The Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has appointed Rachael German as director of its Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Sciences program, beginning March 18, 2024.

“I’m delighted to be joining WSU Applebaum as the inaugural director of the college’s first direct-admit program,” German said. “Helping undergraduates gain a strong foundation in crucial skills while zeroing in on their career aspirations will be a rewarding pursuit. I’m looking forward to welcoming the first class this fall.”

Applied Health Sciences students will emerge from the program with a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, communication within a health care setting, interdisciplinary patient care, critical thinking and writing, ethics, and diversity across the health sciences continuum. The curriculum’s variety of pathways will put graduates in prime position to apply to health sciences professional programs or head directly into the workforce to launch their careers in a range of health care settings.

With hands-on educational experiences built into the curriculum, this program aligns with Wayne State’s College to Career initiative, which seeks to provide every student with experiential learning opportunities that allow them to encounter the world, gain deeper insights and new perspectives, and prepare for prosperous careers.

German comes to WSU Applebaum from the Wayne State College of Education, where she has served since 2017. A licensed athletic trainer, German started her WSU career as lecturer and student services coordinator for the College of Education’s Athletic Training master’s program, developing courses while teaching. She was promoted to assistant professor in 2022, then appointed as program director in January 2023.

With the Athletic Training master’s program scheduled to close this year, German will devote a portion of her time helping shepherd the final class through graduation this spring and a portion of her time at WSU Applebaum, where she will be full-time beginning May 1.

“We are thrilled that Rachael is now at the helm of our new Applied Health Sciences program,” said Associate Dean for Health Sciences Sara Maher. “It’s an exciting challenge to launch a brand-new program and I’m confident that Rachael will set our students up for success.”

German is working toward her PhD in Kinesiology at Wayne State. She holds a master of science in exercise physiology with a concentration in athletic training from Kent State University and a bachelor of science in athletic training/sports medicine from Central Michigan University.

“On behalf of the entire WSU Applebaum community, I am happy to welcome Rachael to our college,” said Dean Brian Cummings. “There is much to be done as we work toward admitting the first cohort for the 2024-25 academic year, and I have every faith that Rachael is up to the challenge. She clearly is Warrior Strong.”

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Designed to support undergraduates who are interested in a health care career but haven’t chosen a path to pursue, the bachelor of science in Applied Health Sciences offers a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, communication within a health care setting, interdisciplinary patient care, critical thinking and writing, ethics, and diversity across the health sciences continuum. The curriculum consists of a variety of pathways to prepare students for application to a health sciences professional program or as a stand-alone degree to launch a career in various health care settings. Information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. 

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels — from undergraduates to veteran faculty members — translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.