The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and Hill College in Cleburne on Thursday announced a new partnership aimed at creating pathways to success for students in the region.
This collaboration is to build programs that support students as they move between the two institutions, ensuring a smooth transition and offering more resources to help them achieve their academic goals. The partnership aims to transform lives by establishing accelerated pathways to health-related careers, addressing the region’s workforce shortage in these fields.
“We are excited to join forces with Hill College to expand opportunities for students in our community,” said Dr. Charles Taylor, HSC provost. “By collaborating and building upon our programs, we aim to enhance their educational journey and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed in both our institutions and beyond.”
The partnership will focus on developing a variety of initiatives, such as:
· Dual admissions: Allowing students to be enrolled in both institutions simultaneously, providing access to additional resources and programs.
· Program specific agreements: Establishing clear transfer pathways between associate degree programs at Hill College and HSC’s baccalaureate program.
· Reverse transfer: Enabling students to transfer HSC credits back to Hill College to complete an associate degree.
· Alternate delivery options: HSC and Hill College will offer upper-division and graduate courses through online, hybrid and in-person formats to serve place-bound students.
· Consortium agreements: Collaborating on non-academic areas such as financial aid, admissions and career services to enhance student support.
These initiatives will provide students with a more seamless transition between the two institutions, maximize the transferability of credits and offer greater flexibility in students’ educational pursuits.
“The partnership will give our health professions-minded students access to valuable educational opportunities from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree to graduate professional schools like medicine, pharmacy, etc.,” said Dr. Thomas Mills, Hill College president. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to partner with HSC on this venture.”
Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Agapito Flores, dean of instruction at Hill College, at 817-760-5920 or aflores@hillcollege.edu.
About HSC
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District. HSC trains the health providers and scientists of the future in an interprofessional ecosystem. In HSC’s six colleges, students learn to work in teams and to develop an innovative mindset that prepares them for a rapidly changing health landscape. HSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Health Science Center, provides patient-centered care to people across Tarrant County. HSC’s research enterprise provides a foundation to expand the frontiers of scientific discovery to improve health and well-being.
About Hill College
Hill College, founded in 1923, is a comprehensive community college with three locations in Hillsboro, Cleburne, and Burleson, Texas, and a significant online presence. The college offers a diverse array of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certifications, and job training. Hill College is committed to being a beacon of excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, the college prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world. With a focus on accessible education, student-centered services, and community engagement, Hill College plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational and economic vitality of the region.
