RichmondCC Introducing New Programs, Registering New Students For Fall

Richmond Community College is gearing up for a new academic year with the addition of new programs and the revamping of others to better meet the needs of local employers.

Registration for fall semester is underway, and new students can meet with an advisor and schedule fall classes from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the main campus in Hamlet or at the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg.

“We encourage people to register early for classes because classes do fill up quickly,” Vice President for Instruction Kevin Parsons said. “We will add sections of classes as needed, but by registering early, you will be more likely to get into classes that fit your schedule.”

Fall classes begin Aug. 17, with four-, eight-, 12-, 14- and 16-week sessions available.

New Associate Degree Can Be Earned Online

New this fall at RichmondCC is the Nonprofit Leadership and Management program, which will prepare students for a leadership or management role in the nonprofit sector. All classes that make up this associate degree can be completed online.

“The number of nonprofit organizations is growing, which means the need is growing for a workforce educated in establishing a nonprofit, fundraising and maintaining a tax exempt organization,” said Dr. Devon Hall, Business Technologies Department chair.

Information Technology Program Reshaped

Because of the growth of careers in information technology, RichmondCC has redesigned its Information Technology (IT) program to put students on the right track to jobs that are in high demand.

There are three tracks students can choose from when they enroll in the IT program at RichmondCC: cyber security, IT support, software and web development. All three tracks offer degree, diploma and certificate opportunities.

Last spring, community colleges across North Carolina conducted a survey that resulted in hundreds of responses from employers across the state. The number one requested technology certification was CompTIA A+, which can be obtained at RichmondCC. Skills covered under this certification are what local and state employers are seeking. Job openings relating to this type of training include technical support analyst, information technician coordinator, applications support technician, and other similar titles depending upon the employer. 

Other skills listed in this survey relate to areas such as software development, database administration, Web development, graphics engines — all skills that can be obtained at RichmondCC.

Human Services Offers New Tracks of Study

The College has also revamped its Human Services Technology program to provide four tracks of study that include social work, at-risk youth, gerontology and substance abuse. Students will receive certificates for each track of study they complete while working toward the associate degree for Human Services Technology.

The Human Services program prepares students for a variety of careers including social and community service manager, recreation worker, physical therapist aide, health educator, rehabilitation counselor, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor and juvenile camp coordinator.

EUSRT Diploma Can Be Completed in Evenings

The Electric Utility Transformer Test Specialist diploma was created in response to the utility industry’s immediate demand for more technicians capable of working on transformers. Students can complete this diploma in four semesters, and because these classes are offered in the evening, it caters to individuals who are working while going to school.

“Students can complete this program in one year and get a job in the utility industry providing transformer installation and maintenance, as well as trouble-shooting,” said RCC’s Engineering Department Chair Amir Niczad. “Our two-year degree program already has a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates, so we know there is a real need for the type of skills we are teaching in Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology.”

Graduates who receive the Electric Utility Transformer Test Specialist diploma will have the skills training for employment with utility companies as well as supporting companies in the industry, such as transformer manufacturers. Graduates of the diploma program will also be considered one year into the EUSRT associate degree program, so they continue their studies or go to work.

More Than 60 Programs to Choose From

RichmondCC offers over 60 college degree, diploma and certificate programs that give you the training to either go to work or further your education. Programs range from business to accounting to education to engineering to healthcare.

“We have also created new pathways for those who have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training or Nursing Assistant training through our Workforce and Economic Development division to transition into curriculum programs with college credit,” Parsons said. “We have a lot to offer beginning this fall semester, which is only about a month away.”

New student registration for fall semester is from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. July 14 at the main campus in Hamlet or at the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg. Apply online, or call (910) 410-1700 for more information.