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February 12, 2025

La Roche University, West Virginia Northern Community College Form Partnership

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 12, 2025 – La Roche University has partnered with West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) in its first articulation agreement with a West Virginia school, creating a streamlined pathway to a bachelor’s degree.
The new agreement simplifies the transition to La Roche’s undergraduate programs across various fields, with particular benefits for graduates of WVNCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Radiology program. These students can earn a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging or health science by transferring up to 90 credits and completing just 10 online courses, for a total of 30 credits, at La Roche.
“This agreement represents a vital opportunity for career advancement, particularly in health care, where continued education can be transformative,” said Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at La Roche. “We are honored to support WVNCC graduates in their pursuit of academic excellence and career success.”
Under the agreement, WVNCC graduates who have completed an associate degree since May 2013 will earn transfer credit hours toward an equivalent bachelor’s degree program at La Roche. Students must have received a minimum grade of C in transferable coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The new agreement offers additional key benefits to WVNCC graduates:
  • A 40 percent La Roche tuition discount
  • A waiver of La Roche’s academic core requirements, with a nine-credit abbreviated core that includes English and math courses
  • Junior class status for students who transfer with at least 60 credits
  • Select majors available fully online
Students must complete their final 30 semester credits, major dependent, at La Roche to earn a bachelor’s degree, regardless of transfer class status.
La Roche accepts credits earned through standardized exams, military experience or portfolio assessments. Students can transfer these credits with an official transcript from the original institution, and La Roche will evaluate them on a per-course basis.
“This partnership with La Roche University underscores WVNCC’s commitment to providing our students with seamless pathways to further their education and careers,” said Angela Hawk, Ph.D., vice president for learning and chief academic officer at WVNCC. “By offering such a flexible and cost-effective opportunity, particularly for our radiology graduates, we are helping our students achieve their academic and professional goals while addressing workforce needs in critical fields like health care.”
Students should contact the WVNCC Transfer Office or visit laroche.edu/advantage for additional information.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 68 undergraduate programs of study, seven master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
About West Virginia Northern Community College: West Virginia Northern Community College’s mission is to educate and empower individuals to achieve academic and career goals, leading to a highly skilled, well-rounded, and accomplished workforce which successfully competes and adapts in a global economy. The College responds to the needs of the region it serves by offering a high-quality learning environment that is accessible, safe, and accommodating while nurturing teamwork and community service. Founded in 1972, WVNCC is comprised of three campuses located in New Martinsville, Weirton and Wheeling. 
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