson College, which share our vision of providing an opportunity for skilled, experienced technicians to further their education while continuing to work.”
Johnson College Receives Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation. The grant will support the College’s “Widening the Pipeline for a Trained Healthcare Workforce” project designed to increase the pool of qualified, well-trained health care workers for our area. Johnson College will establish a mobile training laboratory to provide a hands-on experience for potential students to see and feel what it is like to work in the health care field. This positive and highly visible project will provide an interactive way to share career information. With a focus on engaging non-traditional students, Johnson College will show participants various paths to meet their educational training needs. Johnson College offers pathways to health care careers with associate degree programs such as physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, and biomedical equipment technology as well as continuing education programs.. Regionally, there are several successful STEM-related pipeline programs serving middle and high school students. With this new program, Johnson College will widen that pipeline to include non-traditional students who represent diverse age, economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. These potential students include displaced workers due to COVID-19, non-English speaking individuals, those who want/need to return to the workforce post-retirement or family, and those dissatisfied with their current career path. “We are excited to offer this new experience and information to people from all around NEPA and beyond, and to bring it directly to them,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Our goal with the mobile lab is to show the region that a career in health care is attainable no matter who you are or what your current situation may be. We want to give people a taste of what hands-on education at Johnson College is like. We continuously strive to be the leaders in hands-on education and meet the workforce needs of NEPA.” For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Johnson College Renames Its Veterinary Technology Program to Veterinary Nursing Johnson College has renamed its two-year Veterinary Technology Associate in Science Degree Program to Veterinary Nursing. Johnson College joins a movement within the Veterinary Science industry, being the 11th college and university to rename its Veterinary Technology program. This name change more accurately describes the nature of the program and better aligns it with the skills needed in the Veterinary Science field. Veterinary Nursing will continue to be a two-year associate degree program preparing students to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. In addition, students earn the credentials required to become entry-level Veterinary technicians. Last year, 100% of this program’s graduates who took the VTNE passed. Currently, the College has a three-year Veterinary Technician National Exam average pass rate of 94%. “We are incredibly excited about this change and look forward to watching our graduates succeed in the Veterinary Technology industry,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry has a 16% Growth potential through 2029.” As technicians, graduates collect samples, perform lab tests, take radiographs, prepare the surgical suite, assist in surgery, monitor anesthesia, and provide general nursing care to patients. Second-year students in the program will still be required to complete clinical rotations in the on-campus Animal Care Center. For more information about Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program visit Johnson.edu or contact the Johnson College Enrollment team at 570-702-8556 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Johnson College Now Offering Automotive Paid Internship Opportunity Johnson College is offering an Automotive industry-driven career exploration experience to high school students enrolled in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). This program will be held from July 26 through August 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Johnson College campus and industry partner locations. Students will have an opportunity to dive into a college experience and develop skills to prepare them for success on and off a college campus. They will also receive exposure to the automotive industry through a paid internship program. The second week of the program will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will take place at different industry partner locations allow students to shadow local automotive industries and gain first-hand knowledge and experience. For more information and to register, email Tim Frank, Academic Program Specialist at Johnson College, at tfrank@johnson.edu. This event is free for students enrolled in the OVR program. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
