国产传媒

By Jared Scott Tesler

Mount Saint Mary’s University is responding to the nation’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals with a bold expansion of its academic programs designed to educate and train future leaders in health science fields. The Mount is unveiling four innovative degree programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice; Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator; Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; and Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

“Mount Saint Mary’s has long been a leader in innovation within health and science programs,” says Daniel Prosterman, PhD, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “These new degrees will address critical workforce and regional healthcare needs while continuing our legacy of leadership and service to the community.”

Doctor of Nursing Practice (Fall 2025)

Launching in Fall 2025, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for nurses who want to elevate their careers and lead healthcare innovation. This two-year program focuses on advanced skills in leadership, evidence-based practice and healthcare system improvements, preparing graduates to influence health policy and advocacy and transform patient care.

The program — divided into two tracks, Nurse Educator and Organizational Leadership — is rooted in the Roy Adaptation Model of Nursing, developed by internationally renowned nursing theorist, 国产传媒 professor emerita and former chair of the Department of Nursing Sister Callista Roy ’63, CSJ, PhD, RN, FAAN. The program takes a holistic, high-level approach to patient care that integrates biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions, ensuring that patients and their families are treated as complex human beings.

“This comprehensive perspective will help graduates plan and implement effective healthcare strategies for the good of all patients, resulting in nurse leaders who can see and treat entire systems and become passionate about serving others and those in need,” says Stephanie Collazo, PhD, RN, CNS, Associate Professor and Interim Dean of Nursing.

Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator (Fall 2025)

Also launching in Fall 2025, Mount Saint Mary’s Nurse Educator track within the Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) program will allow registered nurses, who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, to transition into advanced roles in education and leadership, and shape the future of healthcare by training the next generation of nurses. The program, designed to be completed in one year, will emphasize evidence-based practice and combine clinical rotations with theoretical knowledge, including advanced nursing concepts and practical applications in everyday situations.

The AMSN, Nurse Educator program emphasizes the critical need for nursing faculty and administrators within healthcare organizations and academic settings, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment rate of nursing instructors will grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030.

“This program offers a pathway to nurse educator leadership roles, including positions like assistant director, director and even dean,” Dr. Collazo says. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation for nurses interested in advancing their education to a terminal degree, such as the DNP.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (Fall 2026)

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BSES) program, launching in Fall 2026, will offer a unique approach to wellness focusing on the specific aspects of women’s health. While many exercise science programs overlook women-specific health concerns, this program will emphasize important topics such as gynecological health, pregnancy and postpartum fitness, osteoporosis, cardiovascular health and the impact of gender on overall wellness.

Dawn-Marie Ickes, MPT, PhD, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Wellness Programming Coordinator, highlights the importance of addressing these issues in exercise science education. “Traditional exercise science programs often overlook gender-specific research, data and applications, which has led to gaps in knowledge and practice,” professor Ickes says. “There’s a growing recognition of the critical need to understand the unique aspects of women’s health, particularly in relation to exercise, nutrition and disease prevention. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address the unique health challenges faced by women, this program will contribute to a more inclusive and effective approach to health and wellness.”

The industry is seeing a surge in the demand for fitness trainers and wellness coaches with specialized knowledge of the physiological, hormonal and psychological factors affecting women’s health and wellness across the lifespan. The program will offer two specialized tracks designed to prepare students for graduate studies, professional certifications and successful careers in physical therapy, health advocacy, fitness training and management, sports medicine, rehabilitation and wellness coaching. The Pre-Physical Therapy: Human Performance, Exercise and Women’s Physiology track will focus on movement science, rehabilitation and athletic performance. The Health, Nutrition and Fitness Management track will emphasize wellness coaching, nutrition and fitness leadership.

The launch of the program will also be supported by the state-of-the-art Wellness Pavilion, opening this spring. With its cutting-edge facilities designed for wellness education, the Pavilion will provide students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, utilizing specialized equipment and spaces for fitness assessment, rehabilitation and wellness programming. This new resource will further enrich the program’s curriculum and enhance students' practical experience in the rapidly growing field of women’s health and wellness.

The Mount Proposes New Master of Physician Associate Studies Program (pending Accreditation Approval)

The Mount is also in the process of developing a Master of Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) program, which it anticipates launching by Fall 2027, pending approval from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The proposed two-year program would include 12-months of classroom-based learning followed by 12-months of clinical rotations and is designed to prepare students with a bachelor’s degree to practice medicine under physician supervision.

“Classroom instruction will include courses in basic medical sciences, behavioral sciences, behavioral ethics, clinical reasoning and decision-making, and their practical applications,” explains Lester Reams, JD, DPA, NCPM, director of Strategic Initiatives, noting that this is one of only three programs offered in Los Angeles County. “Clinical rotations will provide students with 2,000 hours of hands-on training in a variety of medical specialties at specific hospitals, clinics and community centers.”

With PA positions projected to grow by 35% by 2030, the proposed program is intended to help address the growing demand for well-trained, collaborative healthcare providers. If approved, graduates would be equipped for careers in varied healthcare roles such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, home care agencies, and telemedicine service providers.