Employment of health care occupations is projected to grow 18 percent by 2026, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. This increase in the need for health care workers outpaces all other professions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To meet this growing need, Mount Mercy University launched a Bachelor of Science in public health in spring 2019—one of few offered by Iowa private colleges. Students will be prepared to engage in addressing the world’s most pressing health problems under MMU’s new Martin-Herold College of Nursing & Health.
“For students seeking employment that promotes literacy, social justice, equality and environment awareness, our public health program is a natural choice,” said Mary Ann Hindman Grobstich, assistant professor and program coordinator of MMU’s health care administration, navigation, and leadership programs. “Our graduates will acknowledge that public health initiatives improve global health, affect environmental health, reduce the impact of natural disasters and global epidemics, address health disparities, and create healthier communities.”
Nearly 500 of MMU’s 1,800+ current students are enrolled in health care programs.
“In the Cedar Rapids area and in urban and rural communities across the state, public health departments are growing in the scope of services that they provide, which creates a growing need for trained professionals,” Hindman Grobstich said. “As well, hospitals and health organizations are becoming more aligned with population health initiatives that are based in the concepts of public health, creating the need for managers and directors in these areas. We’re happy to meet the need.”