College of Nursing and Health Professions

health.usi.edu/health

Constance Swenty, DNP, RN, Interim Dean

Kim Hille, EdD, Interim Assistant Dean for Health Professions

Jennifer Evans, DNP, RN, Interim Assistant Dean for Nursing

Ryan M. Butler, DNP, RN, Interim Chair, Undergraduate Nursing

Charlotte Connerton, EdD, RN, CNE, Chair, RN Completion

Joy Cook, R.T.(R), (CT)(MR), EdD, Chair, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

Jody Delp, MS, RRT, Chair, Respiratory Therapy

Mary C. Ehlman, PhD, HFA, CHE, Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness

Mellisa Hall, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, Chair, Graduate Nursing

Emily Holt, MHA, RDH, CDA, EFDA, Interim Chair, Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

Jessica Mason, OTD, OTR/L, Chair, Occupational Therapy

Erin Reynolds, PhD, Interim Chair, Health Services

Kevin J. Valadares, PhD, Chair, Health Administration, Health Informatics and Information Management

Sean Weir, MS, OTR, CBIS, Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Amy Wilson, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, Chair, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Beth Young, EdD, Interim Chair, Food and Nutrition

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/health.

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.

Stone Family Center for Health Sciences

Multiple courses for the College of Nursing and Health Professions are offered at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences. This new building houses programs from three universities and provides an environment for interprofessional classroom and clinical opportunities.

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 at www.usi.edu/health/bronstein-center-for-healthy-aging-and-wellness.

Advising

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 chosen 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 able to perform essential functions; 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 page.

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.

Application for Graduation

Students expecting to complete degree requirements in an upcoming semester must Apply to Graduate online via myUSI. If degree requirements will be completed in a spring or summer term, the application must be completed by October 1 of the preceding fall term. If degree requirements will be completed in the fall term, the application must be completed by March 1 of the preceding spring term. A timely application for graduation helps ensure that degree candidates receive commencement mailings, appear in the printed commencement program, will be considered for commencement honors, and will have a diploma ordered. Visit www.usi.edu/registrar/graduation-requirements/how-to-apply-to-graduate for more information.