October 27, 2020
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and Alderson Broaddus University (AB) signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) today 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 course of study and requirements at one of these centers, they will earn their high school diploma and an associate’s 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 course of study with an expected completion date of spring 2022. To view the virtual signing, click here.
For more information, contact Christy Day at the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications at 304-558-2699 (office) or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.