HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D., and Northampton Community College (NCC) President Dr. Mark Erickson signed a cooperative educational agreement on July 16, 2019, that allows NCC students to transfer to HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, to obtain an associate degree in cardiovascular technology.

Starting in fall 2019, NCC students interested in cardiac sonography or invasive cardiovascular technology can take their general education requirements at NCC and then apply to HACC to take the final coursework to earn their degree. Through HACC, the NCC students will complete one online class and two classes at HACC’s Lancaster Campus. Students will then apply to the 15-month clinical program offered through the Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) Lehigh Valley Heart Institute.

“This partnership provides students from the Lehigh Valley area access to high-quality cardiovascular technology programs for in-demand career opportunities. HACC is offering a schedule that minimizes travel to campus for the students, and students have access to additional clinical sites that were not part of HACC’s program before,” said Kathleen Doherty, Ph.D., associate provost for HACC.

Students will pay the tuition rates at the school where they complete the classes. HACC can accommodate up to four NCC students in the Cardiac Sonography Program and four NCC students in the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death nationally and in the state of Pennsylvania. As the health needs of the greater Lehigh Valley area continue to grow, this program with Northampton Community College and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, will equip students with the knowledge they need to care for patients.
The Lehigh Valley Heart Institute is excited to have this partnership with Northampton Community College and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, to address the local need associated with this important profession and the prevalence of heart disease,” said Vincent Tallarico, vice president of Lehigh Valley Heart Institute.  
 
“We are so proud to be working with two wonderful institutions to provide the best program for our students. They will receive the training and tools needed to be successful in their careers, and the cooperative agreement between the colleges will advance the careers and opportunities for many students interested in health care,” said Judith Rex, dean of allied health and sciences at Northampton Community College.
 
Interested students may learn more by contacting Kristy Werkheiser, program director of HACC’s cardiovascular technology programs, or attend an information session Aug.13, from 6-8 p.m., at NCC's Bethlehem Campus in the College Center, Room 220.
 
Photo Caption: HACC President John J. “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D., and NCC President Dr. Mark Erickson signed an agreement that offers opportunities for cardiovascular programs for NCC students to complete an associate degree at HACC. Pictured are NCC representatives and HACC representatives (on the screen) at the joint signing held via Zoom conferencing on July 16, 2019.
 
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
 
About Northampton Community College
With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, Easton, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students each year from 53 counties, 42 countries and 25 states. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.northampton.edu.  Follow NCC on Twitter and Snapchat @NorthamptonComm and on Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege. Like NCC on Facebook at Northampton Community College.