and offices for administration. In 1989, Rochester Technical Institute was renamed Rochester Technical College. On July 1, 1991, Rochester Technical College merged with Austin Technical College and Faribault Technical College to form Joint Vocational Technical District 2501, also known as Minnesota Riverland Technical College. Minnesota Riverland Technical College-Rochester and Rochester Community College officially consolidated on July 1, 1996 to form Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC). Academics RCTC offers certificates, diplomas, associate of arts degrees, associate of fine arts degrees, associate of science degrees, and associate of applied science degrees. Because of the proximity of Mayo Clinic to RCTC, many of the programs offered are medically focused, and a few are awarded in conjunction with the Mayo School of Health Sciences, including Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Neurophysiology Technology, and Histology. RCTC also offers a number of continuing education and custom training program for individuals, business, and industry. Services include designing specific training for organizations, allied health continuing education, entrepreneurship offerings, small business development, and continuing education of general interest. Accreditation RCTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Several programs of study are also accredited, including many of the medically related programs. Student life The Student Life program is one of the state's oldest and has more than 25 clubs, fine arts opportunities in music and theater, and many other options for student involvement. The RCTC Yellowjackets are the athletics team of RCTC athletic program is nationally recognized with ten varsity sports ranked nationally. In the 1960s, Rochester Junior College established a hockey program for its students with assistance from Ken Johannson of the Rochester Mustangs. Facilities The RCTC campus consists of the RCTC Main Building, Heintz Center, and the Rochester Regional Sports Center and Stadium. The Main Building contains several sections: Art Hall, Atrium, Coffman, College Center, East Hall, Endicott Hall, Goddard Library, Health Sciences, Hill Theater, Memorial Hall, Plaza Hall, Science and Technology, Singley Hall, and Student Services. The Career and Technical Education Center at Heintz Center construction is scheduled to be complete Summer of 2016. Construction of a replacement for Memorial and Plaza Halls began in 2018. The $22.9 million project features construction of new space, renovation of existing spaces, and demolition of four buildings including Plaza Hall, Memorial Hall, the old Maintenance Garage, and the old Child Care Center. The anticipated completion date is July 31, 2020. References External links Official website 1915