Simpson College announced Monday a new partnership designed to meet the exploding demand for health professionals in a variety of fields.

The partners include Des Moines Area Community College, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Merit Senior Living, Wesley Life, LCS and CareView Communications.

According to a press release, the Health Services Leadership program will receive a head start toward employment after graduation.

“The Health Services Leadership program will provide Simpson students with the knowledge and values needed for leadership roles and career success in the complex and evolving health industry organizations,” the release stated.

Highlights of the program include a new undergraduate major and minor, post-baccalaureate certificate and workshops and conferences.

School officials said they worked for two years to design the new academic program, working with private industry, some of whom agreed to offer student internships.

“We believe this is an exciting turning point in the 155-year-history of Simpson College,” Simpson College president Jay Simmons said in the news release. “We will be producing graduates fully prepared to make a difference in a health services industry that greatly needs them. The potential is enormous.”

Classes began this fall in the HSL program. More will be added each year.

For more information, contact program director Jacy Downey at 515-961-1272 or Simpson College representative Ken Fuson at 515-961-1608.