A degree from The Citadel can now give qualified students a guaranteed path to doctoral and graduate programs at one of the nation’s premier academic medical systems.

Thanks to a recent partnership with Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, Citadel students who meet program-specific requirements are now guaranteed admission to participating programs that could help them move into high-demand healthcare careers.

For students, it creates a clearer academic roadmap as they move through their undergraduate studies, helping them to plan ahead with greater confidence and a clear path to building their future.

“Through this collaboration, we are creating a pathway that combines The Citadel’s strong foundation in leadership and health with advanced, practice-focused education,” said Darin Zimmerman, Ph.D., dean of The Citadel’s Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics. “Together, we are preparing graduates who are not only academically grounded, but also ready to make an immediate impact in the field of healthcare.”

The new agreement guarantees admission for qualified students to 11 graduate and doctoral programs at Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, along with two bachelor’s programs in nursing and health science.

The graduate and doctoral programs include Master of Science in Healthcare Data Analytics, Master of Health Administration, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Health Science, Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Eligible students may also receive financial benefits. 

Depending on the program, this could be either a 20 percent tuition reduction or a $2,000 scholarship, with additional financial aid opportunities available through Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions.

The agreement also marks the first time that Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, which is based in Boston, has extended its pathway network outside of New England.

Kevin Finn, the associate provost of student affairs and dean of students Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, said this partnership with The Citadel helps both educational institutions give their students unique opportunities that help take some of the guesswork out of charting a career path in a high-demand field.

“As higher education becomes increasingly expensive, students want to know their education is worth their time and investment,” said Finn. “These academic programs and partnerships provide pathways to high demand careers in the healthcare sector.”

The initiative also comes at a time when the healthcare industry is facing significant workforce challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, healthcare jobs are projected to grow much faster than jobs in other fields.

About 1.9 million openings are projected each year, on average, as the field grows and workers leave their jobs.