Partnership aims to strengthen Michigan’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care in Northern Michigan
North Central Michigan College (NCMC) and Ferris State University have signed a three-year agreement establishing transfer pathways for students pursuing careers in pharmacy and optometry, helping address healthcare workforce needs in Northern Michigan.
Under the agreement, NCMC students who earn an Associate of Science in Biology can transfer to Ferris State to pursue professional degrees through its College of Pharmacy or Michigan College of Optometry. Students may also pursue degrees in pharmaceutical science or vision science, although those degrees are not prerequisites for the respective professional doctorates.
“These two pathways allow students to stay in Northern Michigan for their first two years of college, then transfer to Ferris State, complete their degree in pharmacy or optometry and move back and serve the people that they grew up with,” said Brent LaFaive, NCMC dean of Nursing, Health Sciences and Public Safety.
Leaders at Ferris State emphasized the partnership’s potential to prepare future healthcare professionals to serve communities in need.
“We are excited to work with North Central Michigan College to prepare students in the Northern Michigan region to become excellent eyecare providers,” said Daniel Taylor, dean of the Michigan College of Optometry.
Stephen Durst, dean of Ferris State’s College of Pharmacy, said the agreement provides students with a defined route to advanced education and rewarding careers serving patients and communities.
NCMC President David Roland Finley said the pathways reflect the college’s commitment to expanding educational and career opportunities throughout Northern Michigan while helping meet regional workforce demand.
The partnership also supports efforts to develop local talent and encourage graduates to return to Northern Michigan to meet the healthcare needs of the region’s growing and aging population.