BOONE—An articulation agreement between Appalachian State University and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) was signed March 30 to provide students with the opportunity to smoothly transition from CCC&TI’s two-year Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program (SLPA) to Appalachian’s four-year degree program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

The SLPA program at CCC&TI has been graduating students for more than 10 years. After graduation, students can join the workforce as a speech language pathology assistant or continue their education. Only seven colleges in North Carolina offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Many students who graduate from CCC&TI decide to enroll at Appalachian.

This articulation agreement will make a seamless transition for students who want to continue their education in speech pathology, as they will know exactly which courses will transfer to Appalachian and which will not. This information will help map out their academic plan much earlier and will help them better plan for their future, according to Jane Rex, director of Appalachian’s Office of Transfer Services.

Dr. Louise Keegan, program director of Appalachian’s CSD program, stated that the articulation agreement will encourage highly qualified and enthusiastic SLPA graduates from CCC&TI to continue their education in a four-year program with opportunity to pursue graduate studies in speech language pathology.

“These students with their practical experience will bring a wealth of hands-on knowledge to undergraduate classes at Appalachian, and their diverse perspectives will enhance the educational experiences of those students who have not yet had such encounters. Furthermore, this program will benefit education in the state as both institutions work collaboratively to improve educational experiences for students pursuing these healthcare professions,” Keegan said.

Mark Poarch, executive vice president of CCC&TI, stated, “This is an exciting day for both institutions but especially for students who will now have another avenue for continuing their education. I am extremely proud of the long-standing relationship between CCC&TI and ASU. This articulation agreement is another example of these two institutions working collaboratively to create opportunities for students.”

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.