Earl earned his Master of Science in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. He also has a Master of Science in counseling and instruction from the University of Southern California. A Bachelor of Science in psychology and biological sciences was earned from the University of Washington.

Earl is board certified in Acute Care.

Earl has received awards for mentoring and for nursing excellence. He is a member of Case Western Reserve University Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.

Currently most of Earl's work takes place in the hospital setting, involving admissions, discharges, consultations, triage and daily care of cardiology in-patients.

Since 1976 Earl is co-owner of Art Glass Studio. His work includes designing and fabricating beveled and carved glass windows. From 1978 to 1993 he was a part -time instructor teaching English composition at Start State College of Technology. Earl was a Captain, US Air Force from 1967-1971.