The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and Alderson Broaddus University (AB) signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand educational opportunities for students completing the surgical technology program. The new offering is provided through WVDE’s Advanced Career Education (ACE) program and AB’s Extended Learning Department.
The MOU provides an opportunity for ACE surgical technology graduates to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in surgical technology from Alderson Broaddus University. This partnership emphasizes West Virginia’s commitment to growing a competitive and skilled workforce by creating opportunities for students to secure a successful career in the thriving healthcare industry.
“Today’s signing illustrates the impact k-12 and higher education partnerships can have on generating education and workforce opportunities for West Virginia students,” said State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch. “This collaboration with AB creates a seamless career pathway for the students in our ACE Surgical Technology programs while also addressing an area of critical need in the medical field.”
ACE Surgical Technology programs are currently offered at four career centers across the state: Ben Franklin Career Center (Kanawha County), Carver Career and Technical Education Center (Kanawha County), James Rumsey Technical Institute (Berkeley County), and Monongalia County Technical Education Center (Monongalia County).
Once students complete their program of study and necessary requirements at one of these centers, they will be eligible to sit for the Certified Surgical Technologist exam and pursue additional coursework to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from the University.
“This partnership will expand access to a higher education degree program that meets the educational standards of the surgical technology profession, thus promoting and enhancing a competitive and skilled workforce in West Virginia,” said Alderson Broaddus University President Dr. James “Tim” Barry. “AB is committed to investing in student-centered programming that promotes post-secondary success and contributes to the betterment of the State of West Virginia.”
The first class of students has already begun its program of study with an expected completion date of spring 2022.
About Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus University is an independent institution of higher learning, committed to serving the region as an academic, cultural, and religious resource, with programs based on a liberal arts foundation.
The mission of AB is to provide students with the highest quality education, striving to prepare students to succeed in their chosen disciplines and to fulfill their roles in a diverse society as well-rounded and responsible citizens.
Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences. Alderson Broaddus University stands out as one of the most innovative health education providers in Appalachia, pioneering the nation’s first baccalaureate physician assistant program of its kind in 1968, a post-baccalaureate physician assistant master’s degree program in 1993, and West Virginia’s first baccalaureate nursing program in 1945.
AB is located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. The University is rooted in historic and continuing relationships with the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the West Virginia Baptist Convention.
For more information about AB, visit www.ab.edu.
To view the virtual signing, click here.
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Pictured left to right: Miller L. Hall, President of the West Virginia Board of Education; James “Tim” Barry, President of Alderson Broaddus University; W. Clayton Burch, State Superintendent of Schools; Clinton Burch, Technical & Adult Education Officer at West Virginia Department of Education.