College Adds New Microcredentials

Tompkins Cortland Community College has approved six new microcredentials, bringing the total number of the streamlined education programs offered at the College to 12. In response to local workforce needs, the College is adding microcredentials in Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administrative Assistant, Surveying Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering Technician, and Geotechnical Lab Technician.

Each microcredential is a focused set of for-credit courses that can be completed quicker than a degree, often in as little time as one semester. Upon completion of these courses, students have developed high-demand skills and earned a credential that can be useful in obtaining employment or advancement in their current job. The credits earned from the courses can also be applied toward an associate degree if the student chooses to continue their education at some point.

The Clinical Medical Assistant microcredential program consists of four classes, including an internship, and will provide students with the skills and resources for employment as part of a healthcare team. 

The Medical Office Administrative Assistant program prepares students for the specialized office work of a medical setting. Classes include computer skills, medical terminology, and an internship. 

The Surveying Technician microcredential can be earned with the completion of just two courses, and aligns with needs expressed by local industry partners in public works and construction. 

The Civil Engineering Technician program can be completed with three classes, preparing students for entry-level jobs by teaching how to read and interpret construction drawings, understand common construction materials, and draft and design plans using industry software. 

The Electrical Engineering Technician microcredential requires the completion of four classes and gives students the tools needed to succeed in an entry-level position in advanced manufacturing and electronics. 

The Geotechnical Lab Technician program provides students with an understanding of soil properties as related to the engineering of foundations, knowledge of the strength of various types of construction materials, and training in technical writing. The microcredential can be achieved with the completion of three courses.

For more information visit www.tompkinscortland.edu/microcredentials