Western Piedmont Community College Shares New Path for Students With An AAS Degree toEarn an App State Bachelor’s Degree Online or in Hickory or Boone
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is pleased to announce a new transfer pathway allowing students who have earned an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree in a health-related field to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Health Sciences from App State.
This new pathway enables graduates of WPCC’s health-related AAS programs to seamlessly transition into App State’s Health Sciences program which is available online, or offered in person at App State Hickory or App State Boone.
Students who have earned an AAS in popular programs such as Medical Assisting have an opportunity to maximize their previous coursework and apply it toward completing a bachelor’s degree.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Western Piedmont Community College to provide students an accessible route to earn a bachelor’s degree in health sciences,” said Dr. Lori Eberly, Health Sciences program director at Appalachian State University. “At App State, we are committed to advancing healthcare education and leadership in North Carolina and ensuring access to affordable, continuing education opportunities. This pathway represents a step toward that mission.”
In its first full year, App State’s Health Sciences program already has 42 students enrolled, many of whom are expected to complete their bachelor’s degree in less than two years. The program prepares students for leadership roles across the healthcare industry, focusing on healthcare management, policy, and administration.
“This collaboration offers WPCC students an opportunity to continue their academic journey in health sciences,” said Dr. Ava Yamouti, Western Piedmont Community College Health Sciences dean. “We are proud to provide a pathway for our graduates to earn their bachelor’s degree and continue our contributions toward growing the healthcare workforce and the next generation of healthcare leaders in our region.”
Students interested in learning more about earning their BS in Health Sciences from App State are invited to attend a Virtual Information Session on Thursday, February 13, at either noon or 6 p.m. Registration for the session is available through the following link: https://ugrad.appstate.edu/portal/wpcchealthsciences.
About Appalachian State University:
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low studentto-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
About Western Piedmont Community College:
Western Piedmont Community College is a comprehensive, two-year public institution serving as a transformational community leader that empowers all individuals to achieve success. With a focus on equitable access and success, learning outcomes, completion and transfer, and postgraduate outcomes, WPCC offers a wide range of academic programs, continuing education opportunities, and support services to meet the diverse needs of its students and the surrounding region.
For more information about the new pathway and partnership, please contact:
Katharine Wright
Department Head, Allied Health & Program Coordinator, Recreational Therapy Assistant kwright@wpcc.edu 828.448.3536