The seamless transfer pathway will help students who earn a Medical Assistant Certificate at Jackson College continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences with an emphasis in Pre‑Physician Assistant Studies at Grand Valley State University.
Jackson College and Grand Valley State University have formed a seamless transfer pathway via a new articulation agreement for students pursuing a healthcare degree. The agreement allows students who earn a Medical Assistant Certificate at Jackson College to continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences with an emphasis in Pre‑Physician Assistant Studies at Grand Valley State University.
According to an article on Jackson College’s website, Dr. Kara Van Dam, who serves as the vice president and chief executive of Grand Valley State University’s Omni, was quoted as saying of the new agreement, which was signed into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2026, “Today we take another proud step forward, formalizing our collaboration around allied health sciences. We know there are students across the state who are seeking opportunity.”
Students will be able to maximize their college credits through this transfer pathway, saving them time and money as they pursue a bachelor degree. It will also ensure students will need to re-take as few courses as possible. Students at Jackson College will earn a Medical Assistant Certificate and will then seamlessly transfer their earned credits to Grand Valley State University, where they will enter into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences with an emphasis in Pre‑Physician Assistant Studies program.
Ultimately, students will become prepared to become a physician assistant, a role in which individuals can, in collaboration with physicians, prescribe medications, treat patients, and help diagnose ailments.
Dr. Kristin Black, the dean of Business Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Corrections Education at Jackson College, noted that students who are interested in this opportunity will be able to contact a student success navigator to get started.
She said, “Students can complete the Medical Assistant Certificate and let us know they are interested in the GVSU pre‑physician assistant program.”
For more information about Jackson College, visit the school’s website.