Partnering in Health Care Education
In a time of economic uncertainty, students make every effort to complete their degrees in the most efficient way possible. For some that means attending a two-year program before transferring to UW-Stevens Point, but in past years in the School of Health Care Professions (SHCP), transfer students from technical colleges were asked to repeat prior learning experiences. With new agreements with Mid-State Technical College now in place, students' prior learning will be recognized, ultimately saving them time and money in earning their bachelor's degree.
Officials from UWSP and Mid-State signed an agreement in April to provide students in health care fields with a smooth transition from MSTC to UWSP, allowing them to complete their bachelor’s degrees in health care administration or health care informatics. Eligible students already have their associate degrees in Mid-State's respiratory therapist, clinical research coordinator, paramedic technician, and biomedical information technician programs.
"These articulation agreements meet the spirit of the UW System initiative to increase the educational level of Wisconsin residents by making it easier to create shared solutions to emerging challenges," said UWSP School of Health Care Professions Head Susan Raab.
In addition to the five articulation agreements with Mid-State, UWSP has seven agreements established with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau.
"Students have an opportunity to receive credit for prior learning experiences through coursework and can complete the bachelor's degree in Central Wisconsin," she said. "With the two technical colleges within close proximity to UWSP, it is a convenience to students."
"This is a tremendous opportunity. I'm very excited about the possibilities," said Gene Guenther, a MSTC graduate who plans to enter the SHCP program in the near future.
According to Raab, the ability to obtain a bachelor's degree will help health care professionals qualify for promotions and advance in their careers. "This is a very good way for medical clerks, paramedics, and anyone looking towards management to learn the needed skills to take on supervisory positions," she said.
This is a win-win partnership for everyone involved. "There's reason to celebrate on behalf of students and on behalf of the communities we serve," said MSTC Service and Health Division Dean Janet Newman.