QCC and MWCC Collaborate on New Program Partnerships

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D. and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) President James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D. have forged a new transfer agreement between the two Central Massachusetts community colleges, strengthening an already strong partnership.

The agreement will enable QCC students to seamlessly transfer to MWCC after they have completed their general education courses, in order to earn an Associate Degree in either Physical Therapist Assisting or Veterinary Technology.  MWCC students will have a similar reciprocal transfer opportunity with QCC. MWCC students interested in an Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology or Respiratory Care can transfer into QCC’s programs once their general education courses are completed.

“We serve the community and our communities are not defined by rigid boundaries; they blend into one another,” President Pedraja said. “I think it is critical to create partnerships such as this one that will allow us to provide services to a greater number of students.”

“One of the areas in Massachusetts that all community colleges are looking for are ways to partner with one another so that we are not duplicating all of the services we offer. I think the proximity of QCC and MWCC offers us an opportunity for unique partnerships and this is a perfect example of how we can do that,” said President Vander Hooven.

Both presidents see these types of agreements only increasing in the future to meet the needs of a diverse student population that community colleges such as MWCC and QCC historically serve.

“It can’t be about competing against one another.  We’re all part of the Commonwealth and we are all working to help our students to ensure they are successful,” said President Pedraja.

You can learn more about the partnership here.