Certificates and Professional Training

You're In My World Now

About me:

My name is Kevin Burton and I was born in Louisville, KY and lived all of my childhood in Southern Indiana across the river from Louisville. After my stint at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, I've lived back at home in New Albany, Indiana, in Broomfield, Colorado for a short time, and now here in Indianapolis.

A few of my hobbies are following and playing various sports including basketball, baseball, football, tennis and golf, music & movies, and traveling the U.S. A few of my favorite things are impromptu road trips, my family and friends, old movies (before 1970), mountains, Qdoba, maps, Pad Thai, and fake psychic detectives.

My job:

I am a Program Advisor here at The College Network. I assist people with their information gathering and research, answer their questions, and enroll in the program that helps them further their education and career. I specialize in our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Purdue University, our Certificate of Project Management from Boston University Corporate Education Center, and our Paralegal Studies Certificate from Boston University, which are all online educational programs.

Joining The College Network has been the best professional decision I have made. I am very passionate about what I do, and really enjoy talking with people over the phone. It's great to be able to help people realize their goals and dreams, and help them improve their lives on a daily basis.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions on any programs through The College Network, feel free to contact me by any of these mediums:

Email: kburton@collegenetwork.com

Phone: (317) 569-4734
(800) 307-1006 x 4734

Fax: (888) 874-7772

My schedule is: Monday, Thursday, and Friday 9-6 ET, Tuesday 11-8, and Wednesday 10-7.

The Power of Social Media

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by Kevin Burton

I subscribe to the old saying - "knowledge is power." Today, with information readily available with the Internet, I'd like to take a look at the role of social media for The College Network.

If you look at the roles of Facebook and Twitter in the world today, you'll see a free flow of information by individuals and groups alike. At The College Network, we blog (um, obviously) as well as use Facebook and Twitter amongst other things to provide information to people like yourself. In reading my Twitter time line last night, I started thinking how important and unique this social interaction is, and how powerful it is to connect to others; whether that is celebrities and sports heroes to their fans, or a close group of friends having fun and interacting.

If you love Facebook, blogging, tweeting, checking in or Foursquare, or looking up information on Google+; you should use your passion for it to your own advantage. Whether you are a current customer of The College Network completing your certificate or degree program or are searching for the best route for yourself in an online manner, use these tools we have to find answers to questions and increase your knowledge base. We monitor our Facebook, Twitter, and blogs all the time, so if you have questions feel free to reach out to us.

If social media is your thing, use it with The College Network to achieve your educational and professional goals!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Hold My Hand

Thursday, February 9, 2012 by Kevin Burton

We're united in helping you further your education!

Lots of customers are wary and apprehensive that once they start working toward their degree program with The College Network, Program Advisors like myself and all of us in general will not be there for them throughout the process of earning their degree. I'm here to tell you that if you want and/or need us to hold your hand all the way through the program, we can and will!

I will be here throughout your process of completing the program, along with our full team of academic support specialists. They are there to help you with any questions you have, including questions about the curriculum, where and when to test, study tips, and requesting the checks to pay for your exams. I'm not going anywhere, but they also will be a valuable resource to help you through the program. We want you to earn your degree and RN license, we and I, am not here just to get you the modules and say good luck - we want you to finish. We will assist you along the way in helping you earn your degree!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Wanted: New RNs

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Kevin Burton

During my usual morning routine while reading the news online, I came across this article that made me stop. Titled, "10 Hot Careers for 2012 - And Beyond," it takes a look at fields that are in need of more qualified employees. Not surprisingly, #2 on the list is healthcare professionals. Take a look at this link.

As you can see, with an average salary of over $64,000 per year, the U.S. will be in need of 103,900 RNs PER YEAR. So for all you LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there wanting to boost your career, receive a pay raise and a steady job, look no further than the advanced nursing education provided by The College Network and leading universities. We can take you from your LPN/LVN/Paramedic to your associate degree in nursing or BS in Nursing degree and have you earn the RN money and stability you're looking for. Give us a call today!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Purdue Lean Six Sigma FAQs

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Kevin Burton

At The College Network, we pride ourselves on offering the finest self-paced education and training possible. Here is a quick look at the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program available through Purdue University. Enjoy!

Do I have to list this as an online program on my resume?

On your resume, you would list this program as the Purdue Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. You do not have to indicate it was online.

Are there start dates for the Green Belt courses and if so, when are they?

The Green Belt class has specific enrollment dates because you have an actual live instructor that is available via email and phone correspondence. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt courses start the first Wednesday of each month.

Is this program just your Green Belt, or do you offer a Black Belt as well?

The Green Belt course, and the Advanced Lean Principles & Tools course are both prerequisites to be eligible to take the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course through Purdue. The full 3 course program is designed to help you achieve your certificate AND certification as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Advanced Lean, and Black Belt.

How does Lean Six Sigma differ from just Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma is similar to Six Sigma, but encompasses the Lean Methodology in its principles. Honestly, straight Six Sigma classes are going to be very similar to the Lean Six Sigma courses, but Purdue feels it is best to do a combination to achieve the best results within any project or process.

Do I need to be in any specific industry to take this program?

The good news with the Purdue's Lean Six Sigma program is that it is not specific to any one field. These principles can be used in any project or process that you are trying to improve (Lean is designed to streamline production and eliminate waste, and Six Sigma will focus on improving overall quality through statistical analysis among other methods). Course participants vary sometimes significantly with what field they are in, from an engineering, logistics, or healthcare background to finance, sales, and even marketing. The end goal of all 3 courses is to give you the certification, and most importantly, knowledge you need to successfully go out and use these principles immediately to complete Green Belt/Advanced Lean/Black Belt level projects or processes.

If you have any other questions or would like to explore enrolling into the Purdue Lean Six Sigma program, please let us know and we'll be happy to help!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

It's All About Benjamin

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Kevin Burton

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

These days, most people are very picky about where they spend their money. With the economy the way it is at the moment, any purchase or investment you make will be well thought out. If for you too, it is all about the Benjamin's (as in Franklin's, our representative on the $100 bill), take it from Ben himself that investing in education, learning and knowledge will always pay the best interest rate.

At The College Network, we feel that anyone enrolling in our online certificate or degree programs from top universities is really making an investment in their future. Like Benjamin says, your investment in knowledge will always pay the best interest. So if you are thinking about obtaining your nursing degree or professional certificate, we can help you make the investment and set you up for future success! Just give us a call and not only will we help you invest your Benjamin's, we're sure to save you some too!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Season of Sickness

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Here in the U.S. we are fully into winter now - the season of sickness. After waking up ill this morning, I thought of how much care individuals actually get when they attend a medical facility. Nurses are the lifeblood of the medical profession, and we at The College Network offer online self-paced education and training to help nurses become more educated and even better in all kinds of medical facilities today.

I personally want to make sure we at The College Network salute the work of nurses across this country and the world. Without your care and expertise, millions of people would suffer, and the sacrifices you make in your day-to-day work really speaks to the character of nurses everywhere. So THANK YOU to all the nurses out there - we really appreciate it!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Back on Track in 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Ah, the New Year is such a refreshing time to "start over" and refocus on those things that you need to accomplish. For myself, I have been lacking in communicating with folks who follow The College Network via our blog, Facebook, and on Twitter. With the New Year in full swing, I am making a new-found effort to make sure I update potential students and customers on happenings and observations from our company, and how they can help you into the New Year as well.

To play on the Purdue Boilermaker train emblem, I'd like to offer my "Back on Track" message here for 2012 (yes, pun intended). The Purdue Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Advanced Lean, and Black Belt programs have never been more popular, and certainly are helping people learn new skills and boost their resumes in the necessary manner to achieve and succeed in the job market today. If you are in any type of project or process improvement area, in any field, and want to earn a certification and learn the tools to successfully improve quality and eliminate waste within your project or process, there is no better program than the online Lean Six Sigma certifications through Purdue.

So when you are figuring out what is going to put you "Back on Track" in 2012, feel free to give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss the Purdue programs, or any others that can help you achieve your goals in 2012.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Kevin Burton

As we approach the holiday season that brings gifts to many of us, it always reminds me of that spirit I get around this time of year. It brings out the kid in me, and thinking of all those toys from the past takes me back to my childhood. So, I'd like to ask you a question: What did you want to be when you grew up?

I remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds. I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut. Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?" After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by. You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go. Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?

The College Network can make these dreams possible. We have higher education online from our partner universities in the form of professional certificates and degree seeking programs. So if you wanted to be a lawyer, you can pursue the Boston University Paralegal Certificate and work your way into the legal field. If you wanted to be an astronaut like me, consider the Project Management Certificate through Boston University Corporate Education Center or the Lean Six Sigma Certificate program through a leader in the aerospace industry, Purdue University. If you wanted to be in the medical field, and you are an LPN/LVN or Paramedic now, we can help you become an RN and move up the ladder in your career.

So, if you think you're a grown up, but still have childhood dreams, feel free to contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help in assisting you toward your goals.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Home for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Kevin Burton

There is nothing like being home for the holidays. A nice snowy December day with a fire and family suits me just fine. In this spirit, I'd like to share a story of one of our recent customers at The College Network who is also happy to be home for the holidays.

Shelby from Colorado had previously been an LPN, but took a job outside the medical field to pursue a new opportunity. This new job had her traveling for days and weeks at a time. She missed being there for her sons football games, and missed tucking her daughter into bed at night. Because she wanted to be home for her family and still make the best living possible, she decided to find nursing programs that allow her to continue working while pursuing a convenient RN license. That's when we started to speak. Shelby's main goal was to be home for the holidays, and now that she is on her way to becoming an RN, she is on track to be there for many years to come while earning a better living. Congratulations Shelby!

If you are interested in an online degree or certificate program that can help you be home for the holidays, let us know and we are happy to help!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Kerplunk

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Kevin Burton

The holiday season reminds me of times with the family and playing various games. I saw something around the office the other day, and I thought of playing the game Kerplunk.

How to play classic Kerplunk: Players take turns removing a single straw from the tube while trying to minimize the number of marbles that fall through the web and into their tray. Once a player has committed themselves to a particular straw by touching it, they must remove it. The player who accumulates the fewest dropped marbles wins.

Thinking of this game reminded me of the way The College Network can help students complete their nursing school prerequisites. Instead of not trying to gain marbles, with our program you want to gain marbles. Each time you complete one of our modules and successfully test out of a course, it is like taking a straw out of the jar to loosen up the marbles to fall. Once you complete enough or all of your courses, the marbles will start to fall and you will start earning your way toward winning the game (as in completing your degree)!

Whether you are looking to complete your LPN to Associates in Nursing, or LPN to BS in Nursing, The College Network has a program for you. Make your courses go Kerplunk and give us a call today!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Ironman Bachelors Degree

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition. It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power. The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.

Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.

Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
Work at your own pace (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
- Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!

So what are you waiting for? Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree? Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Core Values: Service

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Kevin Burton

The last of my look at The College Network Core Values, I'd like to blog on our commitment to service.

It is a personal goal of mine to treat others as I'd want to be treated. At The College Network, we instill that motto into all of our employees. We are devoted to respecting others, internally and externally, and strive to provide world-class service to all of our stakeholders.

As a service based company, we have many areas of interaction with our customers. As a program advisor, we serve those who are interested in enrolling and learning more about our distance nursing programs and online certificate programs. Our academic support, appointment setting, financial services, marketing, and independent program advisors also help shape all the of service departments of our company.

We're committed to providing the world class service you deserve. Feel free to call us anytime!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Core Values: Integrity

Sunday, November 13, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Continuing my series on The College Network Core Values, today will focus on Integrity.

We look to always do what is right, even if no one is looking. Our commitment to being honest and respecting not only our customers, but fellow employees is at the foundation of our existence as a company.

In my specific role as a program advisor, doing what is best for YOU, the customer is what is at our core. My colleague Matthew Pinkston challenged us all with a question to ask ourselves everyday when speaking to potential students: Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us? Our core values such as integrity push us to do what is best for you!

We strive to have the utmost integrity in our service to you! Give us a call for any questions or enrollment into any of our online certificate and degree programs - we're happy to help.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Core Value: Excellence

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Continuing with my series of The College Network Core Values, let's look at excellence.

We challenge the norms and commit to raising the bar with constant improvement. Excellence means different things to different departments in our company, but from a customer standpoint, myself as a Program Advisor and others in customer service want to ensure that your experience is above and beyond what you expect every time you connect with us.

Personally, I want to convey our commitment to excellence by asking you to do the same. Pursuing your advanced nursing education with us at The College Network requires you to raise your own bar and demand the best of yourself. In this pursuit, you must display the courage and honesty to allow yourself to achieve what you want to achieve. I have no doubt our team can help assist you in achieving your own excellence with your goals!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Core Value: Innovation

Saturday, November 5, 2011 by Kevin Burton

In my continuing series on The College Network Core Values, I want to take a look at Innovation.

We are looking to use all information available and apply it in unique ways to turn learning and leadership into a reality for our employees and customers. Whether it be internal steps to make our company more efficient, or something that will help you, the customer, in your day-to-day; we invest our time to make sure we are on the cutting edge of providing the most convenient way for you to complete your online certificate or degree program.

We have come a long way in just the past year, with online study materials and more interactive learning modules. We even have a brand new online testing service that allows you to test out for your college credit with a web cam from the comfort of your own home. It is our dedication to being on the forefront of innovation in the online learning community that makes our experience better for you.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Core Value: Learning

Friday, October 28, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Previously, I wrote about our Core Value of Quality. Keeping with that theme, I will do a series on all of The College Network's core values, continuing with this post focused on Learning.

It is our commitment at The College Network to cultivate and empower lifelong learners. Not only is this true from an employee standpoint; we ultimately strive to create an environment where adult learners can further their education conveniently in an online environment. Our partnerships with fine learning institutions such as Boston University, Purdue University, Indiana State University, and Regis University among others, shows our commitment to help you learn in professional certificate and online degree programs from top universities.

If you have a passion for learning, and want to further your education, look no further than The College Network!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Nursing FAQs

Saturday, October 15, 2011 by Kevin Burton

As a Program Advisor at The College Network, answering questions about all of our programs is basically what I do all day long. I want to take this time to cover a couple of the frequently asked questions about our top online nursing programs.

Do you need my transcripts before enrolling?

No. We actually will pull those for you after you enroll with us. Our academic support team will evaluate and double check our preliminary program outline, and either add or subtract courses based on your official transcripts. If you want to send me an unofficial copy ahead of time, feel free, but if you are sure of the courses we discuss then there is really no need.

How does the test out process allow me to receive my college credit?

Since our modules are designed to help you test out for your college credit, the way those credits transfer in are through ACE (American Council on Education). Almost 2,000 regionally accredited schools accept ACE credit recommendation earned through testing out of courses through CLEP, DSST, Excelsior, and The College Network examinations. So, by passing these tests, you earn a college credit recommendation from ACE, who sends them directly to the school you are pursuing your degree through to have them count for your credit.

These are not all the questions about our online nursing programs, but hopefully this is a start to help you understand some of inner workings. I want to reassure you that we at The College Network are here to help you earn your degree and further your career. We have helped hundreds of thousands of students, and offer the most convenient RN license programs. You may think the program seems almost too good to be true - well it almost is, but where reality kicks in is you have to be self-disciplined to complete your courses. If you have the drive and want to complete the program, I guarantee you will, just like we guarantee you will pass all your module courses with us.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Man (or Woman) in the Mirror

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by Kevin Burton

At The College Network, we have helped over 175,000 adult learners further their education. Unfortunately, there are some who were unhappy with their program experience. For whatever reason, the nursing independent study program did not suit their needs, or they gave up on their dream of completion. It is easy to be upset, and trust me, we do everything in our power to help people complete their degree and succeed in their program.

It is these people, who were unable to achieve their goal and gave up, that speak negatively about The College Network. When is the last time you had a good experience and went out of your way to comment about it online, on a comment card, or through a public medium? Most of you would say rarely, if ever. And I want to draw your attention to that, because if you research The College Network any negativity you come across is from a fraction of a percent of our customers. If 200 people out of 175,000 jumped off a bridge would you jump too?

That's why I say, take a look at yourself in the mirror. YOU control your success within the program. If you are dedicated and willing to finish the program, we guarantee that you can and will. I admit, these distance nursing programs aren't for everybody, but if you want the best way to achieve the most convenient RN license, give us a call and we will help you achieve your goals of becoming an RN. So again, take a look in the mirror, and if you can and want to do this, you are the only obstacle in your way.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Not a Number

Saturday, October 1, 2011 by Kevin Burton

I'm sure I am in the minority, but I love numbers and statistics. It is always hard to argue with such concrete and finite data, and to see the results of mathematical based studies. Sports, economic, business, or educational statistics, can give you an idea of trends, abilities, and truths of different fields. As for The College Network, the numbers say we have helped over 175,000 people further their higher education online. But too often in the world, whether in business, sports, or education, people focus too much on the numbers and not enough on the person.

We care about YOU at The College Network, and we vow not to treat you like a number.

Statisitically speaking, in the past 50 days or so, I have helped 25 people get started toward higher education. But to me, I have helped: Polly, Brittany, Caryn, Monica, Megan, Jon, Samantha, Jeffrey, Soonho, Debra, Gary, Alysha, Jeremy, Jim, Michael, Zoilo, Thom, Tammy, Jane, Lakshmi, Jeff, Jacqueline, Bill, Pamela, and Donna. Each of these folks has a unique story, a unique sitaution with a desire to further their education online. No one want wants to feel like a drone, like a number, like the next in line at the DMV. You are not a machine, and should not be treated as one.

'Psych' characters Shawn Spencer and Burton Guster

So give me a call. Let's discuss what is important to you. What are your goals, and why are you looking into furthering your education online? I'm not a psychic (or a fake one like my favorite TV show), but you can be sure I am going to bring my best attitude, so bring yours and we can have a chat and maybe even have fun in the process. It is my goal to leave you smiling and to laugh once a conversation, so let's get to work!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com