Unlock Your Potential: Explore Decker College’s Flexible New Degree Programs – Binghamton News

Mario Ortiz has big plans for Binghamton University’s Decker College. Since he became dean in 2016, he’s led a transformation that expanded the school to include not only nursing but also health sciences and rehabilitation programs.

The first phase of his vision saw the college grow into six divisions, adding occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology. They moved most of their operations to a new Health Sciences Building in Johnson City, New York, creating a more centralized space for students.

Next came Phase 2, which introduced new degree options like a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology. Ortiz and his team also recruited new faculty to support these programs.

With so much growth, Ortiz is now focused on Phase 3. This phase promises even more academic offerings, including new online courses, but there’s just one issue: space. “We’re having trouble accommodating all interested students and faculty,” Ortiz admits. To tackle this, the university bought a three-story building nearby, which will be turned into labs and classrooms for physical therapy and speech programs. Renovations are underway, with plans to welcome students in spring 2027.

New minors are also being introduced, like Arts in Healthcare and Public Health. These can help students in various majors explore potential careers in healthcare. “These minors open doors for students to discover where they might fit in the health sector,” Ortiz says.

This fall, proposals for new bachelor’s and master’s programs in health sciences will be up for Faculty Senate approval. If approved, they could launch by fall 2027. The college is also expanding its online nursing options, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, to meet the needs of current students and future commitments.

Nicole Rouhana, director of graduate nursing, notes that there’s significant interest from current nurses wanting to specialize further. The college is even planning new programs for anesthetists and nurse-midwives, reflecting the growing demands in healthcare.

In terms of student support, the college has ramped up services. They’ve scheduled a “common hour” each Friday, ensuring all students can attend events without class conflicts. This change aims to enhance student engagement and provide more support options.

Overall, the Decker College is not just expanding in numbers but also in the range of programs and support it offers to students. This ensures the next generation of health professionals gets the best education possible.

For further insights into the importance of healthcare education, visit [American Association of Colleges of Nursing](https://www.aacnnursing.org/). Recent studies highlight that a growing number of healthcare jobs require a specialized degree, making these developments particularly timely and essential.

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