Working in conjunction with other accredited New York State institutions of higher education, Erie Community College has created several programs in which the student completes part of the degree mandates at ECC and the remainder at an affiliated school. This may provide substantial cost savings to the student and reduces unneeded duplication of resources by the schools involved.
Currently, ECC offers the following affiliated programs:
- Professional Pilot (Jamestown Community College) ECC Contact - Professor John Danna: (716) 851-1360; and
- Mortuary Science (Simmons Institute, Hudson Valley Community College, or SUNY Canton) ECC Contact- Professor John G. Eagan: (716) 851-1083.
Upon successful completion of stipulated work, the affiliated institution will award a degree and the student will be eligible to sit for the appropriate licensure examination.
Each of the institutions awarding mortuary science degrees offers programs with unique completion requirements. The student is strongly advised upon admission to ECC to maintain frequent contact with advisers at the institution where they wish to complete their work to assure that they are taking the appropriate courses at ECC.
Mortuary Science
Erie Community College has entered into an agreement with three New York State institutions offering preparation for a career in Mortuary Science. This agreement permits the students to complete approximately one-half of an associate degree in mortuary science at ECC. The student must them transfer to one of the affiliated schools to complete training in this area.
ECC’s agreements are with Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY and SUNY Canton in Canton, NY. All institutions offer a different advantage over the others. Simmons is geographically the closest to Buffalo. HVCC offers much of its program online. SUNY Canton permits students to continue on for a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. ECC strongly suggests that candidates contact each school to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Each school differs somewhat in terms of course requirements. In that Simmons, HVCC or SUNY Canton will award the degree, ECC urges students to work closely with the school they plan to attend to assure that they are taking the courses needed at their degree-granting college.
Please note that completion of one-half of students’ work at ECC is cost efficient and convenient. In general, ECC will offer coursework in business, biology, English and social science. The transfer school will stress such topics as embalming, restorative art and mortuary law. Upon completion of all coursework prescribed with a satisfactory academic average, the student is awarded a degree and is eligible, after meeting internship and other requirements, to sit for the national exam.
Professional Pilot
Erie Community College and Jamestown Community College have a joint registration agreement offering preparation for a career as a professional pilot. This agreement allows the student to complete approximately one-half of the course degree requirements at ECC, at which time he or she transfers to JCC for aviation training. ECC urges students to work closely with JCC to assure that they are taking the courses needed at Jamestown. Professor John Danna will answer fundamental questions; he can be reached at (716) 851-1360. Specific degree requirements should be addressed to Professor Rick Rupprecht, director of aviation at JCC. He can be reached at (716) 665- 5220, ext. 2384 or at RickRupprecht@mail.sunyjcc.edu.
Please note that completion of students’ non-aviation courses at ECC is cost efficient and convenient. In general, ECC will provide coursework in English, mathematics, physics, meteorology, geography and computer literacy. JCC will provide the core aviation courses and several other degree requirements. Upon completion of all prescribed coursework with a satisfactory average, the student will be awarded the A.A.S. in Professional Piloting degree and will be a Certified Flight Instructor-Airplane
upon F.A.A. certification.
This program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional pilots. Students successfully completing all mandates will hold the FAA certifications of Private and Commercial Pilot, with Instrument rating, and the designation of Certified Flight Instructor-Airplane. All instruction occurs pursuant to Part 141 of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Students may also elect to obtain the multi-engine and the Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument ratings. Graduates may choose to work as Certified Flight Instructors. The advantages are substantial. Certified Flight Instructors may log the same hours as their students, earn compensation and be waived of airplane rental fees. Should a student desire to fly for a commercial airline, he or she would be advised to earn the appropriate four-year degree.
Surgical Technology
Surgical technologists are essential members of the modern health care team. Primarily relied upon to prepare surgical supplies and equipment in operating and emergency rooms, they can find lucrative employment opportunities in a number of related areas. Given their thorough training in medical equipment and supply use, they are ideal hospital and clinic purchasing agents, material managers and sterile supply supervisors.
A sister institution, Niagara County Community College, offers an excellent Surgical Technology program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). To assist residents of Erie County desiring a career in this field, NCCC and Erie Community College have developed a jointly registered associate degree in Surgical Technology.
For detailed information, consult the Web site, http://catalog.niagaracc.suny.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=6&poid=276&returnto=132 or contact the Program Director, Gemma Fournier, RN, MSN, CST at Fournier@niagaracc.suny.edu.
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