Health care is among the fastest growing job fields in the nation, including Brevard County where excellent careers await those with the right education and training.

That’s why Eastern Florida State College is leading the way with more than 15 new health care programs, including bachelor degrees and associate degrees, to provide students the latest skills in everything from the operating room to elderly care.

The college is also planning to construct a new $20 million Health Sciences Institute on its Melbourne campus that will contain state-of-the-art labs and other facilities.

“The health care industry’s rapid growth makes our programs the perfect fit for those starting in the field and experienced professionals advancing their careers.”
— Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Linda Miedema.

The college’s planned new Health Sciences Institute will include state-of-the-art classrooms and labs where students can learn specialized skills.

The college’s planned new Health Sciences Institute will include state-of-the-art classrooms and labs where students can learn specialized skills.

“Students have many courses to choose from, receiving personalized instruction and becoming part of the rich learning culture for which the college is known. Our mission is to provide students an education that can result in potential jobs, and our health care programs are doing that in a significant way for area residents,” she said.

Among those benefiting from the new programs is Ericka Ross-Murray, who graduated in December with a bachelor of applied science degree in health care management. She currently works as a patient care specialist in a surgical center and says the degree will open new doors, allowing her to move into management positions in hospitals, senior centers and other health care businesses.

“The degree gives me a lot of options and I’m really glad the college is offering them,” said Ericka. “The program is close, affordable and the online courses are perfect for people like me who work during the day.”

The college currently has bachelor degree tracks in Health Care Management, Advanced Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. It also has a number of two-year associate degrees, including new ones starting in 2015-16 that can launch a career and allow students to move directly into the bachelor degree tracks upon successful completion.

The associate degrees include Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Chemical Technology.

There also are one-year Applied Technical Certificate programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Computed Tomography Technology, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology. A College Credit Certificate program in Cardiovascular and Echocardiography studies is another option. “We have great advisors who can help students decide the career path that suits them best. This is an exciting time to work in health care and we’re here to make successful careers happen,” said Linda. 

For more information on EFSC’s health care programs, visit EasternFlorida.edu.

 


This article appears in the February 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living Health.
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