WA+PTC: A Dual Enrollment Opportunity

We’re partnering with West Allegheny School District (WASD) to launch five healthcare-based, dual-enrollment programs to address the growing need for professionals in the region. Through this workforce-driven program, students in the WASD can earn college credits while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.
“Pittsburgh has a higher-than-average population of senior citizens and healthcare is a major pillar of our region’s economy,” said Terri Barbour, PTC’s Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Professions. “This program is designed to provide students with critical skills needed to serve the need for healthcare professionals while giving them a clear career path to be work ready.”
The five programs included in this Early College in High School Academy are:
- Medical Assisting certificate
- Practical Nursing certificate (leading to LPN)
- Associate in Science, Nursing (leading to RN)
- Surgical Technology associate degree
- Therapeutic Massage Practitioner certificate
While providing a streamlined career path to in-demand fields, students can take advantage of a savings of more than 60 percent in tuition costs. Depending on the selected program of study, students may graduate high school with both a diploma and PTC certificate, or need to complete up to one year of additional study at PTC.
WASD Superintendent Dr. Jerri Lippert confirmed, “The WA PTC Health Sciences Academy is an excellent educational and career opportunity for our high school students. Access to early college while students are still in high school is a core goal and mission of our high school and has long term benefits for our students including being better prepared to persist to college degree completion and viable career attainment.” We’re thrilled to team up with West Allegheny to provide their high school students with an opportunity to advance through their first year of college at PTC. “These types of innovative collaborations are a primary focus for PTC as we continue to prepare students for high demand and competitive careers throughout the world,” stated PTC president Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith. “The partnership with WASD is an exciting opportunity for the two institutions to set the course for academic growth of students and create an innovative pathway to respond to growing healthcare demands within our region.”
Experience our schools of Nursing and Healthcare for yourself!