Johnson College Now Enrolling for Medical Assistant Program

Johnson College is now enrolling for its Medical Assistant program at its Scranton campus. The program will run Mondays through Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning January 6, 2025.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Hosts Instant Decision Day for Veterans and Service Members

Johnson College’s Instant Decision Day for Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Military will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held virtually and in person on the College’s Scranton campus in Ideal Saldi Hall. To register to attend in person or virtually, visit Johnson.edu/instant.

During the Instant Decision Event, Johnson College will provide prospective veteran students and those currently serving in the U.S. military with an immediate enrollment decision. They must supply their high school transcripts and can bring their college and military transcripts if applicable. It is highly recommended that the prospective student completes an application before attending.

Applications for Johnson College’s Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Veterinary Nursing programs are excluded from instant decisions.

Johnson College Hosts Annual Scholarship Breakfast

Johnson College hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast today, November 13, at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. The event recognized the scholarship recipients and honored the generous donors who made scholarships available to students.

The College awarded 82 students with scholarships. Andrew Abrams, a second-year student in Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program and recipient of the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship and the Janie Lamberton Memorial Scholarship served as the student speaker at the event.

“I deeply appreciate the financial support these scholarships provide for me and many other students who rely on this assistance to continue their education,” Abrams said.

He stated that the generosity of the scholarship donors and the support from Johnson College allows him to pursue his studies and dream of helping pets lead long and healthy lives.

Andrew Abrams, a Johnson College Veterinary Nursing program student, spoke at the College’s Annual Scholarship Breakfast at Fiorelli Family Catering. During the event, 82 students received scholarships from various community and industry partners.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Dave Thomas, Secretary of the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club incorporated, a club that has long supported the College and its Automotive students through scholarship opportunities. 

The event was sponsored by industry partners including Cardinal LG, SIMONA, Ball, and Mesko Glass.

The breakfast concluded with the scholarship awards presentation by Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Jeanine Engelmann, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer of Johnson College. The presented awards included:

AAA North Penn Annual ScholarshipIsaiah Cassel
Al Pantuso Automotive ScholarshipAndrew Adonizio
Andrew Mazza Memorial ScholarshipChristopher Rosa
Anthony Ploskonka Memorial ScholarshipAlyssa Nicholas, Emma Danowsky
Bartolai Family Scholarship FundNico Carter
Chris Pambianco ’65 Vocational Education AwardJacob Holmes, Hanaa Gohsler
CMC Rich Vinansky Memorial Golf Tournament ScholarshipOlivia Musto
Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Ryan Boyanowski
Islyn Thomas Achievement AwardCameron Hedgelon
Ed Vogel Memorial Scholarship of the NEPA Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of AmericaCamron McMillian
Edgar A. and Ida M. Alekna FoundationNathan Dixon, Daniel Marcus, Hunter Smith, Michael Chapman
F. David Mercanti Memorial ScholarshipConnor Angelo
Frank and Jean Hubbard ScholarshipChase Ferranti, Peter Stefanelli
Hawk Family Foundation ScholarsDonald Church, Jordan Stine
Irene Ploskonka Memorial ScholarshipCole Chesna, Jarrel Johnson
Janie Lamberton Memorial ScholarshipAndrew Abrams
Jefferson Township Lions ScholarshipPeter Stefanelli
John K. & Mary E. Blackledge Memorial ScholarshipLogan Rehrig, McKenzie Gavin
John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Johnson College Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Jacob Muracco
John T. Gerod Scholarship
Emma Shedden
Margaret Briggs ScholarshipJonathan Merlen, Anthony Marsico
Moses Taylor Foundation Careers in Healthcare ScholarshipColleen Cannon-Augustine, Adam Rosencrance, Dilyara Akhmedova, Nicholas Novak, Amari Grey, Malana Vega, Stacey Turk, Hannah Chapman
MotorWorld Lexus ScholarshipHunter Landers, Bruce Kohut
North Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Nursing ScholarshipBriana Kaufman
Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative ScholarshipGerard Dolinsky
P. Fricchione and Sons ScholarshipJames Anderson
Pocono Mountain Street Rod AssociationHunter Landers, Camron McMillan
Ross Family Foundation ScholarshipWeston Nugent, Hanaa Gohsler
Ruth Stitt Morgan Memorial ScholarshipAshlee Coe
Scranton UNICO Foundation ScholarshipMaximus Fitzpatrick
Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology Scholarship (Scranton Area Foundation)Hunter Landers
Sebastian “Sebby” Amico Memorial ScholarshipCaiden Stancik
Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter II ScholarshipMichael Novotka
The John R. O’Hara ScholarshipAaron Evans
Thomas Hesser ScholarshipRobert Roa
Thomas J. Perry ScholarshipVincent Rinaldi
Vernon “Terry” Decker ScholarshipMichael Novotka
Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. ScholarshipCamron McMillan
Vince Bartolai Memorial Biomedical Equipment Technology ScholarshipAmari Grey
Orlando S. Johnson Merit AwardJordan Bowen, Liberty Graves
Johnson College Presidential ScholarshipAndrew Abrams, Michael Andrews, Carter Mistishin, Charlize Barhite
Johnson College Moffat Merit AwardDravyn Falsone, Keith Rowlands
Johnson College Richmond Merit AwardEmma Danowsky, Holly Scielzo
Johnson College Technology Merit AwardEthan Gardiner, Samantha Warner
FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Program ScholarshipMatthew Alden, Benjamin Amaya, Joshua Ayala, Christopher Berroa-Mereno, Tahj Bond, Zachary Brown, Pierry Chatelain, Holsen Estime, Michael Fordham, Raphiel Garcia, Kyle Garofolo, Janitza Gonzalez-Caban, Frank Goodwin, Jaylen James-Thomas, Anthony Leombruni, Tanner Little, Logan Rehrig, Amara Rubino, Connor Steele, Amir Vernon

Johnson College to Host Fall Open House

Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs. 

Johnson College Partners with Road Runner for CDL Training

In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College has partnered with Road Runner CDL Academy to offer Class A CDL Driver Training at the truck driving school located at 6 S. Keyser Avenue in Taylor, PA.

The 160-hour course, managed by Road Runner CDL Academy, blends 40 hours of detailed classroom instruction with 120 hours of practical, behind-the-wheel training. Automatic and manual transmission training options are available. The course features a flexible training schedule with experienced instructors and can be completed in as little as four weeks.

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380-397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention.

Participants must have a driver’s license and clean motor vehicle record (MVR) before registering for the course. Participants must complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen and physical. A valid CDL permit is required before the second week of class.

“As our economy continues to grow and evolve, the need for efficient and reliable CDL drivers is becoming increasingly critical,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of Continuing Education at Johnson College. “Johnson College’s partnership with Road Runner CDL Academy will support industries throughout our region and beyond with in-demand, class-A CDL training.”

The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which took effect in February 2022.

After completing the CDL Training course, students will earn a certificate of completion from Johnson College and the qualifications for one of the most in-demand careers in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $54,320.

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College to Host Fall Open House

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Fall Open House on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

Johnson College Receives Grant from AllOne Foundation

Johnson College has been awarded a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and to support community outreach to school-age and adult learners interested in pursuing training in the healthcare industry. The grant will assist the College in addressing Northeastern Pennsylvania’s healthcare workforce needs.

AllOne Foundation awards Johnson College a $95,000 grant from AllOne Foundation to update training equipment for its health science programs and support community outreach to those interested in the healthcare industry. Pictured left to right in front of a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model: John Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation; Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College; Frank Apostolico, board member, AllOne Foundation; and Heather DeFazio, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, Johnson College.

Providing students at Johnson College with the latest technology used in modern clinical settings is essential to their industry-focused, hands-on learning. The upgraded, cutting-edge equipment acquired through this grant will prepare students from Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant programs for any environment they encounter during internships and post-graduate careers.

These upgrades will include a SynDaver Silicone Anatomy Model, which will allow Physical Therapist Assistant students to best understand the muscles that they will work in their daily careers; a portable digital X-ray machine for Radiologic Technology students; and an EKG machine for Biomedical Equipment Technology students.

Using Johnson College’s Careers in Healthcare RV, previously funded by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation and the Moses Taylor Foundation, the College will also visit regional schools, healthcare and employment fairs, and camps to meet with residents and discuss opportunities for careers in the healthcare field. Sample equipment within the RV will give people an inside look at careers in the Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Medical Assistant fields.

To learn more about Johnson College’s health science programs, visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College Hazleton Now Enrolling for Medical Assistant Courses

Johnson College is now enrolling for its Medical Assistant courses at its satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township. The College offers both day and night courses. The day course will begin on October 7, running Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The night course will begin October 7, running Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Functions include preparing patients for examination, treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Plus, students will learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipunctures, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology encountered in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant.

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/medical-assistant/ or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Receives Grant to Support Military Veterans’

Johnson College Receives $5,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Support Military and Veterans’ Resource Center

Johnson College has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation’s Spring 2024 grant cycle, managed by the Scranton Area Foundation, to support its Military and Veterans’ Resource Center for students and alumni who are affiliated with the military. The project is being directed by Dr. Natalia Melgarejo, Johnson College Student Success Coordinator.

The Johnson College Military and Veterans’ Resource Center, located on the College’s Scranton campus, will serve as a private space for military service members and veterans to study and develop a sense of community as students at the College. Both students and alumni will use the space to find peer support, discuss common concerns, celebrate connections, and share with others who have lived through similar experiences.

In addition to the new Resource Center, Johnson College provides services such as priority scheduling and registration to servicemembers, as well as assistance with military and veteran benefits.

Johnson College’s goal in serving military-affiliated families and veterans is to help ease the transition in starting, continuing, or resuming educational pursuits and to offer assistance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. Through its continued efforts to empower servicemembers to further their education, Johnson College was awarded the 2024-25 Gold Military Friendly® School designation from VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-2025 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

About the Robert H. Spitz Foundation

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton in 1955. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015 and supports an array of projects and programs that are aimed at improving the community. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, has provided nearly $6 million in funding to the community. 

Johnson College Reports a 32% Enrollment Increase

Johnson College Sees 32% Enrollment Increase Year-over-Year, Sixth 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, 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.