College Credit

 The Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) and Owens Community College is proud to announce that candidates in the PATHS Credentialing Program are eligible to receive college credit from Owens Community College at no charge.  The college credit earned through taking PATHS classes can be applied toward the Associate of Technical Studies Degree at Owens Community College.  PATHS candidates earn the following credits:

□   4.5 credit hours for the Certificate of Initial Proficiency (CIP)
□   8.5 credit hours for the Certificate of Advanced Proficiency (CAP)
□   1 credit hour for the PATHS Supervisor Course

 How does this work?

 ·        OADSP offers PATHS credential courses either through Regional Councils or licensed entities by a qualified instructor.
·      Students participating in these courses (or those who have already completed the PATHS credential either CIP and/or CAP) may fill-out an application and enroll at Owens.
·                 There is no cost to students or OADSP for the up to 14 credits received.   Credits are received
    once a candidate is credentialed through OADSP.  4.5 credits are awarded for CIP, 8.5 for CAP and 1 for Front Line Supervisor
·              Representatives from Owens will be visiting various regional councils and classes during January, 2009 to talk more about Owens and visit with students
·             A student may then take Owens courses either on line or in person and complete an Associate of Technical Studies Degree (ATS). A minimum of 60 hours of course work is necessary. 
·        A student completing the full PATHS credential and Front Line Supervisor would then have to take remaining credit hours through Owens at the regular tuition rate.
·             Students who have college credits from past courses at two or four year accredited colleges may apply to have those courses applied toward their degree as well. 

What a Candidate Gains?

 ·       A potential for an Associate Degree at a much reduced cost with recognition of the hard work they   have already done in achieving the PATHS credential.
·         The status and job opportunities that may be afforded by holding an Associate Degree.
·         An opportunity to gain knowledge through the range of courses offered by Owens

 What an Employer Gains?

 ·       An employee who is making a commitment to learning and enhancing their skills as a direct support professional.
·       More long term commitment on the part of the DSP and Front Line Supervisor.
·       Nurturing a learning environment for their staff.
·    Connections with a well-respected Community College.

How do Candidates Apply for the CIP and CAP?

 To apply candidates need to complete a one page “Application for Admission” to Owens Community College. On the application for question # 16, please list the program of study as SREG. There is no application fee for PATHS candidates. Applications for the CIP and CAP courses are attached and should be turned the designated representative of the PATHS Licensed Entity at least two weeks prior to the first day of the PATHS class.

How do Candidates Apply for the PATHS Supervisor Course?

To apply candidates need to complete a one page “Application for Admission” to Owens Community College (click here for the Application for Admission Form). On the application for question # 16, please list the program of study as SREG. There is no application fee for PATHS candidates. Applications shall be distributed on the first day of the two-day Supervisor Course by the course instructor. Applicants shall complete the applications and return to the instructor. The course instructor will forward all applications, with an attached cover letter listing all applicants and class details (date, time, and location), to Michael Bankey at Owens Community College by the end of the second day of the course.

Completing the Associate’s Degree On-Line

 After completing the PATHS credentials, students can complete the remaining hours of the 60 hour Associate Technical Studies Degree on-line for $123.00 per credit hour. For example, if a student earns the 14 hours of PATHS credit, only an additional 46 hours of credit would be needed to complete the Associate’s Degree on-line.
An added benefit is that Ohio University has made an agreement with Owens Community College that allows students to complete an Associates Degree from Owens Community College, take an additional year at Owens on-line, and then complete the final year at Ohio University on-line to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University. In addition, Ohio University will only charge students the regional campus credit hour rate for the final year on-line.