Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Drake University have expanded their partnership to offer more students in the Des Moines metro access to medical and health sciences education. Previously, the partnership included opportunities to earn credits toward concurrent degrees.
“Our partnership with Drake addresses a shared commitment to the urgent need for skilled health care professionals. By expanding our already existing partnership, we will create more opportunities for students to excel in high-demand fields right here in Iowa,” says Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU. “We are strengthening career prospects and contributing to the resilience of our state’s health care systems. Our collaboration will foster innovation, dedication and excellence and will impact the communities these students will serve.”
Qualifying Drake students in any major can apply to a range of advanced degree programs, with guaranteed interviews for many DMU programs and options for concurrent degrees as well as reserved seats in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“This agreement will not only create additional career opportunities for Drake undergraduates within in-demand health care fields but will serve to build our state’s future health care workforce at a time when it’s critically necessary,” says Sue Mattison, provost at Drake. “We are proud to expand upon our long-standing relationship with DMU and to further enhance our mission promise of preparing students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments and responsible global citizenship.”
The DMU and Drake University partnership agreement offers students the following benefits:
Guaranteed Interviews
Drake students who meet the requirements are guaranteed interviews for consideration of admission to these DMU programs:
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Master of Science in Anatomy
- Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
Concurrent Degrees
Qualifying Drake students will be able to earn credits concurrently in their undergraduate Drake degree program and these graduate programs at DMU:
- Master of Health Care Administration
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Drake students may begin applying to these DMU programs as early as the summer between their sophomore and junior years.
Reserved Seats
The partnership agreement reserves seats annually for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. The seats are available to competitive Drake students based on grade point average, demonstrated hours of relevant observational or work experience, a positive recommendation from Drake faculty and other academic achievements.
Depending on the student’s career path, applications can be started as early as their sophomore year. Students are encouraged to work with their advisors and academic program chairs for timely and strategic career planning.
The partnership agreement takes effect immediately. Students interested in learning more are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or program director at Drake University or the DMU admissions team at admissions@dmu.edu.