For students studying nursing, radiologic technology, or respiratory care at Tarrant County College (TCC), their path to a baccalaureate degree will soon be a smoother journey. Through articulation agreements between TCC and Midwestern State University (MSU Texas), these students can now complete their associate degrees and seamlessly continue to pursue their bachelor's degrees at MSU Texas.

Administrators from the two institutions marked the new partnership with a ceremonial signing and press conference Monday, February 5, at the Tarrant County College Trinity River campus.

"This partnership exemplifies Tarrant County College's commitment to advancing educational and employment opportunities to all TCC students," said Tarrant County College Chancellor Eugene Giovannini. "We look forward to collaborating with MSU Texas to continue providing our students with quality, innovative opportunities to pursue their educational goals."

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent between 2016 and 2026. During that same time period, employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 13 percent, while employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23 percent, each growing faster than the average for all occupations.

Both campuses already have a long history of students completing their associate degrees and transferring to MSU Texas through the traditional educational model. Now, through this agreement, Midwestern State is making the transition easier for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue a four-year degree. Courses from Midwestern State's three programs are taught online as these programs were designed to benefit working adults.

"Together Midwestern State and TCC can position students for professional success in these selected healthcare fields that will lead to graduates with high-earning capacity and low educational debt," said MSU Texas President Suzanne Shipley. "This collaboration makes career progression convenient, affordable, and effective."

Two years ago, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched its 60x30TX higher education strategic plan to help boost the state's focus on job creation and economic development. The overarching goal of the plan is that by 2030 at least 60 percent of Texans age 25-34 will have a degree or certificate. As such, the TCC and MSU Texas partnership will allow for greater participation in the goals by providing high-quality programs for developing practices to encourage individuals with more than 50 semester credit hours to return and complete a degree or certificate.

Another of the 60x30TX goals is that undergraduate student loan debt will not exceed 60 percent of the first-year wages for graduates of Texas public institutions. Through this agreement, TCC and MSU Texas will extend their notable affordability plans to the students.

"Under this agreement, 87 credits earned at TCC will count toward a bachelor degree at MSU. Additionally, bachelor's courses are planned to be offered at Trinity River Campus for radiology and respiratory care," said TCC Trinity River Vice President of Academic Affairs Bryan Stewart.

About Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College is a public two-year college with campuses and learning centers in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. TCC is one of the 20 largest higher education institutions in the United States based on annual enrollment, with more than 100,000 students in academic, career training and noncredit Community & lndustry Education programs. The College offers both on-campus and online learning through six campuses throughout Tarrant County. Visit tccd.edu for more information.

About Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, with a site in Flower Mound, Texas, is recognized as a public liberal arts university with strong programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences as well as accredited professional programs in mechanical engineering, social work, nursing, radiologic science, respiratory care, athletic training and business, among others.

Midwestern State is the only Texas university to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Students at Midwestern State choose from more than 60 majors.

Contact the following individuals for more information about these MSU Texas programs:

        RN to BSN: Lisa Holcomb at lisa.holcomb@msutexas.edu.

        BSRS (Radiologic Science): Debra Wynne at debra.wynne@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4608.

        RRT to BSRC (Respiratory Care): Yasha at yasha@msutexas.edu or 972-410-0451.

        MSU Texas Flower Mound: Randy Canivel at randy.canivel@msutexas.edu or 972-410-0454.