Meeting the Vital Needs

The Brooks College of Health Professions (BCHP) is the largest building project in Trine University’s history. What does this monumental growth mean to Trine and how will it positively affect Trine’s future?

Trine University entered the health sciences and health professions about a decade ago, and the explosive growth that has occurred in those programs since then is evidence of the wisdom of that decision. The new Brooks College of Health Professions not only accommodates that growth, it anticipates additional growth as we add programs that meet community needs while preparing our students for successful careers. 

Tell us a bit about the cutting-edge education offered at BCHP. How does it help set this school apart from others? 

We currently offer programs in physical therapy, physician assistant studies and surgical technology, with occupational therapy starting classes in 2025. Many students come to us through pathways offered at Trine’s Angola campus. The state-of-the-art facilities in the new Brooks College of Health Professions will give our students, as well as Parkview Health staff, access to realistic surgery and emergency room suites as well as exam and patient rooms. Our education also includes the hallmarks of all Trine University programs: personal attention from faculty and the opportunity for practical experience.

What does it mean for the school to have the opportunity to partner with Parkview Health System and Lutheran Health Network? How are students benefitting from these partnerships? 

Our health care partners are critical to our success; we wouldn’t be able to do this without them. Clinical experience is a key component of our programs, with some getting students out in the field in their first semester. Our partners provide these opportunities. They also help many of our graduates launch their careers. But the partnership goes both ways: We provide them with well-trained professionals to help meet critical needs.

How do you foresee this new building and its programs positively impacting Fort Wayne and surrounding areas?

Most of our graduates will work and settle in the area, providing physical therapists, physicians assistants, occupational therapists, nurses, surgical technologists and other professions we will add. This comes at a time when the senior adult population will increase rapidly and many in those fields will be retiring, so it’s critical for the quality of health care in this area that we create and maintain this pipeline of young professionals. These young families also will pay taxes, spend, raise families and serve in our communities for many years to come.

What is the most rewarding part about seeing this project come to fruition?

Seeing the excitement of our students and faculty as they experience not only the newness of the facility, but the opportunity to train and teach in state-of-the-art labs and our new SimCenter. It really is all about the students, and it’s gratifying to know we’re giving them the best education possible to equip them for successful careers. 

Comments