Headlines at Hopkins
News Release

Office of News and Information
Johns Hopkins University
901 South Bond Street, Suite 540
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
Phone: 443-287-9960 | Fax: 443-287-9920

January 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Lunday
acl@jhu.edu
443-287-9960


Schools of Education, Nursing Strong in Downturn

Despite the nation's most severe economic downturn in decades — or perhaps because of it — the Johns Hopkins University schools of Education and Nursing are experiencing strong increases in applications. For the six-month period ending Dec. 31, 2008, applications rose 30 percent for the School of Education and 11 percent for the School of Nursing over the same period in 2007.

Both programs prepare students for careers that are increasingly being recognized as "recession proof." A recent Time magazine/CNN report listed both fields among the nation's top-five careers that are least sensitive to economic downturns and rate high on projected workforce growth. Both professions are experiencing a shortage in many states nationwide.

"Nursing and teaching are not just a way out of the economic slump but a clear path to success," said Martha Hill, dean of the School of Nursing. Ralph Fessler, dean of the School of Education, added, "Whether an individual is just starting out or looking to change careers, these two professions offer significant rewards and benefits, and provide opportunities to make a real difference in the community."

The two schools will be hosting a series of workshops and open houses for those considering new careers in teaching and nursing.

The School of Education will hold a workshop called Becoming a Teacher at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at its Columbia Center location, 6740 Alexander Bell Drive in Columbia, and on the Homewood campus at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Education Building, 2800 N. Charles St. in Baltimore. These workshops are specifically designed for individuals who want to pursue a nontraditional path into teaching, such as career changers, early retirees or stay- at-home spouses who want to return to work. For more information go to www.education.jhu.edu.

The School of Nursing holds weekly tour and information sessions at 10 a.m. each Friday and is sponsoring an open house at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, on its campus at 525 North Wolfe St. in Baltimore. For information on the weekly sessions, go to www.son.jhmi.edu/apply/more/infosession; for more about the open house, go to www.son.jhmi.edu/apply/more/openhouse .

Media inquiries about the School of Nursing may be directed to Jon Eichberger at 410-614-4695 or jeichb2@son.jhmi.edu; inquiries about the School of Education may be directed to Amy Lunday at 443-287-9960 or acl@jhu.edu.