March 18, 2003

Contact:
Jennifer Meriam, Director (954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director, (954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator, (954) 262-5350

NSU and International College Announce Dual Enrollment Agreement for New Health Studies Baccalaureate Program

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and International College in Naples, Florida have entered into a dual enrollment agreement for a new baccalaureate to graduate degree program in Health Studies, which will begin at International College in May 2003.

The Health Studies program will focus on three areas of study: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant. Under the dual enrollment agreement, students who enroll in the Health Studies program at International College will attend classes in the Naples area for three years and matriculate into the NSU graduate programs in Fort Lauderdale based on good academic standing.

Officials from both colleges believe the dual enrollment agreement will help fill the need for educated and qualified medical professionals in the area and state. Currently, there are not enough physician assistants and physical therapists to meet the area's demand. Many hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices recruit for these positions within or outside of the state.

Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., executive vice chancellor and provost of NSU's Health Professions Division, said NSU partnered with International College because the southwestern Florida is underserved.

"Health manpower studies have shown a dramatic need for certain health care professionals in that geographic region," Lippman said. "This is an opportunity for Nova Southeastern University, and International College, to provide an educational process developed to help the community of the southwest region of Florida."

Over 800 positions in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant are anticipated for the southwest region of Florida, according to a study by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. Almost 10,000 positions will be available in the state between now and 2009, the study predicts.

Southwest Florida health care administrators are already looking forward to the positive results of the alliance between International College and NSU. "We look forward to a long relationship with International College," said Richard E. Davis, P.A.C., Ed.D., dean of NSU's College of Allied Health. "We believe a partnership between NSU's College of Allied Health in Fort Lauderdale and International College in Naples will benefit communities on both coasts."

"Health care continues to be a primary focus of our citizens. We felt the way to help respond to the community's health needs was to provide a capable health care workforce," said Terry McMahan, president of International College. "The missions of International College and Nova Southeastern University are similar. We both strive to serve adult students. We are looking forward to a long and mutual relationship with NSU."

For more information about the dual enrollment program, call Lisa Ramirez at International College, (239) 513-1122 or Rita Cohl at NSU's Health Professions Division (954)-262-1595