Dual Certificate – Allied Health Careers

Essex County College launched the Dual Certificate – Allied Health Careers project to expand educational access and workforce readiness in the health services sector. The project focuses on integrating industry-valued certifications into existing academic pathways, enabling students to earn credentials in Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography (EKG) alongside their General Science associate degree studies.

To increase access for diverse learners, the college introduced a cost-free pilot Phlebotomy and EKG certification program for a cohort of 20 students. This dual-credential approach equips students with both academic foundations and hands-on skills in high-demand allied health fields. The initiative also includes a non-credit to credit bridge in Medical Terminology, where students can earn 3 college credits through a faculty-proctored exam, encouraging upward mobility in the healthcare pathway.

The college further enhanced its Dual Enrollment partnership with Weequahic High School by offering new science courses—Biology, Chemistry, and Medical Terminology—supporting early college access and interest in health-related careers.

Overall, this project exemplifies Essex County College’s commitment to student advancement and healthcare workforce development through flexible, accessible, and credential-embedded pathways.