St. Clair College and the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS) at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. have signed a new transfer agreement that will streamline the pathway process for St. Clair graduates in Paramedic or Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant programs to complete a bachelor's degree at Wayne State University.
St. Clair Senior Vice-President Monica Staley Liang signs a new pathway agreement with Wayne State University Dean Brian Cummings of the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Windsor, Ont. on May 22, 2025. (Rich Garton/SCC)
The agreement is designed to promote a seamless academic transition and improve the transfer credit process, ensuring students receive maximum recognition for completed coursework.
This coordinated approach allows students to move efficiently from a diploma program at St. Clair into a degree program at Wayne State with a clearly defined path toward graduation.
The agreement is designed for students who follow a plan of study leading to a St. Clair College two-year diploma in Paramedic or in Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant.
The credits transferred from St. Clair College will be included in the total credit hours required for the corresponding WSU bachelor's degree or corresponding programs leading to a WSU:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Heath Sciences General Concentration
- BS in Applied Health Sciences Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration
- BS in Applied Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration
- BS in Applied Health Sciences Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration
- Application to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
"This pathway agreement between St. Clair College and Wayne State University empowers Paramedic and OTA/PTA students to seamlessly advance their education, turning hands-on training into a lifelong academic and professional journey. It's a vital step in building stronger healthcare systems through accessible, continuous learning," said Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi, Chair of the School of Health Sciences at St. Clair College.
This new initiative builds on a series of successful pathway agreements already in place between St. Clair College and Wayne State University across multiple disciplines.
Together, the institutions are strengthening their shared commitment to expanding postsecondary opportunities and supporting student success across the Canada-U.S. border.
"This pathway agreement strengthens the relationship between the university and our friends across the river at St. Clair College," says Moira Fracassa, Academic Services Officer at EACPHS. "[This] provides a smooth transition for health sciences students as they pursue their academic and career goals."
"This agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration together," said Brian Cummings, the Dean of the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. "We are creating pathways, not just to a degree, but to a healthier, more resilient future for the communities we serve."
"This is an academic collaboration built on trust and mutual respect. It recognizes the outstanding quality of St. Clair programs and ensures that the students that finish here receive maximum credit for their accomplishments as they advance," Dean Cummings added. "Thank you for helping us continue to propel healthcare for our two nations."
Wayne State University hosts information meetings for students interested in enrolling in pathways. These sessions are designed to provide prospective students with valuable insights into academic programs offered by EACPHS, including admissions requirements, prerequisite coursework and how to successfully transition into a degree program. Information sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. EST.
"The great beauty of partnerships like this multi-school agreement - which in this case, is international in nature - is that they may broaden the personal and professional horizons of participating students with different educational formats, varied subject matter and new campuses in new nations," said Monica Staley Liang, St. Clair College's Senior Vice President of Academic and Career Supports. "It's all overseen by dedicated faculty members at both schools who are steeped in professional expertise."
Students wishing to progress to a degree through an articulation or formal pathway agreement should contact the Admissions Office of the partner post-secondary institution.
For more information on this pathway agreement, visit the EACPHS website or register for the information session.
