Florida First in Nation for Associates and Nursing Degrees

When it comes to its community colleges, Florida is no stranger to staying ahead of the pack. As of the 2007-08 academic year, According to a report conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, Florida's schools will have awarded more associate degrees than any other state for a total of seven years running. Two schools in particular, Manatee Community College and Edison State College, earned special recognition as top nursing schools, both ranking within the Top 50 schools producing nursing degrees in the United States -- no small feat considering the current nationwide nursing shortage.

Ranking high on both lists came as good news to MCC, said Katherine Walker, the director of public affairs.

"We're really happy about it," she said. "It shows how committed we are to supporting and maintaining the quality of our associate's degrees."

In addition to the successes of Edison and MCC, Florida schools were able to top lists for awarding degrees to minorities and black students, as well as leading the nation in the following categories:

• degrees in health professions and related sciences;
• degrees in nursing;
• degrees in liberal arts and sciences, humanities and general studies.

On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Education reported that 49,354 associate degrees were awarded last year in Florida. This is more than 4,500 greater than the numberof degrees awarded across the state in the 2006-2007 academic year.

Of course, MCC and Edison are not alone in their recognition. Of the state's 28 community colleges, an impressive 18 ranked within Community College Week's Top 100 list of associate's degree producers -- not only impressive for Florida on any scale, but also besting the state's previous record of 17. Congratulations, Florida, and keep up the good work!

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