We are excited to announce our new partnership with Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), to offer graduate degrees in high-demand health care professions. OBU, a Christian university located in the Oklahoma City region, will launch four programs over the next four years to include Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Masters in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) and Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (MMS-PA).
The degree programs will be built and delivered using the EIM hybrid and accelerated education model which will make them highly accessible to aspiring health care professionals throughout Oklahoma and the entire nation. Taught primarily online, the programs will also include hands-on lab immersion experiences that will take place on the OBU campus located 30 minutes from Oklahoma City. Each program will also include clinical and capstone components. This accelerated hybrid model is career-focused with a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.
The health care industry is facing many challenges in filling needed positions as there are too few graduates to meet current demand.
“This new partnership with EIM will help OBU continue innovative leadership now in graduate health care,” said Dr. Heath A. Thomas, OBU president. “At OBU, we are focused on providing well-equipped, faith-forward professionals to meet the needs of our communities. With these degrees in particular, we will be able to help our communities meet severe healthcare needs and address employee shortages we are experiencing in Oklahoma and throughout the nation.”
OBU represents EIM’s ninth nationwide partner and its first university partnership in the state of Oklahoma.
“As we continue to realize such impressive education outcomes in the professions we serve, it is important to forge partnerships that share our common vision and make an impact on our world,” said Pradeep Khandelwal CEO of EIM. “OBU is exactly this type of partner, and it is a great feeling to welcome them to our innovative circle of existing universities and we know that we will be offering meaningful value to their long-term goals for success.”
Pending accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, the OTD program is expected to launch in January 2026, with the application opening in early 2025. The MS-SLP program is slated to begin in fall 2026, followed by MMS-PA in early 2027 and DPT in fall 2027.
“The accelerated hybrid model in graduate healthcare helps students reach their professional goals more quickly while training them with excellence in the field,” said Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost and dean of business, health, science and education. “OBU is excited to pursue this option for tomorrow's future shapers in the allied health industry.”
The physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant programs will each span 2 years (6 semesters), while the speech-language pathology program covers 1.3 years (4 semesters).
The projected growth for physical therapists is 21 percent with a future job demand of 49,000 positions, based on U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data through 2023. The demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow 17 percent with 23,000 new jobs, while demand for physician assistants is experiencing a 31 percent projected growth with 40,000 new jobs. The field of speech-language pathology is expected to grow 29 percent with a need of 45,000 new professionals.
A closer regional look shows that in the Southern United States, which includes Oklahoma, only 70 percent of the demand for speech-language pathologists is being met, and only 81 percent of the demand for physical therapists is being achieved.
“Through this partnership, OBU is leading important health care and educational transformation not only in their region but across the national landscape,” added Khandelwal.
Stay updated on new partnerships and program additions here.
Connect with us today to learn how you can benefit from EIM's learning solutions.
Get more great content in your inbox once per month.
Get more great content in your inbox once per month.