In the heart of North Carolina’s Twin Counties, Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College serve as cornerstones of higher education, workforce development, and community engagement. Both institutions offer diverse, accessible opportunities to local residents, with each providing a set of programs aimed at fulfilling the region’s educational needs, while also feeding talent back into the local workforce.

Nash Community College – Located at 522 N Old Carriage Rd in Rocky Mount, NC

Nash Community College, located in Rocky Mount, is celebrating its 57th anniversary this year, a testament to their educational excellence. The college has seen an 11.5% growth in enrollment over the past year, signaling its increasing influence in the region. Nash offers a broad spectrum of programs tailored to students seeking both traditional and non-traditional educational paths.

In the realm of healthcare, Nash Community College stands out with its comprehensive offerings, including dental hygiene, phlebotomy, nursing, medical sonography, and physical therapy assistant programs. These courses not only prepare students for immediate employment but also contribute to the region’s growing healthcare sector. The college’s veterinary technician program is another highlight, addressing the demand for trained professionals in the veterinary field. 

Additionally, Nash’s cosmetology and culinary arts programs draw students interested in creative and hands-on careers, providing top-tier training and certification opportunities.

To view all of the programs Nash Community College offers, visit their website using this link.

For those eager to fast-track their careers, Nash Community College offers its "Career in a Year" courses, designed to provide specialized training and certifications in a variety of fields. These programs enable students to acquire in-demand skills in as little as 3 months, making them an attractive option for those looking to quickly enter the workforce or pivot to new careers.

View all of the course options for Career in a Year by visiting this link.

Edgecombe Community College – 2009 W Wilson Street in Tarboro, NC

Rocky Mount Campus – 225 Tarboro St in Rocky Mount, NC

Edgecombe Community College (ECC) operates two campuses, one in Rocky Mount and the other in Tarboro, offering a similar commitment to student success and development. ECC’s curriculum reflects a blend of academic programs and hands-on, technical training that meets the demands of today’s economy.

ECC also offers programs not widely available at other institutions, such as advanced K9 training, collision repair and refinishing, agribusiness, esthetics technology, and mammography, providing students with a wide range of options to build careers in industries that are crucial to the region. Its surgical technology and computed tomography programs further support their reputation as a hub for healthcare education, preparing students for vital roles in medical fields that are in high demand. ECC also nurtures entrepreneurship and innovation through its Small Business Center, offering support and resources to budding entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own businesses.

One of Edgecombe Community College’s most impactful initiatives is the Edgecombe Works! Promise Program, designed to make education more accessible to local residents. This initiative provides scholarships for recent high school graduates, job seekers, county employees, and underemployed individuals, covering tuition costs and helping students gain the skills they need to secure high-demand jobs. The Edgecombe Works! program reflects the college’s dedication to ensuring that education is not only a right but also an achievable goal for all who live in Edgecombe County.

Early College Program

Both Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College also offer Early College programs, providing students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree simultaneously. Designed for motivated students entering the 9th grade, these programs span five years, combining high school and college-level coursework. By the time they graduate, students not only receive their high school diploma but also an associate’s degree, putting them ahead of their peers and giving them a head start in higher education or the workforce. This free program offers significant cost savings for families, as students can complete two years of college without the usual tuition costs.

To learn more about the early college programs at each institution, visit Edgecombe Early College High School’s website, and NRM Early College High School’s website using these direct links.

For anyone in the Twin Counties looking to advance their education, develop new skills, or change career paths, NCC and ECC provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education. Their commitment to student success and community development makes them valuable resources that contribute to the region's growth. With flexible programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty, Nash and Edgecombe are truly shaping the future of the Twin Counties—one student at a time.