Sussex County Community College to launch patient care, sports management programs for fall 2026
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College will expand its academic offerings with two new programs — Patient Care Technician and Sports Management — set to launch in the fall 2026 semester.
College officials said both programs are designed to meet workforce demand while providing students with hands-on training and career-focused education.
The new Patient Care Technician program will prepare students for roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings. The college recently received a $25,000 grant from the John and Margaret Post Foundation to support the program’s development and launch.
“We are grateful to the John and Margaret Post Foundation,” said President Dr. Cory Homer. “The grant will enable us to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the healthcare field, which will ultimately benefit our students and the community.”
Patient care technicians assist with a range of clinical and support tasks, including recording vital signs, helping with patient mobility, collecting blood samples, performing electrocardiograms and providing basic life support. The program will include hands-on training and prepare students for national certification requirements.
“We are excited to launch this new program and expand our offerings in healthcare education,” said Dr. Suzan Melik, allied health program supervisor. “This grant not only enhances our curriculum but also reinforces SCCC’s role as a provider of education and workforce development in Sussex County.”
The college will also introduce a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Sports Management, aimed at preparing students for careers in the growing sports and recreation industry.
Students in the program will study areas such as sports marketing, event and facility management, athletic administration and sports finance, while gaining practical experience through internships and applied projects.
“This program reflects our commitment to aligning academic offerings with workforce demand and student interest,” Homer said. “The sports industry in the United States generates more than $50 billion annually and continues to expand across youth sports, recreation, and sports tourism. By launching this degree, Sussex County Community College is creating new pathways for students to enter a dynamic and competitive field.”
Officials said the program is designed to support regional workforce development and provide opportunities for students pursuing careers in athletics, recreation and sports-related businesses.
Enrollment for the fall 2026 semester opened March 23. Prospective students can apply online at sussex.edu/apply or contact the Admissions Office at 973-300-2223.
