Evidence In Motion (EIM) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Wilson College to launch graduate degree programs catering to the burgeoning demand in health care professions. The collaboration will offer aspiring professionals the opportunity to pursue degrees in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP).
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College, known for its commitment to student-focused education, will spearhead this initiative to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in our communities. Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., president of Wilson College, expressed enthusiasm about this venture, stating, "This new partnership with EIM aligns with our mission to provide accessible and relevant curricula that meets the needs of today’s students. These degrees will help meet the pressing demand for well-equipped health care professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond."
The degree programs, delivered using EIM's hybrid and accelerated education model, will be accessible to students nationwide. Most of the coursework will be available online, supplemented by hands-on lab immersion experiences conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. Emphasizing a career-focused approach, each program integrates clinical and capstone components, ensuring a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.
This strategic alliance reflects a growing trend toward hybrid graduate programs in high-demand fields. Pradeep Khandelwal, CEO of EIM, expressed, "Wilson College embodies our commitment to student-centered education, and we are thrilled to welcome them into our growing network of universities. We are confident that our collaboration will not only enrich their institution but, more importantly, contribute significantly to the lasting success and achievements of their students.”
Pending accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the OTD program is scheduled for launch in January 2026, followed by DPT in August 2027, and finally, MS-SLP in January 2028.
Elissa Heil, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Wilson College, emphasized the significance of the accelerated hybrid model, stating, "The accelerated hybrid model in graduate health care studies helps students reach their professional goals more quickly while training them at the highest standards of their chosen field. Wilson College is excited to pursue this option for tomorrow’s leaders in the allied health industry."
The projected growth in health care programs reflects increasing demand in the sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, Occupational Therapy 12%, and Speech-Language Pathology 19%.
President Fugate concluded, "Through this partnership, Wilson College is leading important health care and educational transformation not only in our region but across the national landscape."
Stay informed about trends in health care education and new innovative partnerships on the EIM Partner Newsroom.
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 32 majors and 40 minors in high-demand and innovative fields including education, nursing, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and sport management, as well as graduate degrees in education, fine arts, the humanities, nursing, and organizational leadership. With degree programs of study available in person and online, the College is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for today’s students. Visit wilson.edu for more information.
Evidence In Motion is recognized as a health care learning solutions company dedicated to reimagining education that transforms every community. We do this by partnering with leading universities and colleges to power hybrid, accelerated graduate programs in health care.
“Since age 11, I have been behind a lens, photographing sports. Working with athletes has always been a goal of mine and choosing sport management at Wilson College was just a natural progression for me. Wilson has opened so many doors that led me to choose this major and I'm so grateful for the connections I have made here. My experience working with the baseball team and the opportunity Wilson provided for me with my internship along with my studies has given me the tools and the knowledge to take what I have learned here and be the best that I can be in my chosen career path!”
Casey Kauffman '25
“I am an animal studies major with a biology/psychology concentration. I am a psychology major as well. Animal studies has been a wonderful experience so far as I am learning about all types of animals including dogs, cats, small animals, horses, farm animals, wildlife animals, etc. I enjoy my major as it has the basics of understanding the biology of animals but provides more on their behavior and psychology. I have the opportunity to work with animals without having to be a veterinarian. I am thankful for Wilson offering this major and the wonderful professors who teach my animal studies courses. All understanding, helpful, and kind individuals who care about my education and make sure I am prepared for whatever animal career I choose in the future (that is not vet-related). I hope more people hear about what Wilson offers, so more people know they have an opportunity to work with animals even if being a vet it not for them. I hope to one day be a well-known service dog trainer–training dogs for people with mental health disabilities like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and those who feel like they or a family member would benefit from a service dog.”
Lesley Rodriguez ‘25
“I began college on a very different path, but the COVID-19 pandemic made me to realize that there was more I could do to serve others in my future career. After traveling to the Dominican Republic to work in healthcare clinics for sugarcane farmers with Wilson College, I realized my passions for healthcare and social sciences can intersect. I love that nursing allows me to connect with my community and advocate for my patients.
My mom is an alumna of Wilson College and has worked on the nursing staff as a clinical instructor. Growing up, I loved hearing stories about her experience as a student and all of the school traditions. When I transferred schools, I was looking for a smaller-knit community. I was nervous to make this transition, but many members of the nursing staff reached out before I had even enrolled. This warm welcome helped me to choose Wilson College, as I knew the support would continue through my time as a nursing student.”
My favorite aspect of Wilson College’s nursing program is the size. Our small class sizes mean that I get to know my professors and fellow classmates well which creates a more cohesive working environment. Nursing is a field that relies heavily on collaboration, and I believe that the tight-knit atmosphere of Wilson’s nursing program is helping to prepare for my future career. In larger nursing programs, it may be easy for students who are struggling to “slip through the cracks.” This is never a concern at Wilson because there is such a close and supportive relationship between the students and faculty. I know that my professors care about my individual success and will support me in whatever way they can.
The opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with Wilson’s Nursing and Spanish departments has also shaped my career path. Working in med clinics in the DR gave me the opportunity to strengthen my nursing and Spanish skills, and also allowed me to identify my passion for global health advocacy. I’ve been able to travel back to the DR to continue this work and I am so grateful that Wilson College introduced me to this specific field of nursing.”
Mary (Libby) Heaton ‘25
Wilson College faculty and staff were featured poetry readers at the First Friday Reading Series at Ragged Edge Coffeeshop in Gettysburg. The readers included Michael Cornelius, Professor of English; Matthew McBride, Professor of English; Joy Merchant, Academic Support Center Administrative Assistant; Joshua Legg, MFA Program Director; and Michael Bloomford, Academic Support Center Directorr. We all know how talented they are so it's great to see them share their work off campus.
Wilson has received a $4,000 grant from the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) for scholarships for students pursuing equine or animal-related majors.
On July 20, 2023, Wilson College received notification of the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) intent to support scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship recipients include three students, Alexis Knowles ‘24, Victoria Cooper ‘24, and Rebecca Galvin ‘24.
The recipients and their degrees are as follows: Alexis Knowles majoring in veterinary nursing and concentrating in equine medicine; Victoria Cooper majoring in equine studies; Rebecca Galvin majoring in veterinary nursing and concentrating in equine medicine.
Rebecca Galvin shares her excitement about graduating this year and getting out into the field of veterinary nursing, “I am very excited to graduate and be able to go out into the world of equine medicine. I am ready to go out and help educate and aid owners with their passions and desires regarding their horses of all breeds and disciplines.”
TERF provides scholarships for students who have a major in equine studies, equine-facilitated therapeutics, veterinary nursing, or animal studies. They aim to provide scholarships that align with their specific mission of promoting equine education and research for students who are majoring in veterinary nursing or other supported organizations that educate the public in the proper care of horses.
Since 2015, TERF has been generous enough to provide Wilson College student recipients with over $97,000 in scholarship awards. Awards are based on student need, scholastic achievement, and equine-related aspirations. Any student enrolled in equine studies, equine-facilitated therapeutics, veterinary nursing, or animal studies is eligible for these TERF scholarships and awards.
At Wilson, the beautiful thing is these TERF award recipients are truly passionate and ambitious about their studies. Victoria Cooper describes her future aspirations as she closes this chapter at Wilson saying, “I have loved and had horses since I was a kid. I started at 7 years old. My mom often had to drag me in from the barn at dark! After graduation, I plan on getting a job managing a barn until I can buy land and build my own facility.”
Alexis Knowles reflects on her senior year as she continues to pursue her passion of helping horses stating, “I have gained so much experience from this time and opportunity that I was given. I have loved the time I spent working at this facility. It made me realize that this is the exact career that I want to be in when I graduate. After graduation I plan on moving to an area where there are more opportunities for equine veterinary technicians.”
At Wilson College, the 2023-2024 TERF grant program is directed by Dr. Janice Holland, Associate Professor and Director of Equine Studies and Tammy Ege, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Nursing and Director of Veterinary Nursing.
To learn more about the TERF scholarships and awards visit https://www.terfusa.org/
Wilson College's online master of educational technology program was chosen as one of Forbes best online educational technology master's degree.
One reason it was chosen was because Wilson's program is highly customizable.
Read more of the article here: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-education-technology-mast…
Wilson College's Single Parent Scholar Program was included in an article by newamerica.org about providing housing for student parent scholars. "Wilson College’s Single Parent Scholar Program supports up to twelve students annually who are pursuing a bachelor's degree full-time while raising up to two children Starting in 2020, the program began awarding grants to cover on-campus housing for all students accepted to the SPS program."
Read more here: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/leading-the-way-c…
Fall 2023 Enrollment Is Second Highest in College’s History
Wilson College announced today that it has reached the second highest total enrollment in its history, with 1,555 enrolled students at the Fall 2023 Census. The figure represents a 14 percent increase over Fall 2022 enrollment and the highest enrollment since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are delighted that an increased number of students will receive a transformative Wilson College education,” President Wes Fugate said. “Students and their families are responding to the College’s focus on affordability while delivering a career-oriented education with a strong liberal-arts foundation to ensure that our graduates can navigate the ever-changing world—truly the best of both worlds. We are proud to deliver that education to students from all over the world as a result of our programs in Chambersburg, at various sites around Pennsylvania, and through our robust online offerings.”
Four populations of students contributed to this positive uptick in total enrollment year over year. New first-time-in-college, traditional-age undergraduates increased by 32 percent compared to Fall 2022. In addition, the Teacher Certification Program saw an increase of 66 students, followed by a net increase of 34 Wilson College Online graduate degree seekers and 12 non-degree high school/dual enrollment students.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson College was considered the 25th fastest growing higher-education institution in the country. Like other colleges and universities, Wilson experienced a downturn in enrollment as a result of the pandemic and unprecedented upheaval in the educational environment. As a result of its latest strategic plan, the College has expanded programming and launched Wilson College Online, to make a Wilson education more accessible.
Veterinary nursing major Ariel Noel ‘24 shares, “From a young age, I have always had an interest in veterinary medicine. When I saw Wilson College at a high school college fair, I knew it was right for me. The table was covered in information about the animals on campus and the different clubs/programs you could participate in. The veterinary nursing program here at Wilson has clarified how I want to pursue my veterinary career. The program has wonderful staff who are super personable and always ready to help at any time of the day. This really is a great program, and I believe that it has set me up for success in my future career.”
