Rappahannock Community College: A Gateway to Education and Career Advancement

Rappahannock Community College (RCC), established in 1970, is a public community college serving the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions of Virginia. With two campuses, one in Glenns (Gloucester County) and the other in Warsaw (Richmond County), and three off-campus sites in Kilmarnock, King George, and New Kent County, RCC provides accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. As one of the twenty-three colleges in the Virginia Community College System, RCC plays a vital role in inspiring excellence, strengthening communities, and transforming lives through quality education and skills training.

Accreditation and Program Approvals

Rappahannock Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. In addition to associate degrees, RCC may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. This accreditation ensures that RCC meets rigorous standards of quality and accountability, providing students with a valuable and recognized education.

Specific programs at RCC also hold specialized accreditations and approvals. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN program) and the Certificate program in Practical Nursing (PN program) are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in the healthcare field. The EMS Programs, Basic, and Advanced through Intermediate, are accredited by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Service, demonstrating RCC's commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical training.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

Rappahannock Community College offers a wide range of academic programs, from associate degrees to certificates and career studies certificates. These programs are designed to prepare students for the job market, provide new skills for career advancement, or serve as a stepping stone to further education at a four-year institution.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Associate of Applied Science degree is designed to provide specific programmatic coursework that prepares students for the workplace or provides new skills for career advancement. In general, this degree is not transferable to a four-year institution, as it focuses on practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to specific careers.

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Certificate Programs

The Certificate programs are designed to provide specific programmatic coursework that prepares students for the workplace or provides new skills for career advancement. These programs offer focused training in specific areas, allowing students to quickly gain the skills and knowledge needed to enter or advance in their chosen field.

Career Studies Program Options

Career studies program options are developed and implemented as community needs are identified and institutional resources permit. These programs are tailored to meet the specific workforce demands of the local area, providing students with relevant and in-demand skills.

Dual Enrollment

RCC has Dual Enrollment agreements with most local high school systems to offer college-level courses that can be taken at the college or the high school location. This allows high school students to get a head start on their college education, earning college credit while still in high school.

Online Learning

Some degree programs are available as an online learning option, providing students with the flexibility to pursue their education from anywhere with an internet connection. This option is particularly beneficial for students who have work or family obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional on-campus classes.

Student Life and Support Services

Rappahannock Community College provides a supportive and engaging environment for its students. With a small, rural campus setting and a student-faculty ratio of 18-to-1, students receive personalized attention and have the opportunity to build strong relationships with their instructors and peers.

Academic and Career Counseling

RCC offers academic/career counseling services to help students explore their academic and career options, develop educational plans, and achieve their goals. These services provide students with the guidance and support they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Services for Students with Learning Disabilities

RCC provides learning disabilities services to support students with disabilities and ensure that they have equal access to educational opportunities. These services may include accommodations, assistive technology, and individualized instruction.

Employment Services

Rappahannock Community College helps students prepare for the job market and find employment through a variety of services. While specific details on employment services are not available, RCC's Workforce and Community Development Center plays a key role in connecting students with local employers and providing them with the skills and training they need to succeed in the workforce.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Rappahannock Community College is committed to making education affordable and accessible to all students. The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses.

At Rappahannock Community College, 32 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,575. Students can also apply for scholarships through the RCC Educational Foundation.

Workforce and Community Development

RCC's Workforce and Community Development Center offers cost-effective, flexible, comprehensive, and responsive programs designed around business, industry, and education needs. These programs provide individuals and organizations with the skills and training they need to succeed in today's competitive economy.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Community

RCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities. The college is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Leadership

Dr. Shannon L. Kennedy became the fourth president of Rappahannock Community College on July 1, 2019. Her leadership is guiding RCC into a new era of growth and innovation, ensuring that the college continues to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community.

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