Ground Now Broken for New HSERC, TAMIU Forges Ahead with New Programs, Free Tuition for First Student Cohorts

Although ground was broken for Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) $71.2 million Health Sciences Education and Research Center (HSERC) a scant two weeks ago, TAMIU is forging ahead with two new programs...and offering free tuition to the first student cohorts to form.

The new face-to-face programs in clinical lab sciences and physical therapy are the result of a generous $6 million in non-formula items provided by the 88^th Legislature and offer TAMIU students dynamic study and career options, said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.

“While we are thrilled to have started our construction of HSERC, we’re bringing these programs forward now so that our students can help be part of the solution to critical health care needs here, secure high-paying jobs, and fuel the continued economic growth of our city and region,” Dr. Arenaz said.

“Thanks to the leadership and stewardship of Senator Judith Zaffirini, these two new programs will address acute health needs here.  These programs underscore her career-defining advocacy for health and education in the Legislature. Truthfully, were it not for her resolute and unwavering commitment, we might find ourselves unable to immediately offer these programs.  Likewise, the additional legislative support provided by Representative Richard Peña Raymond was crucial to advancing these programs,” Arenaz explained. 

Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp concurred and noted that System members develop programs that address community needs.

“The A&M System encourages all its System members like Texas A&M International University to consider the needs of the communities our campuses serve and to marshal forces to do so.  TAMIU is keenly aware of the acute healthcare needs of South Texas and has strategically developed these programs to expressly address them.  In doing so, TAMIU is fortunate to have the strong and lasting partnership of legislators Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Representative Richard Peña Raymond in developing programs linked to the communities it serves, and to the local and regional strengths TAMIU maintains,” Sharp said.

To further kickstart the programs, TAMIU is offering free tuition for the first year of study for students in both the clinical lab sciences and physical therapy programs. Upon selection, students will be provided with additional details. An information session for students interested in the new programs is being scheduled.

“We want to acknowledge the leadership of these students and their trailblazing role of being part of the historical first cohort.  While our building is being constructed, we’ll be delivering the program through innovative partnerships with our partners, Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital.  By encouraging our students’ degree pursuits, they are investing in a brighter future for healthcare here,” Dr. Arenaz said.

Jorge Leal, chief executive officer of Laredo Medical Center (LMC), one of TAMIU’s partners in addressing community healthcare needs, said LMC is excited about the shared opportunity.

“We are excited to collaborate with Texas A&M International University by serving as a learning institution where students will benefit from real-world, hands-on training for clinical lab sciences and physical therapy. Through this partnership, a pipeline for much-needed health professionals in our region will be established and access to care will be enhanced for Laredo and Webb County residents,” Leal said.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Doctors Hospital of Laredo, another TAMIU partner, said he applauds the shared vision that has brought the programs to Laredo.

“We congratulate Texas A&M International University, the A&M System, and our state leaders for their vision and foresight in creating programs to support our local healthcare needs and specialties.  Developing innovative programs such as clinical lab sciences and physical therapy at TAMIU is critical to the growth of our community. We are excited to assist our long-term University partner and support the students on their career path to healthcare,” Wilson said.

Arenaz noted the demand for qualified clinical laboratory scientists is growing with strong job prospects in hospitals, research labs, and more. Projected salaries for clinical lab sciences professionals in Texas currently range from $55,000 to $110,900, but average $87,416.  Salaries for physical therapists in Texas currently range from $77,300 to $100,200, but often average $94,790, among the highest in the U.S.

The state-of-the-art HSERC is the newest addition to TAMIU’s 300-acre campus.  Funded in part through Capital Construction Assistance Project funds appropriated by the 87th Legislature, it will drive continued and relevant program growth and expand impactful teaching, service, and research opportunities to deliver TAMIU’s mission. 

At just under 60,000 square feet, the three-story HSERC will be an interactive clinical building that promotes learning and research within the health sciences, one of TAMIU’s fastest-growing study areas, through interaction with the public by TAMIU faculty and students.  It will be a home for greater clinical/demonstration appointments for the community through public-facing communications disorders, kinesiology research, and public health.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Friday, April 5, and included remarks from Senator Zaffirini and Texas A&M University System Regent James R. “Randy” Brooks.

Regent Brooks noted then that the TAMIU project would only have been possible with the support of the Texas Legislature and praised the leadership of Sen. Zaffirini and Rep. Raymond. 

“Your support for Capital Construction Assistance Project funds is what makes this possible today.  Today’s celebration is part of a historic investment The Texas A&M University System has made in higher education over the past few years.  We have more than $4.1 billion worth of projects in planning and design, construction, or development across Texas,” Brooks observed then. 

For additional information on the clinical lab sciences and physical therapy programs at TAMIU, reach out to Dr. Kyung-Shin Park, interim department chair for College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, at  kpark@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.3158.

TAMIU's registration for Maymester, Summer, and Fall is now underway.

To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit https://go.tamiu.edu/registration

More on the University’s story is shared at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter-X, and YouTube.