College Sees 32% Enrollment Increase Year-over-Year, 6th Consecutive Year of Record Enrollment to Address Industry’s Demand for Skilled Workforce

Johnson College proudly announces a remarkable milestone as it experiences its sixth consecutive year of record enrollment, with overall student numbers surging by an impressive 32% year over year. This unprecedented growth underscores the increasing interest and value in the College’s hands-on, industry-immersed, career-focused education across all its 18 programs.

“A sixth consecutive year of record enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the quality of our programs, and the increasing recognition of the value of a Johnson College hands-on, technical education.” Said Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Johnson College, “The College’s growth at both of its campuses is not only a sign of its success but also a promising indicator of the future of technical education and its role in shaping our future skilled workforce.”

Johnson College offers a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s industries. With state-of-the-art classrooms and labs and strong industry partnerships, students have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for real-world experience. The College’s focus on technical education ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills to help build strong regional and national industries.

“We’re excited to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students into all our programs,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “As industry demands continue to evolve, Johnson College will continue to answer the call for our highly skilled technicians and technologists. With the growth of high-demand technical careers showing no signs of slowing, we will continue to work with our employer partners to ensure our students are equipped for career success and ready to meet the future head-on.”

The College’s commitment to its students and industry partners is evident in these exceptional enrollment increases. Programs are preparing students for industries experiencing faster-than-average national 10-year growth trends, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, these include Veterinary Nursing (21% increase), Medical Equipment Repair (13% increase), and HVAC and Electrical Construction (6% increase) industries. Some Johnson College enrollment highlights include:

  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology: Enrollment has risen by 10% from the previous year, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this essential field.
  • Electrical Construction Technology: This program has seen a 35% increase, highlighting the burgeoning demand for highly trained residential and commercial electricians, and industrial engineering technicians.
  • Architectural Drafting and Design Technology: Enrollment has surged by 57%, marking one of the most significant growth areas driven by the expanding architectural and design industry.
  • Aviation Technology: In its second year, this program has experienced a 32% increase in enrollment, demonstrating the clear demand for well-trained aviation technicians in an industry facing a shrinking workforce.
  • Biomedical Equipment Technology: The 43% rise in enrollment reflects the heightened interest in the Healthcare Technology Management industry.
  • Electronic Engineering Technology: This program’s 17% growth demonstrates ongoing enthusiasm for careers in electronic instrumentation and related fields.
  • Veterinary Nursing: A 56% increase in enrollment highlights the growing passion for animal care and veterinary sciences.
  • Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology: Enrollment has risen by 28%, signaling continued robust interest in skilled trades and manufacturing.

Additionally, Johnson College has seen a notable increase year-to-year in enrollment from various age groups:

  • Directly from high school: 11%
  • Ages 19-21: 35%
  • Ages 22+: 23%
  • Ages 25+: 13%

Johnson College is excited to welcome a diverse group of students this academic year and looks forward to continuing its commitment to being the leader in hands-on, industry-focused education in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Johnson College’s Kimberly Konopka ’07, Inducted as an Inaugural Fellow of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators

Kimberly Konopka ’07, BS, AS, CVT, FVTE, Program Director of Johnson College’s two-year Veterinary Nursing Associates Degree program, has been honored as an inaugural Fellow of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE). This prestigious designation recognizes Konopka’s exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership in veterinary technician education.

The AVTE Fellows Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing the profession through leadership, mentorship, and innovation in their daily efforts.

The inaugural class of AVTE Fellows was inducted at the 2024 AVTE Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. The selection process for this honor, a rigorous self-study, showcased Konopka’s dedication to the field.

“I am deeply honored to become an AVTE Fellow,” said Konopka. “This designation reflects my commitment to the profession and highlights the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and students who inspire me daily. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of veterinary technician education.”

AVTE Fellows can use a new designation, “FVTE,” in all communications and have opportunities to participate in unique programming only available to fellows. AVTE is committed to supporting initiatives that the class of Fellows will design to advance veterinary technician education.

“To become a Fellow of the AVTE recognizes true commitment to our shared mission,” commented Jen Serling, AVTE’s Immediate Past President. “We are honored to recognize the collective achievements of our inaugural class of Fellows and believe that their collective voice will play a leading role in the future of veterinary care,” Serling concluded.

About the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE):

AVTE focuses on promoting quality education in veterinary technology and supporting the professional growth of veterinary technician educators. The association provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to help members enhance their teaching skills and advance the profession.

Cruise Night on Campus with Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc

Cruise Night on Campus, in partnership with the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc., will take place Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Johnson College’s Scranton campus from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All unique, rare, custom, hot rod, and collector vehicles can start rolling in at 3:00 p.m. to be lined up on the campus’s front lawn. Spectator admission is free, and there is no vehicle entry fee.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening with cars, music, food, a 50/50 raffle, and giveaways! All proceeds benefit Johnson College. 

For more details, contact Johnson College’s Manager of Fundraising Events, Patty DeScipio, at pdescipio@johnson.edu or 570-702-8860.

Johnson College Enrolling for New Pharmacy Technician Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its new Pharmacy Technician program, beginning at both its Scranton and Hazleton campuses. The program will run at Johnson College Scranton on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. starting October 7th. The program will run at Johnson College Hazleton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. starting October 15th.

This comprehensive 50-hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in retail or other pharmacy setting. Course content includes pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Through classroom lectures and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.

This program meets the requirements needed to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam as well as the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Pharmacy Technician (PTAC) exam.

Participants of the Pharmacy Technician program will be eligible to participate in an optional, 80-hour clinical externship. Requirements for the externship include a resume; waiver; release form; statement of health; vaccines for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series, Tdap (within the last 10 years); a TB test (within the last 12 months); background check; drug screen; and state registration if applicable.

The total cost of the course is $1,650 which includes textbooks, a PTCB exam voucher, and a PTCB prep course.

To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/pharmacytech/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Scranton Enrolling for 285 Computer Numerical Control Course

Johnson College is now enrolling for its 285 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) course at its Scranton campus. The course will run Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 10:15 p.m. beginning September 3, 2024, and ending November 25, 2024.

The 285-hour non-credit certificate Computer Numerical Control training is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand machining field. The course covers the theory and hands-on practice of both conventional and computer numerical control machining fields. In addition to math for machinists, emphasis on the use of metals and the stresses placed upon them will be taught.

The total cost of the course is $4,200. Participants must have a GED or high school diploma.

To learn more or to enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/285-computer-numerical-control-cnc/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.