The College of Health Professions (CHP) is entering a new era this fall with the launch of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, a unit pointed to prepare students for careers in health sciences, sport sciences and rehabilitation. The school officially opens its doors this semester, offering students opportunities in some of the fastest growing areas of healthcare.
Dean Ahmed Radwan, who leads the initiative, talked about how the school is designed to respond to both student demand and industry need.
“There was a need for these programs on the overall mission and growth of college professions,” Radwan said. “The athletic department was excited when I told them what I was working on, not only for the athletes but for the campus and the entire city of Detroit. Detroit is in need, and I hope I can help and give back to the community by graduating students who can fill the gap that the community needs.”
The new undergraduate majors right now are currently Health Sciences as well as Sports and Exercise Sciences, which have already been a success.
According to Radwan, “We didn’t even have the time to advertise for the new majors before we were getting emails and interest in the program.”
As the program grows more students, it continues to emphasize the fact it is trying to prepare them for the future programs it is putting in place.
Dr. Radwan explains the significance of the programs and his hopes for the future. The rehabilitation programs are in the progress of becoming whole. The school has started the accreditation process towards the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs, which will be available in the next 2-3 years.
“We are doing our best as a college, we are hiring the right faculty members who will help build and teach in these programs,” he said. “We are very committed to achieving and making progress as we go.”
They are also looking at an exercise testing lab being put in place in the historic Calihan Hall.
A key strength of the program is hands-on learning. Students are engaging in and preparing for clinical placements, internships and research-based projects. The two undergraduate majors have internships in them and research courses, so it is expected of every student in these majors to go through a semester long course where they learn valuable first step needs. Graduate programs, however, are different while most of their curriculum consists of clinicals and research practices and experience in hospitals, to name a few.
“We put these classes in place to help the students be the best they can be,” Radwan said. “For a program requirement they will have to produce research to graduate.”
Graduates of the School with this major can also prepare for a wide range of careers. What’s so special about this program is that it is built in the most creative way possible. The program makes it easy to minor and explore in something else that you may have had your eye on, not just limiting you to the one thing that you may pursue.
“We care more about serving our students than we care about the money,” Dr. Radwan said.
The launch of this entire program marks a bold investment and leap into the future. Radwan has given a great sense of hope to students with something to look forward to. It also gives them an opportunity to be a part of something that is challenging yet rewarding.
“We have good visions for our students,” Radwan said. “We will prepare them well. To be leaders in these professions. We hired the best faculty in the nation for that. We are committed to graduate the best students ever.”