Des Moines University

11/13/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2024 08:17

DMU and Voorhees University Forge Partnership to Enhance Diversity in Medical Education

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Voorhees University have formed a partnership to establish a pathway for Voorhees students to pursue advanced degrees in medical and health science professions. This partnership, DMU's inaugural collaboration with a historically black university, expands opportunities for diversity in medical education.

"DMU's partnership with Voorhees not only increases access to health science degrees, but also follows our mission to educate a diverse group of highly competent and compassionate students who will improve lives in our global community," says Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU. "Together, we are expanding our educational horizons and proving our commitment to inclusivity, innovation and academic excellence. We are paving the way to a brighter future for all students."

Voorhees students can apply to a range of advanced degree programs, with guaranteed interviews for many DMU programs, options for concurrent degrees as well as reserved seats in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and Health Professions Advanced Summer Scholars program.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to providing Voorhees students with exceptional opportunities for academic and professional growth," says Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., M.A., Voorhees University president. "By collaborating with DMU, we are empowering our students to pursue careers in health professions that will not only enhance their futures but also contribute to improving the well-being of communities nationwide."

The DMU and Voorhees partnership agreement offers students the following benefits:

Guaranteed Interviews

Voorhees students who meet DMU's admission requirements are guaranteed interviews for consideration of admission to these DMU programs:

Concurrent Degrees

Qualifying Voorhees students will be able to earn credits concurrently in their undergraduate Voorhees degree program and these graduate programs at DMU:

Voorhees students may begin applying to these DMU programs as early as the summer between their sophomore and junior years.

Reserved O.T.D. and Health P.A.S.S. Seats

The partnership agreement reserves one seat annually for Voorhees students in DMU's Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Health P.A.S.S. programs. The seats are available to competitive Voorhees students based on grade point average, demonstrated hours of relevant observational or work experience, positive recommendations from Voorhees faculty and other academic achievements.

The partnership agreement takes effect immediately. Students interested in learning more are encouraged to contact their academic advisor at Voorhees, the admissions team at [email protected] or the DMU admissions team at [email protected].