
928 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309-1239, USA


Mercy College of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is a recognized regional accreditor in the United States. This accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in its educational offerings, administrative operations, and student support services.
In addition to institutional accreditation, Mercy College of Health Sciences holds programmatic accreditations for several specific healthcare-related programs. These programmatic accreditations are granted by specialized agencies and validate that particular academic programs meet rigorous professional and academic standards required in the health sciences field.
For students evaluating educational options, institutional accreditation by the HLC confirms that Mercy College of Health Sciences adheres to comprehensive regional criteria recognized across higher education. Meanwhile, program-specific accreditation offers assurance that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and clinical experiences align with industry expectations and prepare graduates for relevant certifications and licensure.
Prospective students should consider both levels of accreditation as vital markers of educational quality when assessing Mercy College of Health Sciences for their health sciences career preparation.
The admission process at Mercy College of Health Sciences requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if a traditional high school diploma is not obtained. Submission of secondary school records is mandatory, and while a minimum grade point average is required, a ranking in the graduating class is recommended but not essential. The college encourages prospective students to have prior college experience or coursework, although this is not a strict prerequisite.
Standardized test scores such as the ACT are considered, with approximately 1% of enrolled students submitting these scores. The mean ACT score for admitted students is around 20, which places them in the lower 15th percentile nationally. Applicants are advised to present additional recommendation letters and demonstrate particular competencies, both of which are recommended components of the application. Admission tests beyond the ACT, if submitted, are considered recommended but not required.
For non-native English speakers, submission of the TOEFL exam scores is compulsory. Mercy College of Health Sciences does not maintain an open admission policy, meaning candidates must meet specific criteria to gain acceptance. Advanced Placement credits are recognized by the institution; however, credits from dual credit or college-level courses taken during high school are not granted towards degree requirements.
The college experiences a high acceptance rate, admitting about 99% of applicants, which ranks it in the top 15% nationwide for selectivity. Across genders, there is a majority of female applicants and enrollees, consistent with enrollment patterns in health sciences, with women constituting approximately 83% of admitted students.
Mercy College of Health Sciences requires prospective students to pay an application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee covers administrative costs involved in reviewing and processing applications. However, the institution also provides options for applicants to have this fee waived under certain circumstances.
Fee waivers are typically made available to students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. These waivers aim to reduce barriers for applicants who might otherwise be unable to afford the application costs. To obtain a waiver, candidates usually need to submit a formal request or provide documentation supporting their eligibility.
By offering application fee waivers, Mercy College of Health Sciences facilitates greater access to its programs, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent qualified individuals from applying.
Mercy College of Health Sciences does not offer Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on its campus. Students interested in participating in ROTC will need to consider other institutions that provide these military training programs, as the college focuses primarily on health sciences education without incorporating military commissioning programs.
Mercy College of Health Sciences accepts transfer credits, allowing students to bring previously earned credits toward their degree programs. The college also recognizes CLEP subject examinations for credit. However, data regarding acceptance of CLEP general exams or other credit-by-examination programs like DANTES is not available.
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers study abroad opportunities primarily tailored to students pursuing health-related fields. These programs emphasize practical, hands-on experiences in diverse healthcare settings around the world, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in international environments. Typically, the study abroad options include short-term clinical rotations, service-learning projects, and observation opportunities that provide exposure to global health issues and healthcare delivery systems. The college collaborates with partner institutions and organizations internationally to facilitate these immersive experiences, which aim to broaden students' cultural competencies and professional skills in health sciences.
Median composite ACT score
20Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available