Trine plans to ramp up offerings in Fort Wayne
By Ashley Sloboda | The Journal Gazette
Trine University announced plans Wednesday to expand health sciences programs in Fort Wayne over the next three years.
Along with increasing capacity for two existing programs, the Angola university will launch nine programs, including a Master of Applied Health Sciences and an Associate of Science in surgical technology next fall.
“We know there is a great need for medical personnel to serve an aging population,” Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II said in a statement.
“By providing students in new areas of the health sciences with the career-focused training and practical experience that are already hallmarks of a Trine education, these new programs will help meet that need, as well as offer opportunities for graduates to be readily employed.”
Trine anticipates the growth will require a bigger physical footprint in Fort Wayne, spokesman James Tew said in an email.
Some programs could be housed at Trine's Education Center on Dupont Circle Drive and the Health Sciences Education Center, which opened in 2014 at 1819 Carew St. on the Parkview Randallia campus, he said.
“We are currently investigating possible additional sites in Fort Wayne for the new programs,” Tew said.
Directors and faculty will be hired for each new program, he said.
Ryan Dombkowski, recently appointed associate dean of the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, will work with Max Baumgartner, dean, and Cathy Swick, dean for the school's undergraduate programs, to direct the expansion and guide development, Trine announced.
University leaders are confident in the investment, describing health sciences as the nation's largest-growing academic area.
“We wouldn't launch these programs if we didn't believe they would lead to careers for our students,” John Shannon, vice president for academic affairs, said in a statement.
The collaboration between Trine and Parkview Health will continue.
“Trine University's expansion of health sciences is an important step toward meeting the growing need for quality health care professionals in our region,” Rick Henvey, chief operating officer for Parkview Health and Trine board member, said in a statement.
At a glance
Timeline for Trine University's health sciences expansion
Fall 2019
- Doctor of Physical Therapy program expands from 35 to 45 students per class
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies program expands from 28 to 32 students per class
- Master of Applied Health Sciences program launches
- Associate of Science in surgical technology program launches
Fall 2020
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies expands to 36 students per class
- Physical therapy assistant program launches
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy program launches
- Master of Science in anesthesia program launches
- Online RN to BSN program launches
- Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in radiologic technology programs launch
Fall 2021
- Master of Speech Language Pathology program launches
