health.usi.edu
Ann White, RN, PhD, MBA, Dean
Julie McCullough, PhD, R.D., Assistant Dean for Health Professions, Chair, Food and Nutrition Program
Constance Swenty, RN, DNP, Assistant Dean for Nursing
Mary Kay Arvin, OTD, OTR, CHT, Chair, Occupational Therapy Program
Jeri Burger, RN, PhD, Chair, RN Completion Program
Joy Cook, R.T.(R), (CT)(MR), MSEd, Chair, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Program
Mary C. Ehlman, BA, MSW, MBA, PhD, Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness
Steve Gruenewald, EdD, Chair, Health Services Program
Mellisa Hall, RN, DNP, Chair, Graduate Nursing Program
Kimberly Parsons, EdD, CDA, EFDA, RDH, Chair, Dental Hygiene Program and Dental Assisting Program
Wesley Phy, MS, RRT, Chair, Respiratory Therapy Program
Gina Schaar, RN, DNP, Chair, Undergraduate Nursing
Kevin Valadares, PhD, Chair, Health Administration Program
Amy Wilson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, Chair, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Jennifer Nunning, BS, OTR, Interim Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
The College of Nursing and Health Professions promotes excellence in its academic programs, faculty, and students and demonstrates leadership in health care education, research, practice, and community service. The College of Nursing and Health Professions prepares students for personally satisfying, successful, and financially rewarding health care careers.
The college offers a wide array of campus, independent study, and online health professions continuing education and specialized certificate programs. A complete listing 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 health care 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 health care 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 Simulation 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. Vincent Evansville and related 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.
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 at www.usi.edu/health/healthyaging.
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.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) provides support for students throughout their educational experience. The professional advisors in the CNHP 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.
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 graduate programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions must apply for admission to the University (Graduate Studies) 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 and progression into a graduate 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 in this bulletin.
A Formal Application for Graduation form and Diploma Form must be filed by students expecting to complete degree requirements in an upcoming semester. If degree requirements will be completed in a spring or summer term, the forms must be submitted by October 1 of the preceding fall term. If degree requirements will be completed in the fall term, the forms must be submitted by March 1 of the preceding spring term. The Formal Application for Graduation 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. Students submit their Diploma Form online at www.usi.edu/registrar/graduation/diploma-form.
Health Services
Master of Health Administration
Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificate
Occupational Therapy
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
