MGH Institute of Health Professions Announces Direct Admission Partnership with Bryant University

The MGH Institute of Health Professions has launched a new partnership with Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, establishing direct admission pathways to an expanded range of high-demand health and clinical graduate programs for Bryant students. This initiative creates a workforce pipeline for the regional healthcare sector, while setting a new standard in preparing the healthcare workforce of the future.

As part of the partnership, qualified Bryant students will be able to enroll in the MGH Institute’s Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and clinical doctorate degree programs. They will also receive an application fee waiver and be eligible for tuition incentives including a 20 percent tuition reduction for select programs and a $2,000 scholarship for others, plus eligibility for additional aid.

“Bryant University students have many similarities to MGH Institute students – they think strategically, collaborate boldly, enjoy hands-on learning opportunities, and lead with purpose,” said MGH Institute of Health Professions President Paula Milone-Nuzzo. “We expect them to continue their studies seamlessly when they arrive at the Institute, which trains the next generation of healthcare leaders who are ready from day one. We’re looking forward to the partnership.”

"This agreement strengthens the long-term value of a Bryant education by creating a clear pathway to advanced degrees in the health sciences,” says President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. "It reflects our strategic commitment to elevate the health professions and prepare graduates to lead in high-demand fields. By connecting a Bryant degree with direct admission opportunities, we are delivering exceptional return on investment for students, ensuring their education opens doors to opportunity and impact."

As the only degree-granting institution within the Mass General Brigham health system, the MGH Institute will offer Bryant students unparalleled opportunities to learn in the region’s best facilities, managed by New England’s largest care provider.

The MGH Institute’s agreement with the Smithfield, RI-based Bryant University brings to four the number of direct pathway agreements that have been announced. 

“Many of our students have clinical rotations at one of the Mass General Brigham entities, so they’re getting real-world experience inside one of the best healthcare systems in the country,” said Kevin Finn, Associate Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “There’s tremendous upside to that, which is why schools like Bryant University and others want to leverage this pipeline that begins with training at the undergraduate level and ends with a health professions graduate degree.” 

Among the eligible MGH IHP programs Bryant students will be able to select are: 

• Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN)
• Direct-Entry MS in Nursing (DEN)
• MS in Advanced Practice Nursing (Post-BSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• MS in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
• Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
• Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD)

“We’re excited by this collaboration, which strengthens regional workforce development efforts and further enhances our shared commitment to experiential learning,” says Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Bryant’s provost and chief academic officer. “Through these opportunities for advanced study at MGH Institute of Health Professions, Bryant students will continue to benefit from an educational experience focused on facilitating critical thinking skills, promoting ethical reasoning, and taking part in real-world problem-solving that will prepare them to succeed in an increasingly complex health care environment.”

“Bryant University has long played a role in strengthening the healthcare workforce and remains committed to addressing the local and national shortages that impact healthcare delivery,” says Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., Director of Bryant’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “By partnering with MGH Institute of Health Professions to create these new pathways into graduate health professions, we are delivering on our commitment to innovation and building a robust regional talent pipeline  that will ultimately improve patient care and overall health outcomes.”