We received exciting news earlier this summer that our Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program received accreditation-continued status from ARC-PA, the national accrediting body for physician assistant education. The accreditation had been a long time coming, and it marked a significant milestone for our institution: All of North Central College’s graduate health science programs are now fully accredited by their respective accrediting agencies.
What a journey it has been. More than a decade ago, when President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá was serving as the College’s provost, he spearheaded a bold vision to make North Central College a destination for healthcare education. At the time, the College did not offer a single advanced degree – master’s or doctorate – in the health sciences, nor did we have the professional staff or the facilities to do so. What we had was the knowledge of how to serve future generations of students, an understanding of the growing healthcare needs in our area and across the country, strong partners in the community, and an ambitious plan to make it happen.
In 2018, we launched our Master of Occupational Therapy program, followed by Master of Athletic Training in 2019, MSPAS in 2022, Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2023, Master of Science in Nursing in 2023, and Occupational Therapy Doctorate in January 2024. Also, in 2021, we opened the 40,000-plus-square-foot, state-of-the-art Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering, which gives our students access to hands-on learning spaces and advanced technology to develop their knowledge and skills.
Across our suite of graduate health science programs, we offer various entry points for a wide range of prospective students. Whether you are a current undergraduate at North Central, an associate degree-holder from a local community college, a graduate of another four-year institution, or a practicing healthcare professional looking to advance your career, there is a place for you in one of our programs. And, next fall, we’ll welcome the first student cohort for our new Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice program, which provides a pathway for college graduates with non-nursing backgrounds to enter the high-demand nursing field.
It has been rewarding to see our bold vision become a reality, thanks to our talented and dedicated faculty, staff and community partners as well as students who are attracted to our patient- and relationship-centered approach to teaching and learning. While we have reached this important accreditation milestone, there is no finish line in sight. As the healthcare field continues to advance and demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow and change, so will North Central College – with a focus on meeting the needs of our students and serving our community.
To learn more, go to northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-health-programs.
