Richmond Community College has developed three new programs − along with a new partnership with N.C. State University − to send to the State Board of Community Colleges for approval. RCC will be one of only two community colleges in the state providing the first two years of the Poultry Science degree offered by NCSU. Upon graduation, these students will be accepted as juniors at NCSU. The RCC Board of Trustees approved the programs Tuesday night. The final step is state approval with implementation scheduled for August.

“We have crafted a new program for the energy industry. Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology, the first program of its kind in North or South Carolina, is the result of discussion with Progress Energy over their workforce development needs. Our partnership with Progress Energy is key to this program’s success, and we are working to expand it to include other energy providers,” said RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis.

Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology provides students the skills to maintain high voltage equipment and protective systems for electric utility transmission systems. Students will be trained in the operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure associated with the transmission grid.

Healthcare Business Informatics is the result of discussions with members of the healthcare industry. There is a need for employees who can install, manage data, and design systems for medical information systems. Students study informatics, systems analysis, networking technology, computer and network security, data warehousing, archiving and retrieval of information.

Health Information Technology gives students the skills to process analyze, abstract, compile, maintain, manage, and report health information. Graduates may be eligible to take the national certification exam to become a Registered Health Information Technician.

Medical Assisting Chair Renea Craven and Instructor Jeanne Hardee provided the Board information on the nationally accredited program. Students are cross-trained to be able to work in an office, exam room, or lab in healthcare facilities. Craven said enrollment in the program has grown significantly over the past three years as displaced workers had the opportunity for further education. Retention and graduation rates remain high, while the number of students passing the national exam to become Certified Medical Assistants consistently rises. Medical Assisting is the fifth largest growing profession in healthcare.

RCC’s new Career Center will open this summer and will help all students with career choices, program selection, and ultimately, in job placement.

Natalie Barbour of Wadesboro recognized as RCC’s student representative at the N.C. Community College System Academic Excellence Award banquet in Raleigh in April. She is a pre-nursing major and was selected by the RCC faculty for the honor.

Student Government Association President Zach Stanford of Norman received the Dr. Samuel D. Morgan Memorial Scholarship established by Anne Morgan to honor the memory of her husband, who was the first president of what was then Richmond Technical Institute.

Human Services Technology Instructor Cordelia Steele was named the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter Social Worker of the Year for 2011.