Hackensack University Health Network and Seton Hall University are teaming up to launch a four-year school of medicine, school officials announced.
The two organizations signed a definitive agreement to form New Jersey's only private school of medicine. Earlier this year, HackensackUHN and SHU signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of the school.
"This definitive agreement with Seton Hall University marks another step forward for our new school of medicine," Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer of HackensackUHN, said in a statement. "We are excited to build a world-class institution that will prepare future healthcare professionals in an innovate curriculum. The opportunities are endless when combining our clinical expertise and Seton Hall University's academic reputation."
The establishment of this school will provide a significant economic boost to the region.
In order to make this transformational project a reality, HackensackUHN and SHU will launch a significant philanthropic fundraising effort and will seek State funding and incentives.
"We look forward to partnering with Hackensack University Health Network to create a top-tier school of medicine," Seton Hall President A. Gabriel Esteban said in a statement. "The school will be built upon Hackensack's extensive clinical and research expertise combined with the University's nationally recognized academic strengths in the sciences, nursing, and health and medical sciences."
Earlier this year, the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners granted conditional approval to the project, subject to the approval from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The LCME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the authority for the accreditation of medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree. Accreditation by the LCME establishes eligibility for selected federal grants and programs, including Title VII funding administered by the Public Health Service.
