College of Health Sciences

Cathy R. Taylor, Dean

Vision:

To offer a comprehensive professional education to students in a Christian environment, preparing them as health and social welfare practitioners who are committed to life-long learning.  The vision of the College of Health Sciences is to be nationally recognized as the model of academic excellence in preparing graduates who are exceptional professionals, leaders in their profession, and committed to service to others.

Purpose:

The purpose of the College of Health Sciences is to prepare nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and social work professionals for practice in a variety of health and social welfare settings. Graduates of the College of Health Sciences are sensitive to society’s increasing diversity and are prepared to meet client needs in these settings. The college’s goal is to prepare professionals who are caring, ethical, competent and progressive in their chosen fields of study.

Goals:

1. To provide undergraduate and graduate education in the health sciences and social work.
2. To promote critical thinking and reasoning.
3. To provide graduates with beginning and advanced practice skills in their designated health sciences and social work.
4. To provide active, experiential learning in the courses of study.
5. To provide an environment in which students will become active participants in the research process.
6. To mentor students who are interested in health-related professions.
7. To hold national specialty accreditation and/or state board approval for health science and social work programs.

The College of Health Sciences is comprised of the School of Nursing, the School of Occupational Therapy, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Physical Therapy, and the Department of Social Work. The Schools of Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy are graduate programs, preparing graduates as professional entry-level practitioners. Additionally, the School of Occupational Therapy also offers a post-professional Masters of Science degree. The School of Nursing offers the baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) and a masters degree in nursing (MSN). The Department of Social Work offers the Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW). Descriptions and details about the Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Graduate Nursing (MSN) programs are found in the Graduate Bulletin.