Essex County College officially dedicated it’s new Health Sciences Center designed by FKA Architects on Tuesday, October 7, 2008.  The three-level, 30,000 square foot facility, which opened for classes in September, is connected to the southeast corner of the college’s megastructure campus. It houses state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for the college’s Associate in Applied Science degree programs in Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiography.

The $9.2 million center, the first instructional addition to the college’s Newark campus in more than a decade, was funded by matching capital construction funds from both the County of Essex and State of New Jersey.  The project was designed by FKA Architects of Livingston with Fuscon Enterprises of Westfield serving as the general contractor.

The new facility provides much-needed space to accommodate growing enrollment in the college’s Nursing and Allied Health programs which currently enroll nearly 500 students each year. Recognized for their excellence and innovation, the programs boast impressive records of student success and continue to earn accolades from both state and national accrediting agencies.

“This center provides an impressive new venue in New Jersey’s largest city for the training of the next generation of nursing and health care professionals,” said ECC President A. Zachary Yamba. “It is an exceptional learning center that will provide students with the necessary academic preparation and cutting-edge career training to provide quality health care services for the greater Essex County community.”   
   
Each level of the Center for Health Sciences contains technologically enhanced classrooms and fully equipped labs utilizing the latest advances in medical training. Special features include a simulated nursing unit complete with computerized adult and child mannequins, the latest in imaging and x-ray equipment, and a physical therapy exercise lab. 

“Excellence and innovation have long been the hallmarks of our nursing and allied health programs,” said Dean of Faculty Ladylease Goodridge White.  “The continued growth of these programs, coupled with rapid advances in health care training, clearly dictated the need for this center.”

ECC has long demonstrated a strong commitment to nursing and allied health education. The three programs have competitive admissions criteria and offer rigorous curricula that include clinical assignments at area hospitals and other medical facilities. All have earned praise from their respective accrediting agencies and boast near perfect graduate pass rates on both state and national licensure examinations. 

The highly successful AAS degree program in Nursing has provided a steady stream of registered nurses into the local and regional health care system. Over the past decade, 98 percent of graduates have passed the state licensure exam on the first try. Survey results conducted by the New Jersey Council of Associate Degree Programs also show that ECC nursing graduates are consistently among the state’s top achievers.

Accredited by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the State Board of Nursing, the Nursing program currently enrolls more than 300 students, including a burgeoning evening component. Another 60 students are enrolled in a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate option which serves as a career ladder transition to the RN program. The college’s Division of Community and Continuing Education also offers a popular customized training program leading to a Certified Nurse Aide credential.

The college’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree program offers the most up-to-date training in a rapidly growing field. The program, which currently enrolls 42 students, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

While many PTA graduates immediately enter the work force after earning licensure, others continue their education to become physical therapists. The college’s articulation agreement with Mercy College in New York, for example, makes for a nearly seamless transition for grads looking to earn advanced degrees. 

The AAS degree program in Radiography is one of the college’s most intense, with 72 credits – the most of any ECC major – required for graduation. It is a five semester program with the final term consisting of intense clinical study.

The program, which has an enrollment of 50 students, is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates find employment almost immediately upon earning their degrees and licensure, securing well-paying positions at physician offices, clinics and medical centers.