In-Person Get to Know Us Event on June 29, 2021, for Adult and Transfer Students

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, Johnson College is holding a Get To Know Us Event for adult and transfer students from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Moffat Student Center on its campus in Scranton, PA. Current college students interested in changing the direction of their education and adults looking to change their career paths are encouraged to attend. To register, visit Johnson.edu/transfer or contact Johnson College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.

Attendees will meet with representatives from Enrollment, Financial Aid, and Career Services. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Attendees will also learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in essential industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term.

Johnson College Receives $490,381 Grant from the USDA for Rural Distance Learning Program

Johnson College has been awarded a $490,381 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the agency’s Telemedicine and Distance Learning Program. This grant will support the College’s goal to implement a distance learning program improving access to higher education opportunities for rural areas in Wayne, Pike, and Susquehanna counties.

The project will link Johnson College with four rural high schools: Forest City Regional High School, Honesdale High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, and Western Wayne High School.  As well as three libraries: Lakewood Library, Newfoundland Library, and Pleasant Mount Library by high-tech telecommunications equipment.

Both high school and adult students will have interactive, two-way access to Johnson College faculty and will participate in remote education, discussions, testing, and skill demonstrations. Laboratories and classrooms at Johnson College will be similarly equipped to enable maximum interaction between faculty and students. In addition, the three rural libraries will be equipped with laptops to give community residents access to career exploration services and information about courses at Johnson College. Students participating in the distance learning program will be able to work towards completing any one of the 15 academic programs Johnson College offers.

The project will create a direct route to career technology education (CTE), a college degree, and ultimately a fulfilling career with family-sustaining wages for students in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania. For many families, this will be the first generation empowered to attend college and removes several barriers like transportation to make college possible. We will focus on a distance learning platform using the latest in two-way interactive telecommunications technology to create an environment that is as close to the Johnson College onsite classroom and laboratory experience as possible while being delivered in the high school community.

The rural nature of the region presents several barriers to students and community residents in accessing higher education. The high schools collaborating on this project are between 21 and 31 miles from Johnson College. Because of family responsibilities, cultural norms, or factors related to working while enrolled in school, many students stay close to home for college. When there are no institutions of higher education close by, transportation and distance become barriers to upward mobility, fulfilling careers, and financially rewarding positions. This program can change that through distance learning and telecommunications. This strategy has several benefits for the individual student, the community, the industry partners needing more workers, and the state/regional/local economic development efforts.

This project also benefits Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education which is integral to the College’s curriculum for all students attending Johnson College, whether through distance learning, online learning, or on-campus learning. The specialized STEM training made possible by this grant funding will give students the opportunity to start their college degree while still in high school and complete earlier for in-demand positions throughout the region, as well as provide an opportunity to train non-high school students for new careers due to job loss or the desire for positions with higher family-sustaining wages.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with these schools and libraries to bring the Johnson College experience to those who otherwise might not be able to take advantage of it,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Everyone should have the opportunity to learn skills that can lead to family-sustaining wages for in-demand careers.”

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) congratulated Johnson College and applauded the project. “As the internet fuels more innovative higher learning options, we need to invest to make sure they are accessible,” said Cartwright. “Projects like this open the door to exciting educational opportunities that give more students a shot at a fulfilling career, regardless of their zip code. I want to congratulate Johnson College on this well-deserved federal award.”

In addition to the distance learning opportunity this funding provides, students will also have access to Johnson College’s full array of on-campus support services including tutoring, counseling, career advisement, financial aid, internship opportunities, and exposure to industry from day one. Distance learning will help high school and adult students reach their full potential, and connect with the region’s essential careers already in demand.

Animal and Health Science Programs’ Accomplishments

Johnson College is proud share accomplishments achieved in the past academic year by its Health and Animal Science programs.

The Physical Therapist Assistant program was granted accreditation affirmation for ten years from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The Veterinary Technology program’s 2020 graduates received a 100% pass rate on the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE).  This score places the program’s three-year pass rate at 94%.

The Radiologic Technology program’s 2020 graduates received a pass rate of 95% on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Radiography Exam. Johnson College graduates surpassed the 2019 national pass rate average by 6%.  

“This past year our faculty and students faced many challenges, but they persevered by sharpening their skills to advance to new levels,” said Barb Byrne M.Ed., RT (R)(MR), Johnson College Associate Vice President of Faculty. “As these pass rate scores demonstrate, our graduates’ are well prepared as they enter the workforce of many of our region’s essential industries.”

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs and 3 academic certificates. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. 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 business and industry 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.

College to Host Virtual and In-Person Fall Open House Events

Johnson College will hold a virtual Fall Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at 6 p.m. via Zoom and an in-person Fall Open House on its campus in Scranton on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register for both or one of the Open House events visit Johnson.edu/openhouse. You can also contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Both Open House events will include discussions about the admissions process, and financial aid for those who qualify. Plus, we’ll talk about student services such student life, student support, and career services.

During the in-person Open House, same day acceptance will be available, if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and department chairs will be available to review the specifics of their programs. Social distancing and sanitization guidelines will be followed and face coverings must be worn at all times while on campus. Attendees will receive a limited edition Johnson College face covering.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Our degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry 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.

2020-2021 Enrollment Largest in the College’s History

Johnson College’s 2020-21 total enrollment, 497, is the largest enrollment number in its 108-year history. The College increased its enrollment by 5% from last year, which was also a record-setting year, with over 252 incoming freshmen and 228 students returning for their second consecutive year. In addition, 17 high school students from Abington Heights, Forest City, Honesdale, Lakeland, Old Forge, and Riverside are enrolled in Johnson College’s Dual Enrollment and Industry Fast Track programs held on campus.

This year, 27% of the incoming freshman class transferred in from another institution making Johnson College a destination for students.. Also, the College launched and welcomed its first class into its Associate Degree program for Heavy Equipment Technology.

“As our record enrollment shows, incoming freshman found what they were looking for in the flexibility of our online classes and the opportunities provided by our hands-on labs,” said Bill Burke, Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “The hybrid model we’re offering, along with smaller class sizes, labs at industry partner locations and the potential to complete their education in 2 years or less, give our students the opportunity to be well prepared to enter the essential workforce sooner.”

Johnson College will continue to follow its hybrid model throughout the 2020-21 school year. General education and program theory classes will be delivered online while labs and lab-related coursework will be in-person. Through this model, the College is prioritizing student safety while offering increased flexibility when it comes to the hands-on learning required to enter the workforce. Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed on campus and at industry lab locations.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Our degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry 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.

New Board Members and Officers for 2020-2021

Johnson College announces that four new members have recently joined the Board of Directors and new officers have been elected. New board members include Ashley H. Bechaver, Candy J. Frye ’94, Steve M. Pierson ’06, and Stephen E. Midura. New officers include Marianne Gilmartin, Esq., Chair; Christopher J. Haran, Vice Chair; and J. Patrick Dietz, Treasurer.

Ms. Ashley H. Bechaver is in Human Resources/IT at Gibbons Ford in Dickson City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Legal, Institutions, Economics, and Government from American University. Ms. Bechaver has served on the Automotive Program Advisory Committee at Johnson College, Lackawanna Career Technology Center, and West Side Technology Center. She resides in Throop.

Mrs. Candy J. Frye is Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc. in Kingston. Frye is a 1993 graduate of the building construction technology and 1994 graduate of the architectural drafting and design associate degree programs at Johnson College. She resides in Harding.

Mr. Steve M. Pierson is the Service Manager at Five Star International Trucks, LLC. In Allentown. Pierson is a 2006 graduate of the diesel truck technology program at Johnson College. He resides in Sellersville.

Mr. Stephen Midura is the Market Director at Johnson Controls in Wilkes-Barre. Midura holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering/business administration from Penn State and a MBA from Marywood. He resides in Scott Township.

Atty. Marianne Gilmartin is the new chair of the board. She joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2014. Atty. Gilmartin has served on the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Human Resources Committee, and Board Committee Restructuring Taskforce. She was the Chair of the Academic Achievement & Student Engagement Committee in 2017-18. Atty. Gilmartin has brought her skills as an attorney and as a leader in the community to her work on the board. She is an attorney and shareholder at Stevens & Lee and holds a Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University. She resides in Moscow.

Mr. Christopher J. Haran is the new Vice Chair of the board. He joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2012. Mr. Haran has been instrumental in serving on the Governance Committee, most notably his work with board assessment initiatives. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management Science from Stony Brook University. Mr. Haran works professionally as a consultant and adjunct professor. He resides in Moscow.

Mr. J. Patrick Dietz is the new Treasurer of the board and brings the knowledge of his longtime career in banking to that position. He joined the Johnson College board in 2017 and is also a member of the Audit, Operational Excellence, and Governance Committees. Mr. Dietz is also the Chairman of the Salvation Army of Scranton Advisory Board. He obtained his MBA from Marywood University and is a Senior Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Dietz resides in South Abington Township with his wife Christine.

To see a complete listing the 2020-2021 Board of Directors visit https://johnson.edu/about/office-of-the-president/board-of-directors/.

Continuing Education Program Offers Online Healthcare Courses

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is offering four exclusive online Healthcare courses. They include: Clinical Medical Assistant, Electronic Health Records Management, Medical Billing & Coding, and Pharmacy Technician. To learn more about the online courses or enroll visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/or call 570-702-8979.

Students who enroll in Johnson College’s exclusive online courses learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. The education and training these courses provide give students the opportunity to advance in or begin new careers in Healthcare, one of our region’s essential industries.

The Clinical Medical Assistant course is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

The Electronic Health Records Management course prepares students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. Students will review the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record.

The Medical Billing & Coding course offers the skills needed to perform complex coding and billing procedures. The course covers: CPT (Introduction, Guidelines, Evaluation and Management), specialty fields (such as surgery, radiology and laboratory), the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding, and basic claims processes for insurance reimbursements.

The Pharmacy Technician course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Content includes pharmacy medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining generic and brand named drugs and much, much more. 

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program distinguishes itself from the College’s 2-year degree programs and certificate courses by providing its adult students the opportunity to improve their skills to stay ahead of the competition, learn new technologies, and advance in their current career.

Johnson College Continuing Education courses, many taught by industry professionals, are utilized and recognized by industry partners because they’re developed in partnership with industry. Johnson College also assists individual students and industry partners in obtaining funding or grants so their continuing education courses are cost effective. Learn more about Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program at Johnson.edu/continuing-education.

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast – Episode 3 Now Live

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast Episode 3, “The Job Demand and Who is Qualified for those Careers?” is live. Listen as Dr. Katie Pittelli continues her conversation with Teri Ooms, Executive Director at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development.

The path to a successful career is not one straight track. Dr. Katie Pittelli and Teri Ooms discuss the endless opportunities available to students today and what the future holds for in-demand careers.

Visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/ to listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more.

Our guest Teri Ooms is responsible for all facets of research,organizational strategy, and management at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. Teri is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. She has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis. Ooms’ leadership has expanded The Institute’s work to other states. Under her direction, The Institute has completed over 100 client and community based studies. These studies have resulted in new jobs, new programs, sustained initiatives, and new legislation throughout Pennsylvania and in New York.

Learn more about the The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at https://www.institutepa.org/.