B&SC associate degree graduates can transfer up to 70 credits toward bachelor’s degree program at Harrisburg University
Syracuse, NY, January 30, 2024 – Bryant & Stratton College (B&SC) announces a progressive new partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology that enables B&SC students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree program (AAS) to transfer up to 70 credits into the Harrisburg University Exercise Science bachelor’s degree program (BS) upon graduation. Under the dual admissions transfer agreement, B&SC students will be guaranteed admissions into HU if they meet admission criteria and are a licensed PTA. B&SC College graduates within the last five years can enroll now.
“This agreement with Harrisburg University creates a smooth career and education pathway for our PTA students,” said Bryant & Stratton College Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director Kirsten Nielsen, PT, PhD, at the Syracuse campus. “Our PTA graduates have an associate degree but need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for admission to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This makes a seamless transition to go from Physical Therapist Assistant to Exercise Science, with the goal of admission to a DPT program.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations. This in-demand field has roughly 14,000 projected openings each year.
According to Nielsen, students who choose the “PTA to BS then DPT” route have an advantage in that they can work as PTAs while pursuing their additional credentials. “This agreement allows our B&SC graduates to work in the Syracuse community as PTAs while attending HU online. This helps meet the need of local employers looking for PTAs, while growing the number of Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs),” Nielsen noted.
“It is evident that the Bryant & Stratton College community understands and appreciates the unique significance of the PTA Pathway Program at Harrisburg University,” said Harrisburg University Provost & Chief Academic Officer, Cameron J. McCoy, PhD. “This collaboration expresses our shared values and commitment toward empowering access in the field of healthcare through pathways not traditionally available.”
The Harrisburg University Physical Therapy Program is a hybrid curriculum designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population utilizing a cost-effective approach. Students can pursue the Harrisburg University degree remotely as they work in their field as PTAs.
ABOUT BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE
Founded in 1854, Bryant & Stratton College, a non-profit institution, has built its reputation and success on a commitment to excellence and high standards. B&SC is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). For over 170 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered students access to career-relevant education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, business, criminal justice, design, financial services, hospitality, human resources, paralegal studies, and information technology. In addition to access to education, B&SC offers students access to tools to help ensure their greatest chance at success through their Career Life Prep® program. Bryant & Stratton works with students to best map individual career paths – teaching the soft skills employers value most, helping establish valuable professional connections and internships, and offering career services support even after graduation. Bryant & Stratton College is committed to helping students succeed in their education and beyond.
ABOUT THE BRYANT & STRATTON PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse Campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
As one of the top physical therapist assistant schools in the region, Bryant & Stratton College is proud to offer PTA degree programs through campuses in New York – Syracuse and Orchard Park – a well as in Parma, Ohio, and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717-901-5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
