Regent University to start college of health sciences

Virginia Beach-based Regent University plans to start a college of health-care sciences in fall 2018.

M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Regent’s founder, CEO, and chancellor, announced the move after a unanimous vote on the program by the university’s board of trustees.

“Career growth in health-related fields is expanding explosively and demand for quality health-care graduates is three times that of other fields,” Robertson said. “Regent’s record 10,000 student enrollment growth is due in part to our strategic investment in new healthcare programs. By adding a stand alone College of Healthcare Sciences, we will build upon this exponential growth trajectory by offering some of the most in-demand programs in the nation over the coming years.”

Regent pointed to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures showing a shortage of health-care professionals. Employment in health-care occupations is projected to increase 19 percent through 2024, adding about 2.3 million new jobs. More than a million nursing jobs nationally and more than 32,000 in Virginia are expected by 2030.

When it opens, the college will include a new school of nursing that will offer clinical and online degree programs. Regent’s current health-care degree programs will be moved under the college along with new programs.