Pierpont and Fairmont State sign healthcare careers articulation agreement

On Wednesday, Pierpont Community & Technical College and Fairmont State University signed an articulation agreement between Pierpont’s healthcare-related associate degree programs and Fairmont State’s Healthcare Management bachelor’s degree program.

The agreement was signed by Pierpont’s Dr. Kathleen Nelson, interim president, and Dr. Michael P. Waide, provost and vice president of academic affairs, along with Fairmont’s Interim President Dr. Dianna Phillips and Dr. Timothy Oxley, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, at Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center.

“We are pleased to announce an articulation agreement between [Pierpont] and Fairmont State University,” said Dr. Nelson. “As two strong institutions in North Central West Virginia, it is imperative that we offer academic partnerships to continue moving this community forward.”

“The signing of this articulation agreement is a public acknowledgment of the partnership between Pierpont Technical & Community College and Fairmont State University -- and our shared commitment to serve our students and the community of North Central WV,” adds Dr. Phillips. “It's a win for everyone, and most especially our students!”

The articulation agreement will allow students who are attending and/or have completed a health sciences degree at Pierpont to further their academic careers in a healthcare-related discipline to advance their professional credentials by enrolling in Fairmont State University and its Healthcare Management bachelor’s degree program.

“After completing their two years at Pierpont, our students are ready to go directly into the workforce,” said Dr. Waide. “But students looking to continue their educations can now do so at another institution right here in Marion County.”

Along with the credit hours received from Pierpont healthcare programs, students can also receive credits for professional certifications and additional courses.

“This [articulation] agreement will enable students in one of the defined health-care related programs to receive 21 credit hours of articulated credit toward the B.S. in Healthcare Management degree at Fairmont State,” said Dr. Oxley. “Another three credit hours are available if they hold a professional certification in their respective fields. Students may also receive additional credit for a number of courses that have been articulated on the General Studies and Course Equivalency Transfer Agreement through the WV HEPC and WV Council for Community and Technical Education.”

The articulation agreement will become effective upon approval by Fairmont State and Pierpont during the academic year 2022-23.

"Dr. Raymond Alvarez and Dr. Michael Waide have been working on this articulation agreement for quite some time," said Dr. Phillips. "As institutions of higher education, it is our obligation to serve our students and our community. The signing of this agreement represents the continued commitment we have together as a community of educators to do just that."

“With this new articulation agreement, one thing is for certain,” said Dr. Nelson. “North Central West Virginia will have some of the most qualified healthcare heroes around, and that is an incredible thing!”

For more information about Pierpont Community & Technical College, visit pierpont.edu. For more information on Fairmont State University, visit fairmontstate.edu.

Dr. Raymond AlvarezHealthcare ManagementDr. Timothy OxleyDr. Dianna PhillipsPierpont Community and Technical CollegeDr. Kathleen NelsonDr. Michael P. Waide