Rowan and Fairleigh Dickinson Universities Collaborate on Healthcare Education Programmes through a Memorandum of Understanding

Rowan, Fairleigh Dickinson Universities Partner to Tackle Healthcare Workforce Shortages

TRENTON, NJ – Rowan University and Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) have announced a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce in New Jersey. The Universities signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on october 25th, paving the way for joint educational programs and accelerated pathways for students pursuing careers in the medical field.

Expanding Healthcare Education Opportunities

the partnership will focus on creating several new opportunities, including dual degree programs, streamlined articulation agreements, and faster routes to completion for both undergraduate and graduate students. Officials from both institutions emphasized the critical need for a highly trained healthcare workforce, particularly within the state of New Jersey.

rowan University President ali A. Houshmand stated, “This partnership represents a bold step forward in transforming healthcare education and innovation across New Jersey. By partnering with Fairleigh Dickinson University, we will expand access to high-quality health education, but also accelerate research, workforce progress and community wellness.”

FDU President Michael Avaltroni echoed this sentiment, noting the complementary strengths of the two institutions. “The two institutions complement each other in so many ways. By combining our institutions’ strengths,we are creating unprecedented opportunities for students whilst addressing the critical healthcare workforce needs of our state and region. Together we can truly have a dynamic impact on healthcare training and delivery.”

Key Components of the Collaboration

The MoU outlines four key areas of collaboration:

• Dual Degree Program: The creation of a joint Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) / Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
• Accelerated Pre-Med Pathway: A 3+4 program allowing qualified FDU pre-medical students to transition into Rowan-Virtua’s DO program after just three years of undergraduate study.
• Pharmacy Pathways: Development of 2+4 and 3+3 accelerated routes for Rowan undergraduates entering FDU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.
• Enhanced Articulation Agreements: Improved pathways for FDU students seeking admission to Rowan’s Doctor of Medicine (MD), DO, and Veterinary Medicine programs.

These initiatives are designed to reduce the time and cost associated with advanced healthcare degrees, while ensuring a consistent pipeline of qualified professionals entering the field.

Program	Details
DO/MPH Dual Degree	Joint program offering both medical and public health expertise.
3+4 Pre-Med Pathway	FDU students enter Rowan-Virtua DO program after 3 years.
2+4 Pharmacy Pathway	Rowan students transition to FDU’s PharmD after 2 years.
3+3 Pharmacy Pathway	Rowan students transition to FDU’s PharmD after 3 years.

did You Know? New Jersey faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This partnership directly addresses that need.

Pro Tip: Students considering these accelerated pathways shoudl carefully review admission requirements and course prerequisites.

The collaboration between Rowan and FDU is a strategic response to the growing demand for healthcare professionals. By streamlining educational pathways and expanding access to specialized training, both universities aim to create a more robust and prepared healthcare workforce for the future.

The Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant growth in healthcare occupations over the next decade. Factors driving this demand include an aging population, advances in medical technology, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Universities across the country are responding to this challenge by developing innovative educational programs and partnerships. The collaboration between Rowan and FDU is a prime example of this trend, with a focus on creating flexible and accelerated pathways for students.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main goal of the Rowan-FDU partnership? The primary goal is to increase the number of qualified healthcare professionals in New Jersey.
• What is a 3+4 program? A 3+4 program allows students to complete their undergraduate degree in three years and begin a graduate program immediatly after.
• What types of healthcare programs are included in this partnership? The partnership includes programs in osteopathic medicine, public health, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
• Who benefits from these accelerated pathways? Highly motivated students who meet specific academic criteria will benefit from faster routes to their desired careers.
• How will this collaboration impact access to healthcare in New Jersey? By increasing the supply of healthcare professionals, the partnership aims to improve access to quality care for all residents.

What are your thoughts on these new educational collaborations? How will these changes impact the future of healthcare education? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How will teh articulated pathways between FDU and Rowan benefit students completing associate degrees?

Rowan and Fairleigh Dickinson Universities Collaborate on healthcare Education Programmes

Expanding Access to Healthcare Professionals: A New Partnership

Rowan University and Fairleigh dickinson University (FDU) have formalized a collaboration designed to address the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in new Jersey and beyond. This partnership, solidified through a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), focuses on creating innovative pathways for students pursuing careers in high-need healthcare fields. The initiative aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions – Rowan’s robust medical and health sciences programs and FDU’s established expertise in nursing and allied health – to offer expanded educational opportunities. This collaboration directly responds to critical shortages in areas like nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical laboratory science.

Key Components of the MOU

The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:

* Articulated Pathways: Students completing associate degrees at FDU in relevant healthcare disciplines will have guaranteed admission pathways to bachelor’s degree programs at Rowan.This streamlined process reduces barriers to entry and accelerates students’ academic progression. Specifically, programs like Radiologic Technology at FDU will feed into related bachelor’s programs at Rowan.

* Joint Program Development: The universities will jointly develop new, interdisciplinary healthcare programs.This includes exploring options for accelerated degree programs and specialized certifications. Potential areas of focus include telehealth, geriatrics, and population health management.

* Faculty Collaboration & Research: Faculty from both institutions will engage in collaborative research projects and share expertise through joint appointments and visiting scholar opportunities.This fosters innovation and enhances the quality of healthcare education.

* Resource Sharing: The MOU facilitates the sharing of resources, including clinical placement sites, simulation labs, and library resources, maximizing efficiency and providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

* Dual Enrollment Opportunities: High school students interested in healthcare careers will have access to dual enrollment opportunities, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school. This early exposure can spark interest and prepare students for success in higher education.

Programs Directly Impacted by the Collaboration

Several healthcare programs will be directly impacted by this partnership. Thes include, but are not limited to:

* Nursing: FDU’s highly-regarded nursing programs will provide a strong foundation for students seeking to pursue advanced nursing degrees at Rowan.

* Physical Therapy: articulation agreements will allow FDU graduates to seamlessly transition into Rowan’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

* Occupational Therapy: Similar pathways will be established for students interested in occupational therapy.

* Medical Laboratory Science: The collaboration will address the critical shortage of medical laboratory professionals by creating expanded educational opportunities.

* Radiologic Technology: A key initial focus, providing a clear pathway for FDU Radiologic Technology graduates to continue their education at Rowan.

Benefits for Students and the Healthcare Industry

This collaboration offers meaningful benefits for both students and the broader healthcare industry:

* Increased Access: More students will have access to high-quality healthcare education, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

* Accelerated Career Pathways: Streamlined pathways and accelerated programs will allow students to enter the workforce more quickly.

* Enhanced Skill Sets: Interdisciplinary programs and collaborative research will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex healthcare challenges.

* Addressing Workforce Shortages: The partnership will help to alleviate critical workforce shortages in key healthcare professions.

* Improved Patient Care: A more highly trained and skilled healthcare workforce will ultimately lead to improved patient care outcomes.

* Cost-Effectiveness: Shared resources and efficient program delivery can perhaps reduce the cost of education for students.

Clinical Partnerships & Experiential Learning

Both Rowan and FDU maintain strong relationships with leading healthcare providers throughout New Jersey. This collaboration will further strengthen these partnerships, providing students with expanded opportunities for clinical rotations, internships, and experiential learning.Real-world experience is crucial for developing competent and confident healthcare professionals. Rowan’s South Jersey clinical network and FDU’s connections in North and Central Jersey will provide diverse learning environments.

Future Expansion & Potential New Programs

The MOU represents a starting point for a long-term partnership.Both universities are committed to exploring additional opportunities for collaboration, including:

* Graduate Program Development: Jointly developing master’s and doctoral programs in emerging healthcare fields.

* Continuing Education: Offering continuing education courses for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and stay current with the latest advancements.

* Community Outreach: Collaborating on community health initiatives to address health disparities and improve access to care.

* Telehealth Integration: developing programs focused on telehealth and remote patient monitoring, addressing the growing demand for virtual healthcare services.

Funding and Support for the Initiative

The collaboration is supported by both university administrations and is actively seeking external funding through grants and philanthropic donations. Initial funding will focus on program development, faculty training, and resource sharing. Long-term sustainability will rely on continued investment from both institutions and external partners. The New Jersey Commission on higher Education has expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to address critical workforce needs.