Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences General Information
Overview
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private Catholic college situated in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, rooted in more than a century of health‑science education. Originally founded in 1899 as a training school for nurses by the Sisters of Mercy, the institution has grown to offer certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with a focus on healthcare professions, accelerated formats, strong clinical partnerships and career readiness.
The campus occupies a compact urban footprint in central Des Moines, enabling close relationships with hospitals, clinics and healthcare employers—this proximity supports immersive clinical rotations, simulation labs and workforce integration. With small class sizes, mission‑driven values and an emphasis on health‑care delivery and service, the college appeals to students who are committed to entering health professions quickly and effectively. It combines both traditional learners and adult learners, emphasizing flexibility and professional alignment. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and many of its individual health‑science programs hold specialized accreditation or programmatic approval.
Contact Informations
Address: 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 USA
Phone Number: (515) 643‑3180 (General) • (515) 635‑1133 (Admissions)
Email Address: admissions@mchs.edu
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1899 |
| Motto | “Transforming Students into Healthcare Professionals” (institutional tagline) |
| Institutional Type | Private, Catholic, non‑profit college specializing in health sciences |
| Location | Urban campus in Des Moines, Iowa, USA |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approximately 7:1 (recent profile data) |
Mercy College of Health Sciences Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Acceptance Rate | Approximately 99% (essentially open admissions) |
| Graduation Rate | Approximate 55% for full‑time undergraduates (per BigFuture data) |
| Global Ranking | Not broadly reported or applicable for this specialized institution |
Mercy College of Health Sciences Academics
Mercy College of Health Sciences Faculties / Departments
- School of Nursing (Associate, BSN, RN‑to‑BSN, Accelerated BSN)
- School of Health Science & Allied Professions (e.g., Radiologic Technology, Sonography, Paramedic)
- School of Healthcare Administration & Public Health
- Graduate Studies Department (MSN in Education, etc.)
- Continuing & Professional Education / Certificate Programs
Mercy College of Health Sciences Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated BSN program for second‑degree students
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Associate degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiologic Technology, Paramedic/EMS, Physical Therapist Assistant
- Certificate programs (e.g., Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Science, EMT/AEMT, Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
Online Learning
Mercy College offers online or hybrid components in certain programs, particularly in upper‑level nursing, healthcare administration and continuing education modules. While many health‑science programs include significant in‑person lab, simulation or clinical components, the college supports flexible learning formats for adult learners, working professionals or those needing scheduling accommodations.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Typical Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not publicly emphasized or required for most programs |
| ACT | Not broadly reported as a prerequisite |
| GRE | Not applicable (graduate programs – check specific) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
According to BigFuture profile data, Mercy College reports a graduation rate of approximately 55% for first‑time full‑time undergraduates. Retention rate (percentage of freshmen returning for sophomore year) is listed around 67%. These metrics reflect a mix of traditional and non‑traditional students in accelerated and professional‑track programs. The college emphasizes student support, clinical readiness and career outcomes to promote timely completion and entry into healthcare fields.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Mercy College of Health Sciences assesses applicants primarily for readiness for healthcare‑program rigor rather than high standardized‑test scores. The institution does not publish strict minimum GPA, SAT or ACT ranges for admission to all programs. Applicants to nursing and allied health programs are typically evaluated on prior academic performance (high school/GED or prior college work), prerequisite completion, relevant experience and program‑specific requirements such as health clearances or technical standards.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 99% |
Mercy College of Health Sciences Application Requirements
Prospective students seeking admission to Mercy College of Health Sciences must submit an application through the admissions office, provide official high school transcripts or GED certification (or prior college transcripts if applicable), complete any required prerequisite courses (notably for nursing or allied health tracks), attend an admissions information session or consultation, and meet program‑specific requirements such as health physicals, immunizations, background checks, CPR certification or portfolio of achievement if applicable. Applicants are also encouraged to discuss financial aid, transfer credits and scheduling options with admissions advisors.
Application Process
- Submit completed application form to admissions
- Provide official high school/GED or college transcripts
- Complete prerequisites and any placement or assessment requirements
- Attend admissions consultation or information session
- Select program start date, register for classes, finalize tuition/aid plan
Mercy College of Health Sciences Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall semester priority | Recommended for many programs; exact dates vary by year |
| Rolling Admissions | Many programs accept applications until cohort is full |
| Program‑specific start dates | ASN, BSN, graduate tracks may begin once or twice per year |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Some programs at Mercy College may require a personal statement, essay or reflective statement about applicant’s motivation for healthcare study, prior experience and alignment with mission. The requirement varies by program and thus applicants should verify with the specific department.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Scholarships
Mercy College offers institutional scholarships, merit‑based awards and need‑based aid for eligible students. In addition to federal grants and loans, the college maintains scholarship funds through its foundation and encourages admitted students to engage early with the financial aid office. Some healthcare programs may include employer‑partnership scholarships or clinical‑site support.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Full‑time Undergraduate Tuition | Approximately US $23,552 per year (recent private‑college profile) |
| Average Net Price After Aid | Varies by student; typical reported full‑time net varies by program |
Mercy College of Health Sciences Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Mercy College of Health Sciences enrolls a student population with a strong female majority (approximately 85% female and 15% male in one profile). The racial and ethnic breakdown shows approximately 67.7% White, 12.6% Black or African American, 11.3% Hispanic/Latino, about 5.2% Asian, and smaller percentages for other groups. The student‑faculty ratio is reported as 7:1, indicating small classes and individualized instruction. The urban campus and healthcare‑specialty programming attract both traditional‑age students and working adult learners.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of Mercy College students receive federal financial aid, indicating that access for lower‑income students is a key institutional focus. While specific percentages for students with disabilities are not broadly published, the college maintains compliance with accessibility and support services consistent with its healthcare mission and non‑profit status.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | Approximately 905 students (private‑college profile) |
| Full‑Time Undergraduate | Majority of the total enrollment |
| Part‑Time/Graduate Enrollment | Additional students enrolled in graduate or certificate programs |
University Diversity
Mercy College of Health Sciences fosters a community committed to healthcare education, service and patient‑centric values. The demographic profile indicates ethnic and gender diversity, particularly among female students and students of color seeking careers in nursing and allied health. The age range includes both traditional‑age (18‑24) students and adult learners returning for career change or advancement. The college’s mission, rooted in Catholic service, emphasizes inclusive values, community partnership, and preparation for diverse patient populations—thus students from varied backgrounds bring real‑world perspectives to their cohort and clinical experiences. Small class sizes, urban campus location and strong ties to regional healthcare employers enhance the campus culture of collaboration, peer support and professional readiness among a diverse student body.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Mercy College of Health Sciences generally enter healthcare professions such as registered nursing, sonography, radiologic technologist, paramedic or healthcare administration, all of which offer substantive earning potential. While exact median salaries vary by discipline, initial nursing and allied health graduates in the region can expect starting salaries in the mid‑$50,000s to $60,000s and above depending on role, shift differential and employer. Given the college’s relatively modest tuition compared to many private institutions and its strong alignment with high‑demand healthcare roles, the return on investment is favorable—graduates are well positioned to begin their careers, repay debt and advance professionally. Over time, alumni salaries grow with experience, certifications and leadership roles in healthcare settings.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Mercy College employs faculty with diverse professional credentials, including nurse educators, allied health clinicians, administrators and simulation‑lab specialists. The institution’s student‑faculty ratio of approximately 7:1 enables individualized attention, mentorship, and strong experiential learning. Support staff include admissions officers, financial aid advisors, career‑services professionals, simulation lab technicians and academic success coaches, all serving the mission of preparing students for healthcare careers.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Mercy College bring relevant industry experience: many hold advanced nursing degrees, certifications in radiologic technology or sonography, paramedic credentials and licensure or leadership roles in healthcare delivery. Faculty are actively engaged in clinical partnerships, simulation education, accreditation processes and scholarship of teaching. The institution emphasizes hands‑on, integrated learning; faculty contributions to research, program accreditation and clinical practice underscore the professional orientation of the curriculum and enhance student learning outcomes.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in downtown Des Moines on an eight‑acre walkable urban campus. While the institution is commuter‑oriented and geared to adult and professional learners, it offers student‑services amenities including student clubs and organizations, a career‑resources center, campus ministry, simulation labs, and access to healthcare employer networks. Housing options near downtown Des Moines are available through rental apartments adjacent to campus, though the college does not emphasize large residential dorm‑life programs in the same way as traditional universities—student life is instead integrated with clinical and professional preparation, coworker networks and local healthcare communities.
Transportation
The Des Moines campus is well served by public transit, city bus routes and commuter access, given its downtown location. Students commuting may use public transportation, walk, bike or drive to campus. The central location offers proximity to healthcare employers, internships and clinical rotations, reducing travel time and enabling efficient scheduling for students balancing work, study and family. On‑campus mobility is optimized for adult learners, with accessible buildings, modern simulation labs and student‑services hubs supporting quick transitions between coursework, labs and career‑preparation activities.