Johns Hopkins Gazette | January 20, 2009
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The newspaper of The Johns Hopkins University January 20, 2009 | Vol. 38 No. 18
 
Education and Nursing Both Strong in Downturn

By Jim Campbell
School of Education

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 "recessionproof." A recent Time magazine/CNN report listed both fields among the nation's top-five careers that are least sensitive to economic downturn 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 and at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Education Building on the Homewood campus. 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 the East Baltimore campus. 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.

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