Northampton Community College and Reading Area Community College Sign Agreement for Health Profession Programs

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On September 10, 2018, leaders from Northampton Community College (NCC) and Reading Area Community College (RACC) signed a cooperative agreement outlining academic pathways between their institutions for students pursuing a career in the Medical Laboratory Technician or Respiratory Care fields starting this fall.

Students will be able to complete their pre-clinical, general education courses at Northampton Community College before applying to the Medical Laboratory Technician or Respiratory Care programs at RACC. Northampton students who are successfully admitted to RACC's Medical Laboratory Technician or Respiratory Care Program will pay the Berks County resident tuition and fees for the courses outlined in the agreement.

"Through the agreement signed today, NCC students will have new educational options to prepare for careers in the fast-growing health care field," says Dr. Mark Erickson, president of NCC. "I know all of our students who choose to transfer to Reading Area Community College will be in very good hands, as both our institutions share a common passion for empowering student success."

The Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technician, and Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care programs are nationally accredited, by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). Both programs train graduates for in-demand health care professions. Alayne Fessler, faculty and coordinator of the MLT program says, "Medical Laboratory Technicians enjoy careers that are exciting and rewarding, as they play an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. There is a nationwide shortage of qualified medical laboratory technicians so the job market is excellent for the MLT graduate."

Similarly, Respiratory Care Therapists are in high demand in hospital settings. "Respiratory Therapists work as a part of the healthcare team alongside nurses, physicians and physician extenders to care for our patients," explains Mandy Harshberger, RACC faculty and Respiratory Care Program Coordinator.

For more information about this new community college partnership, please contact Jodi Corbett, RACC Director of Academic Partnerships, at 610.607.6219.