University of Minnesota-Rochester

University of Minnesota-Rochester (UMR) stands as a unique public college, deeply integrated with the vibrant medical community of Rochester, Minnesota. Born from a strategic vision to address underserved higher education needs in southeastern Minnesota, UMR has swiftly established itself as a premier destination for students passionate about health sciences. Its close collaboration with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic isn't just a geographical proximity; it's woven into the very fabric of its academic offerings and student experience, making it an exceptional place for aspiring healthcare professionals.

The journey to establish UMR was a decades-long endeavor, starting with community advocacy in the 1950s and evolving through various satellite programs and university centers. By 2005, a concerted effort led by Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Rochester Higher Education Development Committee identified the critical need for a University of Minnesota branch campus specifically designed to integrate with the health sciences programs of the Mayo Clinic. This led to a landmark decision in 2006, creating UMR as a distinct public college focused on a specialized mission, charting a new course for public higher education in Greater Minnesota.

UMR's academic strengths lie in its dedicated focus on health sciences, offering innovative programs like the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) and the Bachelor of Science in Health Professions (BSHP). The BSHP degree, a direct collaboration with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, provides students with unparalleled hands-on experience and professional certifications in fields such as Respiratory Care, Echocardiography, Sonography, and Radiography. Students at UMR benefit from a dynamic, urban campus located in downtown Rochester's University Square, providing an immersive learning environment that prepares them for impactful careers at the forefront of healthcare.