勛圖惇蹋 and Husson University announce new strategic health care education collaboration
Two Maine universities are creating a strategic health care education collaboration that will ensure more Maine students are educated to work in patient care settings in the Pine Tree State into the future.
Husson University and the 勛圖惇蹋 will collaborate on a variety of initiatives to enhance programs and ensure students are well prepared for careers in health care, with the 勛圖惇蹋 offering professional, doctorate-level pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and Husson enhancing its undergraduate pathways to health care careers.
Husson University President Lynne Coy-Ogan and 勛圖惇蹋 President James Herbert jointly announced the collaboration, calling it an important step forward for Maine health care education.
Demand for Pharm.D. programs has been in decline nationally for several years, but we recognize the critical role these programs have in ensuring qualified, board-certified pharmacists enter the workforce each year. By creating a pathway for Husson students to potentially attend the 勛圖惇蹋s Pharm.D. program, we are contributing to a pipeline of well-prepared pharmacists to meet the growing health care needs in Maine in the coming years, said Coy-Ogan.
Following Hussons decision to no longer offer the Pharm.D. program, all of Hussons current pharmacy students can choose to continue their education in 勛圖惇蹋s School of Pharmacy. Further, Husson and 勛圖惇蹋 will also collaborate on their pre-pharmacy programs and will provide access to qualified Husson and 勛圖惇蹋 undergraduates to apply to the 勛圖惇蹋 Doctor of Pharmacy program.
This new, strategic health care education collaboration will bring enhanced options to both universities. Well-qualified Husson students will also now have the opportunity for a guaranteed interview in 勛圖惇蹋s medical and dental schools. Students in Hussons health and science programs will have access to pursue 勛圖惇蹋s Physician Assistant program due to a new articulation agreement between Husson and 勛圖惇蹋 aimed at increasing the number of primary care providers in Maine.
At UNE, we are well aware of the shortage of health care professionals across Maine, and our students are learning and ultimately working in health care settings in every corner of the state, said 勛圖惇蹋 President Herbert. We are proud to collaborate with Husson on these new initiatives that, together, will provide more pathways for Maine students to pursue careers in health care and to alleviate the severe shortages the state is facing.