FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): For years, Parkview's Randallia campus was a leader in local health care.  Now, a new partnership with a local university will make a mark on the future.

When the hospital transitioned to northern Allen County, and Parkview Regional Medical Center, the hospital embarked on a new mission.

Monday, officials with Parkview Health and Huntington University unveiled a new doctoral program in occupational therapy.

Program director Dr. Ruth Ford says the program will build on tradition of health care in Fort Wayne and provide connected resources that “use a variety health care and community agencies so (students) have as much exposure to the challenges, but also to what's working and how to prepare for the future.”

She says all medical disciplines are experiencing monumental change and challenges, including in regulations, technology, treatment and this program is part of push to stay ahead of the curve.

The program includes specialty labs and classrooms. School officials say its about training leaders who serve.