Bryant & Stratton College, Utica University announce degree-program partnership

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a new partnership, Bryant & Stratton College says graduates with an associate degree in physical therapy can transfer more credits to Utica University to complete their bachelor’s degree in health sciences.

This agreement between Bryant & Stratton College and Utica University allows qualified students the chance to transfer 71 credits, versus traditional two-plus-two programs that generally accept just 60 credits, Bryant & Stratton said in its announcement.

Students would then commit to taking 52 credits through Utica University. Students who take 13 or more credits per semester are considered full-time and are eligible for financial aid.

They can complete their bachelor’s degree “100% online” to accommodate the personal schedule of a working physical-therapist assistant, per the announcement.

“We are excited to provide a path for working students to complete their bachelor’s degree in health sciences through this partnership with Utica University,” Mary Hawkins, Bryant & Stratton campus director of the Syracuse campus, said in a statement. Bryant & Stratton graduates will enter the bachelor’s in health sciences program at Utica University as juniors and graduate within four semesters. Courses can also be taken through the summer semester to facilitate completion of the degree in under two years, she said.

Bryant & Stratton cites the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as indicating the position of physical-therapist assistant (PTA) is one of the nation’s “fastest-growing” professions and is expected to grow 29 percent through 2029.

Once earning the bachelor’s in health-sciences degree, students would be eligible for the doctorate of physical therapy (or DPT) program at Utica University and/or other major physical-therapy schools.