Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) has added a new academic degree program that will open up new opportunities for careers in health care. The associate of science (A.S.) in Health Sciences degree program has been approved by the TC3 Board of Trustees, the New York State Education Department, and the State University of New York (SUNY). Students can start enrolling in the new program for the Spring 2026 semester.

While TC3 has offered a highly respected nursing program for more than 50 years, there remains a continuous demand for health care professionals in a variety of other disciplines. The Health Sciences program will address that demand by providing a foundation for many health professions such as X-ray Imaging, Ultrasound Imaging, Respiratory Therapy, and Radiation Therapy. 

“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.”

The Health Sciences degree is designed as a transfer degree where graduates of TC3 can continue on at a four-year institution for their bachelor’s degrees. 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.”