The MGH Institute of Health Professions

Overview

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is a nonprofit, private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It focuses on graduate education in the health sciences and is the only degree-granting affiliate of Mass General Brigham, New England's largest health care provider, founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

History

The MGH Institute of Health Professions was established in 1977 by Massachusetts General Hospital, with the goal of integrating clinical practice and academic theory to educate health care professionals. The institute traces its roots back to 1873, when Massachusetts General Hospital founded the Boston Training School for Nurses, one of the first nursing schools in the United States, based on principles developed by Florence Nightingale. This school later became the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing, which closed in 1981 after being the longest continuously operating nursing school in the United States.

In 1977, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted Massachusetts General Hospital the authority to confer academic degrees. The Massachusetts General Hospital Academic Division was launched that year and renamed the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 1980. The institute admitted its first students in physical therapy and social work and began awarding degrees, starting with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1983.

By 1985, the MGH Institute was incorporated as a separate entity from Massachusetts General Hospital, and it received initial accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In 2001, the institute relocated to the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it now occupies over 125,000 square feet of space in seven buildings.

Academics

The MGH Institute offers a variety of graduate and post-professional programs in health sciences, including:

• Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Speech Language Pathology
• PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
• Master of Science in Health Professions Education

Additionally, the institute provides an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for undergraduate students. The programs are designed to integrate classroom learning with clinical practice and research, preparing students for interprofessional health care leadership.

Accreditation

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and has specialized accreditations from organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Facilities

The institute's campus in the Charlestown Navy Yard includes extensive classroom and laboratory facilities, pro-bono rehabilitation centers, and simulation labs. It also supports comprehensive faculty and student research activities, utilizing over 159,000 square feet of campus space.

Mission

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is committed to creating and disseminating knowledge that improves health outcomes, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and addressing disparities in health care. Its mission focuses on educating the next generation of health care leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems.

Student Demographics

As of 2011, the student body was predominantly female (85%), with a majority of students enrolled full-time (62%). The institute reported a high graduation rate, with over 98% of students completing their degree programs. The student population includes diverse ethnic backgrounds, though it is predominantly white (61%).

Notable Programs and Achievements

The MGH Institute is known for innovative educational models, including the establishment of the first interprofessional dedicated education unit in the U.S. in 2011, which promotes collaboration among different health professions students. The institute also offers unique programs like the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, which was the first of its kind in New England when established in 2013.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions has educated over 9,000 graduates since its founding, and its alumni network spans the globe, contributing significantly to advancements in health care leadership and education.