The Link

10/22/2009
MERCY COLLEGE OF HLTH SCIENCES

Mercy College Announces New Pre-Med Program

(Des Moines, October 22, 2009) - Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 6th Avenue, announces its newest academic program, a pre-med or Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS). A BSHS degree from Mercy College is a valuable resource in preparing for health care professions in high demand. 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.

"The goal of our pre-med program is to lay a solid foundation so students can work toward or achieve their dream. Students have the opportunity to take advanced health science coursework, participate in research studies and gain practical experiences related to their degree path," says Dr. Jeannine Matz, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Blending a strong foundation in laboratory science with the specialization available in health care, students can explore a number of possible career fields at the same time, in preparation for further graduate study in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, clinical laboratory sciences, nuclear medicine technology, physician's assistant, veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine, or optometry.

Upon completion of the degree, students will be ready for employment in medical research, medical sciences, insurance, public health, or community agencies, working, for example, as a health professional assistant, medical technician, or pharmaceutical sales representative.

The 127-credit hour program prepares students for a specialized introduction to the health science field. There are four tracks to choose from: Track one is designed for first-time College students wanting to complete a bachelor's degree in the health sciences. Track two is designed for candidates who already hold an associate of science degree in a health science and wish to enhance their career by expanding their academic preparation. Tracks three and four are designed for students who wish to obtain both their bachelor of health sciences degree and certification in either clinical laboratory sciences or nuclear medicine technology from Mercy College.

Mercy College offers Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees as well as certificates in diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medical services, health care administration, medical assisting, nursing, polysomnographic technology, clinical laboratory science, health science (pre-med), allied health, radiologic technology and surgical technology. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for these professionals will continue to intensify over the next two decades.

Mercy College is the only Catholic college in Central Iowa and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). To learn more about all of our academic programs, visit the College website at www.mchs.edu.

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(Contact: Jim Tagye, Marketing Manager, Mercy College of Health Sciences, 515-643-6678 Office, 515-643-6698 Fax, JTagye@mercydesmoines.org)