Without this initiative, both schools would have to establish additional health programs to adequately serve student needs. Students benefit from the exchange through increased accessibility and affordability of desired programs. Beginning with the fall 2000 semester, six CCAC students may cross-enroll at WCCC in the Associate in Applied Science, Dental Hygiene program. Likewise, six Westmoreland students may cross-enroll in Associate in Science programs at CCAC Boyce Campus, three in the Occupational Therapy program and three in the Physical Therapy program. Both Pat Leonard, executive dean of CCAC Boyce Campus and Daniel Obara, vice president for academic affairs and student services of WCCC praised the initiative for increasing educational opportunities while avoiding costly duplication of programs, and for providing affordable educational opportunities for students pursuing health careers.
Taxpayers benefit because financial resources and instructional services are used efficiently.
Duplication of services is avoided and each institution is able to build on the programmatic strengths of both institutions. In addition, by combining these strengths and resources, over-saturation of the employment market with program graduates will be avoided, providing job seekers with viable opportunities to find employment within the region.