TC3 Announces New Degree Program in Health Sciences

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) has announced a new academic degree program, which the school says, will open up new opportunities for careers in health care. Approved by the TC3 Board of Trustees, the New York State Education Department, and the State University of New York, TC3 will now offer associates in science in Health Sciences. Enrollment for the new degree program is open with the program beginning in the Spring 2026 semester.

“There is a well-documented need for professionals in the health professions,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek. “There are high-wage, high-demand jobs in health care, with significant employment opportunities in our area, as well as statewide and nationally. Many of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree, which makes the agreements we have in place with SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY Cortland, and Alfred University a big advantage for our graduates. They can start at TC3 knowing they have a clear path to a bachelor’s degree and a rewarding career.”

TC3 has offered a nursing program for over 50 years, but says there is a continuous demand for health care professionals in a variety of other disciplines. TC3’s Health Sciences program will address this by offering a foundation for many health professions including X-ray imaging, Ultrasound Imaging, Respiratory Therapy and Radiation Therapy.

The Health Sciences degree was designed as a transfer degree, TC3 added, where graduates may continue on at a four-year university for their bachelor’s. According to TC3, agreements are already in place for graduates of the TC3 Health Science program to transfer seamlessly to SUNY Upstate Medical University for Respiratory Therapy, Medical Imaging and Radiology, and Radiation Therapy and Ultrasound; to SUNY Cortland for Community Health; and to Alfred University for Sports and Health Sciences.

“The creation of a new academic program involves the work of many people, but it can’t happen without the efforts of dedicated faculty members who prioritize the current and future success of our students,” said Kremenek. “I’m very grateful for the work of so many people at TC3, as well as the support of local employers who recognize the necessity of this program and are eager to hire in these high-demand fields.”