Moving from a Degree-Centric Postsecondary System to an Incremental Credentialing System: What Happens to Learners’ Financing Options?

Participant Profile

CREDENTIAL AS YOU GO PARTICIPANT

Caldwell Community College

WEBSITE

TYPE

Public Community College

LOCATION

Hudson, NC

COHORT

2022

Implementation stage & efforts to date

Full Implementation Stage:

  • Emergency Medical Science AAS Bridge

Design Stage

  • Pathway for four year transfer

Future plans to include CMLA (Certified Medical Lab Assistant credential) as an add on to Phlebotomy, Cardiovascular Sonography credential for Sonography graduates, as well as Google credentials for Business Administration degree students

Goals for participation

  • Offer EMS Associate degree to current and future licensed Paramedic students
  • Create pathway to allow Sonography students to obtain a vascular credentials for the workplace
  • Create pathway for Phlebotomy students to obtain Certified Medical Lab Assistant credential
  • Offer additional credentials to Business Administration students

Associated Case Studies

Emergency Medical Science Associate's Degree (A.A.S) Bridging Option

This program allows currently certified or nationally registered non-degree EMT-Paramedics to earn a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Science. Upon meeting all requirements and admission to the Emergency Medical Science Bridge program, students receive credit for Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic course work toward the Emergency Medical Science Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Improving Education and Employment Outcomes