Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) traces its origins back to a time when quality educational institutions in the Philippines were concentrated primarily in two urban centers—Manila in the north and Cebu in the central region. Economic and cultural activities were similarly centralized, prompting the government to implement a “dispersal” program aimed at encouraging development in other parts of the country. This initiative provided various incentives to industries and institutions willing to expand beyond these traditional hubs, fostering progress in emerging regions.

In 1975, recognizing the need for a paramedical educational institution in Iligan City, five physicians who were already operating a tertiary-level hospital took the bold step of founding the Iligan School of Nursing and Midwifery. Their vision was to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare education in the locality. The school’s initial enrollment consisted of only 37 students, all pursuing either Nursing or Midwifery, the institution’s only two program offerings at the time. Despite its modest beginnings, the school laid the groundwork for what would later become a dynamic and diversified educational institution.

Over the years, IMCC underwent significant transformation and growth. From an institution solely dedicated to paramedical education, it evolved into a multi-disciplinary college offering a wide array of programs across various fields. At present, the college boasts 32 approved academic programs housed within ten distinct colleges. While it continues to excel in the paramedical field, it has also expanded its scope to include courses in business administration, education, biology, social work, criminology, information technology, and hospitality and tourism management. Furthermore, it now operates a Basic Education Department, covering both junior and senior high school levels. This expansion reflects the institution’s commitment to meeting the changing educational needs of the region and the country as a whole.

The college takes immense pride in the achievements of its graduates, many of whom have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. Over the years, IMCC alumni have consistently performed exceptionally well in government licensure examinations, particularly in Nursing, Midwifery, Radiologic Technology, and Criminology. In fact, the college was once recognized as the “Best School for Radiologic Technology,” a testament to the quality of education and training it provides. Beyond the national level, IMCC graduates have found opportunities abroad, securing employment in various countries—an indication that the institution’s academic programs adhere to global standards.

IMCC’s commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by its accreditation milestones. In 2003, the college achieved an initial Level I accreditation for its Nursing, Education, and Business Administration programs, granted by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities-Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). This accreditation was a historic achievement, as it positioned IMCC as the first PACUCOA-accredited institution in Iligan City. Over time, the college continued to strengthen its academic programs, attaining Level II Reaccreditation for the College of Nursing and the College of Business Administration in 2013, as well as Level II First Reaccreditation for the College of Education (BEED). Presently, the Criminology, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Elementary and High School programs have successfully attained Level II Reaccredited Status, ensuring that these disciplines maintain high academic standards and undergo continuous improvements. Business Administration and Nursing, which remain among the college’s flagship programs, have also progressed to Level III Accredited Status.