November 2009, Volume 13, Number 8

Features

Research: MDC leads the nation in awarding associate degrees

Every year, Miami Dade has consistently ranked No. 1 when it comes to the number of associate degrees awarded. This year, the College again graduated more African-Americans and Hispanics with associate degrees than any other college or university in the nation.

MDC also ranked first in graduating associate degree holders from all minority groups for the second time since the last record was compiled in 2005.

These numbers are contained in the 2009 edition of Community College Week’s Top 100 Associate Degree Producers.

MDC also has provided a steady stream of graduates in health professions and related clinical services, ranking in the top five in the nation in this category. Training in this industry is vital to the U.S. economy because health-related fields are one of the 20th fastest growing occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For example, the current nursing shortage is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and health care needs grow. In Florida alone, the need for nursing services is expected to nearly quadruple by 2020. Helping to address this dire need, MDC ranked second in the nation in producing nursing associate degree graduates.

— Barbara Bickel


More Features Articles

Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status sexual orientation, or genetic information. Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs/ADA Coordinator, at 305.237.2577 for information.