FULLERTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU), an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution in Fullerton, California is grateful for a transformative year and proudly reflects on unprecedented success and innovation in health care education. Renowned for its commitment to interprofessional education across the pharmacy, optometry and physician assistant (PA) fields, MBKU is thrilled to share the accomplishments that defined the institution over the past 12 months and shaped its trajectory for the year ahead.
The university began 2023 by inaugurating its first-ever female president and long-standing faculty member of over 35 years, Julie A. Schornack, OD, MEd while also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the university’s expansion and name change in 2013. Welcoming Dr. Schornack set the stage for the remainder of the year as she committed to harnessing her experience and knowledge to carry out a vision focused on people, programs and places.
“At the time of my inauguration, my goal was to not only bring MBKU back to its roots but to relish in its present and future,” said Dr. Schornack. “While every year has its ups and downs, I am very pleased with the accomplishments made by our people – including our students and faculty; as well as our three distinctive university programs; and places like our off-site Ketchum Health clinical training centers. I look forward to another year of growth and success.”
In 2023, MBKU continued to raise the bar in health care education, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. Its School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS), the first PA program in Orange County, achieved 100% student job placement within six months of graduation, and over 75% of these students received job offers directly from preceptors in the field. This same class achieved a board test pass rate of over 99%— a testament to SPAS’s appealing 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The university’s College of Pharmacy experienced unparalleled growth and recognition as well. The program received the highest PGY-1 residency match rate in California at 89%, underscoring the unwavering devotion of its students and faculty. Pharmacists are in high demand and play a key role in collaborative health care environments and MBKU remains at the forefront of the field by structuring its program design to ensure students are given the tools they need to thrive.
The Southern California School of Optometry (SCCO) began the year with 20 of its faculty, each members of the Accreditation Council of Optometric Education (ACOE), completing a 32-hour Ophthalmic Procedures course taught by faculty from Northeastern State University/Oklahoma College of Optometry. The program certifications will help SCCO equip students for the ongoing expansion of optometry’s scope across the U.S., with recent developments in various states granting extended practice privileges enabling them to perform a wider range of procedures and offer care to an increased number of patients. An impressive 40% of students that graduated from the eight-year ACOE-accredited program went on to pursue advanced learning opportunities through residency programs across the U.S. With an incredibly dedicated faculty like Dr. Susan Cotter, President of the American Academy of Optometry, SCCO plans to continue its momentum through its 120th anniversary celebration in April 2024.
MBKU’s clinical training facility, Ketchum Health, home to University Eye Centers in Anaheim Hills and Los Angeles, and its Medical Clinic in Anaheim Hills, leads in interprofessional education. This year, the donation of advanced X-ray equipment to its Anaheim Hills clinic enhanced diagnostic capabilities. The year also saw a significant patient success story unfold as a former artist regained vision through a scleral lens, revitalizing her passion for art. Experiences like these drive Ketchum Health’s commitment to health care, positioning it as a community hub continually expanding to deliver affordable and accessible care.
“As we embark on another year, MBKU plans to use 2023 as a stepping-stone and motivator for future success,” stated Dr. Schornack. “We encourage future students to join us in our endeavors and community members to experience Ketchum Health’s unmatched offerings. Ultimately, we look forward to the continued prosperity of our organization and the health care profession as a whole.”
About Marshall B. Ketchum University: Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution located in Fullerton, California proudly preparing the health care leaders of the future through immersive and rigorous academic programs that teach, train and graduate tomorrow’s clinical experts. Established in 1904, more than 100 years later, MBKU today includes three primary schools: 1) Southern California College of Optometry which offers a Doctor of Optometry and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree; 2) its School of Physician Assistant Studies which awards a Master of Medical Science degree; and 3) its College of Pharmacy, that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. With a nationally recognized faculty known for offering the highest level of expertise and experience in clinical education and training; a commitment to introducing students to the latest in technology, diagnosis and treatment; as well as small class sizes and a tight knit family feel—MBKU graduates become part of a diverse and inclusive alumni group that includes some of the health care industry’s most accomplished researchers, clinicians and teachers. MBKU also provides personalized care to the communities it serves from two state-of-the-art optometry clinics offering comprehensive vision care for all ages, from infants to seniors. The wide array of services include: cornea and contact lenses, pediatric vision, ocular disease treatment and consultation, vision therapy, low vision and more. More services can be found online at University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Anaheim and University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Los Angeles. Accessible primary care medical services are also available at its family medicine clinic, Ketchum Health. To learn more about MBKU’s programs or public clinics visit, https://www.ketchum.edu/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Editor’s Note: Media interested in speaking to expert staff, faculty and leadership of Marshall B. Ketchum University should email ketchum@beyondfifteen.com to facilitate interviews.
