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For
students studying nursing, radiologic technology, or respiratory care at
Tarrant County College (TCC), their path to a baccalaureate degree will soon be
a smoother journey. Through articulation agreements between TCC and Midwestern
State University (MSU Texas), these students can now complete their associate
degrees and seamlessly continue to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at MSU
Texas.
Administrators
from the two institutions marked the new partnership with a ceremonial signing
and press conference Monday, February 5, at the Tarrant County College Trinity
River campus.
“This
partnership exemplifies Tarrant County College’s commitment to advancing
educational and employment opportunities to all TCC students,” said Tarrant
County College Chancellor Eugene Giovannini. “We look forward to collaborating
with MSU Texas to continue providing our students with quality, innovative
opportunities to pursue their educational goals.”
According
to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is
projected to grow 15 percent between 2016 and 2026. During that same time
period, employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 13
percent, while employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23
percent, each growing faster than the average for all occupations.
Both
campuses already have a long history of students completing their associate
degrees and transferring to MSU Texas through the traditional educational
model. Now, through this agreement, Midwestern State is making the transition
easier for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue
a four-year degree. Courses from Midwestern State’s three programs are taught
online as these programs were designed to benefit working adults.
“Together
Midwestern State and TCC can position students for professional success in
these selected healthcare fields that will lead to graduates with high-earning
capacity and low educational debt,” said MSU Texas President Suzanne Shipley.
“This collaboration makes career progression convenient, affordable, and
effective.”
Two
years ago, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched its 60x30TX
higher education strategic plan to help boost the state’s focus on job creation
and economic development. The overarching goal of the plan is that by 2030 at
least 60 percent of Texans age 25-34 will have a degree or certificate. As
such, the TCC and MSU Texas partnership will allow for greater participation in
the goals by providing high-quality programs for developing practices to encourage
individuals with more than 50 semester credit hours to return and complete a
degree or certificate.
Another
of the 60x30TX goals is that undergraduate student loan debt will not exceed 60
percent of the first-year wages for graduates of Texas public institutions.
Through this agreement, TCC and MSU Texas will extend their notable
affordability plans to the students.
"Under this agreement, 87 credits earned at
TCC will count toward a bachelor degree at MSU. Additionally, bachelor’s
courses are planned to be offered at Trinity River Campus for radiology and
respiratory care," said TCC Trinity River Vice President of Academic
Affairs Bryan Stewart.
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant
County College is a public two-year college with campuses and learning centers
in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. TCC is one of the 20 largest higher
education institutions in the United States based on annual enrollment, with
more than 100,000 students in academic, career training and noncredit Community
& lndustry Education programs. The College offers both on-campus and online
learning through six campuses throughout Tarrant County. Visit tccd.edu for
more information.
About Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University, located in Wichita Falls, Texas,
with a site in Flower Mound, Texas, is recognized as a public liberal arts
university with strong programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social
sciences as well as accredited professional programs in mechanical engineering,
social work, nursing, radiologic science, respiratory care, athletic training
and business, among others.
Midwestern State is the only Texas university to become a
member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Students at
Midwestern State choose from more than 60 majors.
Contact the following individuals
for more information about these MSU Texas programs:
·
RN to BSN: Lisa Holcomb at lisa.holcomb@mwsu.edu.
·
BSRS (Radiologic Science): Debra Wynne at debra.wynne@mwsu.edu or 940-397-4608.
·
RRT to BSRC (Respiratory Care): Yasha at yasha@mwsu.edu or 972-410-0451.
·
MSU Texas Flower Mound: Randy Canivel at randy.canivel@mwsu.edu or
972-410-0454.
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