Mercy Health Sciences University

About Mercy Health Sciences University

Mercy Health Sciences University traces its origins to the Mercy Hospital Training School, formally established in Des Moines in 1899 to educate nurses. The institution subsequently developed into Mercy College of Health Sciences and, according to its 2026–2030 strategic plan, evolves into Mercy Health Sciences University in fall 2026. This is a continuation and expansion of the same institution, not a newly created or merged university. Mercy is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its educational scope remains deliberately specialized: the university prepares students for healthcare practice, administration, public health, and further professional study. The official 2026–2027 catalog documents active associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, as well as certificate and non-degree education. The catalog and current strategic plan also show continuing institutional leadership, admissions activity, and plans for additional graduate and professional nursing pathways. The institution’s Catholic identity comes from the Sisters of Mercy tradition. Students need not share that faith to enroll, and campus ministry describes its programming as inclusive of all faith backgrounds. Mercy’s scale and focus create a different experience from a comprehensive university: academic choices are concentrated in health-related fields, much learning is professionally oriented, and clinical requirements may shape students’ schedules. It is therefore best suited to applicants who already have a serious interest in healthcare or health sciences and value access to support services and clinical partners in an urban setting.

For 2026–2027, admission to Mercy Health Sciences University and admission to a professional major are distinct decisions. The official catalog says university applications receive priority consideration by July 15 for fall, November 15 for spring, and March 15 for summer; corresponding transcript deadlines are August 15, December 15, and April 15. Later applications may be considered when space remains, while individual programs can impose earlier deadlines. Applicants submit the online application and official transcripts from all institutions attended. An official high-school transcript or equivalent is generally required, although the catalog exempts applicants who already hold an associate degree or higher unless the document is needed for major-specific review. For first-time undergraduate admission, the current requirements page lists three alternative routes: a cumulative high-school GPA of at least 2.25, an ACT composite of at least 18, or completion of a GED or HiSET. Transfer applicants with at least nine postsecondary credits after high school generally need a 2.25 cumulative GPA at the institution where their most recent nine or more credits were attempted. Applicants whose primary language is not English must meet the catalog’s English-proficiency rules. Published options include IELTS 6.0 with no subscore below 5.5 or internet-based TOEFL 71 with at least 17 in speaking and writing, alongside other specified routes. The university is not authorized to issue I-20 forms, a critical restriction for applicants who would require F-1 student status. Every applicant should review the chosen major separately because competitive selection, prerequisites, background checks, and clinical requirements may apply after general admission.

Mercy’s 2026–2027 academic portfolio is concentrated in nursing, allied health, health science, public health, and healthcare administration. Bachelor’s options documented by the university include Health Science, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an accelerated BSN, and an online RN-to-BSN pathway. The graduate offering listed for 2026–2027 is a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education focus. Associate-level study includes nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, medical assisting, paramedic education, radiologic technology, physical therapist assistant preparation, and health science pathways. Certificate and continuing-education options supplement the degree portfolio. Delivery format varies materially by program. Healthcare Administration and RN-to-BSN are presented as online programs, while the MSN uses hybrid delivery. Campus-based clinical programs combine coursework with laboratory, simulation, clinical, or practicum experiences. The university reports relationships with more than 150 clinical partners, giving students exposure to multiple healthcare settings; placement details and travel expectations should nevertheless be checked with the individual program. Professional programs have their own progression, technical, clinical, and admission rules. General admission to the university does not guarantee a place in a nursing or allied-health major, and some programs limit enrollment or rank qualified applicants. Students may also need background checks, immunization documentation, licensure-related preparation, or other clinical compliance materials. Applicants should use the 2026–2027 catalog and the relevant program page to compare prerequisites, sequencing, accreditation, modality, and licensing eligibility before committing. The database’s broad existing program list should not be used: many listed subjects, including engineering, architecture, music, and economics, are not supported as Mercy degree programs.

Key Highlights

• Operating under the Mercy Health Sciences University name beginning in fall 2026
• Private, nonprofit Catholic institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• Institutional roots date to the Mercy Hospital Training School established in 1899
• Specialized primarily in healthcare and health sciences education

Student Life & Environment

Student life reflects Mercy’s compact, professionally focused environment. The Norkaitis Student Success Center provides tutoring, academic advising, writing support, disability services, academic counseling, personal teletherapy, and career services without an additional service charge. These resources may be especially useful in programs with fixed course sequences, clinical obligations, or preparation for professional licensing examinations. Students can participate in Student Senate and other clubs and organizations, including groups connected to academic disciplines, service, leadership, and community. Campus Ministry offers prayer, reflection, service, retreats, and pastoral guidance in the Sisters of Mercy tradition while stating that its programs welcome all faith backgrounds. This makes the Catholic mission visible in campus life without implying that participation or a particular religious affiliation is required. Mercy does not own or operate student housing. Nearby College Hill Apartments and other independently managed properties are presented as options, so students must contract directly with a landlord and evaluate rent, lease terms, furnishings, transportation, and utilities for themselves. Brennan Hall contains a self-checkout convenience store, but the university does not describe a conventional residential dining system. Overall, students should expect a small urban health-sciences community with support services and organized activities, but fewer residential amenities than a traditional campus-centered university.

Location & Surroundings

The university is located at 928 6th Avenue in central Des Moines. Its campus covers approximately 8.25 walkable acres between 5th Avenue and 7th Street, just south of Interstate 235. Downtown destinations and independently managed apartments are within the surrounding urban area, while the interstate provides access from suburbs such as Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Altoona. The setting places students near hospitals, healthcare employers, and clinical sites, an important consideration for programs built around practical education. Clinical assignments are not necessarily confined to the main campus, however, and students should ask their program about placement locations, early or late shifts, and transportation requirements. The institution provides free parking in designated campus surface lots. Campus buildings use badge-controlled access outside visitor hours, and security patrols operate during published periods. Because Mercy is not a self-contained residential campus, daily life is closely connected to Des Moines. Prospective students should compare commuting and independent housing costs rather than assume that room and board are bundled by the university. Students without a car should also verify public-transit practicality for both classes and off-campus clinical assignments before enrolling.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Mercy prices most programs by credit rather than publishing one universal annual tuition figure. For academic periods beginning from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, regular undergraduate tuition is $770 per attempted credit. The accelerated BSN rate is $810 per credit, RN-to-BSN is $436 per credit, and Medical Assisting and Paramedic tuition is $420 per credit. Graduate tuition is $441 per attempted credit. Program, laboratory, technology, clinical, testing, graduation, and other charges may apply, so students should calculate costs from their specific curriculum and the complete 2026–2027 fee appendix. These official rates supersede the record’s stored annual tuition figure for planning purposes, but that database value has not been altered. Mercy does not operate housing, so rent, utilities, food, and transportation depend on each student’s independent arrangements. Students seeking federal, state, or institutional aid should complete the FAFSA. University scholarships require admission and use separate application windows; for the remaining 2026–2027 academic-year terms, the published scholarship window is October 1–31, 2026. Eligibility and awards are not automatic. Career preparation is integrated into student support. The Norkaitis Student Success Center assists with résumés, cover letters, interviewing, job searches, job fairs, and an online job board. The university also reports more than 150 clinical partners, with clinical and practicum rotations providing workplace exposure. Those relationships can support professional networking, but applicants should not treat a placement as a guarantee of employment, licensure, or a particular salary.