Dean: Julie Wolter, PhD
The School of Health Sciences, was established in 2013 in response to a growing need and brings together three departments with long histories at Gonzaga: Human Physiology, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nursing. Consistent with the mission of Gonzaga University, our message is that of making a difference through excellence in education and scholarly pursuits in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.
Students choosing to enroll in one of our graduate programs will be taught by faculty with exemplary records in teaching, research, and service. Many faculty maintain clinical schedules to enrich their integration of theory and practice in the classroom. Their research and scholarly work inform and enhance their teaching and result in improvements in individual and population health. Service is an important component of what we do as it provides the school with the opportunity to fulfill the Jesuit commitment to social justice through working to address the needs of society’s most vulnerable.
The Nursing Department provides distance educational programs available to nurses who wish to advance their education but require flexible scheduling. With courses delivered in an online, interactive format, Gonzaga makes it possible for nurses to pursue advanced degrees without having to leave their home communities. Students can pursue advanced roles as Nursing Leaders in Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioners, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
The Department of Nurse Anesthesia offers a three-year, campus-based program for nurses interested in an advanced practice role as a Nurse Anesthetist. Students are admitted into a cohort with classes offered on the campus of Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Students engage in clinical practice experiences after the first semester of course work.
Graduate Degree Programs in the School of Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Nursing (R.N. to M.S.N, M.S.N, and Second Master's Degree options)
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Nursing students are referred to the relevant Department of Nursing Student Handbook for a more detailed overview of requirements and expectations. There are separate handbooks for the BSN and graduate (MSN and DNP) programs.
Graduate Nursing Students (MSN, DNP, and DNAP) receive personalized progression plans tailored to their academic journey. These plans are designed to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of each student. A student’s credit load in a given term may be affected by various factors, including course transfers, waivers, and pre-requisite constraints. They may still maintain their full-time status if there are no alternative progression options available to them.