SMITHFIELD, RI – Increasing demands for high-quality healthcare at manageable costs are driving the need for business leaders and healthcare practitioners to work collaboratively and think innovatively across disciplines to improve outcomes. The future of healthcare requires graduates who have a strong, hands-on scientific background and also a business background rich in data analytics.
Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences (SHBS) is responding to these growing demands by delivering an interdisciplinary education that integrates health sciences, cognitive and behavioral sciences, data analytics, and business.
“We are creating an ecosystem of interdisciplinary academic programs and immersive experiential opportunities that will position Bryant graduates with valuable skillsets, unique perspectives, and a distinct advantage...”
Most recently, the School has added programs in Healthcare Analytics and Exercise and Movement Science, expanding on its highly sought-after programs in Health Sciences, Biology, and Psychology. These new programs are a key part of a Vision 2030 strategic initiative to expand academic programs that prepare students with 21st century skills for emerging career opportunities at the intersection of business, the liberal arts, and STEM disciplines.
“Through the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, we are creating an ecosystem of interdisciplinary academic programs and immersive experiential opportunities that will position Bryant graduates with valuable skillsets, unique perspectives, and a distinct advantage when they enter the workforce,” says Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D.
The estimated growth rate for occupations in healthcare is at 16% percent until 2030, with projected earnings well above national and New England averages for college graduates.
“While many healthcare education programs address the business and clinical aspects independently, our program...provides a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing current and future healthcare challenges.”
“While many healthcare education programs address the business and clinical aspects independently, our program requires students to minor in business, providing a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing current and future healthcare challenges,” says Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., Director of the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
ABOUT THE NEW PROGRAMS
Healthcare Analytics
Healthcare Analytics is a rapidly emerging field that involves the integration of health sciences, computer science, information science, biostatistics, and cognitive science to drive the management and analytical use of healthcare information. Bryant’s Healthcare Analytics program, one of only several undergraduate programs in the country, builds the necessary analytical and technical skills required to manage, analyze, and interpret health data to provide effective solutions to strategic and operational problems in healthcare.
Specialists who can transform data into meaningful insights for numerous and diverse stakeholders are urgently needed and in high demand.
“It is very exciting to be creating educational programs that put these interdependencies at the forefront and will create unparalleled opportunities for Bryant students.”
Exercise and Movement Science
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), regular physical activity is one of the most important things individuals can do to promote good health. “Being physically active can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve the ability to do everyday activities.” Bryant’s program in Exercise and Movement Science provides opportunities for students who want to focus on the education, training, and clinical aspects of health and fitness, sports management, and athletic training.
Two tracks of study are available:
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The Applied Exercise and Coaching track is designed for students who wish to enter the workforce after graduation to provide health and fitness performance coaching and training. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the national Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.
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The Healthcare Provider Prep track is designed for students who wish to build upon their knowledge by pursuing a graduate degree in a healthcare or medical field including physical therapy.
“Increasingly healthcare providers and researchers are recognizing the impact of exercise and movement on good health, and that includes mental health and cognitive functioning,” says Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Clinical Psychologist, and Associate Director of the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “It is very exciting to be creating educational programs that put these interdependencies at the forefront and will create unparalleled opportunities for Bryant students.”
The School of Health and Behavioral Sciences also offers a graduate program in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) with plans for additional graduate programs in the future.
Learn more
For more information on the Healthcare Analytics and Exercise and Movement Science and the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, please contact program leaders Professor Kirsten Hokeness at khokeness@bryant.edu, Professor Joseph Trunzo at Jtrunzo@bryant.edu, or the Office of Admission at admission@bryant.edu.
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
For nearly 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The University delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, STEM, and the liberal arts. Located on a 435-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,441 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 37 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron's. Visit www.bryant.edu.
