Mercy College of Health Sciences — Attraction in Des Moines

I have mixed feelings about MCHS but generally feel like they are not worth the tuition cost for many reasons. I’m in the ASN program which is a part-time, evening/weekend program which works around my full time work schedule.

Major cons so far (and I’m only 2 semesters in): When signing up for classes the first semester my advisor literally DOUBTED me and that I’d be able to handle 10 credits! I ended up passing the semester with a 3.6 GPA! Faculty in other departments are useless if you have questions - I’ve reached out to many staff members particularly from the Financial Aid and Admissions offices that copy/paste the information you’re already given and basically tell you to find the information yourself if you have questions about anything else. Curriculum is okay, even though I’m in the first semester of the ASN program I feel like I’m behind because they assume I know basic skills and diseases even though the program is meant for non-traditional students with little to no healthcare experience.

Pros: Because it’s a small college, so far my experience with the professors have been mostly positive! I feel like they really care about their students’ success and like to get to know their students and make sure they’re understanding things. Most of my classmates are non-traditional students like myself which makes it easy to work together in group projects and team...

This school is only a third the size of my high school and somehow administrators and staff still cannot run it and keep things organized. I was told when transferring that 33 of my previously earned credits (only 1 year previous) would transfer to my new program at Mercy, but when I got here the registrar told me that only 6 credits would transfer. Her words were "Well, I just told you those other credits would transfer in case you got here and didn't like that program. They will transfer for any of the other programs." So I am now retaking every general education class (math, psych, sociology) because "these courses are more medically based here at Mercy." Really? Math is more medical? Okay. Secondly, I have been attending this school for almost a year now and just last week my advisor emails me welcoming me and asking if I needed any help scheduling my classes. Thanks. Safe to say this is my last semester at Mercy. I advise you do not attend this school. What a...

My experience at MCHS was superb! I transferred 2 years worth of credits into my bachelors degree program and had little to no hassles at all. My academic advisor, Dr. Suzanne Crandall (has since retired), was always very helpful and knowledgeable and I will forever remember all of the positive experiences I had with each of my professors. In regards to the few negative reviews about MCHS, this school was not easy and definitely pushes you to your limits. It is challenging and not meant for those that give up easily. I personally loved the challenge and the fact that the curriculum was rigorous to prepare me for my career in healthcare. If it were easy, the value of the education would be severely diminished. If you're looking for an easier route, I would advise you to seek a for-profit college education. Feel free to contact me if you'd like any guidance about...