UNI supports growing demand for health professionals
The American Nursing Association kicks off its month-long celebration for nurses in May, embracing the opportunity to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the invaluable contributions of nurses. At the front line of patient care, they are the backbone of a healthy society, but a critical shortage of nurses and other health professionals is limiting access to care in Iowa and across the nation.
In order to help meet this growing student and industry demand, the University of Northern Iowa will launch a new School of Health and Human Sciences in July, pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents. A collaborative reimagination of UNI’s health programming, this initiative comes after exhaustive research and dialogue.
The school will house the university’s new nursing program, alongside the long-standing programs of athletic training, kinesiology, gerontology, public health, family services, counseling and social work. It will also serve as a central hub for health programming across the university, collaborating closely with the departments that house other pre-professional pathways for future doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, optometrists and more.
UNI’s new nursing program has also taken considerable steps over the past months to prepare for its first cohort, slotted for fall 2024. Executive Director of Nursing and Chief Academic Nurse Administrator (CANA) Nancy Kertz, PhD, FNP-BC is leading strategic efforts to build curriculum that meets state and national accreditation requirements, forging relationships with regional service providers, and preparing for an accreditation site visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) this summer. The program also hired its first faculty member, Dr. Jimmy Reyes, and is currently searching for a new Nursing Clinical Coordinator. The first phase of building renovations, within the Innovative Teaching and Technology Center (ITTC), will start in May/June.
UNI looks forward to playing its part in meeting the state’s need for more nurses and health professionals.