U of I鈥檚 First Graduate Health Care Programs Will Launch in Fall 2025
June 13, 2024
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� 果冻传媒麻豆社 will welcome the School of Health and Medical Professions (SHAMP) to its graduate program roster in Fall 2025. These programs will address the physician and health care provider shortage that has plagued Idaho for years.
SHAMP will be a transformative force in addressing Idaho鈥檚 health care crises by expanding medical education and health care services both in rural north Idaho and statewide. The new programs will support existing programming in the state and propel Idaho out of its health care crises.
Spearheaded by Idaho WWAMI Regional Dean and Director Jeff Seegmiller, the new school was approved by the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) today, June 13, determining that U聽of聽I will be adding SHAMP and a master鈥檚 degree in gerontology 鈥� the study of old age 鈥� to its health care offerings.
鈥淭his is a monumental step forward for 果冻传媒麻豆社 and the state鈥檚 health care system,鈥� Seegmiller said. 鈥淭hese programs are designed to equip future health care professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the growing demands of our communities. Thank you to the Idaho State Board of Education for supporting the development of these new health care education opportunities.鈥�
The state is experiencing a health care worker shortage, ranging from primary care providers and nurses to behavioral health professionals. Idaho ranks 50th out of 50 states in the country in practicing physicians per capita. Additionally, by 2031, an estimated 30% of Idaho鈥檚 population will be 65 or older, making this a critical time to introduce Idaho鈥檚 first gerontology degree.
The programs housed within SHAMP will include a Master of Gerontology, with the intent to add two additional master鈥檚 programs and three doctoral programs upon final approval at the August SBOE meeting, including a doctorate in clinical psychology.
鈥淥ur goal is not only to fill the current gaps in health care provision, but also to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the well-being of Idahoans for generations to come,鈥� Seegmiller said.
U聽of聽I has worked closely with Idaho State University on the development of health care education in Idaho.
鈥淲e appreciate the support from our sister institutions, especially Idaho State University, to help make the School of Health and Medical Professions possible and look forward to future collaborations to help meet the health care needs of our state,鈥� U聽of聽I President Scott Green said.
U聽of聽I has the medical education building and anatomy lab in place to house SHAMP and is prepared to take on the expansion of graduate-level health care programs in north Idaho. Additionally, in anticipation of growth, U聽of聽I will break ground in July on an expansion to the D.A. Huckabay M.D. Medical Education Building.
鈥湽炒铰槎股� was founded on giving back to the state of Idaho as a land-grant institution and has a responsibility to better the lives of Idahoans,鈥� Seegmiller said. 鈥淒eveloping the School of Health and Medical Professions furthers that mission.鈥�
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About the 果冻传媒麻豆社
The 果冻传媒麻豆社, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.