The name change reflects the continued evolution of the MGH Institute and more clearly identifies our connection to Mass General Brigham and our role as a comprehensive health professions university. It is a change in institutional name, not a change in mission, ownership, or core academic purpose.

The new name will take effect on September 1, 2026. Implementation of the name in our signage, website, systems, etc., begins this summer and will occur in phases, with a full transition aligned to our 50th anniversary in 2027.

The new name more clearly reflects who we are today: a comprehensive health professions university with strong academic programs and a deep connection to Mass General Brigham. It helps communicate our identity more clearly to prospective students, alumni, employers, partners, research collaborators, and the broader public.  

No. A name change does not mean that our academic programs must start the accreditation process over again. The institution and its degree programs continue through their existing accreditation and approval relationships, while the relevant specialty accreditors are notified and, where required, asked to approve or acknowledge the change in institutional name. In other words, this is an administrative and regulatory transition, not a reset of academic quality review since the name change does not involve any change to the institution’s ownership, governance structure, sponsorship, mission, degree authority, academic programs, or operational control.

No, our school remains separate as the only degree-granting member of Mass General Brigham, unique in its university designation and bound by accreditation rules. 

We will begin the process this summer; we expect the new name to be fully implemented by February 2027.  
 

Your email address will reflect the new name. You will sign into outlook as you always have, and both your current email with @mghihp and the new email alias will come to that inbox. Email will not change until Fall 2026.

Yes, our school is open, in addition to our on-campus clinics at the Sanders IMPACT Center with services like health assessment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech, language and literacy therapy. We just have a new name. 

Current students will continue in their academic programs, with the same faculty, curriculum, and degree requirements. The name change does not alter the substance of your education. Diplomas issued after the effective date will reflect the new institutional name.

No. The name change does not change students’ eligibility for federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Students will continue to apply for and receive aid through the university’s normal processes. The school will complete the required updates with the relevant state, accrediting, and federal agencies as part of name change implementation. 
 

Your degree remains valid and continues to be awarded by the same accredited institution. A change in institutional name does not invalidate previously awarded degrees. If needed for employers, licensing boards, or other third parties, the university can provide confirmation that the MGH Institute of Health Professions is now operating under the new name Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions.

Degrees awarded prior to September 1, 2026, remain degrees awarded by MGH Institute. This will include a note stating the name change as of the effective date. If you need to order a transcript, please visit the Registrar’s Office on our website.

A practical answer is yes, alumni may reference the new name, especially in conversational or profile contexts, but for situations involving formal credential verification it can be helpful to note the historical name under which the degree was awarded. For example: “MGH Institute of Health Professions (now Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions).”

No. Students and alumni will still have degrees from the same institution, with the same academic programs. We can provide documentation confirming the name change if a licensing board, employer, or credential evaluator needs that context.

All restrictions and designations will be fully honored. The purpose of your gift will not change. Any pledges or recurring gifts will continue uninterrupted.  

Yes. Your intentions remain our highest priority. All planned gifts, bequests, trusts, beneficiary designations, and other arrangements will be honored exactly as documented. The school’s name change does not alter your gift purpose or designation.  

In most cases, no immediate action is required. Gifts made to the school under its former name remain legally valid. However, we recommend consulting your advisor if you would like your documents to reflect the new name for clarity.  

No. The school’s legal entity and tax identification number remain the same, ensuring continuity for all planned giving arrangements.