With the goal of cultivating future generations of health care workers, Mercy Health, Mercy College of Ohio, and Toledo Public Schools (TPS) are starting construction on a Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy, aimed at educating students interested in entering the field of medicine.

Renovation will soon begin on 20,000 square feet within the Mercy College building on Jefferson Avenue. Once completed, the academy will offer students a state-of-the-art learning experience beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

“Mercy Health and Mercy College have long collaborated on educating and employing highly qualified and compassionate health care associates. We are excited to extend that reach even further by partnering with Toledo Public Schools to provide a pathway for area students interested in the medical field.,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “We are looking forward to welcoming TPS students to the Mercy College campus and helping grow our region’s health care work force.”

“Through the Toledo Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy, we will be able to develop a pipeline from high school to industry that will not only increase the number of healthcare workers in our community but will also contribute to the overall workforce and economic development of Toledo,” said Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools.

“We look forward to engaging with the TPS students and them taking Mercy College coursework during and after high school. They will be well prepared to pursue their next steps regardless which healthcare career they choose,” said Manuel Martinez, PhD, Interim President, and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mercy College.

The goal of the collaboration is to provide students with a comprehensive health science education that includes the latest in treatments and medical techniques as well as instruction on valuable skills to help students work in diverse groups and communicate effectively while providing empathetic care. Additionally, internships and mentoring opportunities with health professionals would also be available.

In its first year, the academy will welcome sophomores and juniors and will expand to sophomores through seniors by year two. When full, the academy will educate 72 students per grade level.

The space within the Mercy College building will house nine classrooms, two science labs, multiple study spaces and offices.

Mercy Health is a part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, which employs 60,000 associates and operates 49 hospitals, and offers extensive employment opportunities throughout several states. Mercy College Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic institution sponsored by Mercy Health that focuses on healthcare and health science programs in both on-campus and online formats. Mercy College offers degrees at the graduate, bachelor's, associate level, and certificate programs.