Academic

NAHN Awards $150K in Nursing Scholarships to Arizona College of Nursing Students

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) is proud to announce the award of $150,000 in scholarships to Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) students pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Students at campuses in Aurora, CO, Dallas, TX, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Hartford, CT, Salt Lake City, UT, Tampa, FL, Tempe, AZ, and Tucson, AZ, were among this year's recipients. Scholarship recipients including first generation Americans, first generation college students, and healthcare workers continuing their educational growth in Arizona College of Nursing's 3-year BSN program. 'Together with NAHN, we are supporting the next generation of nurses by providing essential educational opportunities, access to mentorship, and scholarships,' shared Arizona College of Nursing CEO, Jason E. Anderson. 'We are proud to positively impact communities by building on partnerships that drive access in healthcare.' 'At NAHN, we believe that investing in future nurse leaders is essential to building healthier Latino communities,' said Veronica Vital, PhD, MSN, MLS, RN, President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. 'These scholarships from AZCN represent more than financial support—they reflect a commitment to cultivating the next generation of nurses who understand and champion the unique needs of the communities they serve.'

Rosalind Franklin University Launches Doctor of Medical Science Program for physician assistants

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, home to one of the top physician assistant (PA) programs in the U.S., announces a new degree program — the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) — designed to expand professional opportunities for practicing PAs. PAs are licensed medical professionals who enter the field with a master's degree. Highly collaborative, they work across healthcare teams, settings and medical specialties and often serve as primary care providers. "Our doctor of medical science degree is an opportunity for advanced practice providers who want to help shape the future of their profession, improve health equity and access, and transform the delivery of care," said College of Health Professions Dean Lisa Dutton, PT, MS '93, PhD. "It builds on the strengths of our top-rated Physician Assistant Practice program and our institution, which is at the forefront of interprofessional education and collaborative practice." One of the fastest growing professions in the United States, PAs have proven to create access to care, and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Employment of PAs is projected to grow 28% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all-online DMS program, recently approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, will help PAs advance their knowledge through small classes and supportive, flexible learning. They will be prepared to take on greater responsibility as the profession continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of patients, communities and healthcare systems. DMS students will develop leadership and administrative skills in growth areas both within and beyond clinical practice, including personalized medicine, technology-driven care and targeted prevention through lifestyle medicine and nutrition. Areas of concentration include lifestyle medicine, nutrition, leadership and health administration or health professions education. Program highlights include: 100% online, fully-remote self-paced learning. No need to attend synchronous classes Core courses and a practicum series with a capstone project Interprofessional learning with and from students practicing in other clinical fields. Practical instruction from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields Degree completion in one to two years Four options for program entry per year Small classes, offering ample opportunity to be seen and heard and to interact with faculty 15% discount available for eligible alumni "RFU is educating healthcare professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical expertise and system-level change," said RFU incoming Interim Provost James Carlson, PhD, PA-C. "We're equipping them with the advanced knowledge they need to improve health care through leadership, research and evidence-based practice."

Herzing University Expands Online Graduate-Level Nursing Programs

Herzing University, an accredited, private nonprofit institution with 12 campuses across the country and an online division, has expanded its nursing education offerings with new online specialty pathways at the graduate level – a strategic move to help address the nation's escalating nursing shortage. While Herzing continues to offer a full continuum of nursing programs from diploma to doctorate, the latest additions include a new Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) and eight specialty pathways within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. These advanced offerings are designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles and to meet the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals. "The expansion of our nursing program allows us to offer students opportunities to level up their nursing degree through the addition of a new specialty and a doctoral degree," said Dr. Tricia Wagner, dean of nursing, graduate programs at Herzing University. "Not only are we creating a wide variety of pathways to specialize in different fields through a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, we are also helping to build the next generation of nurse educators through a comprehensive, innovative Doctor of Nursing Education program." Addressing the critical national nursing shortage requires a robust pipeline of educators. Herzing's DNE pathway is vital, preparing MSN-prepared registered nurses to become doctorally-prepared nurse educators, equipping them with advanced skills in teaching strategies, innovative technologies (like AI and learning management systems), and curriculum development. By fostering more qualified nursing faculty, the DNE directly enables the education of more aspiring nurses, strengthening our healthcare workforce. Herzing's MSN to DNP program equips students to become powerful advocates for patients, emphasizing the importance of championing patient rights and influencing health policy to drive better outcomes. Through a structured clinical guidance process, students receive personalized, step-by-step support to ensure they gain the hands-on experience required to succeed at the highest levels of nursing practice.

Yale Launches Biomedical Imaging Institute to Advance Health Innovation

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) announces the launch of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, a cross-disciplinary hub that will unite leading experts in imaging technology, clinical translation, and data science. One of only a few such institutes in the nation, it aims to drive innovation in biomedical imaging to improve understanding of human health and advance the treatment of disease. "The Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute brings together world-class talent and resources to accelerate discovery and impact across medicine," says Georges El Fakhri, PhD, Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, who is the institute's inaugural director. "We are incredibly excited to see the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute come to fruition and look forward to seeing its positive impact across disciplines for years to come." El Fakhri is joined by Chi Liu, PhD, and Dustin Scheinost, PhD, associate directors of biomedical imaging technologies; Xenophon Papademetris, PhD, associate director for biomedical imaging data sciences; and Kelly Cosgrove, PhD, associate director for biomedical imaging translation. The Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute emerged from a year-long strategic planning initiative led by YSM Dean Nancy J. Brown, MD, El Fakhri, Liu, and Douglas Rothman, PhD. More than 40 listening sessions across Yale's science and engineering communities revealed strong enthusiasm for a coordinated approach to biomedical imaging. The institute aims to: Create novel biomedical imaging technologies across diverse modalities Translate discoveries to guide diagnostics and therapies Apply artificial intelligence and data science to enhance research and clinical care The institute will integrate the work of longstanding Yale centers and cores—including the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center and Magnetic Resonance Research Center—along with data science and imaging informatics expertise. Initial initiatives will include training opportunities for postdocs and students, along with exploratory funding opportunities. "There is an unparalleled opportunity at Yale to establish a world-class imaging institute based on the strength of its existing programs," says Brian Smith, MD, deputy dean for research (clinical and translational). The institute will support research in brain, cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammation imaging, while expanding efforts in early disease detection. Data science will play a central role with scientists leveraging deep learning to process and sharing vast imaging datasets, benefitting Yale investigators and the wider research community. "This institute solidifies Yale's decades-long leadership in imaging and ensures we remain at the forefront of translational and clinical research," says Rothman.

Dr. Jeremy Saul Launches $1,000 National Scholarship for Medical Students

Dr. Jeremy Saul, a respected family physician, has launched the Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students, a national program offering a one-time $1,000 award. This initiative aims to support undergraduate medical students across the U.S. who demonstrate academic promise, compassion, and a commitment to community healthcare, helping to ease their financial burden. "As a physician who has witnessed the transformative power of compassionate care, I believe in uplifting those who are dedicated to walking this path," said Dr. Jeremy Saul, a board-certified family medicine practitioner. Application Details and Eligibility Applicants must submit a 500–800 word original essay addressing the prompt: "Reflect on a personal experience that solidified your passion for a medical career. How do you plan to embody the values of compassion, innovation, and service in your future work as a healthcare professional, and what impact do you hope to make in your community?" To be eligible, students must: Be currently enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited U.S. undergraduate program. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Express a clear intention to enter the medical or healthcare field.

Arcadia University Launches Workforce Development Program to Upskill Talent Nationwide

Workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, workforce development remains a top strategic priority, with skills gaps and talent shortages consistently cited as major barriers to growth. As of 2024, Pennsylvania had 304,000 job openings but only 233,000 unemployed individuals actively seeking work, revealing a shortfall of over 70,000 workers across the state. Arcadia's Workforce Development program offers more than 150 industry-recognized certificate programs in high-demand fields including healthcare, IT, business, and manufacturing. Many programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development credits. Designed to meet the needs of today's workforce, these offerings are delivered in flexible online and hybrid formats ideal for working professionals. "Pennsylvania's economy is evolving rapidly, and its employers need workforce partners who can evolve with it," said Scott Miller, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Core Education. "Our collaboration with Arcadia ensures that organizations are equipped with the skills and agility to lead in a competitive market." Arcadia's Workforce Development program also provides easy pathways for degree completion for those with some college experience but not a degree, and allows students to stack certificates or seamlessly transition to a bachelor's degree. "Employers are demanding more strategic and skill-focused partnerships to stay competitive," said Dr. John Noakes, Associate Provost at Arcadia University and Director of its new Center for Professional Futures. "This partnership with Core Education allows us to respond with purpose—by aligning our academic strengths to the real-world workforce needs of Pennsylvania businesses."

Ortho Consulting Group Unveils Global Surgical Training Hub in the UK

Ortho Consulting Group (OCG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Ortho Surgical Skills Centre (OSSC), a new training facility designed to support medical device companies and healthcare professionals across the globe. Located in Newbury, UK, the Centre provides an agnostic, high-quality environment where industry leaders can come together to advance surgical skills, share knowledge and collaborate on innovative solutions. The OSSC is purpose-built to cater to the diverse needs of medical device manufacturers, surgeons and healthcare professionals, offering a versatile space that is open to all stakeholders in the medical device sector. Opening its doors in April the facility features both didactic and cadaveric training capabilities, allowing companies to host educational events and meetings tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility, combined with OSSC's modern infrastructure, sets it apart as a premier destination for surgical training in the orthopaedic and spine sectors. "We are proud to offer an open, inclusive environment for the entire medical device community," said Ric Sumner, Director at Ortho Consulting Group. "By providing a facility that is accessible to all, we are creating a space where collaboration and innovation can flourish. Our mission is to support both commercial and surgical communities by providing the resources and expertise necessary to drive meaningful advancements in patient care." The centre's offering is enhanced by a comprehensive concierge service that provides a seamless, turnkey solution for companies seeking to host their own educational events. OSSC's unique combination of training logistical support and strategic consultancy ensures that each event is executed to the highest standards, making it an invaluable resource for the medical device industry. At the heart of OSSC is a commitment to fostering continuous learning and knowledge exchange. Through collaboration with industry leaders, surgeons, and academic partners, OSSC will serve as a hub for driving progress in orthopaedics and spine surgery, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the medical device industry as a whole. "As we move forward, we remain focused on enhancing the impact we can have on the medical device sector by offering high-quality, flexible training solutions," said Ortho Consulting Group founder Matt Woods. "Our aim is to empower surgeons and healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of their field, while creating new business opportunities for our clients and partners." Looking ahead, OSSC is already planning a Phase 2 expansion, set for completion in early 2026. The 6,000 sq ft extension will further enhance the centre's capacity, adding additional storage solutions, teaching spaces, and non-cadaveric training labs to meet the growing needs of the medical device community.

The Chicago School Launches Online Master of Science Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Chicago School announced a new Master of Science (MS) Biomedical Sciences program in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies beginning Fall 2025. The online program is designed to give students a strong academic background in biomedical sciences and prepare them for medical school or other careers in medical research and health-related fields. The program's curriculum will equip students with a blend of the scientific, analytical, and professional skills needed in modern healthcare, biotech, and public health roles. Intended to prepare students for success in medical school and other advanced healthcare degree programs, the curriculum will offer rigorous biomedical courses designed to strengthen competencies in anatomy, physiology and research. The MS Biomedical Sciences program demonstrates The Chicago School's continued focus on elevating the connection between mental and physical health. Last year, The Chicago School announced the launch of the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM), a unique osteopathic college of medicine focusing on mental health-informed care. "This program embodies our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community," said Michele Nealon, Psy.D., president of The Chicago School. "We are proud to offer a program that will expand the number of students prepared to pursue a medical or research career in the midst of a severe shortage of physicians in the U.S. This program will not only prepare students for medical school but also position them to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and medical research." The MS Biomedical Sciences program plans to be available in both full- and part-time formats, allowing students to complete the program in six or 10 terms, respectively. The in-depth academic experience will prepare students for a variety of career paths, including DO or MD medical school, medical research, and careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. "Many aspiring medical professionals face barriers to entry, whether due to gaps in their academic background or challenges balancing education with other responsibilities. By supporting initiatives like this, we help our institutions create multiple pathways for more students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System.

AACN Launches Nursing Workforce Solutions Program

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) launched Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy's Nursing Workforce Solutions program this week, empowering direct care nurses with the tools and leadership skills to promote a healthy work environment, strengthen nurse retention and improve nurse satisfaction. The program will feature AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards and AACN Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy, a proven hospital-based direct-care nurse leadership, innovation and experiential implementation science-based program. There will be six geographic cohorts, each consisting of 10 teams, for a total of 60 teams from 25 hospitals. AACN will provide the program at no cost to these hospitals, thanks to a sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson. "Research supports that implementing healthy work environments through nurse-led innovation has measurable improvements for nurse retention, job satisfaction, organizational culture and patient outcomes. Through this collaborative effort, we will drive change to support our nursing workforce," says AACN Chief Clinical Officer Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, FAAN. CSI Academy's team-oriented program builds additional skills for direct care nurses and leverages their expertise, preparing and supporting them as clinician leaders who effect positive changes that improve patient, nurse and hospital outcomes. Nationwide, more than 816 nurses at 141 hospitals have completed CSI Academy since its launch in 2012. The program has touched over 13,000 nurses and 2 million patients, with an estimated positive fiscal impact of $114 million. Previous CSI Academy teams have realized a 455% return on investment through sustainable, scalable change. Building on the success of CSI Academy, the Nursing Workforce Solutions program seeks to further scale the impact by adding a train-the-trainer component, so health systems can more easily infuse learning throughout their systems. "Nurses are uniquely positioned to transform both care delivery and the healthcare work environment, and Johnson & Johnson is proud to collaborate with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to support and empower nurse-led innovation within health systems," said Michele Morgan, Director of Nursing Programs and Strategies, Global Health Equity, Johnson & Johnson.

New Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Launched by UWS

As part of its mission to advance whole-person health care education, University of Western States (UWS) introduced a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The innovative hybrid program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists. "The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is a natural extension of our mission to advance integrated, whole-person health care through exceptional education and compassionate patient care," said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. "By offering a flexible, academically rigorous pathway into this growing field, we are empowering more students to pursue impactful careers without putting their lives on hold." Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the OTD program combines primarily online coursework with limited on-campus residencies, allowing students to complete most of their education within their own communities. Unlike many traditional programs, it does not require relocation. Occupational therapy is among the fastest-growing fields in health care, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12 percent job growth through 2032. Demand continues to rise as aging populations, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic conditions increasingly prioritize services that support independence, recovery, and whole-person well-being. "As the first occupational therapy program within our System, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes UWS. "By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve." The program has applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon full accreditation, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and pursue licensure nationwide.