West Coast University Opens Center for Graduate Studies
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2015 -- West Coast University opened its’ newest campus on May 12, 2015, celebrating the opening of the Center for Graduate Studies with remarks by distinguished guests, tours of the campus, and a gift to the community.
Executive Chairman of the Board, David Pyle, welcomed 160 local healthcare leaders and guests, including University associates, clinical partners, community and government representatives.
“This grand opening represents the culmination of nearly four decades of dedication to healthcare education innovation,” said Pyle. “Delivery of healthcare is changing and teams of interdisciplinary experts are collaborating to provide patient care. We think this collaborative model needs to start with the education of our future doctors, nurses, therapists and administrators.”
In recent years, West Coast University has broadened its’ educational offerings to include Master’s and doctorate level degrees in nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and healthcare administration. The Center for Graduate Studies offers these programs on a single campus with the aim of eliminating the traditional silos of learning, and fostering interprofessional education.
Dr. Levi Harrison, orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, provided the keynote address. Dr. Harrison praised the partnership between West Coast University and the Special Olympics World Games, saying, “This University is at the forefront of giving care to everyone.”
He highlighted interprofessional education as the core of West Coast University’s approach to education, praising the University as a pioneer in bringing about transformational change in healthcare. “If we want to do the best for patients, we have to work cogently together,” he said.
As a unique way to commemorate the grand opening, West Coast University donated $25,000 to the Special Olympics World Games, which was accepted by Jeff Carr, Chief Operating Officer for the LA2015 Games Organizing Committee. Two Special Olympics World Games Global Messengers, Marco Martinez and Michelle Core, shared how the Healthy Athletes program had a significant impact on their lives.
West Coast University’s connection to the Special Olympics World Games stems from its participation at the upcoming World Games. This summer, students from each graduate program, as well as the undergraduate programs in nursing and dental hygiene from the University’s other campuses, will serve as interprofessional healthcare teams supporting the Healthy Athletes program, which provides free comprehensive health screenings in seven disciplines to all participating World Games athletes.
West Coast University also introduced its’ first inbound group of IE students from CHA University in Seoul, Korea. These nurses are here for a term to experience American clinicals at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in conjunction with simulation education with our nursing students at the North Hollywood campus. WCU will also be sending students in exchange to CHA University in the summer of 2016.
Before the ceremony concluded, a certificate of recognition was presented by Assemblywoman Patty Lopez’s office in appreciation of West Coast University’s contribution to providing quality healthcare education to students in the greater Los Angeles area. Assembly member Adrin Nazarian also awarded a certificate of recognition to the University.
The celebration wrapped up with campus tours that provided a real-life illustration of how interprofessional education and healthcare plays out in a typical patient scenario. Participants followed the case of car accident victim, “Timmy,” following along as nursing, health administration, occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy worked together for Timmy’s care.
For information about the West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies, contact Ladd Graham at [email protected].
About West Coast University
Founded in 1909, West Coast University is a private institution focused on health care education. WCU offers both undergraduate and graduate health sciences degrees. WCU campuses are located in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties in California, as well as Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida. WCU now offers Online RN to BSN, RN to MSN and MSN programs. Through our commitment to academic excellence, fostering of a student-centric culture, and investment in advanced campus facilities, WCU strives to stay on the leading edge of the health care industry, preparing graduates for a career they love and one that meets the needs of the community. WCU is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
About Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)
With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games - being staged in Los Angeles July 25 - August 2, 2015 - will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as Honorary Hosts. LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee, is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Celia Ffrench, West Coast University, http://westcoastuniversity.edu/, 949-783-4080, [email protected]
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