The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) conducted a survey of community colleges in 2004 to identify hot programs and homeland security training needs. To complete the survey, AACC sent it to chief academic officers at more than 1,100 community colleges. Hot programs are defined as those that have a large market demand for graduating students. I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss highlights of the survey.

The top five fields of study were identified as allied health, information technologies, skilled trades-industrial, business, and public services. Among the allied health programs, registered nursing was the most prevalent, constituting almost 20% of all hot programs. Nearly 47% of all hot programs were in the allied health field. This trend reflects the current workforce needs of the country and our region.

The top 15 hot programs included: registered nursing, law enforcement, licensed practical nursing, radiology, computer technologies, automotive, nursing assistant, dental hygiene, health information technology, construction, education, business, networking, electronics, and medical assistant. I believe it is important to note here that Halifax Community College (HCC) offers just about all of these cutting-edge programs. As you can tell, our programs are relevant nationwide and in the Roanoke Valley.

The survey identified that 16% of students were enrolled in registered nursing programs. Noting this figure, let me emphasize that HCC has a highly rated nursing program. In fact, on the National Council Licensure Examination last year, our registered nurses (RN) pass rate was 95%. That means that 21 out of 22 graduates passed the exam on their first attempt. The national first time RN pass rate was 88%. The pass rate for HCC's practical nurses (PN) class was 94% --18 out of 19 passed on the first attempt. The national first time PN pass rate was 87%.

In looking at the hottest programs by region, registered nursing, computer technologies, law enforcement, and radiology, all ranked at the top in the South. In fact, law enforcement was identified as a hot program in five of the eight regions. HCC has one of the best programs in law enforcement in our region. We train police officers, detention officers, telecommunicators, emergency medical technicians, firefighters and partner with law enforcement agencies to meet the needs of today. Our Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy graduated its 31st class in December. A number of cadets already had multiple job offers prior to graduation and were heavily recruited. In the past, graduates have gone on to work for local and state agencies around the state, some earning certification in other states as well.

While in the academy, cadets go through 35 mandated blocks of instruction and study firearms, rapid deployment, ex plosives and hazardous materials, law enforcement driver training and anti-terrorism. With more demand for and focus on homeland security, we at HCC are evaluating our current offerings and looking to the future for a possible expansion of our law enforcement program.

The overall average starting salary for all hot program graduates was around $32,000. And, when students graduate with an associate degree, it is almost a sure bet that they will find employment in their field. Community colleges educate 50% of new nurses and the majority of other new health care workers. Of the businesses and organizations that employ community college graduates, 95% recommend community college workforce education and training programs.

The ten occupations with the largest job growth predicted again included programs offered at HCC—registered nursing, teaching, customer services, and nursing aides. The college has partnerships in place, such as our education program with Elizabeth City State University, where we are set to train people for these growth careers.

From the President's Perspective, the results of the survey show that community colleges, including HCC, are prepared to meet the educational needs of the new economy. HCC is offering programs that are not only hot nationwide, but also are needed in our local area. I encourage students graduating from high school and adults making career transitions or upgrading their skills to consider programs in allied health, education, business, computers, law enforcement or many others offered by HCC. These are no doubt the hottest programs now, and will be for some time to come.