CANTON -- SUNY Canton and SUNY Upstate Medical University have renewed an agreement allowing students seamless transfer into six upper-division health professions programs.

"The agreement is an important component of the ongoing partnership between our two institutions," said Michele A. Snyder, SUNY Canton Dean of Science, Health and Criminal Justice. "It allows for an easy transition for our students into high-need bachelor's degree programs that are not offered locally."

Under the renewed agreement, SUNY Canton students accepted by SUNY Upstate will be guaranteed full junior status upon transfer, provided they have completed all prerequisite courses for programs including:

• Medical Imaging - Radiography (X-ray)
• Medical Imaging Sciences - Ultrasound
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Medical Biotechnology
• Radiation Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy

"The renewed agreement strengthens the ties between SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Canton while creating expanded options for students interested in healthcare careers," said Katherine Beissner, PT, PhD, dean of Upstate's College of Health Profession. "It helps us attract even more highly qualified students at both institutions, who will, in turn, serve our communities."

To join in any one of the programs, students will first apply to and begin their college studies at SUNY Canton. During their first two years, they complete general education requirements and science courses with lab components, which will be directly applied to their second two years of study at Upstate Medical. Transfer credits are applied to all classes where a student earns a letter grade of C or better.

Students will also satisfy pre-matriculation requirements, including background checks and health clearances required by Upstate Medical.

The articulation was originally created in 2014. Since that time, SUNY Canton has partnered with Upstate Medical on several initiatives, including a memorandum of understanding allowing Upstate Medical to offer its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree remotely through SUNY Canton's Margaret D. Sovie School of Nursing.

To apply for admission to this unique opportunity, contact the SUNY Canton Office of Admissions by email at admissions@canton.edu or by phone at 315-386-7123.