MOSCOW — University of Idaho will welcome the School of Health and Medical Professions (SHAMP) to its graduate program roster in Fall 2025. These programs will address the physician and health care provider shortage that has plagued Idaho for years.
SHAMP will be a transformative force in addressing Idaho’s health care crises by expanding medical education and health care services both in rural north Idaho and statewide. The new programs will support existing programming in the state and propel Idaho out of its health care crises.
Spearheaded by Idaho WWAMI Regional Dean and Director Jeff Seegmiller, the new school was approved by the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) today, June 13, determining that U of I will be adding SHAMP and a master’s degree in gerontology — the study of old age — to its health care offerings.
“This is a monumental step forward for University of Idaho and the state’s health care system,” Seegmiller said. “These programs are designed to equip future health care professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the growing demands of our communities. Thank you to the Idaho State Board of Education for supporting the development of these new health care education opportunities.”
The state is experiencing a health care worker shortage, ranging from primary care providers and nurses to behavioral health professionals. Idaho ranks 50th out of 50 states in the country in practicing physicians per capita. Additionally, by 2031, an estimated 30% of Idaho’s population will be 65 or older, making this a critical time to introduce Idaho’s first gerontology degree.
The programs housed within SHAMP will include a Master of Gerontology, with the intent to add two additional master’s programs and three doctoral programs upon final approval at the August SBOE meeting, including a doctorate in clinical psychology.
“Our goal is not only to fill the current gaps in health care provision, but also to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the well-being of Idahoans for generations to come,” Seegmiller said.
U of I has worked closely with Idaho State University on the development of health care education in Idaho.
“We appreciate the support from our sister institutions, especially Idaho State University, to help make the School of Health and Medical Professions possible and look forward to future collaborations to help meet the health care needs of our state,” U of I President Scott Green said.
U of I has the medical education building and anatomy lab in place to house SHAMP and is prepared to take on the expansion of graduate-level health care programs in north Idaho. Additionally, in anticipation of growth, U of I will break ground in July on an expansion to the D.A. Huckabay M.D. Medical Education Building.
“University of Idaho was founded on giving back to the state of Idaho as a land-grant institution and has a responsibility to better the lives of Idahoans,” Seegmiller said. “Developing the School of Health and Medical Professions furthers that mission.”
