About the Department

Four students sitting outside on the quad during the fall.
Pre-nursing students enjoying class in the sun.

About Health Professions

At MCLA's Department of Health Professions, we offer programs with a liberal arts focus that prepare students to excel in various healthcare and wellness settings. Our department features majors in Nursing, Public Health and Community Health Education, and Radiologic Technology, with additional minors in Environmental Health, Public Health, and Health and Society. This comprehensive curriculum lays a strong foundation for careers in clinical practice, education, and community health.


Our programs emphasize interprofessional education, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern healthcare.


Faculty from diverse specialties—including Nursing and Public Health—often teach across disciplines, ensuring that students develop a broad and interconnected understanding of healthcare. Through engaging coursework and hands-on experiences, students acquire the skills needed to succeed in real-world environments.


Graduates from the Department of Health Professions leave MCLA prepared to make meaningful contributions to public health, wellness, and the overall quality of life in their communities and beyond.


Students also benefit from opportunities for interprofessional practice through partnerships and community-focused initiatives. Graduates from the Department of Health Professions leave MCLA prepared to make meaningful contributions to public health, wellness, and the overall quality of life in their communities and beyond. Embark on your journey to a rewarding career in healthcare with us!

Mission & Vision

The Department of Health Professions' mission and vision statements provide the foundation for the college's teaching, scholarship, and service outreach, with a commitment to developing civic-minded and socially just graduates who are prepared to lead transformative change in healthcare and communities.

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Vision Statement

MCLA's Department of Health Professions emphasizes excellence and prepares future health and wellness professionals to be leaders in transforming healthcare and enhancing communities.

Mission Statement

The Department of Health Professions:

  • Delivers high-quality graduate and undergraduate experiential interprofessional education that prepares students for the complexities of the health field.

  • Cultivates lifelong learners and leaders who uphold exemplary ethical standards and demonstrate professional behavior in all endeavors.

  • Advances the body of knowledge through the adoption of innovative practices and the pursuit of applied research.

  • Engages collaboratively with community partners to enhance health outcomes and promote overall well-being.

For more information or to apply, contact the chair:

Dr. Nicole Porther
nicole.porther@mcla.edu