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Florida Poly News Release
Florida Poly launches state's first undergraduate health engineering program
Students with a love of STEM and an interest in health care can prepare for a career that prioritizes both with Florida Polytechnic University’s new Health Systems Engineering (HSE) program, which offers the only undergraduate-level concentration of its kind in the state.
“Anyone who is frustrated with the current health care state and who would like to learn how to use their STEM skillset to transform health care delivery could benefit from HSE,” said Dr. Grisselle Centeno, director of the program and professor in the Department of Data Science and Business Analytics. “This new program uses engineering tools and methods to improve efficiency and productivity, and studies health care as a holistic complex system.”
The Health Systems Engineering program allows students pursuing a degree in data science or business analytics to declare a concentration in HSE. Students majoring in computer science, or electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering can also benefit from this program by pursuing an HSE certificate.
Career opportunities include positions in systems engineering in health care, health informatics, health data science, medical device development, and medical supply chain management.
“Health care captures 18% of the national gross domestic product, equivalent to $3.5 trillion,” Centeno said. “There are many challenges and therefore opportunities to improve health systems – that is hospitals and clinics, which constitute about 80% of that 18%.”
In addition to its coursework, the concentration brings in a variety of guest speakers such as physicians, nurses, and health care consultant to discuss the importance of data, process improvement, and other relevant issues in the health care industry.
“Given all the support we’re getting from industry and interest in opening doors for our graduates, we hope to grow our program quickly,” Centeno said.
Sophomore and data science major Michael Ortiz said he is eager to declare the concentration next semester.
“What motivates me is being able to wake up every morning and put my skills to use in a field that can really help people, not just businesses or profit margins,” said Ortiz, from Kissimmee, Florida.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is a nationally ranked Top 100 engineering college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Connect with Florida Poly. For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
