That’s what they say, at least.
But it’s quite obvious: “They” didn’t go to nursing school.
“If you get a degree in nursing, you’re almost guaranteed a job that pays pretty well right out of school,” said Brian Bost, Director of Admissions at Duquesne University’s School of Nursing. “It’s challenging, but if you have a heart full of compassion for your neighbor, and you want to care for people as best you can, then nursing is the right career for you.”
Brian was among six speakers who led breakout sessions for Currents, an online conference presented by Portage Learning. Hundreds of students joined this 90-minute gathering from states around the nation, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The conference was the brainchild of Portage Learning staff members Michelle Cooper and Josh Hoey, who had been discussing ideas for how online students can get better connected.
“Online learning can be lonely,” Josh acknowledged. “We wanted to create a sense of belonging, to let our students know that they are part of a larger group of people pursuing a common goal.”
Brian’s session was called “Nursing Career Paths,” and he shared a variety of options students can pursue, depending on their goals and education. He also presented some startling numbers:
- Job placement is often 90-100 percent for new nurses.
- According to nurse.org, the average starting salary is $74,040. “It’s a pretty lucrative profession and it’s becoming more so.”
- There’s a shortage of more than 78,000 full-time nurses in 2025. “Because of this,” Brian emphasized,” job placement is darn near 100 percent in many places.”
Portage Learning founder Dr. Ken Hartman opened the conference with a keynote on the history of the institution. It has transformed from a distance learning program into a leader in online education that offers labs and more than 30 college courses, including graduate level options. Through a long-standing partnership with Geneva College and a more recent agreement with Bushnell University, transcripts are now sent to more than 2,500 academic institutions across the United States.
“All of our courses are fully accredited and fully online,” Dr. Hartman explained. “We’re asynchronous, so students aren’t restricted by a semester schedule. You can literally start any time and learn from anywhere.”
Dr. Hartman was named chairman of the Portage board in 2021 and remains passionate about education. “We believe in service to the individual and our community.” He cited four core values that the 170 members of the faculty and staff practice:
- “We choose to believe the best in each other and in every interaction, which allows us to be our best and draw out the best in others.
- We believe all people have dignity and are worthy of our attention and very best efforts.
- We respect, appreciate, and trust the knowledge and skill each individual contributes as we work toward our common goals.
- And we desire to foster an environment that encourages creativity and the pursuit of excellence.”
Josh and Michelle hosted the fast-paced conference and kept the sessions flowing with relaxed charm and humor. The pair even dedicated a segment to answering questions submitted by students. For example, someone wanted to know if Portage Learning is right for a student who works a 9am to 6:30pm shift.
“Absolutely!” Michelle responded. “We fit into your schedule so you don’t have to fit into ours.”
Other highlights of the conference included:
- Natalie Cekovich, a nurse and nurse practitioner, sharing some sample questions and tips for success on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for nursing school graduates.
- Professor and Registered Dietitian Tammie Kephart whipping up some healthy study snacks for students.
- Professors Crista Bush and Dr. Janine Bartholomew introducing viewers to Anatomy & Physiology.
- A riveting student testimonial from Annique London, who lost her husband to cancer and decided to become a nurse at age 54.
- And Dr. Diana Rice and Dr. Brittany Martinez engaging in a light-hearted “game show” on a controversial topic these days — the proper use of Artificial Intelligence by students. Spoiler alert: “AI is fine to use as a ‘thought partner,’ they concluded, “but it should never replace a student’s work.”
Michelle, Professor Kephart, and Josh preparing to make healthy study snacks.
Professors Bush and Bartholomew introducing Anatomy & Physiology.
So what did our viewers think of the event? “The production of this conference is so good!” one student wrote in the online chat. Another wrote, “I’m inspired to continue my education for my kids. It’s never too late.”
Portage Learning President Steve Michalik closed the program with a keynote on where the institution has been over the past year — hosting its own film festival and opening a licensed medical clinic in the Dominican Republic. He then shared the institution’s vision for the next decade: to help 1 million students pursue their dreams, achieve their goals, and build healthier communities.
Steve Michalik delivering the Currents keynote.
“What do all of these things have in common?” Steve asked. “They all involve meeting people where they are. Not inviting them into our space, but entering their space, seeing what their needs are, and then providing that little bit of help.”
He continued.
“Sometimes, they just need to get past a bit of an obstacle. We help them do that so they can continue on their hero’s journey.”
Speaking of a journey: Since the 2025 edition of the Currents Conference was the maiden voyage, will there be more conferences in the future?
Stay tuned, Josh hinted.
“All the interactions we had with students were so healthy,” he said, smiling. “We got nothing but positive responses. I think we might be onto something and we might keep this thing going.”
Almost sounds like a guarantee.
(If you missed the Currents Conference premiere, you can watch the full 90-minute event here.)
