Through a unique collaboration across several community colleges in Maryland, students have access to several degree programs that are not currently offered at their home institution.
The Maryland Education Alliance (MEA) creates pathways for students to complete these programs of study. Participating community colleges include Anne Arundel Community College, Carroll Community College, Cecil College, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Harford Community College, and Prince George’s Community College.
Chesapeake College students are encouraged to complete the first year of their degree at Chesapeake College and, during that year, apply for admission into the specific program at another community college. Once admitted, students are enrolled at the community college hosting the program. To inquire about programs included in this initiative, please contact David Timms at dtimms@chesapeake.edu.
Some health care programs are eligible for in-county tuition under the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Health Manpower Shortage program. Please inquire at the institution you are planning to attend. This option is only available once you are admitted to a specific program of study.
The following programs are currently offered through the MEA:
Public Health, Anne Arundel Community College, Carroll Community College, Cecil, College of Southern Maryland, and Prince George's Community College
Students complete their first year at their home college, then apply to one of our partner institutions listed above, for entry into this competitive admissions program.
Massage Therapy, Anne Arundel Community College
Students complete their first year at their home college, then apply to AACC for this competitive admission program. A graduate of the massage therapy program is eligible to become licensed massage therapists. Please visit AACC website for complete details regarding the Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy.
Respiratory Therapy, Prince George’s Community College
Students complete their first year at their home college and then apply to PGCC for this competitive admission program. A graduate of the respiratory therapy program is eligible to take the Maryland Licensure Examination and the National Registry/Certification Examination. Please visit PGCC website for complete details regarding the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy.
Nuclear Medicine Technology, Prince George’s Community College
Students complete their first year at their home college and then apply to PGCC for this competitive admission program. A graduate of the nuclear medicine technology program is eligible to take certification exams offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Please visit PGCC website for complete details regarding the Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
FAQ for Maryland Education Alliance (MEA)
What is the Maryland Education Alliance (MEA)?
The Maryland Education Alliance is a collaboration between several community colleges in Maryland, designed to share resources and create more opportunities for students across the state of Maryland. Students enrolled in participating institutions have streamlined access to several degree programs that might not be offered at their home (county) community college. The Maryland Education Alliance (MEA) creates pathways for students to complete these programs of study. Participating community colleges include Anne Arundel Community College, Carroll Community College, Cecil College, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Harford Community College, and Prince George’s Community College.
How do I participate?
Any student is welcome to participate in an MEA program. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors at their home (county) community college to prepare to apply to an MEA program. Students should compete the first year of the plan of study/degree at their home community college and then apply for admission to the specific program offered at another community college.
Who should I speak to about a MEA program?
Students should speak to their advisor at their home (county) institution about how to apply for an MEA program. Chesapeake students may reach out to David Timms at dtimms@chesapeake.edu.
What is the cost of MEA programs?
The first year of the program of study is whatever the cost of tuition is for your local community college. The tuition for discipline specific program of study once you transfer to the appropriate community college would reflect the tuition and fees required to study at that community college. Students who transfer to a community college program that is designated as a Maryland Health Manpower Shortage Program may be eligible for in-county tuition. Students should speak to an advisor to determine if they are eligible.
What are the programs currently part of the Maryland Education Alliance (MEA)?
- Massage Therapy – Anne Arundel Community College
- Nuclear Medicine Technology – Prince George’s Community College
- Public Health – Cecil College, Anne Arundel Community College, Carroll Community College, and Prince George’s Community College
- Respiratory Therapy – Prince George’s Community College