Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Health Professions Education
By Office of the President | Feb 3, 2026
Founded in 1966, Downstate’s College of Health-Related Professions began with a clear mission to expand access to high-quality health professions education and meet the evolving workforce needs of Brooklyn and New York City. For sixty years, the College has built a strong reputation for educating, training, and launching generations of highly skilled health professionals who serve communities locally, nationally, and worldwide.
Since its founding, the College has prepared more than 4,000 alumni for careers in diagnostic medical imaging, medical informatics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and midwifery. These graduates have helped to shape the health care workforce and strengthened patient care across diverse settings, reflecting the institution’s enduring commitment to excellence, equity, and service.
As the School looks beyond its sixth decade, its leadership undertook a careful review of its identity and academic scope. The name “College of Health Related Professions” had expanded to reflect the depth, rigor, or professional standing of its disciplines. The programs offered were complementary to healthcare, representing essential, independent health professions that play a direct and critical role in the delivery of care.
In July 2019, the College adopted its new name, the School of Health Professions (SoHP). This change honored the School’s legacy while affirming its present-day impact and future direction. The new name more accurately reflected its broader academic offerings, professional stature of its graduates, and its central role within the global health care industry.
A few weeks ago, the SoHP officially launched its 60th Anniversary celebration, with
a Welcome Back Breakfast hosted by the Dean’s Office. The event welcomed students
back for the Spring 2026 semester. It brought together learners from across SoHP programs,
including Applied Behavior Analysis, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Informatics,
Medical Billing and Coding, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and
Physician Assistant Studies, as well as faculty and staff.
The event launched a yearlong celebration recognizing the School’s rich history, its transformation from CHRP to SOHP, and its ongoing commitment to educating future health care professionals. Throughout 2026, the School of Health Professions will commemorate six decades of impact while reaffirming its mission to educate, lead, and serve. Stay tuned for upcoming events and announcements.