Creighton, Regis expand an already innovative partnership

A newly inked agreement between Regis University and Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., demonstrates how cooperation between Jesuit universities can expand educational opportunities, said Evan T. Robinson, R.Ph., Ph.D., FNAP, dean of Creighton’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.

The agreement updates an earlier “Creighton-Regis Pathway” partnership by guaranteeing four places for Regis students in each entering class of Creighton’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Learn more about the program here.

“The development of this agreement with Regis University represents a great opportunity for students to start their pre-health education at Regis, and – based upon satisfying the admissions requirements – enter Creighton’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program,” said Robinson. “This partnership shows how a collaboration between two institutions can support student success.”

The agreement extends a collaboration between the two Jesuit universities that has been in place since 2015. The program allows students to remain in the Denver area while earning an Occupational Therapy doctorate degree from Creighton, a degree program that ranks among the top 15 nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report.

 Using a distance-hybrid format, students attend full time for eight semesters. They complete online coursework and engage in on-campus clinical experiences at Regis and at additional clinical sites in Colorado. Throughout the program, students have ready access to academic support and career mentoring from Creighton faculty.

Creighton and Regis developed their partnership to address a shortage of occupational therapy practitioners in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. There also is evidence of skyrocketing demand for occupational therapists nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the ranks of occupational therapists will grow by 22,700 by 2029, a 16 percent increase over current levels.

“Our partnership with Creighton University has successfully provided training for the best practitioners in the country, right here in Colorado,” said Linda Osterlund, Ph.D., academic dean of the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions at Regis. “This is an expansion of that partnership to increase access to the program for undergraduate students here at Regis University.”

About Creighton University

Creighton University offers a top-ranked education in the Jesuit tradition for people who want to contribute something meaningful to the world. It’s where students, faculty and staff thrive in a supportive community committed to Jesuit Catholic values and traditions. It’s where students learn to become leaders through service to others. Creighton’s nine schools and colleges deliver powerful education with degree programs spanning the arts, sciences, law and business, and health sciences programs in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy, public health and emergency medical services. For more information, visit www.creighton.edu