Transforming the Terminal Associates of Applied Science into a Four-Year Degree: A Win-Win Situation for Students, Community Colleges, Universities, and Businesses

Communication of Career Pathways Through Associate Degree Program Web Sites: A Baseline Assessment

“…16 As a result, AAS graduates have a less efficient pathway to earn their bachelor's degree. 7 Between 2011 and 2016, 61% of respiratory care programs moved from an AS degree to an AAS degree, 5 which could make it increasingly difficult for graduates to transfer their degree credits. The shift from AS to AAS degrees resulted from the growing RT educational content.…”

“…In addition, 54% of employers provided some type of financial assistance for their employees. 7 Fortunately, the respiratory care education community has 2 advocacy groups that can facilitate the development of these pathways. After pathways are established, institutions need to clearly articulate them to students to avoid surprises or problems.…”

“…31 Furthermore, employers need to become aware of programs to help encourage employees to continue their education. 7 Although career pathways smooth the journey to complete a baccalaureate degree, market demand will influence the number of RTs who earn baccalaureate degrees. It is not known how many RTs believe that having a baccalaureate degree is important or are aware of the AARC's goal for 80% of RTs to hold or be working toward a baccalaureate degree by 2020.…”

“…The reasons given by graduates with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees from technical or industrial fields for pursuing baccalaureate degrees has been explored. 7 The study sample came from a single 4-y degree completion program. Achieving a personal goal was the top reason for pursuing an advanced degree, and professional development and job advancement ranked as second and third.…”

Concurrence of colleges and universities conferring baccalaureate degrees : a case study of Washington State

“…Providing access to place-bound students has been an additional argument for the CCB (Floyd, 2006;Ignash, 2012;Russell, 2013). Lastly, an oftencited supporting argument is to provide a more economical baccalaureate pathway in the face of escalating costs of attendance at universities (Farnsworth, 2006;Floyd & Walker, 2008;Batts & Pagliari, 2013;Russell, 2013;Walker & Pendelton, 2013).…”