College of Nursing and Health Professions

health.usi.edu

Ann White, RN, PhD, MBA, Dean

Mary Kay Arvin, OTD, OTR/L, Chairr, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Jeri Burger, RN, PhD, Chair, RN Completion Program

Deborah Carl Wolf, RDH, MEd, Assistant Dean, Chair, Dental Hygiene Program

Mary C. Ehlman, BA, MSW, MBA, PhD., Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness

Claudine Fairchild, RT(R) (M), RDMS, MS, Chair, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Mellisa Hall, RN, DNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Program

Janet Kilbane, OTD, Interim Chair, Occupational Therapy Program

Kimberly Parsons, MEd, CDA, EFDA, RDH, Chair, Dental Assisting Program

Wesley Phy, BS, RRT, Chair, Respiratory Therapy Program

Julie McCullough, Ph.D., R.D., Chair, Food and Nutrition Program

Martin Reed, R.T.(R), Ph.D., Chair, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Program

Mayola Rowser, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N., D.N.P., Ph.D., Assistant Dean

Constance Swenty, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N., D.N.P., Chair Undergraduate Nursing Program

Kevin Valadares, Ph.D., Chair, Health Administration Program

Frank Ward, EdD, MSA, PA, Chair, Health Services Program

The College of Nursing and Health Professions promotes excellence in its academic programs, faculty, and students and demonstrates leadership in healthcare education, research, practice, and community service. The College of Nursing and Health Professions prepares students for personally satisfying, successful, and financially rewarding healthcare careers.

The college offers a wide array of campus, independent study, and online health professions continuing education and specialized certificate programs. A complete listing and schedule of offerings can be viewed on the college web site health.usi.edu.

Accrediting organizations representing the profession and/or appropriate state governmental agencies are identified with program information. Program graduates consistently excel on state and national licensing/registry exams and are heavily recruited by healthcare employers.

Faculty are academically prepared, experienced practitioners who are licensed, registered, and/or certified members of the professions in which they teach. The college provides a caring atmosphere in which students, faculty, and community healthcare professionals work together to optimize personal and professional development. The college provides educational experiences which prepare students to become competent practitioners and to successfully achieve licensure, registration, or certification in their fields.

Clinical Stimulation Center, Dental Clinic and Clinical Affiliates

The Clinical Simulation Center provides students with diverse and challenging learning activities. Computerized simulated learning activities prepare students for critical thinking and therapeutic intervention in their clinical practices. A state-of-the-art dental clinic and telehealth clinic provide high-quality learning activities for students.

A wide variety of clinical facilities are utilized in the educational programs of the college. These facilities include Deaconess Health System and related facilities, St. Mary’s Medical Center and facilities, Evansville State Hospital, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Health Department, Evansville Association for Retarded Citizens, Visiting Nurse Association of Southwestern Indiana, Rehabilitation Center, Planned Parenthood, Southwestern Indiana Adult Mental Health Center, Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging, senior citizens centers, dental offices, physicians’ offices, day care centers, nursing homes, area extended care facilities. A complete listing of clinical affiliates is located in the college office.

Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness

The Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness is dedicated to advancing the understanding of aging and promoting the well-being of older adults through interdisciplinary education, research, and engaged partnerships. The interdisciplinary center involves faculty from all colleges and is housed within the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Additional information can be obtained through the college web site health.usi.edu.

Community Health Centers

The USI-Community Health Centers at Glenwood Leadership Academy, Cedar Hall Community School, and Lodge Community School offer nursing and health professions students an opportunity to engage in interprofessional learning through clinical rotation.

Advising

The College of Nursing and Health Professions provides support for students throughout their educational experience. The professional advisors in the College’s Advising Center work with first year students and pre-majors to formulate academic and professional goals. Advisors assist students with career exploration, major and course selection and connections with University and community resources. As students progress into their major, faculty advisors provide expert career advice and specialized information about their chose profession.

Financial Assistance

A number of scholarships are designated specifically for students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. These scholarships are in addition to the scholarships and other financial assistance that are available for all USI students.

Admission and Progression Requirements

Students seeking admission to College of Nursing and Health Professions programs must apply for admission to the University and submit a separate application to the program of their choice. To ensure the highest quality of student learning experiences, admission is competitive and limited. Students meeting academic requirements must be in good health; eligible for licensure, certification, or registration; and capable of meeting clinical practice requirements. Acceptance into a clinical program is contingent upon a negative drug screen and criminal record check. A felony may affect a graduate’s eligibility to sit for professional licensure/certification/registration. Additional information about the admission process and timeline is listed on each program’s web pages.

Minimum grade requirements for major and other selected courses are identified in student handbooks and on program websites. Additional information regarding admission and progression requirements are listed in the individual program descriptions that follow.

Application for Degree and Diploma Form

A Formal Application for Graduation and Diploma Form must be filed by students completing course requirements one semester prior to the semester in which the program will be completed. The formal application may be obtained from the College of Nursing and Health Professions office and should be returned to the student’s academic advisor for review and approval.