New partnership with FTCC equals new opportunities for RCC students
A new partnership formed between Fayetteville Technical Community College and Robeson Community College means new opportunities for students in Robeson County.
The new agreement was signed in early August and gives RCC students a competitive advantage when seeking to apply to the dental assisting, dental hygiene, and funeral services programs at Fayetteville Tech.
“These programs are very competitive at FTCC,” stated Dr. LaRonda Lowery, assistant vice president of instructional services. “This partnership levels the playing field as there will be six seats reserved in the dental assisting program and four seats reserved in the dental hygiene program for RCC students.”
So, how does the partnership work?
Students will complete general education credits at Robeson Community College and then will transfer to FTCC to complete the program specific classes required for the associate degree in dental assisting, dental hygiene or funeral services education, upon being accepted into the program chosen.
“We are just really excited for this opportunity,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “We know this is going to be a perfect fit for our college, it will allow students to stay local while completing core curriculum courses, and we believe this will provide many opportunities for our students in the future.
“This is also a great opportunity for Robeson Community College to meet the needs of our local workforce,” stated Eric Freeman, the vice president of continuing education and workforce development. “Through this partnership, more RCC students will have an opportunity to be admitted into these programs and become employable in their respective fields as they come back to work in Robeson County after they graduate.”
Lowery agrees and hopes students interested in the dental programs or funeral service education will try to get a jumpstart on earning their degree this fall.
“The time is now to get started on your degree,” Lowery said. “We have several opportunities in the near future including 12-week classes that begin September 12th and 8-week classes that begin on October 12.”
“There are many general education classes available during these two sessions,” Lowery adds. “So, if you come out to RCC and register for 12 or the 8-week classes, you could potentially be eligible to apply to FTCC at the end of the Spring term if you attend full-time, and be well on your way to completing your degree in dental hygiene, dental assisting, or funeral services and be completed by Spring 2025.”
Students seeking to enter FayTech through the agreement must still meet program application requirements and be admitted into the program.
“It all begins with completing the RCC application, which can be done online at www.robeson.edu/apply-now or you can visit us on the main campus in Lumberton and speak with officials in our Admissions Office located in Building 13,” Lowery stated.
For more information on the new partnership between Robeson Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College, please visit our website https://www.robeson.edu/academics/dental-hygiene-dental-assisting-funeral-services.
