The Franciscan Alliance plans to open an osteopathic medical school in Crown Point by 2030.

Tonn and Blank Construction Co. will build the 100-acre campus at Interstate 65 and U.S. 231.

The project across the street from Franciscan Health Crown Point was developed to help address the shortage of doctors in Indiana, particularly in primary and rural care.

“Building a medical school will allow us to continue to expand our health care ministry,” said Ernest Iannotta, chairperson of Franciscan Alliance’s board of trustees, in a press release. “Being able to train the next generation of physicians will benefit the state of Indiana in numerous ways.”

The first year's class will include 100 students and increase to 200, up to 800 enrollees total.

The nonprofit Catholic health care system also plans to increase its post-graduate residency slots to 250 in Indiana.

“Investing in our physician workforce is essential to achieving a healthier future for Indiana,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said. “Franciscan Health’s new Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine school is a bold step forward to enhance our physician workforce to meet the needs of Hoosiers for generations to come.”

State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver pointed out that when doctors receive their medical training in Indiana, they usually stay. But there is still an “urgent” shortage.

“By expanding training opportunities, this new program will help close the physician workforce gap and improve access to care across Indiana,” she said.

According to the “Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas Statistics,” presented by the Bureau of Health Workforce Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Indiana still needs 436 primary care physicians to meet the needs of residents.

Tonn and Blank Construction also will work with interested developers who want to support the project with retail and student housing options.

“The City of Crown Point is excited to see Franciscan further its investment in not only Crown Point but Northwest Indiana,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said. “Since Franciscan opened its hospital in Crown Point more than 50 years ago, the city has transformed into a beacon of health care.”

Franciscan Alliance is still selecting administrators to help finish planning the project.

“Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine use a unique whole-person approach to help prevent illness and injury,” according to the American Osteopathic Association. They make up 11% of physiciana in the U.S.

Franciscan Alliance has 11 hospitals in Indiana and employs more than 16,000 people.