Northwest Shoals Community College has established a cooperative linkage program with Wallace State/Hanceville. The first year of general education and prerequisite courses are completed at the NWSCC on either campus. After acceptance to Wallace State and the desired program, students transfer to Wallace State to complete the course work in the specific area along with clinical experiences to obtain an Associate in Applied Science Degree/and or Certificate.
The following programs are offered through this arrangement:
Health Programs / Approximate Length of Study at Wallace State Community College:
- Dental Assisting / 4 semesters
- Dental Hygiene / 5 semesters
- Health Information Technology / 5-6 semesters
- Human Services / 5 semesters
- Occupational Therapist Assistant / 5 semesters
- Physical Therapist Assistant / 5 semesters
- Respiratory Therapy / 5 semesters
Linkage students should submit an application for admission to Wallace State College as soon as they begin classes at Northwest Shoals. Separate applications are required by each program. June 1 is the deadline date for program applications. Call (256) 352-8031 to request specific program application.
Students interested in pursuing any of the linkage programs should contact a Northwest Shoals advisor as early as possible. The student is also strongly advised to contact the Wallace State College linkage program director the first semester at Northwest Shoals to ensure that the proper courses are taken.
Linkage students will be expected to meet the academic standards of Northwest Shoals. Since admission requirements and course requirements at Wallace State are subject to change, please consult with the linkage coordinator at Wallace State.* Students who complete these programs are awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree from Wallace State. In addition, the Linkage program offers a certificate program for Dental Assisting.
While attending Wallace State, the student will be responsible for tuition, books, cost of background screening and drug testing fee, an Accident Insurance fee and a Malpractice Insurance fee each semester. Malpractice insurance is available through the College at a low cost. Most programs require students to carry health insurance. All students must have evidence of current immunizations and physical exam.
Linkage scholarships are available. March 1st is the deadline for application.
* Contact WSCC for current updates that may have been added to a linkage program after the publication of the NWSCC catalog.
Health programs at Wallace State have program admission requirements unique to the individual program. Information on program admission requirements can be obtained through the WSCC catalog, WSCC website (www.wallacestate.edu), or Sharon Watson, Health Linkage advisor located at NWSCC. Admission requirements may include, but are not limited to CPR certification, ACT scores, Compass testing, and observation hours.
After program admission, all WSCC Health Science Division students are required to submit a physical exam, and to consent to drug testing and criminal background checks to meet clinical agency requirements.