URochester School of Nursing becomes School of Nursing & Health Sciences

New name builds on a century of nursing leadership while reflecting expanded role in interdisciplinary education, research, and care

As the University of Rochester welcomes students and faculty for a new academic year, the School of Nursing begins a new chapter of its own. Effective today, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has a new name: University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

The name honors the School’s more than century-long foundation in nursing while reflecting its expanding role in interdisciplinary education, research, and practice across the health sciences. As part of University of Rochester Medicine, the School brings learning, discovery, and care together to improve health for patients, families, and communities.

“The future of health depends on leaders who can connect what they learn, what they discover, and how care is delivered. The health sciences expand what we can accomplish, together,” said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. “As we enter our second century, we are preparing nursing and healthcare professionals to work across disciplines, advance human-centered innovation, and translate evidence into better care.”

The School will continue to offer its full range of nursing programs and remain committed to preparing nurses, advancing nursing science, and improving care and health outcomes.

Patients and families experience care as one connected journey — across hospitals, clinics, homes, rehabilitation settings, and community services. The School’s evolution reflects the growing need for health professionals with deep expertise in their disciplines and the ability to work collaboratively to deliver care that is coordinated, compassionate, and responsive.

The School’s interdisciplinary work is already well established. For more than two decades, the School’s PhD in Nursing & Health Science program has brought together scholars from varied backgrounds to pursue cross-disciplinary research and address complex health care challenges.

The new name also supports plans to expand the School’s academic portfolio in high-demand health professions. The School is developing a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and pursuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. It expects to begin accepting applications in summer 2027, with the first class anticipated to begin in summer 2028.

The proposed program would create opportunities for future physical therapists to learn in an environment where education, research, and care are closely connected. It would also help prepare more professionals for team-based care while responding to evolving regional workforce and community health needs.

The University of Rochester Board of Trustees approved both the new School name and the planned DPT program, underscoring the University’s commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth in the health sciences. The actions position the School to build on its nursing strengths, expand interdisciplinary education and research, and respond to evolving needs across the health system and region.

“The evolution of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences strengthens our ability to prepare the health professionals our communities need, advance interprofessional care, and connect academic innovation with the care we provide for patients and families,” said David C. Linehan, MD, CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center and senior vice president for health sciences at the University of Rochester.

The School’s expanded identity provides a framework for future academic programs and research initiatives that complement its nursing mission and align with University of Rochester Medicine priorities, community health needs, and regional workforce demand.

“The University of Rochester has a long tradition of bringing education, research, and clinical care together in ways that improve lives,” said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, president of the University of Rochester. “This new name recognizes the School’s extraordinary leadership in nursing while positioning it to grow thoughtfully across the health sciences. It represents an investment in our students, our community, and the future of healthcare.”

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences will implement the new name in phases across its websites, communications, signage, and other materials. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and partners will continue to be part of the School’s proud nursing legacy — and its expanding future in the health sciences.