Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance: Elevating Local Healthcare
As the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance continues to expand, our institutional partnership with Coastal Carolina University is growing even stronger. In Spring 2022, Conway Medical Center became the Premier Medical and Innovation Partner of Coastal Carolina University and contributed the largest single private donation in CCU’s history. For CMC, workforce development was the key motivation.
A large portion of that donation supports the university’s newest college, the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance. This 25-year partnership between our community’s twin pillars of healthcare and education t is dedicated to growing healthcare and workforce development in our community. The College offers students a liberal arts foundation with an emphasis on promoting health and active living.
The new CMC College of Health and Human Performance began its operations July 1, 2022. It has since become one of the fastest growing colleges at the University. The College has approximately 1,700 students enrolled in its academic programs, which includes programs in exercise and sport science, health administration, health sciences, nursing, recreation and sport management and public health. The college also offers a graduate program in sport management.
Even more growth is on the horizon. The CMC College of Health and Human Performance plans to pursue a 4-year BSN nursing program. It is our hope that establishing this program in our backyard will help fill the urgent need for more nurses and healthcare professionals.
Additionally, the CMC College of Health and Human Performance offers signature research programs through the Swain Scholars program and undergraduate Research Fellows program. The CMC College of Health and Human Performance is also home to the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. The ROTC Chanticleer Company is one of the fastest growing units in the country, in which more than 60 cadets are enrolled.
“As a nonprofit health system, we are grounded in our mission to cultivate a happier and healthier community for all,” said Brian Argo, CMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “This long-term partnership highlights our shared commitment to workforce development, which will reap fantastic benefits for our patients, our staff, and the local economy. Together, CMC and CCU will create a multi-generational, positive impact for our community.”
Beginning this semester, Conway Medical Center doctors, dieticians, nurses, and staff will begin to work closely with CMC College of Health and Human Performance students to mentor the healthcare workers of tomorrow. We are taking steps towards a more connected partnership that will focus on the relationship between our staff and CCU faculty and students. With the guidance of Coastal Carolina University’s highly renowned leaders and professors, students will get the education necessary to prepare them for the workforce. With hands-on experience here in our hospital, students will be equipped to fill the demand for healthcare workers our community needs. It’s an exciting new chapter in healthcare and education for Horry County!
