January 31, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio –The School of Allied Medical Professions (SAMP) at The Ohio State University College of Medicine has been renamed the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), after a recent approval from The Ohio State University Board of Trustees.
“The new name better reflects the school’s expanding educational programs, including its baccalaureate in health sciences and doctorate in health and rehabilitation sciences, and is consistent with national trends at peer schools and colleges across the country,” said Deborah Larsen, director of SHRS and associate dean at Ohio State’s College of Medicine.
With more than 10,000 graduates, SHRS is one of the largest providers of allied health professionals in the United States, and is recognized nationally as a leader in the fields of athletic training, health sciences, health information and management systems, laboratory sciences, medical dietetics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and radiologic sciences and therapy.
“The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences more accurately describes the wide variety of programs housed within the School,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, dean of Ohio State’s College of Medicine. “With the growth of these professions over the last few decades SHRS has grown exponentially, both in number of students and programs offered."
The School of Allied Medical Professions was founded in 1966 with less than a couple hundred undergraduates and few degree options. Today, SHRS has nearly 1,700 students and offers 13 courses of study, including masters and doctoral programs.
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of the fastest growing jobs over the next 10 years will be in the health and rehabilitation professions,” said Larsen. “SHRS is preparing our students for the critical, cutting edge jobs of the future.”
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ name selection followed a yearlong evaluation of naming trends nationally and focus-group discussions with faculty, students, alumni and constituents of the School.
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, founded in 1914, is well known for its curricular innovation, world-renowned faculty, pioneering research and patient care. It is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best public medical schools in the United States. Each year, nearly 700 residents and fellows train in more than 65 accredited graduate and residency programs. More than 13,700 College of Medicine MD and residency program graduates practice in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries around the world.
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