At a joint event this afternoon, MCPHS University President Charles Monahan Jr. and Worcester State University President Barry Maloney signed three new articulation/transfer agreements between the two institutions that will allow WSU students to matriculate into MCPHS’ new optometry program as well as its physician assistant studies, and physical therapy programs. They are part of Worcester State’s Health Professions Advisory Programs [1].
“I am proud and excited to sign these new agreements with Worcester State University, and I hope they ensure a steady feed of top-notch students from Worcester and Central Mass. into MCPHS,” Monahan said. “This partnership, coupled with the area’s excellent hospitals and health-care institutions, make this a very exciting time to be entering the health professions.”
The three new articulation agreements mean:
- WSU students can complete a B.S. in biology or a related field and then transfer to MCPHS-Worcester to complete the requirements of the its new Doctor of Optometry Program.
- WSU students can complete a B.S. in biology or a related field and then transfer to MCPHS-Worcester to complete the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.
- WSU students may complete a B.S. in biology or related field and then transfer to MCPHS-Worcester to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
“This innovative public-private partnership presents a tremendous opportunity for our students and the greater community,” Maloney said. “These are highly sought after programs that attract students from across the country. Our students are well prepared to succeed in these programs, and the greater community will be well-served by these graduates when they enter their professions.”
In January 2011, the two institutions established an articulated transfer program that allows WSU public health majors to complete 80 credits of study [2] toward a MCPHS’ Bachelor of Science in Community Health-Pre-Nursing Program and then transfer to MCPHS to complete the requirements of its B.S. in Nursing degree. The dual-degree program can be completed in four years.