LTU's Newest Addition: The College of Health Sciences

It has been over 50 years since a new college was added to Lawrence Tech’s campus, making the successful launch of the new College of Health Sciences in July 2023 a special time and a unique event for the University.

The Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences and the Provost of the University, Richard Heist, excitedly welcomes the new college to the university and the new opportunities to the University. “It is a special occasion for me. I am excited to have the opportunity to help define the college and its growth going forward until we identify a permanent dean.”

The new college specifically addresses the growing needs, locally and nationally, for technologically educated medical professionals in all aspects of the healthcare sector. Many efforts have been invested in starting programs for the College of Health Sciences that address the growing need for technologically educated medical professionals in all parts of the healthcare sector. The new college currently houses three vibrant, in-demand, and rigorous degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion (affiliated with the College of Engineering)

With only a few months since the announcement of the new college, the college is already planning on program expansion as the need for healthcare professionals continues to grow. In 2024, the college will launch a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (affiliated with the College of Business and Information Technology). The college is also planning a Master of Occupational Therapy and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, two professions expected to witness double-digit growth over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The college will also expand on existing programs, such as a Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program, to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.

The college is also in the process of creating a general health science core that will serve as year one of two or two- and half-year associate degree programs designed to allow students in their second year to pursue specializations that are currently in high demand, such as surgical technician, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, and dental therapist. This “Hub and Spoke” model will also serve as a pathway to Bachelor of Science degrees, such as a BS in Healthcare Science, which will allow graduates to apply for administrative roles in healthcare professions. The importance of multiple pathways for student success is that they can either transition to employment after the associate degree, continue to the bachelor’s degrees, or further if desired.

Lawrence Tech’s robust dual enrollment program allows high school students the opportunity to take courses within the health science core. Their participation enables them to graduate high school and enter the associate degree program with significant courses completed, allowing them to progress to either an associate degree, employment in the healthcare sector, or an advanced degree.

The college supports interdisciplinary collaboration and the strong technology focus that are hallmarks of the LTU experience and education. The College of Health Sciences will collaborate with other colleges and the Lawrence Tech Center for Professional Development to offer certification opportunities to provide additional skill-based pathways for individuals to enter the healthcare profession or upskill their current position.

“The future of the College of Health Sciences at LTU is bright,” Heist adds.

The projected need for technologically savvy medical and healthcare professionals continues to grow, as does the need for applied research in the medical and healthcare areas. LTU’s new college is in a strong position to help fulfill and support the growth and advancement of healthcare professions. It is an extraordinary opportunity to expand educational and research areas and provide groundbreaking healthcare services to the healthcare community.

by Nurzahan Rahman and Richard Heist