The Evolving History of the Center for Allied Health Programs
The Center for Allied Health Programs evolved as a result of reorganization in the Academic Health Center that began in 2003. This reorganization prompted discussions about the proper location of allied health programs in the University of Minnesota, and a review of the recommendations of task forces and committees that had considered this issue in previous years. Historically, a variety of health-related programs that fall under the rubric “allied health” are housed among several academic units across the University. Other state-supported programs exist in colleges and universities of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) system.
Various options for moving ahead were considered, and the issue was vigorously debated outside the University. A primary factor in the decision to move ahead with creation of the Center included workforce data suggesting significant shortages of key personnel in various allied health disciplines in the years ahead. Consequently, the Academic Health Center recommended to the Board of Regents that the Center for Allied Health Programs be created, and the Regents gave their approval in July, 2006. With that action, the first programs of the Center became the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and the Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. The Regents also approved that the second performance site or location for programs exist in Rochester, at what will now become a new coordinate campus for the University of Minnesota. In March 2006, the Regents considered a proposed name change for the Program in Medical Technology, approving its new title: Program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
The Center continues to evolve, seeking to realize its vision of becoming a statewide resource by developing partnerships with other colleges and universities in the state to co-create technology enhanced, learner-centered, and industry relevant programs to serve the healthcare needs of Minnesotans in the 21st Century.