Calhoun and UNA Sign New Transfer Agreement Creating Pathways to High-Demand Healthcare Careers

Calhoun Community College and the University of North Alabama (UNA) have established a new academic partnership to expand transfer opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. The two institutions will celebrate the partnership with a ceremony that includes the signing of an articulation agreement on Wednesday, January 21, at 2 p.m. in the President’s Suite of the Math, Science and Administration Building (Building #14 on the campus map) on Calhoun’s Decatur campus.

“Partnerships like this are essential to meeting workforce and educational needs across North Alabama,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. “This collaboration demonstrates how institutions can work together to provide students with clarity, opportunity, and momentum as they pursue careers across the healthcare industry.”

According to Dr. Tiffany Bain, Calhoun’s Dean of Health Sciences, the agreement establishes a seamless pathway for students to transfer from Calhoun’s Health Sciences programs. Through this pathway, students can move directly into the University of North Alabama’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion degree programs. Students in this pathway will also receive structured academic advising, a clear outline of required coursework, and coordinated support to help them stay on track for completion.

“This partnership is more than an academic endeavor; it also provides a structured blueprint for our health sciences students to gain the training they need to enter professional healthcare careers,” said Bain. “By aligning with UNA’s program curriculum, we are expanding transfer opportunities for our Physical Education and Physical Therapist Assistant students. Excited is an understatement, as this collaboration will open many doors for our students to succeed in the workforce.”

The articulation agreement outlines the specific courses Calhoun students should complete to transfer seamlessly into UNA’s Exercise Science and Health Promotion degree programs, along with the required general education coursework. Students in this pathway will take foundational courses in medical terminology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, fitness testing, exercise prescription, leadership, behavioral modification, risk management, chemistry, physics, statistics, and a required internship. This curriculum provides strong preparation for upper-level study in health-related graduate and professional programs.

“We are excited about the partnership with Calhoun Community College,” said Dr. Matt Green, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at UNA. “Exercise Science has emerged as the degree of choice for students applying to physical therapy and occupational therapy programs. With professional organizations identifying a growing need in this field and a projected shortage of professionals, this collaborative partnership is an ideal way for Calhoun and UNA to help meet workforce demands across the state.”

The articulation agreement will be reviewed annually by representatives from both institutions to ensure continued alignment and relevance. Students admitted to UNA under the agreement will be subject to UNA admission requirements and academic policies, while retaining the benefits outlined in the agreement if it is later amended or terminated.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Calhoun Community College,” said Dr. Scott Lyons, Professor and Department Chair of Kinesiology at UNA. “In today’s higher education climate, it is important to create programs that are high-demand while also remaining agile and flexible, allowing students to complete degree requirements with fewer barriers. I believe this partnership achieves that goal.”

“This agreement reflects Calhoun’s commitment to creating intentional academic pathways that remove barriers and help our students move confidently from associate to bachelor’s degree programs,” said Wes Rakestraw, Calhoun’s Vice President of Academics. “This initiative will continue to strengthen the relationship between Calhoun and UNA and reinforce both institutions’ shared commitment to student-centered education, academic excellence, and regional workforce development in North Alabama.”

To learn more about this partnership as well as Calhoun’s other healthcare programs, visit www.calhoun.edu/healthsciences.

For all media inquiries, please contact Calhoun’s Public Relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.