VP Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer | Mercy Medical Center
Molly Newhouse ’96 always knew she wanted to get into nursing, but she didn’t quite envision the leadership track that her career has taken.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in nursing?
Earning your nursing degree is a pivotal step toward advancing in the field, expanding your career opportunities, and increasing your lifelong earning potential.
Nursing majors contribute in the field in many different ways, from hospitals to clinics, to home care and community programs. With your nursing bachelor’s degree, you’ll be ready to serve in the community at every level—from direct patient care to nursing administration.
Graduate prepared to pursue a path as a caregiver, clinical expert, policy maker, or faculty member. Mount Mercy graduates have gone on to work regionally and nationally:
- UnityPoint, St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- The University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa
- CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Tom Button '79
Infection Prevention Consultant
Before Tom Button ’79 could make an impact in his chosen field of nursing, he had to first break down a few barriers.
Traci Ridgway '07, '20 MSN, '21 DNP
Hall-Perrine Cancer Center
Traci (Vine) Ridgway ’07, ’20 MSN (Health Advocacy), ’21 DNP always wanted to be a nurse. One visit to Mount Mercy University and she immediately knew it was the school that could help her achieve those career goals.
Becca Francois '22
Nursing
Becca always had a strong passion for helping people and knew nursing was the career she wanted to pursue.
Michael '19 and Katie (Hoffert) Marshall '17, '19
School Business Official; Labor and Delivery Nurse
In May of 2022, Michael ’19 and Katie (Hoffert) Marshall ’17, ’19 got married where their love story began—Mount Mercy University.
Grace Herring '22
Nursing
Mount Mercy and Unity Point-St. Luke Hospital's Senior Student Promise Program allowed Grace Herring ’22 to pursue her dream career without worrying about cost.
Jada Veasey '22
Nursing
As a nursing major, editor-in-chief of the Mount Mercy Times, winner of the Pat Pisarik Journalist of the Year award, and undergraduate student speaker for Commencement, Jada Veasey '22 is proof that you can do it all.
Marco Delgado '22
Nursing & Health Care Navigation
When Marco’s mother-in-law Sharon was diagnosed with cancer, his family asked if he would quit his job to be her full-time caregiver. The rest is history.
Why a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Mount Mercy?
For 90+ years, Mount Mercy has been the standard for nursing excellence in Eastern Iowa. Our nurses are prepared to provide outstanding care, offer compassionate service, and continue the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.
As you work toward your Nursing bachelor’s degree, you’ll grow your professional network and become a leader in the field.
Special programs for Nursing students
Through the MercyReady Program or UnityPoint Health Career Launch Program, you can receive financial support, gain paid work experience while you’re still in school, and graduate with a guaranteed nursing job waiting for you.
At Mount Mercy, my advisor and mentors have encouraged me to define my career goals in the abstract, and then build my career trajectory around those terms.
What can you do in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?
Our nursing bachelor’s degree combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Work alongside professors who are practicing professionals. Gain beyond-the-classroom learning in our Clinical Simulation Laboratory (CSL).
Nursing at Mount Mercy University (0:30)
Nursing is in our DNA—learn more about the Martin-Herold College of Nursing & Health.
What courses will I take?
Graduate in as little as two years
At Mount Mercy University, we recognize that every individual’s path to education is different. That’s why we believe each student’s curriculum plan should be built with your experience and goals in mind.
Whether you’re an 18-year-old entering college for the first time, an established adult looking for a career change, or a practicing nurse hoping to advance your skill set—we can build a path tailored for you.
We offer a two-year curriculum plan for students who have the appropriate credits and experience, as well as a three-and-a-half-year and traditional four-year plan.
Mount Mercy also offers a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students pursuing their BSN can begin taking master’s-level courses during their fourth-year—smoothly transitioning into our MSN after graduation.
Nursing degree admission options
Admission into Mount Mercy’s nursing degree program is competitive. Annually, 93 students are accepted into the nursing program. Students interested in Mount Mercy’s nursing bachelor’s degree program have two options.
BSN Early Admission
BSN Early Admission to Mount Mercy’s nursing program is designed for high-achieving students. The policy allows early acceptance into Mount Mercy’s Bachelor of Science of Nursing program and the ability to complete the major in 3.5 years. Students must satisfactorily complete nursing pre-requisite requirements to proceed into the nursing degree program.
- Incoming Freshmen
- High school GPA of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, at the time of your application. (The GPA requirement must be maintained through graduation from high school and your final official high school transcript must be submitted to Mount Mercy University.)
- Minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT of 1200
- To complete MMU's program in 3.5 years, it is encourages that students complete a minimum of 12 college credits (community college, AP, IB, or CLEP credits) during their high school career.
- To continue as a nursing major, student must satisfy pre-requisites.
- Apply and be admitted to Mount Mercy prior to March 1.
- Complete the Early Admission Application by March 1.
- As part of the application, you will be asked to complete a 200-word essay on "What influenced you to pursue a career in nursing? Where do you see yourself in five years?"
- Submit your $200 enrollment deposit by April 1 to guarantee your spot.
BSN Standard Admission
Incoming freshmen not meeting early admission requirements are eligible for BSN standard admission. Standard admission allows students to begin nursing pre-requisites directly during their freshmen year and granted admission into the nursing program upon satisfactory completion of nursing pre-requisites.
Transfer students should contact the admission office during their freshmen year to learn about pre-requisite requirements.
BSN Early Admission is a great opportunity for students to get a jump start on their education and career. We look forward to continuing to develop outstanding caregivers and the health care leaders of tomorrow.
BSN to MSN pathway through MMU Plus
For registered nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, we offer a streamlined route to obtaining your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The nursing program is designed for an easy transition from the BSN to MSN program. Both programs are designed to build on your existing knowledge and skills, providing an efficient transition to advanced practice.
Already know that an MSN is in your future? We make it easier and cheaper to go from your BSN to MSN with MMU Plus.
Through MMU Plus, undergraduate students can apply their current financial aid to grad courses, allowing them to earn graduate credits at no extra cost. Eligible students can take up to four advanced courses in any graduate program.
- Accelerated learning: The BSN to MSN pathway allows you to progress more quickly through the program, saving you time and resources. With a focus on advanced clinical skills and leadership, you can achieve your career goals faster.
- Customized learning plans: We understand that every nurse's career path is unique. Our advisors work with you to create a learning plan that aligns with your professional aspirations and personal commitments. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis that are built into our MSN program.
- Enhanced career opportunities: Earning an MSN degree opens doors to a wide range of advanced nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator and healthcare administrator. The BSN to MSN pathway equips you with the qualifications needed to pursue these opportunities.
What are the next steps?
Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.
We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.
Learn more about:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- MMU-offered scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- 10% tuition discount for employees of partner organizations
- Veterans benefits such as the Yellow Ribbon program and GI Bill®
We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.
- Create your application
- Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:
* Mount Mercy University Admissions
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"
For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.