A NEW ANGLE FOR HEALTHCARE CAREERS

Florida Polytechnic University Offers New Health Systems Engineering Program

- PAUL CATALA

Michael Ortiz’s plan is a career in health informatics once he graduates with his degree from Florida Polytechnic University.

Ortiz, a junior at the Lakeland Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) university, says he was “curiously excited” when he found out the public university is offering its first Health Systems Engineering (HSE) program.

The HSE program is the first undergraduate curriculum in Florida with a concentration in health systems engineering, according to the school. The program will allow students interested in STEM and healthcare careers a way to prepare for jobs in both areas.

“I’m very much a people person and like to deal with people. I wanted to do something that directly impacts others. I want to get into a good, quality (healthcare) system where I can affect change and make progress on systems that are already in place” says Ortiz, 23, of Kissimmee.

Dr. Grisselle Centeno, director of the HSE program and a professor in the Florida Poly data science and business analytics department, says the new undergraduate program will give students the chance to learn how to use STEM skills in healthcare delivery careers. The program will allow students pursuing a degree in data science or business analytics to concentrate in health systems engineering. Those majoring in computer science or electrical, mechanical or computer engineering also will be able to get HSE certificates.