WEST BOYLSTON— When Salter College officially became a degree-granting institution last month, it brought to fruition a dream that school founder Dorothy Salter had back in 1937.

“We were told ‘this is a historic moment’ since post-secondary schools don’t become colleges very often,” Dean of Academic Affairs Diana E. Comer said. “This is such an exciting time.”

The historic moment is the result of five years of work by the staff and leadership of the college.

In 2002, Salter became a part of the Premier Education Group, and Regional Vice President Ronald Barna revived Mrs. Salter’s dream of making the school a college.

Charlene M. Keefe picked up the vision when she was appointed president in 2003 and spearheaded the effort.

The five-year process began with a petition to the Massachusetts Department of Education, which formally approved the request in February. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, the accrediting body, then approved Salter’s request.

Approval from the U.S. Department of Education was the final hurdle, which came Nov. 28. “We enrolled our first degree student on November 29,” Ms. Comer said.

“This is really a culmination of a lot of effort by all the stakeholders — the students, the faculty, the alumni, the advisory board and the employers,” Ms. Keefe said. “We’re thrilled to have accomplished this.”

“We’re very proud of their accomplishments and of how hard the staff worked to get this,” Premier Education Group Senior Vice President Michelle J. Sinusas said.

Ms. Comer said there is academic advising going on for the enrolled students, to help them gauge whether the associate’s degree or the certificate program is a better option for them.

The school operates in five-week modules, and converting to the degree program may add as little as two more modules, but could add four or more. “It all depends on where the individual student is,” Ms. Comer said.

Salter will continue to offer certificate programs for all of its courses of study. Associate’s degrees will be offered in medical assisting, office management and accounting.

New students will enroll directly into either the certificate or the degree program. “New students can complete an associate’s degree in as little as a year and a half,” Ms. Keefe said.

Both certificate and degree program students will receive diplomas reading “Salter College,” Ms. Comer said.

Ms. Keefe said the degree programs will provide a platform for students to continue their lifelong learning goals.

“It will make our students ready for mid-level work, rather than entry level,” Ms. Comer said.

“This project (becoming a college) has created increased services — library services, student services and career services — all our offices have night hours for our night students.”

Ms. Keefe added the college is looking to offer degree programs in its culinary arts and massage therapy programs. “We’re also looking to additional certificate programs in EMT/paramedics and something with a focus on nutritional education. Our concern and commitment to our students is to offer programs that lend themselves to employment.”

Ms. Keefe said there will be a grand opening in January to celebrate the change.