Delran Man's Healthcare Dreams Got Boost From Rowan College

DELRAN, NJ — A Delran man who grew up as the son of a registered nurse used Rowan College at Burlington County’s (RCBC) 3+1 biology route as a precursor to medical school, according to the college.

“After my first term, I could see how my time at RCBC set me up with a good foundation of knowledge to be successful in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry-heavy course load,” Joseph Randazzo said.

Randazzo said he grew up hearing stories and seeing firsthand how rewarding a healthcare career could be. He completed a certified medical assistant course at RCBC, further fueling his interest in health sciences.

He graduated with his bachelor’s degree this past December. He’s now preparing to enter his second term as a medical student at St. George’s University in Grenada.

Randazzo said he began his academic career at RCBC because he was familiar with the college and was familiar with the STEM department. The college’s partnership with Rowan University was also a factor in his decision.

“The quality of biology and chemistry professors, friendships made and affordability of tuition make me confident that if I had to go back I would 100 percent choose RCBC again,” Randazzo said. “My favorite moments at RCBC come from the small class sizes and student-to-professor ratios. Being with the same students for several semesters in a row allowed me to make friendships that I still have today. I also felt that I wasn’t just a number in a class but a student that my professors wanted to get to know and have success in their courses.”

He also worked outside the classroom to get as much real-world experience as possible. He initially worked at an urgent care facility and later took his skills to both Honduras and the Dominican Republic, working for the nonprofit One World Surgery, an organization confronting the global health crisis, delivers surgical care to those who do not have access to or the money to obtain reliable healthcare.

“During my weeks in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, I was able to record past medical histories, obtain vital signs, sit in on surgical cases, work in the lab to complete blood work and assist the doctors as they saw patients,” Randazzo said. “In Honduras, there were activities like a group hike and bonfire night, and in the Dominican Republic, we were able to play soccer with the local kids after clinic days and spend time on the beach before having a group dinner at a nice restaurant. In addition to time spent with patients, bonding with other healthcare workers from all parts of the US is a part of these trips I will never forget; you leave at the end of the week feeling like a small family.”

As for his future plans, Randazzo said he is keeping an open mind. He’s interested in the fields of anesthesiology, cardiology and infectious disease. He also hopes to continue completing yearly medical missions. During his free time, he enjoys working out, reading, traveling and trying new foods.

To learn more about RCBC’s 3+1 biology degree, click here.