Fairmont State and Wheeling University establish partnership to impact health care | News, Sports, Jobs

WHEELING – Representatives from Wheeling University and Fairmont State University signed an articulation agreement Monday that establishes a partnership between the institutions, which aims to produce more quality health care professionals to serve patients in West Virginia and across the country.

“This partnership will allow eligible students from Fairmont State University to make a seamless transition each year into Wheeling University’s doctorate of physical therapy program,” said Ginny R. Favede, president of Wheeling University. “More importantly, by producing well trained physical therapists, there will be more health care professionals grounded in our mission to serve others in Appalachia and in our region.”

The agreement between the institutions will allow for up to three students per year from Fairmont State’s exercise science program to be accepted into Wheeling University’s doctor of physical therapy program, pending qualifications and academic requirements.

“This agreement will help bring more graduates from West Virginia colleges and universities into the university’s DPT program,” according to Alison Kreger, director of Wheeling’s doctor of physical therapy program. “By partnering, Wheeling and Fairmont will help both institutions facilitate the training of physical therapy professionals who can provide high quality patient care.”

The Fairmont State exercise science program integrates the theories and practicalities of exercise physiology in preparing graduates for a career in the field of health and fitness, while providing the foundation required for the successful application into several professional pathways, including physical therapy.

“We are grateful for the efforts from both institutions that have brought this partnership to fruition,” said Jan Kiger, chair of the Fairmont State health and human performance department. “We’re excited to work together to engage our students in further professional degree programs, physical therapy in particular, which is a highly sought-after degree.”

Wheeling University’s DPT program emphasizes a whole person approach to the investigation of clinical issues using a problem-based Learning format.

“This partnership will allow Fairmont State Exercise Science majors to move forward in their careers by easing the transition into a professional degree pathway,” said Amanda Metcalf, dean of Fairmont State’s College of Education, Health and Human Performance. “Through this partnership we are not only building a relationship that will benefit our students, but one that will benefit the community and local workforce. We are thrilled our students will have the opportunity to continue their educational journey and positively impact health care settings.”

Diana Phillips, Fairmont State’s vice president of academic affairs and provost, echoed Metcalf’s comments.

“At Fairmont State University we center student success at the heart of everything we do. Engaging in this partnership with Wheeling University allows us to continue providing a transformative impact to our students, while also strengthening health care throughout our region and beyond,” she said.