Written by Abraham Galvan on March 18, 2026
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Miami Dade College is introducing college credit and degree programs in aviation, aerospace, and health care.
Launched in January, MDC’s Florida Center for Aviation has instituted an aviation mechanic program due to the huge demand for aviation mechanics. Students can now enroll in an airframe and power plant technician program that will only take seven months to earn an FAA certification, said Dr. Malou Harrison, MDC’s executive vice president and provost.
Starting this fall, Miami Dade College will also offer a college credit certificate for aerospace technicians and a new associate in science degree in semiconductor technology and nano manufacturing. In the spring of 2027, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene will also come on board.
“Aerospace is growing nationally and in the South Florida area. It is a thriving industry. We are becoming much more responsive to what the industry is asking for and telling us, and we are getting ahead with these types of programs,” she said. “We all know what dental hygienists are, but the industry is telling us they need individuals with higher qualifications in administrative, leadership, and management experience. Dental hygienist graduates will be able to do more administrative counseling work with patients.”
Nursing students enrolled in a Bachelor in Science in Nursing degree (BSN) program will also be able to take courses fully online.
“This really helps registered nurses who are working but are trying to achieve a BSN,” Dr. Harrison said. “A BSN is very much sought after by hospitals that are seeking talented nurses, because most of them have gone magnet. So, now nursing students are able to earn that degree while working and on their own time.”
This spring semester, MDC has seen a 1.1% increase in credit hours and a 2.1% increase in headcount compared to last year. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the college increased by more than 20% in credit and 26% in headcount compared to the 2021-2022 post-covid year.
“We can anticipate that this upward trajectory will continue, and we are going to start enrollment for the summer term very soon,” Dr. Harrison added.