ULM and BPCC expand agreement and opportunities for students

On March 6, on the campus of Bossier Parish Community College, leaders of BPCC and the University of Louisiana at Monroe signed a memorandum of understanding.

The MOU is an expansion of a 2010 agreement that will allow for an even larger collaboration between the two institutions.

Kelly Brandon, a BPCC science, nursing & allied health OTA instructor, talked about the opportunities this agreement will provide students.

“We are so grateful to have this partnership with ULM. ULM has such a positive reputation in the OT community, so we are really excited about that. Our students are excited about the possibility of furthering their education, and this will just ease that transition. Our students can still work and get that degree online, and that is such a great benefit.”

The 2010 agreement enables students to earn a two-year Associate of Science in Health Care Management at BPCC and then transfer to ULM’s two-year online Healthcare Management and Marketing program, which results in a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and Marketing.

The new amendment to the standing agreement will add the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.

Students who obtain an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant at BPCC may continue their education at ULM and complete the program with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies.

With the Occupational Therapy Assistant A.S. and the B.S. in Health Studies, students will qualify for admissions into ULM's graduate program in Occupational Therapy.

ULM College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Denny Ryman addressed the BPCC students in attendance at today’s ceremony.

"What is exciting today is that you will have the opportunity to continue your education here, graduate, get a job, get a degree in health studies through ULM, and enter into our MOT program. Our MOT program is one of only 13 in the country, so we are very proud of it. It is very unique," Ryman said.

“ULM is trying to work with two-year programs in the state because we really want to keep our graduates in the state to help with the aging population. Keep on doing the very, very good work you are doing now. You all have a very bright future ahead of you."

ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno expressed his pride in the collaboration between the two institutions.

"I am especially proud of this partnership with BPCC and its long history of continued growth—both in population and number of graduates. It is a beautiful facility, and many of us will be back next week (March 12) for a ULM Day at BPCC."

BPCC Chancellor Dr. Jim Henderson forecasted additional collaborations in the future.

"This is a continuation of a partnership we have had since 2010, but it is just a precursor of the great things to come between these two fine institutions. When we work collaboratively, we can do so much more for the students that we jointly serve. … [This partnership] serves such a vital need for such a vital economic sector. It is very impressive work, and it is truly a fantastic program.”

Photo of Dr. Henderson courtesy BPCC