Western New England University (WNE) and Greenfield Community College (GCC) announce a new partnership aimed at accelerating educational pathways for students pursuing careers in occupational therapy. The Associate to Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Transfer Program offers GCC Allied Health students a streamlined route to earning a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy through WNE’s 3+3 dual-degree programs.
This articulation agreement is designed to provide a seamless academic transition for GCC students, allowing them to transfer into WNE’s Bachelor of Science in Health Studies or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programs. Upon completing their bachelor’s degree, students can advance directly into WNE’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, part of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS).
“Western New England University is proud to partner with Greenfield Community College to provide this pathway for aspiring occupational therapists,” said Maria Toyoda, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of WNE. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for student success while addressing the critical demand for skilled healthcare professionals in our region.”
Program Highlights
Guaranteed Transfer: Qualified GCC graduates will be guaranteed admission into WNE’s 3+3 OTD programs.
Accelerated Pathway: Students save time and money, completing a doctoral degree in just six years.
Junior Standing: Eligible students transfer to WNE as juniors, reducing the time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Transfer Credits: Up to 60 credits can transfer, subject to program requirements.
Dual Advising Support: Both institutions will provide robust academic advising, including personalized guidance from WNE’s Occupational Therapy faculty.
Shanni Smith-Arsenault, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at GCC, emphasized the program’s significance: “We are delighted to add another transfer agreement with our longtime partners at Western New England University. Our efforts will allow students the opportunity to maximize their time and savings toward a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy and make an impact in the healthcare systems of Western Massachusetts."
How It Works
Associate Degree at GCC: Students complete an Allied Health degree while preparing for transfer to WNE.
Bachelor’s Degree at WNE: Students fulfill the requirements for a Health Studies or Psychology degree, along with prerequisites for the OTD program.
Direct Entry into OTD Program: Students who meet academic requirements will be guaranteed admission into WNE’s three-year OTD program.
The program is open to GCC students currently enrolled in the Allied Health program who meet GPA and coursework requirements and have earned their associate degree. Eligible students can begin their studies at WNE as early as fall 2025.
Commitment to Student Success
Prospective students will learn about this opportunity during their application process at GCC and can indicate their interest upon matriculation. WNE and GCC will work together on advising and outreach initiatives to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed in this accelerated pathway.
For more information about the program, visit WNE’s OTD Program or GCC’s Allied Health track.
