This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a multi-course curricular transformation and outreach initiative to align undergraduate and graduate engineering education with evolving healthcare workforce demands. Three restructured courses, Decision Support Systems in Healthcare Systems, Computer Simulation Applications for Healthcare Systems, and Introduction to Data Mining for Healthcare, were complemented by community outreach activities, including high school workshops and a Family Café. The project integrates data analytics, discrete-event simulation, and digital decision-making tools using Excel/VBA, SQL, FlexSim, and Python. A structured pedagogical framework grounded in Bloom’s taxonomy and experiential learning guided learning outcome development. Mixed-method pre- and post-assessments demonstrated statistically meaningful gains in student confidence, technical proficiency, problem-solving ability, and healthcare application competence. The initiative aligns closely with NSF IUSE goals by improving student learning, broadening participation, strengthening experiential learning, and promoting scalable curricular innovation. Results demonstrate a sustainable and transferable model for healthcare-focused engineering education.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0437-2587
University of Texas at El Paso
[biography]
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3903-529X
University of Texas at El Paso
[biography]
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7503-9984
State University of New York at Binghamton
[biography]
The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026