The basics:

• Rowan, FDU sign MOU to expand health care education in New Jersey
• Partnership will create dual degrees, accelerated pathways & joint programs
• New initiatives include DO/MPH, pharmacy and pre-health articulation tracks
• Collaboration aims to strengthen the state’s health care workforce pipeline

Rowan University and Fairleigh Dickinson University launched a public–private partnership to expand health care education and help address an area of critical need here in New Jersey – the growing demand for medical professionals.

The two universities signed an Oct. 7 memorandum of understanding to create dual degrees, accelerated pathways and joint health programs. The initiative aims to train more doctors, nurses, pharmacists and public health leaders.

The collaboration connects Rowan’s fast-growing public research enterprise in South Jersey with FDU’s private university network in North Jersey — bridging both ends of the state to strengthen the health care talent pipeline.

“This partnership represents a bold step forward in transforming health care education and innovation across New Jersey,” said Ali 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.”

FDU President Michael Avaltroni said the collaboration presents an opportunity to have a truly dynamic impact on health care training and delivery.

“We are very excited to collaborate with Rowan University,” said Avaltroni. “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 health care workforce needs of our state and region.”

Uniting missions

The partnership emerged from an August summit. During the event, nearly 100 representatives from both universities – including faculty from the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and FDU Health – explored collaborative programs and research opportunities and more.

Richard Jermyn is vice chancellor of the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences at Rowan University. He said the agreement marks the beginning of what the two institutions 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 for the future,” said Jermyn. “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.”

Key things to know about the partnership:

• Joint degree: Plans for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health program through Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and FDU Health, blending clinical and public health education
• Accelerated medical pathway: A 3+4 program enabling FDU undergraduates to complete three years of coursework and transition directly into Rowan-Virtua SOM. Rowan will admit up to 10 eligible FDU students annually
• Pharmacy pathways for Rowan students: Creation of 2+4 and 3+3 programs that allow Rowan undergraduates to move seamlessly into FDU’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program
• Expanded pre-health access: New articulation agreements will open additional opportunities for FDU students to pursue medical degrees, osteopathic medicine degrees and veterinary medicine degrees at Rowan
• Innovation: The two institutions will promote innovation in health care training and delivery through academic programming and other potential areas of the partnership

Avaltroni said the collaboration represents “the start of an exciting future.”

“We are committed to building the promise and potential of this strategic collaboration and helping to redefine health care education in the Garden State by aligning academic excellence with innovation, accessibility, and public service,” said Avaltroni.