Penn College News

HACC, Penn College to Offer Four-Year Dental Hygiene Degree

Friday, April 30, 1999

Students studying dental hygiene will have the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree by taking courses at Harrisburg Area Community College through a new partnership announced by HACC and the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Under the Penn College/HACC agreement, students and dental hygiene practitioners will have the ability to complete their bachelor of science degree by attending courses offered by Penn College via distance education on HACC's campus in Harrisburg.

"Our dental hygiene students will have an outstanding opportunity to earn a four-year degree with the convenience of staying in the area," said HACC President Dr. Edna V. Baehre. "This program demonstrates HACC's continuing commitment to working with our partners in higher education for the benefit of students throughout the Commonwealth."

Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, president of Penn College, cited, "We are proud of our technical ability and faculty which allow us to offer this partnership program. Outreach and collaborations such as this one enhance students' educational opportunities and provide practical solutions for professionals dedicated to further success in their careers."

Features of the HACC/Penn College agreement include:

  • Students who complete the dental hygiene program at HACC can matriculate into Penn College's bachelor's degree program in dental hygiene without loss of credit
  • Students accepted into Penn College's bachelor degree program in dental hygiene may elect to enroll in HACC courses to complete prerequisite, general education or lower division requirements. In addition to the credits earned in the associate's degree, 50 credits are required for the bachelor's degree; 36 must be earned with Penn College courses.
  • Students in Penn College's dental hygiene bachelor degree program will have full access to HACC's library facility and services. HACC students will have access to Penn College materials placed in the HACC library.

This dental hygiene program will be offered to students beginning with the Fall 1999 semester.