Students with a professional skill set or certificate degree now have a fast track to an associate degree, thanks to a partnership between WVU Medicine and Pierpont Community and Technical College.

Students who have completed WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital’s Surgical Technologist Academic Teaching (STAT) Program, a six-month paid training program that prepares them for a career in surgical technology, can transfer the skills learned into credit hours toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Health Sciences degree at Pierpont Community and Technical College. Depending on current certification and licensure, students can earn up to 38 credit hours toward the 60-credit hour A.A.S. program.

“This innovative collaboration between Pierpont Community and Technical College and WVU Medicine’s Surgical Technology Program creates an accelerated pathway for graduates to earn their Associate of Applied Science in Health Sciences in just one year,” Amy Cunningham, dean of the Pierpont School of Health Sciences, said. “Through transfer credits and prior learning assessment, this joint effort strengthens West Virginia’s healthcare workforce by expanding opportunities for surgical technology professionals.”

In addition to core degree classes, students must complete 15 credit hours of general education classes that may be taken online or in person. Similar classes taken during previous college coursework may be eligible for transfer credit. Students currently enrolled in the STAT Program, especially those with the intent to continue their education, have the option to take the general education classes while completing the WVU Medicine program.

“We are excited to promote this opportunity to our existing and future certified surgical technologists,” Jennifer Malcolm, A.A.S., C.S.T., STAT Program clinical education coordinator, said. “The surgical technologist field continues to evolve, and we feel this partnership with Pierpont Community and Technical College will spark many to continue their education. The opportunity to get an associate’s degree in one year is an incredible opportunity.”

Registration for summer classes begins on March 20.

Visit A.A.S. Health Sciences to learn more. To register, click here. Learn more about the WVU Medicine STAT program here.