Somerset Community College to offer new health sciences education programs at Russell Center in 2027

Somerset Community College has recently announced a large expansion of health sciences education programs to its Russell Center. This expansion will bring new opportunities for career training to students in and around Russell County, Kentucky starting next year.

The expansion will provide a range of options for in demand healthcare specializations so that students will be prepared for careers in the state’s ever expanding healthcare workforce.

Starting in the spring semester of 2027, Somerset Community College’s Russell Center will offer:

An Entry Level Pharmacy Technology Certificate. This will be a 16 week course designed to prepare students to be able to work in entry-level pharmacy technician positions and to move on to national certification opportunities.

An Electrocardiogram (or EKG) Technician Certificate. This will be a short-term, bi-term credential that can be finished in around eight weeks. The program will prepare students to be able to conduct electrocardiograms as well as develop skills in cardiac monitoring and rhythm recognition.

A Phlebotomy Technician Certificate. This will be a short-term credential that can also be finished in around eight weeks. Students who complete the credential will be given hands-on training in blood collection techniques and a range of other related clinical skills.

Starting in the Fall Semester of 2027, a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS will also be available. This will be a two year, selective admissions program. Students who complete this program will be prepared to work in careers in diagnostic ultrasound such as abdominal, and  obstetric/gynecologic sonography. The program started at the London Campus during the fall 2026 semester, and will expand to the Russell Springs campus. Students can participate in synchronous instruction across the two locations. More information will be available on the program’s webpage soon.

In an article posted on Somerset Community College’s website, Regina Haugen, who serves as the Administrator of SCC’s Russell and Casey Centers, was quoted about the expansion, saying, “This expansion is about creating opportunities for students to train for meaningful, high-demand careers without having to leave their community to do it. At the same time, we are helping address a very real workforce need for healthcare providers throughout our region. It is exciting to see the Russell Center growing in a way that will have a lasting impact on both our students and the communities we serve.”

Somerset adding these new programs signals a large investment in the future of healthcare education at the school and in Russell County more broadly. Students will have the chance to learn new skills through hands-on learning, develop skills in areas necessary to the healthcare industry, and prepare for careers that benefit their lives as well as the lives of everyone in their community.

Enrollment for the Spring 2027 semester is currently taking place. Students and members of the community who are interested in learning more about what is available at the Russell Center can call the Center’s phone number at 270-858-651, or email Regina Haugen at regina.haugen@kctcs.edu.

More information about everything offered by Somerset Community College can be found at the school’s website.