Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski and Dr. Jake Long, acting superintendent of the St. Joseph Public School District, sign an agreement. Photo courtesy: Darren Whitley/Northwest
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University and the St. Joseph Public School District Wednesday celebrated their newly established partnership involving the University and Hillyard Technical Center to serve students pursuing careers in radiologic technology.
The 2+2 degree completion program provides an opportunity for Hillyard students to complete their coursework at Northwest, culminating in a certificate in radiologic technology from Hillyard and a Bachelor of Science degree in radiologic sciences from Northwest. Students also may begin their studies at Northwest in the radiologic science program and complete the professional radiology requirements through Hillyard to finish their bachelor’s degree.
Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski noted the growing importance of health care and the University’s emerging role in providing pre-professional education in a variety of health science fields.
“The aging baby boomer generation, increasing lifespans, new technology and cultural changes in our approaches to health have made the health care industry one of the fastest-growing sectors in our economy,” Jasinski said. “Students in our region are interested in finding their place in that industry, including radiology. The 2+2 partnership is magical because it sets the stage for lifelong learning, significant professional advancement and a fulfilling life.”
Dr. Jake Long, acting superintendent for the St. Joseph Public School District, said the school district and Hillyard look forward to nurturing the partnership to benefit students as well as the community and region.
“It’s an honor to welcome a distinguished school such as Northwest as our partner with Hillyard Technical Center and the radiology department,” Long said. “This partnership ensures our students a high-quality education and hands-on experience. When we offer these programs to our students, everyone benefits. Educated and informed students guarantee a healthy workforce and our community thrives.”
Under the agreement, students who meet admission standards will matriculate to Northwest and complete a specified program, including general education and institutional requirements. Students completing specified hours at Northwest must also meet competitive admission requirements specified by Hillyard. Financial assistance for the program also is available through Northwest and Hillyard.
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science from Northwest, students must have been admitted to Hillyard and complete the 57-hour upper division radiologic technology program in good standing. Faculty and staff members from both institutions will advise students regarding their academic preparation for admission to Hillyard and toward completing radiologic technology certification.
The 2+2 degree completion program with Hillyard in radiologic technology adds to Northwest’s strong field of programs in health sciences, which also include a 2+2 completion program with Saint Luke’s School of Radiologic Technology in Kansas City. Northwest also offers pre-professional programs in pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-medical, pre-chiropractic, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-physician assistant, pre-veterinary.