Closer Look Event at Five Star Equipment

Johnson College is hosting a Closer Look event at Five Star Equipment at 1300 Dunham Drive, Dunmore, PA, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Prospective students can learn more about the College’s Heavy Equipment Technology program while getting a sneak peek at new, industry-immersed classroom and lab space.

Johnson College’s two-year Heavy Equipment Technology Associates Degree program prepares students to succeed as well-trained, mechanically minded, hard-working technicians with heavy equipment dealers and contractors. Instruction involves classroom theory, live shop demonstrations, and repair of heavy equipment currently used in industry. Making repairs on actual equipment is vital to skill development.

The Johnson College Enrollment team, Heavy Equipment Technology faculty, and members of industry partner, Five Star Equipment, will be on hand to answer questions regarding the program, career opportunities, and the enrollment process.

For more information or to register, contact the College’s Enrollment department at (570) 702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

To learn more about Johnson College’s Heavy Equipment Technology program, visit johnson.edu/divisions-of-study/transportation/heavy-equipment-technology.

Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services Donates Van to Johnson College in Memory of Employee

Recently, Mike Yushinski ’95 and his wife Melissa Yushinski ’11, both Johnson College alums and owners of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services in Clarks Summit, PA, donated a 2011 2500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to Johnson College in memory of the company’s foreman and fellow Johnson College alum, the late Gary Muckin ’84.

Johnson College will use the donated van in community building trades technology services, and campus projects.

Photo Caption:

Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services in Clarks Summit, PA, donated a 2011 2500 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to Johnson College in memory of the company’s foreman and Johnson College alum, the late Gary Muckin ’84. Left to right: Mark Chappell ’92, Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Johnson College; Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; Melissa Yushinski ’11, owner of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services; Mike Yushinski ’95, owner of Mike’s Welding and Industrial Services; and Roger Orlandini, Associate Vice-President of Facilities and Campus Projects, Johnson College.

Scranton Campus to Host Open House on March 25, 2023

Johnson College will hold an in-person Open House on its campus in Scranton on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs 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. CDC guidelines will be implemented.

College Partners with Ancora Training to Launch CDL Program

In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College has partnered with Ancora Training, a division of Ancora, to offer a Class A CDL Driver Training course. The College is currently enrolling students for the course, which will begin on March 20, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

The course, which will be managed by Ancora, will feature a four-to-one student-teacher ratio, ensuring high-quality training with an industry professional. Students will be trained to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can prepare to obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks.

“Johnson College has been committed to its mission of providing in-demand career training for over 100 years,” said Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Johnson College. “Knowing that there is a shortage of truck drivers, we felt the addition of this program and partnership with Ancora could have an immediate impact on the Hazleton area.”

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with Johnson College,” said Natalie Williams, Vice President of Client Operations. “The Scranton area currently has hundreds of jobs available for entry-level CDL drivers, and it is a privilege to help Johnson College students begin a new career in an in-demand field.”

The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

After completing the CDL Training course, students earn a CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer Certificate from Johnson College. Students who pass the CDL written and driving test at the DMV will be qualified for one of the most in-demand careers in the nation.      

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

About Ancora

Ancora is a leading workforce solutions provider addressing America’s labor gaps through innovative and technology-driven educational programs. Ancora operates in three divisions: Ancora High School, Ancora Education, and Ancora Training. Ancora High School, accredited by Cognia™, provides adult learners the opportunity to complete a high school diploma in a highly flexible, self-paced, completely online format. Ancora Education offers technical education training programs specializing in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades through six private, post-secondary school brands with 22 campus locations across the nation. Schools include: Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), Berks Technical Institute (BTI), Edge Tech Academy, McCann School of Business & Technology, Miller-Motte College (MMC) and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT). Ancora Training offers CDL and other customizable training solutions for corporate, community college, and government agency partners. Workforce solutions are provided by Ancora Training. Learn more at www.ancora.com.

Johnson College Announces Satellite Campus in the Greater Hazleton Area

In an effort to transform education, the economy, and the quality of the workforce throughout the Greater Hazleton region, Johnson College has partnered with Greater Hazleton CAN DO to address the demands of industry in the area. Together, they are spearheading plans to introduce the College’s first-ever satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, located in the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazleton.

During a press conference on February 1st, 2023 at the 30,000-sq.ft. industrial facility, which once housed the McCann School of Business and Technology, executives and board members from Johnson College and CAN DO, Inc announced exciting details about the new campus. Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of Johnson College, led the presentation and was followed by key members of the partnership including Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO; Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors; and Pat Dietz, Chairperson of Johnson College Board of Directors.

“We have heard from area employers and the programs that will be offered here are built to meet their needs,” Dr. Pittelli said. “We look forward to hearing from the Greater Hazleton community in terms of how this building can once again become an asset that we all share. We are here to help meet the needs of our friends and neighbors in this great community.”

The goal of this new campus will be to create unique and affordable academic experiences for students in partnership with industry to prepare them for careers in the Hazleton region and beyond. The College is built on its reputation for providing hands-on learning in a supportive environment and members of its community are thrilled to share this experience in a new area.

CAN DO President & CEO Joseph Lettiere said, “For many years, CAN DO has worked to bring a technical school to Greater Hazleton to assist in improving the area’s access to career-ready job training.  It is our mission to improve the quality of life in Greater Hazleton through the creation and retention of a full range of employment opportunities and I strongly believe that the programs Johnson College plans to offer truly move the needle for our community. I’d like to thank Dr. Katie Pittelli, the Johnson College Board of Directors, as well as the CAN DO Board of Directors for their willingness to take the risk in making this investment with us.” 

Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, will offer an array of certificate and degree programs beginning in late August 2023. These will include academic certificates in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building & Property Maintenance and an associate degree in Electrical Construction Technology. It will also offer continuing education certificates in areas including Medical Assistant, Computer User Support & Security Specialist, and Class A CDL Driver Training. Students will be able to complete all programs and certificates at the Hazleton campus.

For more information about these programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.

To learn more about the Greater Hazleton CAN DO, visit hazletoncando.com.

Evening Medical Assistant Program Now Enrolling

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its evening Medical Assistant program. The class will be held in the Lemon Street Lab on the Johnson College campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m. beginning on March 21, 2023, and ending on October 4, 2023.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $5,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. To register for the course, visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation.

PPL Foundation Major Grant Supports New STEM Programming

Johnson College has received a $65,000 PPL Foundation Major Grant. These funds will support a new STEM Learning Labs after-school program for economically-disadvantaged students from diverse backgrounds.

Throughout the program, students will use hands-on learning and activities to discover and explore potential careers in STEM fields. In a supportive environment that will encourage creativity and lifelong learning, students will work with technology such as Lego Mindstorms, Kinex, robotic arms, 3-D printing, electric circuits, and Ozobot robotic computer programming.

The program is designed for seventh and eighth-grade students from Lackawanna County school districts including Nativity Miguel, Old Forge, Riverside, and Scranton. During this five-week program, students will meet after school three times per week for four weeks at their home school. During the fifth week, students will attend programming at Johnson College for additional hands-on experience with more advanced equipment.

The PPL Foundation’s Major Grant program makes annual awards through a competitive application and review process.

This year, the PPL Foundation received more than 100 applications during this highly competitive grant cycle. Johnson College was one of 17 organizations to be selected for an award.

“We are continuously inspired by the caring, commitment and creativity of the many nonprofit organizations such as Johnson College who make a lasting difference in our communities, and this year’s grant recipients are no exception. We’re proud to support their efforts,” said Ryan Hill, PPL Foundation president.

For more information about the program, contact Tim Frank, Johnson College Associate Director of Community Engagement, at tfrank@johnson.edu or at (570) 702-8963.

About the PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs, Johnson College; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Alana Roberts, Regional Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities; Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, Johnson College; and Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Johnson College.

From Nose to Tail: Celebrating the unsung heroes

By Dr. Meg Varner-Soden, DVM.

In this month’s article, I would like to focus on one of the most amazing species I have had the pleasure to work with: licensed veterinary nurses, commonly known as LVNs!

This rare, underappreciated and misunderstood breed of human is why I joined the Veterinary Nursing Program at Johnson College. I love to help develop “Baby Vet Nurses” and reap the joy of watching them flourish.

The main difference between a licensed veterinary nurse and a non-licensed veterinary assistant is their level of education and training. Ideally, they have earned their degree(s) through an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college such as Johnson College. There are two-year associate’s degrees (such as we offer at Johnson College) and four-year bachelor’s degrees.

A veterinary nurse educational program is usually rigorous and requires a studious, conscientious, intelligent, hard-working and disciplined person with good interpersonal skills to complete.

Their coursework includes a plethora of math and science and covers a range of species, from tiny pocket pets to huge draft horses. Here is a sample of the classes taken: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, parasitology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology and ultrasonography, as well as customer service courses.

Subsequently, they apply this book knowledge through clinical rotations (surgery and medicine), which provide supervised hands-on experiences while still students. Students must then complete a five-week internship in the field before earning their degree.

Upon completion of the academic program, they then sit for a National Boards Exam to earn their license. And it doesn’t stop there. Just like a veterinarian, LVNs are required to earn continuing education credits on a two- to three-year basis, depending on what state they are licensed in, to maintain their license.

Also, did you know that an LVN can become formally specialized? Currently, they can gain specialty credentials in one of sixteen focuses. Examples include emergency and critical care, dentistry, internal medicine, zoological medicine, behavior, dermatology and equine medicine.

A licensed vet nurse can do anything in a veterinary facility that is hands-on and technical, except for surgery, diagnosis and prescribing medications. Good bedside manner is also critical, considering that they are often among the first and last people a pet owner interacts with during a vet visit.

Here is a sampler list of things an LVN can do under the direction of a veterinarian:

  • Prepare for and lead an anesthesia event, including monitoring a patient before, during and after a surgical procedure.
  • Place intra-venous catheters, give injections by different routes and place endotracheal tubes and other gadgets.
  • Draw blood/urine samples to run various diagnostic tests and report results to the veterinarian.
  • Perform radiographs, ultrasound and sometimes even advanced imaging like CT scans and MRIs.
  • Perform professional dental cleanings.
  • Take measurements for the veterinarian — for example, eye pressures, dry eye tests, blood pressures, blood glucose readings, pulse oxygenation and electrocardiograms.
  • Take various skin samples to be cultured or evaluated with the team under a microscope. A good LVN can readily identify pathogens and parasites and report findings to the vet.
  • Administer certain booster vaccines and/or medications ordered by a vet. In complicated chronic diseases such as diabetes and Addison’s disease, LVNs are integral to your pet’s routine treatment and monitoring. Provide detailed take-home instructions when your pet is discharged from the clinic following a surgical procedure.
  • Performs thorough record-keeping of all kinds. May serve as a practice manager and/or staff supervisor.

Finally, how can a pet owner better utilize a veterinary office’s licensed nurses?

When bringing your pet to the vet, please don’t assume your LVN doesn’t have enough expertise to hear about your pet’s history or field your questions. Too many owners wait for the veterinarian to enter the room before telling the whole story, and honestly, this is a disservice to your pet and not a wise use of your veterinary team’s time.

Never underestimate the superpowers your licensed veterinary nurse has! They enjoy being utilized and challenged. They love patient care and bonding with owners. Seasoned LVNs are an absolute treasure trove of wisdom – I still learn from them on a regular basis!

Dr. Meg Varner-Soden, DVM, is the veterinarian at the Johnson College Animal Care Center as well as an instructor for the Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for 12 years.