TCC offers active-duty military new pathway in career and technical fields

Active-duty military now have a pathway in career and technical fields with bright employment outlooks, thanks to a new partnership between Tidewater Community College, the Department of Defense and Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC).

In consultation with the Department of Defense, the SOC has developed a Career and Technical Education Resource List that identifies credit-bearing certificate programs in career and technical education.

Nationwide, only 33 colleges and universities offer the approved programs, and TCC is the lone institution in Virginia selected for participation.

Active-duty military can pursue the following certificate programs at TCC and be guaranteed their credits will transfer to another SOC institution:

•   Electrical Wiring
•   Electronics Engineering Technology
•   Information Systems Technology
•   Medical Administrative Assistant
•   Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic
•   Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate

These certificate programs build upon military training and experience, each with favorable employment prospects as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

While each of the certificates are stand-alone credentials that can assist service members with employment options upon leaving the military, all of them can also lead to associate and bachelor’s degrees.

“This is a great opportunity to start a credential that stacks into an associate degree,” said Randy Rice, director for military academic programs at TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education. “Both levels of credential provide a great career or workforce qualification.”

Active-duty military who participate in the SOC are assured that credits they earn at one school will transfer to other SOC schools, allowing them to pursue higher education regardless of their duty station.

The SOC coordinates associate and bachelor’s programs for members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army National Guard.

For information, contact the CMVE at 757-822-7761.