EKU exhibits excellence in healthcare education

Eastern Kentucky University is home to several nationally ranked healthcare degree programs, playing a crucial role in shaping the healthcare workforce. As of last fall, approximately 4,000 students are enrolled in EKU healthcare degree programs. Expanding on a commitment to excellence in healthcare education, EKU proposed a College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) to provide students with accessible and affordable medical education options and improve healthcare shortages across the Commonwealth. 

“With established and high-performing healthcare-related programs, EKU is actively addressing statewide shortages. Seventy-two percent of our health-related majors are employed in Kentucky after graduation, highlighting EKU’s profound impact in this field and in our communities,” said EKU President David McFaddin.

 

EKU’s nursing program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, along with EKU graduate programs in clinical psychology, occupational therapy, public health and speech-language pathology. 

 

“With the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, we have a unique opportunity to expand collaborative efforts among programs. Future healthcare professionals from a variety of fields will be able to train together, making our graduates even more valuable in the workforce and ready to serve their fellow Kentuckians,” McFaddin said.

 

Claudia Douglas, a junior nursing major from Stanford, Kentucky, said she chose EKU because of its reputable nursing program and 100% NCLEX pass rate. 

 

“EKU feels like one big family helping you every step of your healthcare career,” Douglas said. About her choice to pursue nursing, she said, “The medical field is a field of compassion. I love helping people when they need it most. Healthcare allows a connection to people and to be there for the patient every step of the way.”

 

EKU offers a robust portfolio of programs in health-related fields, including pre-med/biomedical sciences, nutrition, emergency medical care, medical laboratory science, exercise and sport science and others. 

 

Elizabeth Davis, a sophomore pre-med major, is excited about the possibility of EKU offering a College of Osteopathic Medicine. “We need more healthcare here and more hospitals here, especially in the rural areas. It’s very expensive to get into medical school and going hours away from your family can be hard. If there’s a D.O. school here, that would be an amazing option.”

 

Davis said that attending the College of Osteopathic Medicine at EKU would help her realize her dream of becoming an internal medicine physician or pediatrician.

 

According to the American Board of Pediatrics, 48 of Kentucky's 120 counties have no pediatricians. Furthermore, the Rural Health Information Hub shows nearly all of Kentucky’s counties as Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care. 

 

With a College of Osteopathic Medicine, EKU would seek to recruit, train and retain physicians in rural areas—building upon the university’s reputation and success in healthcare education.