Mercer partners with Technical College System of Georgia to develop health career pathways

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Group photo taken during a signing ceremony at Mercer University. Three men and one woman are seated at a table covered with a black cloth that bears the university's name and location. They have documents in front of them as part of the signing process. Standing behind them are eleven other individuals, including both men and women, all dressed in business or business-casual attire, smiling for the camera.
Representatives from Mercer University and the Technical College System of Georgia held a signing ceremony to celebrate a new partnership to develop pathways for technical school graduates to matriculate into high-demand health care fields. Photo by Leah Yetter

MACON — Mercer University has partnered with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to develop pathways for technical college graduates to matriculate into high-demand health care fields.

“By mapping the transfer equivalencies to Mercer’s health science programs, TCSG students will be able to see how their courses will transfer to Mercer,” said Mercer Vice Provost Dr. Kelly Reffitt. “This added transparency will help students maximize their earned academic credits as they complete their education in preparation to enter a health-related career.”

Through the partnership, health care pathways have been tailored for each of the TCSG system colleges to maximize the credits students can bring to Mercer’s health care programs.

“Mercer and TCSG for nearly two decades have partnered to create pathways for TCSG students to achieve their educational and career goals,” said Mercer Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management Theo Anderson. “This agreement, in particular, will allow graduates of TCSG programs the opportunity to build on their strong academic foundation and advance into high-demand health career fields while meeting the growing need for talented and capable health career professionals.”

The partnership was celebrated during a signing ceremony Thursday, Aug. 8, on Mercer’s Macon campus. Attending the ceremony were: From Mercer, President William D. Underwood, Executive Vice President Dr. Penny L. Elkins, Dean of the College of Professional Advancement Dr. Priscilla Danheiser, Vice Provost and Professor of Education Dr. Kelly Reffitt, Dean of the College of Education Dr. Thomas Koballa, Dean of the School of Business Dr. Julie Petherbridge and University Registrar Alba Rodriguez. From TCSG: Commissioner Greg Dozier, Chief of Staff Mark Peevy, Deputy Commissioner Ray Perren, Director of Curriculum for Allied Health Tammy Bryant and President of Central Georgia Technical College Dr. Ivan Allen.

“Today’s signing between TCSG and Mercer University represents our commitment to providing seamless educational pathways for our students,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “This partnership ensures that our students can transition smoothly into higher degree programs at Mercer, expanding their opportunities and empowering them to meet the growing demands of the health care industry in Georgia. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our students and the communities they will serve.”

About the Technical College System of Georgia

The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in more than 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-the-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED® testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions.