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MCPHS University

Boston, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1823
Founded
Private university
Type
5,945
Total Students
$1.7B
Endowment
(2023)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Richard J. Lessard

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About MCPHS University

Boston's oldest higher education institution, pioneering health sciences since 1823.

MCPHS University stands as a cornerstone of health education, distinguished as the oldest higher education institution in Boston and the second-oldest, largest college of pharmacy in the United States. Founded in 1823 by a collective of fourteen visionary Boston pharmacists, MCPHS has a rich legacy of advancing pharmaceutical knowledge and, over two centuries, has evolved into a comprehensive university dedicated to all facets of health sciences. With an impressive endowment of $1.7 billion and a vibrant student body of 5,945, it continues to lead in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.

From its foundational roots in pharmacy, MCPHS strategically expanded its academic offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the healthcare industry. In 1979, it broadened its scope to include allied health sciences, a pivotal moment that reshaped its identity and portfolio. Today, MCPHS boasts a diverse array of professional schools spanning disciplines from physician assistant studies and optometry to nursing, physical therapy, and dental hygiene. This robust academic environment is spread across multiple campuses, including its main Boston location in the Longwood Medical Area, alongside growing campuses in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire.

Life at MCPHS is defined by innovation, growth, and a commitment to student success. The university continually invests in its facilities, with recent years seeing significant renovations and the addition of new residence halls to accommodate its expanding community. Prospective students and families will find an institution that blends historical prestige with forward-thinking programs, preparing graduates for impactful careers in a wide range of health professions. The commitment to restoring historic buildings, like the Duncan and Goodell Building in Worcester, further reflects MCPHS's dedication to community and heritage while forging a path to the future.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1823, MCPHS is the oldest higher education institution in Boston.
  • ✦It is the second-oldest and largest college of pharmacy in the United States.
  • ✦Boasts a substantial endowment of $1.7 billion, supporting its educational mission.
  • ✦Home to 5,945 students pursuing diverse health science careers.
  • ✦Offers a comprehensive range of health-focused programs across three distinct campuses in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester.
  • ✦Known for its continuous expansion of professional schools, including pharmacy, physician assistant studies, optometry, nursing, and dental hygiene.

Timeline

1823
Founded as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, the oldest higher education institution in Boston.
1852
Obtained a charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to award its first formal degree.
1918
Built the George Robert White Building, establishing its main campus in Boston's Longwood Medical Area.
1979
Charter amended to permit degree awarding in allied health sciences; renamed Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.
2000
Added a campus in Worcester, Massachusetts.
2002
Expanded campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and integrated the Forsyth School of Dental Hygienists.
2013
Legally modified its name to MCPHS University to reflect its comprehensive growth.
2016
Acquired the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA).
2018
Added new residence halls and completed extensive campus renovations.
2021
Reverted to using its full name: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
🏛️
203 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

13 notable schools within MCPHS University

💊

School of Pharmacy

A foundational school, reflecting the university's origins as the second-oldest college of pharmacy in the United States.

🏫

School of Physician Assistant Studies

Offers comprehensive programs for aspiring physician assistants.

🏫

School of Optometry

Provides specialized education in optometric care.

🏫

School of Physical Therapy

Prepares students for careers in physical therapy.

🎭

School of Arts and Sciences

Supports a broad liberal arts foundation for health science studies.

💉

School of Nursing

Educates future nurses through rigorous academic and clinical programs.

🦷

School of Dental Hygiene

Offers programs in oral hygiene, integrating the Forsyth School of Dental Hygienists in 2002.

🏥

School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics

Focuses on advanced techniques in medical imaging and therapeutic practices.

💼

School of Healthcare Business

Combines healthcare knowledge with essential business acumen.

🏫

School of Occupational Therapy

Trains professionals to help individuals achieve independence in daily activities.

🏫

School of Acupuncture

One of the specialized schools MCPHS grew to include, focusing on traditional Chinese medicine.

🏫

New England School of Acupuncture (NESA)

Acquired by MCPHS in April 2016, further enhancing the university's acupuncture offerings.

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Added in 2019, providing various professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Leadership

Richard J. Lessard
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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