Welcome from the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences

As the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Westminster College, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences web page. The past year has proven to be quite exciting and the new academic year is proving to be exceptional.

As a community of exemplary learners, The Health Sciences division of the School has grown to include the only Master’s of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program in the Intermountain West and we are in the planning phase for a Master’s Degree in Public Health, with a Certificate in Public Health option. The new Master’s Degree and/or Certificate in Public Health will be delivered using an executive model based on adult learning principles, with classes taught on weekends every three weeks. Computer-enhanced course work will enable the program to be flexible and user-friendly. Field practicum experiences will enable the student to explore the job market and access employment opportunities as they serve in public health provider roles within an identified community.

During the next academic year, we will host a distinguished resident in nursing, Lois Ryan Allen, Ph.D., R.N. Dr. Ryan teaches at Widner University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Ryan will be speaking to faculty and students on test taking strategies and test development. We are looking forward to an informative and fun three day experience as Dr. Ryan shares her expertise related to test-taking strategies and test development with faculty and students.

The new state-of-the-art educational facilities have proven to truly enhance learning experiences for students in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Opportunities in the adult and pediatric computerized human simulator laboratories, the computer laboratory, mock hospital nursing skills and health assessment laboratories, and the media-rich classrooms have brought the process of teaching nursing At Westminster into the 21st century. Creating teaching/learning laboratories to reflect real-world work environments has been one of the most exciting aspects of program development.

A wide range of facilities that support the health and wellness of students, staff, and faculty are located on the two floors below the School of Nursing and Health Sciences in the Health and Wellness Building on the beautiful main campus. These areas provide a pool, running track, two gyms, basketball and racquet ball courts, cardiac workout, weight training, and aerobics facilities.

In addition to providing a baccalaureate nursing education, which prepares graduates for licensure as a professional registered nurse, the School of Nursing offers a Master of Science Degree or certification as a family nurse practitioner or Master of Science in Nursing Education. The Master’s in Nursing Education provides two tracks and two tiers. One track for those nurses focused on staff development and one track for those interested in higher education. Also, the first five courses in the program provide an opt-out option for those who wish to earn a Certificate in Nursing Education.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences consists of qualified, experienced, motivated and caring faculty who truly support student achievement. Nursing and health science programming is fluid and has the capacity to change with the demands of today's health care system. In addition, there are educational nursing student exchange opportunities to Thailand along with interdisciplinary national and international opportunities through participation in May Term travel learning experiences.


If you are as excited and motivated as I am by our healthcare programs, facilities and location along the beautiful Wasatch Mountain front, I invite you to explore this website for more detailed information. I look forward to having you join our community of learners, share in the fun, and grow in the experience of Westminster College School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Jean Dyer, Ph.D., R.N.
Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences