The University of Nebraska Board of Regents earlier this month approved two measures within the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions:
- the creation of the department of medical imaging and therapeutic sciences; and
- the establishment of a Master of Health Professions Teaching and Technology degree.
The new master’s degree will focus on the integration of new and emerging educational technology into curriculum development and teaching, to align with the experiences and expectations of digitally-native millennial and post-millennial students in all the health professions.
“This innovative and inter-professionally taught master’s program will focus on the art of teaching to enable faculty to effectively use new and emerging technology to enhance the learning experience,” said Dele Davies, M.D., UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The degree is applicable to any health professions educator and will serve as a valuable asset for faculty in the U.S. and around the world.”
Select pilot courses in the program were offered to interested UNMC faculty, staff and students this past year.
The establishment of the UNMC Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences follows last year’s creation of the College of Allied Health Professions.
Formerly the division of radiation sciences technology education, the new department comprises education programs for cardiovascular interventional technology, diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, and radiography.
The name of the new department better reflects the role and function of the constituent programs, said Kyle Meyer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Allied Health Professions.
“It is more congruent with national trends,” he said.
The college will name a department chair at a future date, Dr. Meyer said.