The academic institution was established in 2008 by Hofstra University and the North Shore-LIJ Hospital system which was rebranded as Northwell Health in 2015.

It also offers a dual-degree "4+4" program comprising an undergraduate degree (BA or BS) followed by automatic matriculation to the School of Medicine.

[3] In March 2008, the parties executed a joint academic agreement establishing them as equal partners in launching the new school.

[12][13] Hofstra's healthcare-professional education network also includes its School of Health Professions and Human Services.

[14] For 2024, Zucker School of Medicine was ranked tied for #68 in research and #112-123 in primary care by U.S. News & World Report.