2009-10 College Viewbook

Mercy College of Health Sciences Allied Health | Liberal Arts and Sciences | Nursing

www.mchs.edu

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become a Health Care Professional As our nation faces a mounting crisis from the growing shortage of nursing and allied health professionals, Mercy College can help you to gain the knowledge and clinical skills that will quickly lead you towards a meaningful career helping others.

Get ready for a rewarding career in health care where the demand for health care professionals has never been greater. As our population continues to age and advancing technology makes new treatments possible, the need for qualified health care workers in Iowa and across the nation continues to intensify. If you are looking for a rewarding career that is high in demand and offers a multitude of exciting opportunities, health care may be the right choice for you.

The degree and certificate programs at Mercy College of Health Sciences will provide the information, skills, and tools you’ll need to join the dynamic field of health care. Likewise, if you are already a health care professional seeking to advance your career, Mercy College can help you enhance your skills, opening the door to new opportunities.

Enter the Gateway to Mercy College at mchs.edu/tour. Check out the links in blue for more information about the College.

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Mercy College at a Glance At Mercy College, you’ll learn in a high-tech, yet personal setting where the emphasis is on helping you succeed. Our stateof-the-art facilities – including the Patricia Clare Sullivan Center – feature the latest learning technologies. The building’s student computer classroom and science laboratories are equipped with wireless Internet access and other technology to improve your learning experience. Our health science library offers online access to thousands of electronic journals and scholarly resources, as well as software, instructional DVDs, CD-ROMs, videos and print periodicals geared toward our health science curricula. These recent advances will help to ensure you have access to the latest tools necessary to succeed.

Our low faculty-to-student ratio assures that you’ll gain an exceptional level of personalized instruction. You’ll have easy access to your instructors, each one committed to helping you succeed. What’s more, your education at Mercy College will include plenty of hands-on experience and instruction from the medical professionals of Mercy Medical Center and other leading central Iowa health care providers and community health care agencies.

Labor Statistics Define Need

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, health care professionals will enjoy some of the fastest growing job prospects in the U.S. during the next decade.

Career Fields

Mercy College Degree/ Certificate Programs

Outlook for Job Growth 2006-2016*

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created Nationwide*

Clinical Laboratory Technologists

CLS

14%

43,000

Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics

ASEMS, PM

19%

39,000

Medical Assistants

ASMA, MA

35%

148,000

Medical & Health Services Managers

BSN, BSAH, or BSHCA

16%

43,000

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

NMT

15%

2,900

Physical Therapist Assistants

ASPTA

32%

20,000

Radiologic Technologists

ASRT

15%

30,000

Registered Nurses

ASN

23%

587,000

Sonographers

ASDMS

19%

8,700

Surgical Technologists

ASST, ST

24%

21,000

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.

Get ready for a rewarding career in health care 3

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NEW Health Science Degree Why settle for a general degree in science, when you can begin to explore your health career options with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science?

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/bshs

Benefits of a Health Science Degree A Health Science degree at Mercy College is extremely compatible with many areas of health care in high demand. Our program provides a strong foundation in laboratory science with a specialization in health care. You can explore a number of possible career fields at the same time, in preparation for further graduate study.

Pre-Med Program Leads Into High Demand Careers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, health care professionals will enjoy some of the fastest growing job prospects in the U.S. during the next decade.

Career Fields

Outlook for Job Growth 2006-2016*

Anticipated Number of Jobs Created Nationwide*

Chiropractor

14%

7,600

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

14%

43,000

Dentist

9%

15,000

Physical Therapist

27%

47,000

Physician

14%

90,000

Physician Assistant

27%

18,000

Podiatrist

9%

1,100

Optometrist

11%

3,700

Veterinarian

35%

22,000

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.

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Our Academic Programs Why Become a Nurse?

Academic Program Overview

If you are sensitive to people’s needs and have a strong desire to help others, becoming a registered nurse (RN) may be an excellent career choice. Nurses care for the sick and injured, as well as help people stay well. They balance their technical skills with compassion to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. Nurses can serve in multiple roles, including those of health care provider, teacher, and manager.

Registered nursing is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations. Demand for skilled, well-trained nurses is at an all-time high, and will continue to rise as

Allied Health Completion (BS)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AS)

the population ages and technology allows for new methods in treatment.

Graduates of the Mercy College Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program

who go on to receive a registered nurses (RNs) license have a wide variety of

Health Science (BS)

choose to work in a traditional setting such as a clinic, hospital, or private

Medical Assisting ( with Limited RT) (Certificate/AS)

physician practice. Or you may consider a nontraditional job opportunity, such as an assisted living or long-term care facility nurse, an occupational nurse at an Whatever your preference is, opportunities abound!

Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services (Certificate/AS) Health Care Administration (BS)

employment opportunities after only two years of study. As an RN, you may

employer’s job site, or as a public health nurse in a government agency or school.

Clinical Laboratory Science (Certificate)

Nuclear Medicine Technology (Certificate) Nursing (AS) Nursing Completion (BS) Nursing Integrated (BS)

Why Become an Allied Health Professional?

Skilled health care workers are in high demand in virtually every area of medicine.

The Mercy College Division of Allied Health offers a variety of quality degree and certificate programs that provide exciting career opportunities. When you enroll in

Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)*

Polysomnographic Technology (Certificate/AS) Radiologic Technology (AS) Surgical Technology (Certificate/AS) *Refer to the website for program accreditation status.

one of our many programs, you will develop expertise, scientific knowledge, and a professional attitude that will prepare you for a rewarding career.

Each program focuses on a specific aspect of health care and adheres to standards and guidelines established in collaboration with the appropriate accrediting agency. Certificate programs are based on a foundation of practical skills that can be mastered in one year. Associate of Science degree programs are generally completed in a two-year period and are based upon a foundation of liberal arts and sciences that is essential for an informed and productive career.

Short-term Certificates

(6 - 17 weeks)

Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Medical Billing and Coding Nursing Assistant Pharmacy Technician

Explore the endless opportunities at www.mchs.edu/career

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“I knew I made the right choice to get into health care when I had a patient thank me for helping them and not giving up on them. Then seeing them in the grocery store almost one year later and they still remember you.�

-- Jennifer Beukema, BSN Program

Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Completion The Bachelor of Science in Allied Health degree completion program is a course of study designed for allied health professionals with a certificate or license in their respective fields.

The program offers two concentrations: Leadership/Administration, for those who wish to advance their careers into a more administrative role, or Education, for those who wish to teach the next generation of Allied Health professionals.

Allied health professionals with a license or associates degree in their respective fields will receive 37 credit hours upon approval.

advanced degree

LEADERSHIP/EDUCATION

Duration: Coursework can be completed on a time-line determined by you, in as little as 18-months and up to six years.

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/bsah

Clinical Laboratory Science Certificate A clinical laboratory scientist performs a wide variety of laboratory testing to assist physicians with diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Starting Salary Range Clinical Laboratory Scientist $18 to $28 Clinical Hours: 1,422 Duration: 12-month program

clinical laboratory scientist 6

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/cls

advanced technology The campus features technologically-advanced classrooms and lecture halls, a multi-media/electronic library, health science laboratories, professional skills laboratories with Laerdal SimBaby and SimMan Patient Simulators, and student computer classrooms and laboratories.

Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science

Diagnostic Medical Sonography A sonographer obtains diagnostic images of internal organs and blood flow using sound waves.

Starting Salary Range Sonographer $24 to $26 Clinical and Lab Hours: 1,500 Duration: 23-month program

sonographer Program Information at www.mchs.edu/dms

Paramedic Certificate or Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services A paramedic is prepared for patient care, leadership, and administrative roles in the dynamic field of emergency medical services.

Starting Salary Range Paramedic $13 to $17 Clinical, Lab and Field Hours: 690 Certificate Duration: 8 - 12 months

paramedic Program Information at www.mchs.edu/ems

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“The goal of our Pre-Med program is to lay a solid foundation so students can work toward or discover their dream. Students have the opportunity to take advanced health science courses, research studies and practical experiences related to their degree path.” -- Dr. Jeannine Matz, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Mercy College will expand your understanding of health care delivery systems, complex ethical and legal issues, determine what motivates consumer demands, and advance your health care career.

Mercy College offers a joint venture that will allow you to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree and earn up to 15 graduate level credits towards a Master of Health Care Administration degree from Des Moines University.

Health care professionals with a license or associates degree in their respective fields will receive up to 30 credit hours upon approval.

advanced degree

Duration: Coursework can be completed on a time-line determined by you, in as little as 18-months and up to six years.

LEADERSHIP

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/bshca

Bachelor of Science in Health Science The Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree will give students tremendous opportunities to explore the dynamic field of health care as well as preparation for graduate study in the health sciences. There are four tracks to choose from: first-time college students, associate of science degree holders, and a concentration in clinical laboratory science or nuclear medicine technology.

Students will experience hands on insight into contemporary careers in the health sciences during the second and third year of the program through “practicums”.

Duration: Coursework can be completed on a time-line determined by you, in as little as 18-months and up to six years.

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advanced degree PRE-MED

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/bshs

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“The most rewarding experience I’ve had at Mercy College was gaining the knowledge I need to work in the health care setting.” -- Heather Alexander, ASN Program Hands-on Learning: Clinical, field and lab instruction is provided at Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines and its affiliates, and a variety of other leading health care providers in central Iowa.

Medical Assisting Certificate or Associate of Science A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health care professional who works as a member of the health care delivery team performing clinical and administrative procedures.

Starting Salary Range Medical Assistant $12 to $13 Clinical and Lab Hours: 400 Certificate Duration: 12-months

medical assistant Program Information at www.mchs.edu/ma

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate A nuclear medicine technologist uses radioactive compounds to image the function of internal organs and to treat various diseases.

Starting Salary Range Nuclear Medicine Technologist $24 to $28 Clinical and Lab Hours: 1,320 Duration: 12-months

nuclear medicine technologist Program Information at www.mchs.edu/nmt

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“Every single time I enter the clinical setting I know I'm being given an opportunity to touch someone's life.” -- Sarah Erickson, ASN Program

Associate of Science in Nursing A registered nurse cares for the sick and injured, and promotes wellness. RNs provide a balance of technical skills and human caring.

Starting Salary Range Registered Nurse (Acute Care Setting) $20 to $25 Clinical and Lab Hours: 810 Associate Degree Duration: 20-months

registered nurse

The 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Integrated degree program is a combination of the ASN and BSN degree programs. Candidates for this program are students who have completed a previous bachelor’s degree or a majority of the required liberal arts and science credits.

Completion of a 150-hour nursing assistant course is an entry requirement to the ASN or BSN Integrated programs.

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/asn

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program is a course of study designed for registered nurses. The program makes prepares you for advanced practice and specialization within the profession.

Registered nurses who have a diploma and a current, valid license will receive 37 credit hours towards their nursing BSN. Duration: Coursework can be completed on a time-line determined by you, in as little as 18-months and up to six years.

Program Completely Online Fall 2010

advanced degree RN to BSN

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Program Information at www.mchs.edu/bsn

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“My professors are truly experts in their field. It is very reassuring to learn the best from the best!� -- Aleesha Hopkins, PTA Program Our student-faculty ratio is 14:1. Our professors have significant clinical experience that will provide you with a clearer understanding of the professional practices expected on day one by your new employer.

Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant* A physical therapist assistant uses a variety of equipment and exercise to treat people with conditions limiting their ability to move and perform activities and works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Starting Salary Range Physical Therapist Assistant $15 to $18 *Refer to page 13 for program accreditation status.

Clinical and Lab Hours: 976 Duration: 20-months

physical therapist assistant Program Information at www.mchs.edu/pta

Polysomnographic Technology Certificate or Associate of Science A sleep technician uses information technology and direct observation to obtain and evaluate diagnostic data for the treatment of sleep disorders.

Starting Salary Range Sleep Technician $15 to $21 Sleep Technologist $17 to $25 Clinical and Lab Hours: 600 Certificate Duration: 12-months Completion of a 150-hour nursing assistant course is an entry requirement to the PSGT program.

sleep technologist Program Information at www.mchs.edu/psgt

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campus visits Until you have spoken to a member of the admissions staff or taken a tour of our campus, you may not fully understand your educational and career options. Sign up online at www.mchs.edu/visit to attend an Admissions Information Session or any Open House throughout the year.

Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology A radiographer uses sophisticated imaging equipment to obtain images of patient’s internal anatomy for diagnostic purposes.

Starting Salary Range Radiographer $17 to $20 Clinical and Lab Hours: 1,776 Duration: 23-months

radiographer Program Information at www.mchs.edu/rt

Surgical Technology Certificate or Associate of Science A surgical technologist is educated in surgical applications, technology, and patient care to assist in surgical operations.

Starting Salary Range Surgical Technologist $13 to $15 Clinical and Lab Hours: 610 Certificate Duration: 12-months

surgical technologist 12

Program Information at www.mchs.edu/st

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Our Mission Mercy College of Health Sciences is a Catholic institution of higher education, guided by the pursuit of knowledge and the core values of Mercy: reverence, integrity, compassion, and excellence. The College prepares students for service and leadership roles in health care through the integration of professional education with the liberal arts and sciences.

Mercy Core Values Knowledge: is that ability to instill in our college community a thirst to continually study, investigate, observe, and experience the world all around for facts and ideas that can improve the health and well-being of humankind and create a love for learning.

Reverence: profound spirit of awe and respect for all creation, shaping relationships to self, to one another, and to God and acknowledging that we hold in trust all that has been given to us.

Integrity: moral wholeness, soundness, uprightness, honesty, sincerity, as basis of trustworthiness.

Compassion: feeling with others, being one with others in their sorrows and joy, rooted in the sense of solidarity as members of the human community.

Excellence: outstanding achievement, merit, virtue; continually surpassing standards to achieve/maintain quality.

Accreditations

Mercy College of Health Sciences is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA).

Nursing Programs The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

The Iowa Board of Nursing approves the following programs: • Associate of Science in Nursing • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Allied Health Programs The following programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): • • • • •

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Emergency Medical Services Medical Assisting Polysomnographic Technology Surgical Technology

The Clinical Laboratory Science certificate program is accredited by National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

The Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). (11 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone : 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org) Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).

The Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology degree program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). www.mchs.edu/accreditation

Mercy College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of war, or any other factor protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of war, or any other factor protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or any other school-administered programs.

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Web Resources Where can I find information about…?

The College website is your number one tool to access helpful information quickly. You will find the following information online using the direct links below:

Quick Facts

College and student profile, scholarship dollars awarded, educational partners, and campus and facilities information:

mchs.edu/facts

History

Financial Aid

FAFSA, grants, loans, contact, etc.:

mchs.edu/fa

Scholarships

Internal and external scholarship opportunities, application forms, etc.:

The historical background of the College:

mchs.edu/scholarships

mchs.edu/history

CHI and Mercy Educational Incentives

Housing

Mercy Court dormitory style units and local apartment information:

mchs.edu/housing

News and Events

Stay current with campus news/events:

mchs.edu/news

Academic Calendar

First day of class, add or drop dates, commencement, etc:

mchs.edu/calendar

Catalog

Policies and procedures, programs and course descriptions:

mchs.edu/catalog

Student Handbook

Graduation requirements, student services, policies and procedures, etc.:

mchs.edu/handbook

Medical Paperwork

Checklist, forms, and instructions:

mchs.edu/postadmissions

Incentives available to CHI and Mercy employees:

mchs.edu/incentives

Tuition Current tuition rates:

Library Resources

Access books, journal and encyclopedia articles, etc.:

mchs.edu/library

Parking & Shuttle

Parking on campus, shuttle information, building access, etc.:

mchs.edu/parking

Campus Maps & Directions

Campus building maps, Mercy Medical Center Map and directions to get to campus:

mchs.edu/maps

Student Senate

mchs.edu/tuition

Student Senate Officers, meeting schedule and events:

Course Schedule

mchs.edu/senate

Current course offerings and room schedule:

mchs.edu/schedule

Student Success Program

Available tutors, events and contact:

mchs.edu/ssp

Graduation

Requirements, graduation application and event information:

mchs.edu/graduation

Campus Technology Email Access, E-leos, and Technology FAQs:

mchs.edu/tsupport

Mercy Messenger

Student online monthly newsletter:

mchs.edu/messenger

College Directory

Faculty and staff contact information.

Click on “bio” for highlights and office hours (if available):

mchs.edu/directory

The K-RICE Campus Store College uniforms, apparel and hours of operation:

mchs.edu/krice

Wellness

Membership information, hours of operation:

mchs.edu/wellness 14

How to Get Here Mercy College of Health Sciences is located just south of I-235 between 6th Avenue and 7th Street, and just north of downtown Des Moines. Parking is free on campus. You can download the map shown above in pdf format.

From the East/North: Take I-80 to I-235 Downtown, exit I-235 at Exit 8A, proceed west through two sets of lights, turning left onto 7th Street, staying in the left lane of traffic on 7th Street. Cross over I-235 and turn left into the Visitor Parking Lot, which is just beyond the bridge.

From the South/West: Take I-35 to I-235 Downtown, exit I-235 at Exit 8A. Stay in the center lane of the off ramp, and turn right onto 7th Street, while remaining in the left most lane of the street. The entrance to the Visitor Parking Lot is immediately to your left.

From the Des Moines Airport: Exit the airport complex and turn left onto Fleur Drive. At the Raccoon River near downtown, merge onto the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (heading east). Proceed on MLK for 10 blocks, turn left onto 7th St./6th Ave. Proceed north on 6th Avenue for 11 blocks, turn left just beyond the last campus building into the Visitor Parking Lot, located just before the Intersection of 6th Avenue and School Street.

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Contact Us Today Office of Admissions and Student Services

Financial Aid

Admissions

Main Campus

921 6th Avenue, Suite A Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1222

(800) 637-2994, ext. 3-6715 (515) 643-6715 Fax (515) 643-6702 Email: admissions@mchs.edu

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(800) 637-2994, ext. 3-6720 (515) 643-6720 Email: financialaid@mchs.edu

928 6th Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1239

General Information

(800) 637-2994, ext. 3-3180 (515) 643-3180 Fax (515) 643-6698 E-mail: information@mchs.edu