Exciting news emerged from the M7 region last week as Carthage College announced the establishment of a School of Health. The Kenosha-based private college hopes to address regional healthcare shortages by introducing students to a vast range of health-related careers and research opportunities.

“We see an extraordinary opportunity for the School of Health to directly impact tens of thousands of people in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois,” said Carthage President John Swallow.

Carthage is recognized for several thriving health-related programs, including nursing and neuroscience. The School of Health will combine these programs with planned offerings in the biomedical sciences and other emerging fields.

“Thanks to our central location and our strong relationships with industry partners, Carthage is ready to dive into the work of thoroughly preparing many more healthcare professionals, at all levels and in many different fields, who will serve their communities from day one,” said Swallow.

One must look no further than the following data to see Carthage’s proven ability to help shape and prepare the healthcare industry’s future workforce:

  • Carthage received more than 11,000 total applications for Fall 2025 enrollment, and 5,551 of those were health or pre-health related.
  • There will be 360 first-time freshmen entering the School of Health in Fall 2025.
  • 100% placement rate among Carthage nursing graduates.
  • 100% occupational school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.
  • 100% optometry school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.
  • 92% medical school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.

“We’re seeing a growing number of students in the college search who are looking to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through health-related careers, and the School of Health equips Carthage to meet that demand,” says Ashley Hanson, vice president for enrollment. “All of our programs offer real-world experience and strong faculty support, helping students to turn their purpose into impact.”

Carthage appointed Paul Martino, an accomplished biomedical scientist with a background in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia, as the inaugural School of Health Dean. Martino envisions the new school to function as a community connector.

“The benefits of creating this School of Health stretch far beyond a new name,” Martino says. “This paves the way for Carthage to build a unified identity as one of the major players meeting the ever-expanding healthcare needs in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.”

Carthage plans to incorporate real-time input from regional employers and practitioners. A Carthage spokesperson shared that the College anticipates surveying employers about regional needs, developing a School of Health advisory board and expanding upon existing co-op and externship partnerships. More initiatives are to come, following the school’s establishment.

A grand opening celebration for the newly established School of Health is anticipated for the Spring of 2026. In the meantime, Carthage welcomes active participation from healthcare leaders as the College shapes the school’s priorities.