Health care
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
By 2027, Sam Houston State University anticipates kicking off a new master’s program in applied biomedical sciences at its College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, COM Dean Thomas Mohr said. SHSU is working to hire up to four new faculty and staff who would provide oversight to the program while also teaching COM medical students. The goal for the program is for it to be a one-year program, but Mohr said that may change as the college goes through the approval process for it. SHSU to launch new master’s program in Conroe by 2027
Diving in deeper
that if future years of grant funding is not provided by the federal government, the program will continue to move forward, Mohr said. “Nobody is going to lose their job if the Depart- ment of Education no longer funds this grant,” Mohr said. Mohr also said SHSU sees the new master’s program as one that will eventually have multiple pathways: one pathway for students specifically interested in the specialized tracks; one pathway for medical students who could get a usable credential in between applying for medical school; and a pathway for medical students who decide not to go to medical school. “In 30 years of being in academic medicine, it’s always really bothered me that we get students that don’t make it to the end of medical school and they walk away with nothing other than huge debt and no more usable skills,” Mohr said.
In late 2024, the college received a $4.99 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Community Impact previously reported. Mohr said the grant is specifically to help with the creation of new health care-adjacent programs. “It’s a five-year grant, so built into that grant is time for us to really do the planning, really interface with external constituents so we know that what we’re putting together will be valuable,” Mohr said. Mohr said the grant is there to pay for its devel- opment and to subsidize the first couple of years of the program. “This program is being set up by the grant to be a self-sustaining program,” Mohr said. “This is not something that we’re expecting to have infinite years of grant funding.” SHSU officials are also following any changes made to the U.S. Department of Education. Univer- sity and COM leaders have made the commitment
Students will take the same classes and then branch off into one of four specialized tracks:
Stay tuned
SHSU’s master’s in applied biomedical sciences
Medical/health care artificial intelligence
Mohr said SHSU is spending a year talking to companies in relevant industries, which include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies alongside hospital and clinical systems. “We’re continuing to have those high-level discussions to determine how to utilize those four tracks and fill in the details to be immediately applicable for hiring industries,” Mohr said.
Anticipated launch by 2027
Health care technologies
40 students estimated per class, which may increase to 60 students
Regulatory affairs
Both online and in-person classes
Clinical sciences
In-person internship
SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
(936) 703-5333 | 2275 Riverway Drive, Conroe, TX 77304 A Place Where You Belong
Scan here to learn more
336
45
SGT. ED HOLCOMB BLVD. www.WoodhavenVillage.com
It’s TIME to choose your Best Life! Offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
ID #106820
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook