Senator Ernst Visits Mercy College to Discuss Expanding Health Sciences Education
DES MOINES, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) visited Mercy College of Health Sciences Thursday to meet with students and administrators. During her visit, the senator discussed the future of Mercy College and the crucial need to educate healthcare professionals at the state and national levels.
“There is tremendous innovation going on at Mercy College. Their work is critical to helping improve access to health sciences education across the state of Iowa and to ensure we have the ability to develop a strong workforce for years to come,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Mercy College’s priorities to make education affordable and accessible to all Iowans will help ensure we can provide for the future healthcare needs of folks across the state.”
“We’re grateful that Senator Ernst understands the critical need for healthcare professionals in Iowa and across the country. We are determined to ensure we have the educational opportunities that lead to rewarding careers for Iowans and beyond,” Mercy College President Dr. Douglas Fiore stated.
Mercy College is actively engaged in expanding its online education and health science degrees to meet future workforce shortages.
During the visit, the group also discussed Governor Reynolds’ Future Ready Iowa initiative and the impact it has made at Mercy College. This fall, 212 students received nearly $600,000 in funding through the Future Ready Iowa Grant and Last Dollar Scholarship. Both state-funded programs are designed to support students seeking careers in high demand fields.
Following the discussion, Sen. Ernst visited Mercy College’s nursing simulation lab where she observed how simulated education enables students to practice patient care skills remotely before they enter the workforce. The expansion of online and simulated learning experiences provides students with the skills they need to assess symptoms and illnesses they will encounter throughout their career in various healthcare settings.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Mercy College’s liberal arts and sciences education develops compassionate caregivers and leaders. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn more.
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