Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Eileen Cipriani visited Montgomery County Community College on November 2 to learn more about our Workforce Development programs, including our Fast-Track to Employment opportunities, and to see our new Health Sciences Center.

"Pennsylvania ranks fourth nationally in the number of STEM graduates, and the college's new Health Science Center provides a career pathway for students to these family-sustaining jobs," said Cipriani. "The center's state-of-the art high-tech training facility provides students with valuable hand-on training that helps prepare them for careers in science and technology fields and provides employers with work-ready employees to meet regional employment needs."

Cipriani is visiting colleges and businesses across the commonwealth, as part of the Wolf Administration's 'Jobs that Pay' tour— an effort by state agencies to promote good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and career paths available to job seekers and to listen and learn from employers and employees about workforce development needs.

"We are pleased to showcase our new Health Sciences Center and share the positive impact our programs have on the economy by providing a knowledgeable, skilled workforce for Montgomery County and the region. Our students receive the education and hands-on training needed for high-demand jobs, both here in Blue Bell and at our West Campus in Pottstown ," said Dr. Kevin Pollock, President of MCCC.

The Center includes 14 laboratories for Health Science programs; a Dental Hygiene Clinic with 25 operatories, x-ray rooms and simulation laboratories; 11 classrooms; multipurpose gymnasium, renovated education gym and 7,000 square-foot fitness center.

"The College takes a holistic approach when planning programs, recognizing students' needs for short-term credentials, associate's degrees aligned with industry expectations, and transfer pathways for further education," said Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. As an example, students who graduate from our nursing program have the opportunity to continue their education through Penn State Abington's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Then, they can earn their Master of Science degrees through Immaculata University, as part of our University Center, where our four-year partner institutions teach a selection of programs on our campuses.

During the tour, Cipriani saw firsthand the patient simulators students use in the laboratories that prepare them for internships and employment.