ROSEBURG, Ore., Aug. 10, 2023—This fall term at Umpqua Community College, students will have the opportunity to get on the path to high-wage careers as they train to become medical assistants, paramedics, medical office managers, phlebotomists, dieticians, sports therapists, water quality specialists, robotics engineers, machine learning engineers, accounting, viticulturists, and more. Two new degrees and ten new certificates are now available at UCC. These programs have been built in collaboration with local industry partners and will provide students with expertise in high-growth areas where employers are searching for talent.

UCC partnered with local companies such as Roseburg Forest Products, 7 Robotics, Orenco, and others to answer the growing need for specialization in the advanced manufacturing field. UCC added a Mechatronics program, which incorporates new classes in computer systems, robotics, control systems, electronics and machining. UCC leveraged the courses from some of the strong existing programs, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Welding, and Forest Manufacturing, to provide new options for students. Students will receive expert instruction to work in advanced manufacturing as robotics engineers, automation engineers, or data scientists.

“At 7robotics, we look for employees with the skills and knowledge gained through the mechatronics program offered by UCC. These include Robotic Technicians, Design Engineers, and other technical roles,” said Joey Koenig, business director of 7robotics. “We strongly support the Mechatronics coursework, especially Automation Programming, Electricity for Mechatronics, and Robotics in Manufacturing. Students with a firm grasp on these skills will be ahead of the game when they enter the workforce.”

UCC has also heavily invested in healthcare programs to meet the high demand in our local area for well-trained professionals. There is a surplus of open healthcare positions in Douglas County with salaries that range from $20 to over $40 an hour, according to Lightcast labor market statistics. UCC is answering this need with new medical programs. The Allied Healthcare programs will now encompass Nursing, Certified Medical Assistant, Dental, EMS, Occupational Therapy, Phlebotomy, Medical Business, and Exercise Science. Many certificates that lead to these jobs can be accomplished in one year, such as Emergency Medical Services, or less, such as Phlebotomy Assistant. This fall, UCC’s 64 nursing students will also qualify for their Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) license after their first year of education.

With the new Exercise Science degree offering, students will have the opportunity to work in sports medicine, nutrition, sports psychology, coaching, wellness & fitness management, and many other health-related fields. In their first year of college, students can begin completion of many of their Exercise Science or Kinesiology degree credits at UCC and transfer to a university.

After extensive input from the local winery industry, UCC added two tracks for students to learn how to grow grapes, manage a cellar and work in tasting room management. These certificates will allow students to learn inside UCC’s own 5-acre vineyard on campus and have opportunities to connect and learn from the talented wine industry professionals in Douglas County. This blend gives students a variety of experiences that will benefit them professionally.

“These new programs are a win-win as they not only offer opportunities for local residents to get on the path to a living wage career, but they also fulfill the local demand with skilled workers,” said Teresa Rivenes, UCC Vice President of Academics.

The new program line-up includes:

• Nursing: Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program
• Certified Medical Assistant: one-year certificate
• Exercise Science: Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree
• Phlebotomy credit program
• Mechatronics certificate
• Artificial Intelligence / Expert Systems: Automation, Machine Learning and Robotics Certificate
• Water Quality: Associate of Applied Science degree, Water Quality Certificate, Water Quality Pathway Certificate
• Business: Accounting certificate
• Viticulture: Viticulture and Enology Certificate, Wine Business and Marketing Operations Certificate

Students can gain a certificate to begin work immediately after graduation or transfer to a university for an advanced degree.

Registration is open until Sept 25, and scholarships are available. Foundation scholarships opened for applications on Aug.1 and are available to apply until Aug. 31.

Explore new programs, view scholarships available and apply at umpqua.edu