An analysis of the 1984, 1987, and 1990 Survey of Income and Program Participation shows that the benefits of sub-baccalaureate credentials (associate degrees and certificates) are generally positive and statistically significant. However, the benefits of completing some postsecondary education but failing to earn credentials are much lower,…

An associate nursing degree program threads caring across the curriculum using Watson's framework of interpersonal/transpersonal processes for caring and a taxonomy of affective competencies. Ways of caring are integrated into classroom and clinical experiences. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Review of the Higher Diploma, Hong Kong's equivalent to the associate degree, suggests continuing changes in labor market needs that must be considered in educational planning. However, higher education and industry must address both the economic and the social needs of society. (SK)

A plan for revising nursing education proposes (1) direct transfer linkage to improve associate/bachelor's degree articulation; (2) partnerships for student transfer between junior and senior colleges; and (3) a terminal nurse associate program to prepare for long-term nursing home care. (SK)

A comparison of the earnings and work experience of associate, diploma, and baccalaureate registered nurses (RNs) found that diplomas are the least attractive route to licensing. Although associate degrees are superior to bachelors', the many baccalaureate graduates may be attracted by better access to nonstaff positions, nonmonetary rewards, and…

Bell Atlantic Corporation offers an associate degree in applied science (telecommunications) to its employees through a consortium of community colleges. The NEXT STEP program has become a creative partnership of education, labor, and industry. (SK)

Nursing educators in two-year programs are resisting efforts by educators in four-year nursing programs to lobby state legislatures to require all new registered nurses to hold bachelor's degrees. Two-year advocates cite their graduates' superior performance on the profession's standardized entrance exam, whereas four-year advocates cite…

A table lists the top 100 colleges and universities producing students with associate, baccalaureate, or master's degrees in agriculture in 1996-97. Data are broken down by individual institution and minority group (African American, Native American, Asian American, and Hispanic). (DB)

Socialization of nurses for entry into practice is hampered by the fact that, although bachelor's' degrees are considered the minimal entry requirement, associate degrees are still recognized as terminal degrees. A new organizational climate is needed in which articulation between two- and four-year programs enables elimination of associate…

Includes "Assessing the Need for Community Concepts" (Marion Cahill et al.); "Expanding the Associate Degree Curriculum without Adding Time" (Marjorie K. Jamieson); and "A Community College Responds to Changes in Health Care Delivery" (Patricia D. Irons, Susan Meehan, and Margaret J. Reilly). (SK)

Associate degree nursing students (n=292) and faculty (n=59) agreed on 6 of 10 characteristics of effective clinical instructors. Effective instructors are clinically competent, use effective evaluation strategies, explain clearly, are approachable, are well prepared to teach, and communicate clear expectations. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

This article presents the results of a spring 2004 survey of state higher education agency officials on the current status of the transferability of two-year degree occupational programs, designated as the AAS degree in most states. Included in the discussion is the issue of transferable general education in these degree programs, the development…

The idea of people who are "under your nose" yet unseen seemed relevant as the author read two documents that draw on the same research. They use different language and come to different conclusions. The differences are subtle to be sure, but one document tends not to see much, while the other sees a lot. The first document is the National…

This chapter describes the joint associate degree program between Illinois Central College and Caterpillar, Inc., and discusses how collaborative instructional programs can help sustain financial support for community colleges.

The relevance of higher-level vocational education and training qualifications to students and employers in six industry sectors; namely, disability services; nursing; engineering; electronics/electro-technology; multi-media; and design, is explored in this report. The report suggests possible improvements, including a greater emphasis on…