Sentara Health, Virginia Wesleyan partnership begins in 2026
A new partnership between Sentara Health and Virginia Wesleyan University to provide health education courses will begin in 2026.
According to a Wednesday announcement from the school and health system, the partnership starts Jan. 1.
Dr. Angela Taylor, president of Sentara College of Health Sciences, said both entities have the goal to “prepare the healthcare workforce of the future,” and the transition will continue that legacy. In June, the institutions signed a letter of agreement to create the partnership, which will be called the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University.
“We look forward to working closely with Virginia Wesleyan University to create new opportunities for students, expand access to in-demand programs and continue meeting the growing healthcare workforce needs of our communities,” Taylor said in a statement.
Specifically, all current students will complete their programs and courses of study under the previous Sentara College of Health Sciences through the summer of next year. Starting with the fall semester of 2026, enrolled students will receive their credentials under the Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University.
This is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional educational accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Students currently enrolled will not have any changes to out-of-pocket costs for their degrees. According to Sentara, there are about 500 students enrolled at the college and about 70 faculty members, and the institutions said they were “committed” to reducing the effects on students and faculty. Graduation timelines will not change, and courses of study for current students will continue under the new Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University.
In April, Sentara Health paused new admissions into degree-granting programs at the Sentara College of Health Sciences after announcing it would “realign” the school’s academic model. Under the new partnership, the existing Sentara education campus and facilities will continue to operate, and all programs will eventually transition to the VWU campus.
“We are proud to build on our strong relationship with Sentara as we take this important next step forward,” said Scott Miller, president of Virginia Wesleyan University. “Integrating Sentara College into Virginia Wesleyan’s academic community will create exciting new opportunities for students and strengthen health sciences education across our region.”
Prospective students looking to enroll in health courses at the Sentara College of Health Sciences are encouraged to reach out to Virginia Wesleyan University’s enrollment office for the most up-to-date information about admissions.
Eliza Noe, [email protected]
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