UNT Health Fort Worth implements academic reorganization to strengthen collaboration, efficiency
UNT Health Fort Worth has implemented a strategic academic reorganization designed
to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, improve operational efficiency and
support long-term, mission-driven growth.
Effective June 1, UNT Health will transition from six colleges to four colleges, enhancing its ability to respond to enrollment trends and the evolving needs of health care education. No programs are being eliminated under the reorganization, which was approved earlier this year by the University of North Texas System Board of Regents.
“We are building a stronger, more connected academic environment that reflects how healthcare is delivered today,” said Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, UNT Health’s president. “By aligning our programs more intentionally, we are creating new opportunities for collaboration, strengthening the student experience, and ensuring we are preparing graduates to meet the real-world needs of patients and communities across Texas.”
As part of the changes:
- Public health degrees and the Physician Assistant Studies program have joined the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. As UNT Health’s original college, TCOM offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- The Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences and the new Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition programs are now part of the UNT System College of Pharmacy.
- Reflecting this expansion, that college has been renamed the UNT System College of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Also in this college are master’s degrees in pharmacy-related fields and the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
UNT Health also is home to two other colleges:
- College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences – This college is committed to shaping the future of the biomedical workforce by offering bachelor’s through doctoral degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health’s first undergraduate program.
- College of Nursing – Established in 2023, the college offers a Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Registered Nurse to BSN, and two Master of Science in Nursing programs.
UNT Health’s four colleges also offer multiple graduate certificates and dual-degree programs for students.
“The previous six-college structure duplicated essential services, limiting flexibility and the ability to reinvest in academic priorities,” said Dr. Christopher Ray, UNT Health senior vice president and provost. “The new structure streamlines administrative functions, strengthens financial sustainability and supports expanded interdisciplinary education aligned with team-based health care delivery.”
All students will continue in their current programs with expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.