(Marion) For the second year in a row, Marion Technical College is starting Fall Semester with an increase in enrollment, bucking national trends. A total of 2,545 students start classes today, August 26, with an increase of 6.5% from last fall. General student credit hours are up 5% and credit hours for high school students taking early college are up 23%. These 982 high school students are taking college credit at no cost to them through the College Credit Plus program. This translates to more than $1,082,520 in free college tuition this semester, without the cost of books or fees.
“It’s exciting to see students of all ages taking steps toward their future careers,” said Dr. Ryan McCall, president of MTC. “Our faculty and staff truly want to help these students get to next.”
A total of 31 classes have zero textbook costs, and more classes are being developed using Open Educational Resources (OER). The quality, openly licensed study materials have helped instructors improve teaching and learning and saved MTC students $289,520 since this program began a year ago.
“These high quality materials free faculty and students from a single textbook’s approach to course material and allow professors to use a variety of materials and sources to teach the subject,” said Dr. Lori Barr, faculty and OER coordinator. “It also helps students who may not be able to afford textbooks and then struggle to pass a class. They have the study materials they need to succeed from day one.”
MTC is also welcoming its first surgical technology students. This new program trains students for the growing field of assisting in operations, as well as the sterile processes needed to keep surgical instruments clean. MTC created this program in response to a need expressed by local health care employers. Jobs in this area are expected to grow 12% through 2024.
The new enhanced OhioHealth Human Anatomy & Physiology lab is also opening this semester in Bryson Hall at MTC. Students studying anatomy and physiology will be able to study two human cadavers, which will enhance learning by providing practical experience. OhioHealth doctors will also be able to practice new techniques in the lab without driving to Columbus. MTC also acquired a state-of-the-art Anamotage Virtual Dissection table that is used in Nursing, Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and other health courses.
MTC’s average class size is 17 for a lab and 24 for a lecture class. Nearly all of MTC’s majors involve an internship or co-op experiences to enable students to get real world experience. Most of MTC’s faculty are experienced in their field and bring that practical knowledge to the classroom. At just $5500 a year for tuition and course fees, MTC is an affordable investment in your future. For students who qualify, a Pell grant covers the entire cost of tuition. More than 90% of MTC students receive financial aid – grants, loans, or scholarships.
Classes for more than 60 majors, certificates and transfer programs are offered in person and online. For more information, visit www.mtc.edu or call 740-389-4636.
Attached photo: MTC student ambassadors are ready to guide students around the beautiful Marion Campus.
Wendy Weichenthal
Public Relations Specialist
(740) 386-4140
1467 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Marion, OH
43302-5694
www.mtc.edu
