ILOILO CITY – West Visayas State University (WVSU) is set to broaden its health professions curriculum with the introduction of new programs starting this year and extending into 2026. During his State of the University Address at the WVSU Cultural Center on January 28, 2025, President Dr. Joselito Villaruz announced the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BS Rad Tech) and the West Visayas State University Expedited Select Track for Medicine (WESTMed), an accelerated medical program.
The BS Rad Tech program, which is in high demand and not commonly offered by state universities, will be introduced at the Janiuay campus due to space constraints at the main campus. A PHP40-million grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will fund the development of facilities, including a simulated X-ray room. The program is expected to enroll between 35 to 40 students starting next school year.
WESTMed, designed to allow students to complete their medical education in seven years instead of the usual nine, will be limited to 40 select students. These students will be chosen through the WVSU College Admission Test, followed by an aptitude test and a panel interview. The university will continue to offer preparatory medicine courses to 120 regular students.
Looking ahead, WVSU plans to introduce Psychology, Laboratory Science, and other public health programs next year. President Villaruz emphasized the alignment of these new offerings with the national demand highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address.
Villaruz expressed optimism about the university’s future, stating that WVSU is in a robust state and anticipates further achievements in the coming years.