Rowan University and FDU join forces in health care education

Rowan University and Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) have signed a memorandum of understanding to create dual degree programs, articulation agreements and accelerated pathways to strengthen New Jersey’s health workforce and improve health outcomes across the region.

The agreement brings together Rowan University, a leading public research institution in southern New Jersey, and FDU, a distinguished private university in northern New Jersey, in a strategic collaboration to develop multiple joint initiatives aimed at expanding pathways for students and working professionals to gain healthcare training while advancing innovation in health and well-being.

“This partnership represents a bold step forward in transforming health care education and innovation across New Jersey,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University. “By partnering with Fairleigh Dickinson University, we will expand access to high-quality health education but also accelerate research, workforce development and community wellness.” “We are very excited to collaborate with Rowan University,” said Michael Avaltroni, president of Fairleigh Dickinson University. “The two institutions complement each other in so many ways. By combining our institutions’ strengths, we are creating unprecedented opportunities for students while addressing the critical healthcare workforce needs of our state and region. Together we can truly have a dynamic impact on healthcare training and delivery.”

In August, the two institutions held a summit to explore ideas for collaboration and formally sign the MOU. Nearly 100 representatives from Rowan and FDU (primarily the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and the division of FDU Health) had discussions on exploring aligned programs (such as nursing, informatics, allied health and public health) and considering joint interests in clinical placements, research, faculty development and service learning. Sessions also focused on interprofessional education and human literacy in the age of artificial intelligence.

Richard Jermyn, vice chancellor for Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences, said, “Today is just the beginning of what we will build. The summit was about bringing the best physicians, the best researchers, and the best educators together in one room to see what we can develop and grow in the future. Our success is going to be measured by creating the next health care network of future physicians and nurses. They’re not only going to meet the needs of New Jersey, but beyond. Our missions are coming together today. So there’s no end to what we’re going to create.”

As outlined in the memorandum of understanding, the key components of the agreement include:

• Dual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)/Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) Degree Program: The universities will plan to develop a joint D.O./M.P.H. degree program offered through Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) and the division of FDU Health, combining clinical and public health education.
  
  
• Accelerated Direct Pathway for FDU Undergraduate Students into Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine: The institutions will develop a 3+4 accelerated program where eligible FDU pre-medical students would complete three years of undergraduate coursework at FDU and then transition to the four-year Rowan-Virtua SOM D.O. program. As part of a separate articulation agreement, Rowan will admit up to 10 FDU students to its D.O. program.
  
  
• Accelerated Pathway Programs for Rowan University Undergraduate Students into FDU Health Programs: The universities will look to implement a 2+4 and 3+3 accelerated pathway for Rowan undergraduate students into FDU’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
  
  
• Expanded Pre-Health Articulation Agreements: These potential agreements will enable FDU students to access M.D., D.O., and Veterinary Medicine programs at Rowan.

In addition, the two institutions will look to promote innovation in healthcare training and delivery through academic programming and other potential areas of the partnership.

Avaltroni added, “This is the start of an exciting future. We are committed to building the promise and potential of this strategic collaboration and helping to redefine healthcare education in the Garden State by aligning academic excellence with innovation, accessibility, and public service.”