As Provost of Lawrence Technological University, I am pleased to welcome you to the new College of Health Sciences and share my thoughts and aspirations for its future.
Richard H. Heist, Ph.D., Provost
After only six months as provost, I found myself as the interim dean of the College of Health Sciences after its official start in July 2023. I am excited and eager to help define the college and its growth for the future until a permanent dean is found.
It has been over 50 years since a new college has been added to Lawrence Tech, making this a unique event for the University.
A great deal of effort has 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, and Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion (affiliated with the College of Engineering). In 2024, the college will launch a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (affiliated with the College of Business and Information Technology).
We are already planning on program expansions as the need for healthcare professionals continues to grow. The first two programs being planned are 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. We are also planning to extend several existing programs, creating a Master and Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.
We are also in the process of creating a health science core that will serve as year one of a two- or two- and half-year associate degree program 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 other Bachelor of Science degrees. To further support the healthcare industry, the College of Health Sciences will collaborate with other colleges at the University to create certification opportunities to provide additional skill-based pathways for individuals to enter or advance their positions in the healthcare professions.
When considering the future of healthcare programming, the future for the College of Health Sciences is boundless and diverse. The projected need for technologically-savvy medical and healthcare professionals continues to grow, as do the needs for applied research in the medical and healthcare areas. Our new college is in a strong position to help fulfill and support the growth and advancement of the healthcare professions.
As the interim dean, helping to guide and define the college’s future is truly a great opportunity. It is an extraordinary occasion to expand educational and research areas and provide groundbreaking services to our students, faculty, and the healthcare community. We welcome you to join us in this exciting adventure!
Sincerely,
Richard H. Heist, Ph.D.
Provost