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Need a career boost? Try an accelerated degree

2021-11-30T16:37:00

(BPT) – Amidst dramatic shifts in the national workforce and ever-changing job market, those in or entering their careers without formal education face an uphill challenge.

In a recent survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nearly half of the more than 800 occupations they analyze annually require a college degree. Those occupations at the bachelor’s or master’s degree level are now netting graduates about $36,000 more in median annual salary than those at an associate’s level or less — and this trend is likely to continue increasing.

With such a wide wage gap, it’s clear that undergraduate and graduate degrees are profitable investments for employees looking to upskill or change careers and first-year students alike. However, the cost of these degrees and the time needed to complete them can still be a barrier. While taking additional courses in high school or transferring credits from prior collegiate experiences can help, not everyone can take advantage of these opportunities.

Fortunately, innovative universities now offer an alternative: earn both degrees in less time.

Arizona State University is leading the way by creating affordable 4+1 degree programs, allowing students to concurrently complete an undergraduate and graduate degree. The ASU Online 4+1 programs include degrees for in-demand fields such as information technology and health care. Students in any of these online programs are able to fast-track their degrees and accelerate their career potential by saving up to a year of master’s coursework and tuition.

Is an accelerated degree program the next step in your career path? When evaluating your options, consider how much time these programs take to complete, the total cost and how they may affect your career outcomes.

Time

Generally, it takes a minimum of four years to attain a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years to graduate with a master’s. An accelerated program allows learners to shorten the time it takes to attain either of these degrees. ASU Online, for instance, combines undergraduate and graduate coursework during senior year for dual credit, so a student receives both degrees in five years.

This process isn’t exclusive to first-time-in-college students. Transfer students can also benefit from an accelerated degree program. They can complete these degrees even faster by working with their academic counselor to chart a plan for which courses they need to take to be on track with an accelerated program.

What’s more, the pace and structure of online programs allow learners to maintain employment while they get their degree. Earning while learning is especially advantageous to master’s degree students who are less likely to receive grant aid, fellowships or tuition waivers than undergraduates and doctoral students.

Career outcomes

Looking to the future, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects to add the most jobs in 2020-2030 in industries where careers typically require an advanced degree.

While some individuals may have a defined passion and clear career path, others may not know what credentials are necessary to pursue a position in their desired industry. Conducting research on what occupations are growing and what knowledge can help you enter those fields can yield beneficial results.

When considering employment trends for 2020-2030, the bureau projects health care and social assistance will add the most jobs of all industries, with an estimated 3.3 million jobs.

Technological advancements will also increase the long-term demand for computer-related occupations, especially with the rise of teleworking, which has expanded the need for computing infrastructure and IT security.

ASU Online, aiming to make education accessible for students across the country, currently offers more than 30 accelerated 4+1 degree programs. Several programs can lead to careers in these rising industries, nursing, biological sciences, information technology, internet and web development, and global cybersecurity.

No matter the career, the path to attaining necessary knowledge and experience can be rewarding. Research universities that offer the degree or certification program you’re looking for online, and that are specifically designed and have dedicated resources to work with online learners.

To learn about ASU Online’s accelerated and traditional degree programs, visit ASUOnline.asu.edu.

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A mother’s life with lung cancer

2021-11-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – While Lysa Buonanno was completing her training as a radiology technologist, she started experiencing intense back pain. Since her work often involved lifting and moving patients, she assumed that she had just pulled a muscle. But after a few doctor visits, the pain could no longer be ignored.

Lysa went for a chest X-ray and an EKG to try to figure out where her pain was coming from and how to relieve it. The test results were surprising. She knew right away that her chest X-rays were not normal.

“They were white and cloudy,” said Lysa, “And it actually looked like I had pneumonia.”

After further testing was conducted, the 40-year-old mother received a devastating diagnosis: she had lung cancer which had already metastasized, or spread, to her spine. The doctors realized that the pain she felt was caused by tumors both in her lungs and on her spine. The diagnosis came as a shock since she was a healthy, young woman with no known risk factors.

Following surgery to remove the tumor from her spine, Lysa underwent radiation and chemotherapy, which initially provided a good response in terms of tumor reduction.

Lysa was a natural researcher and she was determined to learn as much as she could about her lung cancer. She also connected with an online support group and learned a great deal from other lung cancer survivors, including about biomarker testing, which can help doctors determine if patients have specific genetic mutations within their tumors. Oftentimes, these mutations can help inform treatment decisions for lung cancer patients.

Lysa sought out a new doctor who ordered biomarker testing, which led to her diagnosis of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lysa’s doctor was able to start her on XALKORI® (crizotinib), the first biomarker-driven therapy approved for the treatment of ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC, a rare form of lung cancer.

She has been on the medication since and continues to work part-time at an animal shelter. She enjoys walks with her dog, working in the garden and watching TV with her family.

Lysa is also active in the lung cancer community, serving as a mentor to other patients like herself through LUNGevity, as a spokesperson for American Lung Association in Nevada and as an active member of the ROS1ders patient advocacy group.

“I now spend most of my time speaking with newly diagnosed lung cancer patients or just being there with my family, making memories and enjoying the time I have with them,” said Lysa.

To learn more about biomarker testing for NSCLC and XALKORI®, visit XALKORI.com.

Indications

XALKORI is a prescription medicine used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and is caused by a defect in either a gene called ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) or a gene called ROS1. It is not known if XALKORI is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

XALKORI® (crizotinib) may cause serious side effects, some of which may include:

Liver problems—XALKORI may cause life-threatening liver injury that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver every 2 weeks during the first 2 months of treatment with XALKORI, then once a month. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following new or worsening symptoms:

  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes
  • decreased appetite
  • severe tiredness
  • pain on the right side of your stomach
  • dark or brown (tea color) urine
  • bleed or bruise more easily than normal
  • nausea or vomiting
  • itching

Lung problems (pneumonitis)—XALKORI may cause life-threatening lung problems that may lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms, including:

  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • cough with or without mucous
  • fever

Heart problems—XALKORI may cause very slow, very fast, or abnormal heartbeats. Your healthcare provider may check your pulse rate and blood pressure during treatment with XALKORI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel dizzy or faint or have abnormal heartbeats. Tell your healthcare provider if you take any heart or blood pressure medicines.

Severe vision problems—Vision problems are common with XALKORI. These problems usually happen within 1 week of starting treatment with XALKORI. Vision problems with XALKORI can be severe and may cause partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. Your healthcare provider may hold or stop XALKORI and refer you to an eye specialist if you develop any vision problems during treatment with XALKORI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new vision problems, loss of vision or any change in vision, including:

  • double vision
  • light hurting your eyes
  • seeing flashes of light
  • new or increased floaters
  • blurry vision

Before you take XALKORI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have lung problems
  • have heart problems, including a condition called long QT syndrome
  • have vision or eye problems
  • are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. XALKORI can harm the unborn baby
    • Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with XALKORI and for at least 45 days after the final dose of XALKORI.
    • Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before starting treatment with XALKORI
    • Males who have female partners who can become pregnant should use condoms during treatment with XALKORI and for at least 90 days after the final dose of XALKORI.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you.
    • If you or your partner becomes pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XALKORI passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with XALKORI and for 45 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed the baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit or take supplements containing grapefruit extract during treatment with XALKORI. It may increase the amount of XALKORI in your blood to a harmful level.

The most common side effects of XALKORI include:

  • vision problems
  • nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • swelling of your hands, feet, face, and eyes
  • constipation
  • increased liver function blood test results
  • tiredness
  • decreased appetite
  • upper respiratory infection
  • dizziness
  • feeling of numbness or tingling in your arms or legs

XALKORI can cause changes in vision, dizziness, and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you have any of these symptoms.

Avoid spending prolonged time in sunlight. XALKORI can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity), and you may burn more easily. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing that covers your skin to help protect against sunburn if you have to be in the sunlight during treatment with XALKORI.

XALKORI may cause fertility problems in females and males, which may affect the ability to have children. These are not all of the possible side effects of XALKORI.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click for the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit XALKORI.com.

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How biomarker testing helped shape one man’s lung cancer journey

2021-11-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Despite being a healthy and active legal consultant and father of three, A.J. Patel had been experiencing persistent respiratory problems for some time.

“I had to constantly clear my throat when I spoke,” said A.J., “And I started noticing a wheezing sound in my breathing.”

Because he was otherwise healthy, his doctors did not seem concerned when he told them about his seemingly minor symptoms. However, this changed when A.J. started coughing up blood.

At that point, A.J. insisted on getting an X-ray which showed a small nodule on his lung. But again, his doctor did not sound the alarm and assured A.J. he had nothing to be worried about.

As his symptoms persisted for another month, A.J. went back to his doctor for further testing. He had a CT scan and then a biopsy which confirmed there were large cancerous tumors on his left lower lung. Following these results, an MRI of his brain revealed his cancer had metastasized, or spread, throughout his body.

“After my initial diagnosis, an oncologist had immediately set up chemotherapy,” said A.J. “But I needed to step back and take a breath and do my own research.”

Through his research, A.J. found support in the lung cancer community, including getting information about biomarker testing.

“When I received my stage 4 metastatic cancer result, I didn’t fully understand the [biomarker] testing process,” explained A.J.

His research spurred further discussions with his doctor about biomarker testing and possible treatments.

“Through a mentor and support groups, I started to realize there were potential treatment options beyond chemotherapy, radiation and surgery,” said A.J. “After talking to my doctor, I learned about the multitude of tests that could be conducted and potentially open the door to additional treatment options.”

His doctor ordered a test for genetic mutations called biomarkers. When the results came back, the test revealed that A.J. had ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a rare type of cancer. The important news was that for this type of cancer, there were other treatment options available.

The vital information gained from the biomarker test helped A.J.’s doctor decide to prescribe XALKORI® (crizotinib).

A.J. believes that hearing about his journey during his lung cancer diagnosis is important for other patients, so he became a lung cancer advocate and mentor. While he continues his treatment, A.J. likes to say he is living each day to its fullest, spending time with his family and continuing his full-time legal career.

To learn more about ROS1-positive NSCLC and XALKORI®, visit XALKORI.com

Indications

XALKORI is a prescription medicine used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and is caused by a defect in either a gene called ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) or a gene called ROS1. It is not known if XALKORI is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

XALKORI® (crizotinib) may cause serious side effects, some of which may include:

Liver problems—XALKORI may cause life-threatening liver injury that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver every 2 weeks during the first 2 months of treatment with XALKORI, then once a month. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following new or worsening symptoms:

  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes
  • decreased appetite
  • severe tiredness
  • pain on the right side of your stomach
  • dark or brown (tea color) urine
  • bleed or bruise more easily than normal
  • nausea or vomiting
  • itching

Lung problems (pneumonitis)—XALKORI may cause life-threatening lung problems that may lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms, including:

  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • cough with or without mucous
  • fever

Heart problems—XALKORI may cause very slow, very fast, or abnormal heartbeats. Your healthcare provider may check your pulse rate and blood pressure during treatment with XALKORI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel dizzy or faint or have abnormal heartbeats. Tell your healthcare provider if you take any heart or blood pressure medicines.

Severe vision problems—Vision problems are common with XALKORI. These problems usually happen within 1 week of starting treatment with XALKORI. Vision problems with XALKORI can be severe and may cause partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. Your healthcare provider may hold or stop XALKORI and refer you to an eye specialist if you develop any vision problems during treatment with XALKORI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new vision problems, loss of vision or any change in vision, including:

  • double vision
  • light hurting your eyes
  • seeing flashes of light
  • new or increased floaters
  • blurry vision

Before you take XALKORI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have lung problems
  • have heart problems, including a condition called long QT syndrome
  • have vision or eye problems
  • Are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. XALKORI can harm the unborn baby
    • Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with XALKORI and for at least 45 days after the final dose of XALKORI.
    • Your healthcare provider will check to see if you are pregnant before starting treatment with XALKORI
    • Males who have female partners who can become pregnant should use condoms during treatment with XALKORI and for at least 90 days after the final dose of XALKORI.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you.
    • If you or your partner becomes pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XALKORI passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with XALKORI and for 45 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed the baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit or take supplements containing grapefruit extract during treatment with XALKORI. It may increase the amount of XALKORI in your blood to a harmful level.

The most common side effects of XALKORI include:

  • vision problems
  • nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • swelling of your hands, feet, face, and eyes
  • constipation
  • increased liver function blood test results
  • tiredness
  • decreased appetite
  • upper respiratory infection
  • dizziness
  • feeling of numbness or tingling in your arms or legs

XALKORI can cause changes in vision, dizziness, and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you have any of these symptoms.

Avoid spending prolonged time in sunlight. XALKORI can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity), and you may burn more easily. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing that covers your skin to help protect against sunburn if you have to be in the sunlight during treatment with XALKORI.

XALKORI may cause fertility problems in females and males, which may affect the ability to have children. These are not all of the possible side effects of XALKORI.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Click for the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit XALKORI.com.