Health Sciences Renovation

Capital Investment Means More Health Sciences Professionals

Problem

Wisconsin companies need more health sciences professionals. UW-Milwaukee enrolls 2,000 Health Sciences students annually, a 120% increase since the year 2000. But the limitations of current facilities simply don’t allow UWM to expand enrollment further.

Solution

Investing $198 million in a comprehensive renovation of UWM’s Northwest Quad buildings will increase student capacity by 15%. It will also aid UWM’s reorganization of Health Sciences programs, labs and classrooms, leading to faster and more efficient graduation paths.

Results

Increasing UWM’s capacity means over 500 local partners can hire 300 more Health Sciences professionals annually in 20 specialties. That’s 3,000 more employees in 10 years. Wisconsin’s citizens get better health care and Wisconsin’s economy directly benefits from the job growth.

UWM bought the former Columbia Hospital in 2010 and turned its seven buildings and 1 million square feet into the Northwest Quad. The complex is an integral part of UWM’s campus plans, and it features a new, state-of-the-art nursing simulation center. Performing long-needed renovations lets UWM build off of this and better answer Wisconsin’s ever-increasing demands for Health Sciences professionals.

• Health Care Talent for the State: Wisconsin’s health care professionals are in greater demand than ever. The project will increase student capacity 15%.
• High Demand Careers: Health Sciences graduates have a placement rate of over 98% within 1 year of graduation; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth ranging from 7-25% over the next decade. These jobs directly help grow Wisconsin’s economy. Health care workers are in high demand.
• Largest Number of Health Care Degrees: UWM’s Health Sciences programs offer the most health care degrees in Wisconsin, complemented by more than 600 local health business partnerships that provide clinical opportunities to students. 
• Faster Path to Graduation: improved, interdisciplinary education facilities will provide a faster path to graduation; a new multidisciplinary simulation center will give students a head-start in their careers.

• Campus Planning Project Information
• Printable Information Sheet (PDF)
• Renovation Tour
• Statements of Support