About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a four-year private school located in Des Moines, Iowa. Since 1899 Mercy has been preparing students to become healthcare professionals. Mercy is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and is sponsored by Catholic Health Initiatives.
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers certificates of completion, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that are known to prepare students with critical skills to make an immediate impact in the workplace. In addition to daytime, evening, and weekend classes, Mercy College of Health Sciences online offers a variety of accredited, online programs. All online degrees are taught by an expert faculty partnered with national healthcare leaders to ensure preparation to succeed.
Accreditation & Licensing
Mercy College of Health Sciences is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,278 ; Graduate: 2Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 32% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
66%Transfer Rate:
14%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$62,234Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$14,745Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
61%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$7,504Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Mercy College of Health Sciences
All Programs
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a 12-month path that can help students finish fast. That short timeline is a real time benefit for students who want to move quickly.
The pace is demanding, and work can build up fast. Some classes and tests may feel heavy in the same weeks. Safe Med is only one credit, but it can still feel stressful during daily progress.
Cost and value often depend on how smoothly the year stays on track. Clear course delivery and strong coordination matter a lot. Timely clinical planning, including preceptor placement, also plays a big role in helping students finish on time.
The ABSN moves fast, so clear communication matters every week. At times, updates on classes, exams, and course expectations can feel uneven. Students tend to do best when key details are shared early and repeated often.
Strong advising and steady follow-through help keep students on track. Written details on deadlines, grading rules, and next steps can prevent confusion and save time.
Clinical support is a real strength. Clinical instructors are often flexible and helpful about placement goals. That hands-on guidance adds confidence when coursework feels intense.
Online classes at Mercy College of Health Sciences move quickly and follow a set weekly rhythm. Some programs run Monday through Friday, with separate clinical days. Clear planning matters, since deadlines and exam timing can come fast.
The course style rewards students who stay organized and learn independently. In some classes, students do more self-guided study in core topics. Testing can feel intense, including Safe Med requirements.
Many cohorts build strong peer networks through Discord or Facebook groups. These groups help classmates track due dates, share updates, and manage daily course logistics together.
Classes at Mercy move fast, and tests carry a lot of weight. Some core classes can feel hard to follow. In Fundamentals, students often work through case studies, with less early focus on NCLEX-style test strategy. In Pathophysiology and other tough courses, lessons may move quickly, and class time may not always allow full explanation.
The testing setup can add pressure. Exams count for a large part of the grade, and going over missed questions may require a separate meeting. Mercy’s strongest area is clinical training. Students get hands-on practice at varied clinical sites, and some instructors help match placements to student interests. Overall, Mercy offers strong real-world clinical learning, with a classroom experience that can feel less consistent.
Mercy’s story is speed versus consistency. The 12-month path is the clear draw. Clinical exposure is another plus. Placement variety adds practical value during training.
The harder part is daily delivery. Teaching can feel rushed in core classes. Independent study load is high. Exams carry heavy weight.
Safe Med adds extra pressure. Support is mixed across teams. Some faculty help a lot. Admin response and class communication can lag.
Overall fit is specific. Mercy works best for students who want intensity. It fits self-directed learners who handle pressure well. It is less comfortable for students needing steady clarification and fast admin follow-through.
Mercy’s story is speed versus consistency. The 12-month path is the clear draw. Clinical exposure is another plus. Placement variety adds practical value during training.
The harder part is daily delivery. Teaching can feel rushed in core classes. Independent study load is high. Exams carry heavy weight.
Safe Med adds extra pressure. Support is mixed across teams. Some faculty help a lot. Admin response and class communication can lag.
Overall fit is specific. Mercy works best for students who want intensity. It fits self-directed learners who handle pressure well. It is less comfortable for students needing steady clarification and fast admin follow-through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Is Mercy College of Health Sciences accredited?
Yes. Mercy College of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Mercy College of Health Sciences offer?
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Mercy College of Health Sciences offer?
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Mercy College of Health Sciences expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Mercy College of Health Sciences falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Mercy College of Health Sciences first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Mercy College of Health Sciences programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Mercy College of Health Sciences military friendly?
Mercy College of Health Sciences shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Mercy College of Health Sciences through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Mercy College of Health Sciences applications?
Most listed programs ask for Occupational License, Official College Transcript(s), and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Mercy College of Health Sciences accept life experience credit?
Mercy College of Health Sciences does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Mercy College of Health Sciences programs fully online or mixed?
Mercy College of Health Sciences programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Mercy College of Health Sciences offer?
Mercy College of Health Sciences has online program options in areas such as Healthcare and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Mercy College of Health Sciences programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Mercy College of Health Sciences programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Mercy College of Health Sciences, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Mercy College of Health Sciences programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Mercy College of Health Sciences program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Mercy College of Health Sciences is featured in 2 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in Iowa
Iowa at a Glance:
Top Majors in Iowa:
Top Incentives in Iowa:
- Iowa Tuition Grant: Up to $6,800 annually
Top Career Pathways in Iowa:
- Entry Level: Farm Manager ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Operations Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Agricultural Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Science
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg