College of Health Sciences Graduates Bid Adieu to Midwestern University
The University honors students going into their healthcare careers
- AZ - Glendale
- IL - Downers Grove
The graduates from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) on the Downers Grove campus walk in the processional to the graduation ceremony.
The College of Health Sciences honored 272 graduates on both the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses in late August. The graduates will embark on rewarding careers in the fields of clinical psychology, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and nursing.
Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, welcomed the graduates and their families, and remarked upon the importance of their support system. She reflected upon their vast accomplishments and community service during their student days and expressed her appreciation for their drive, will, and desire to embark upon the healthcare field. She also encouraged them to remember to be kind to their patients and their support systems, colleagues, family, and themselves.
The Downers Grove Campus had a total of 125 graduates. The Physician Assistant program celebrated 83 graduates who now have their Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies degree. The Clinical Psychology Program featured 18 students graduating with a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree and 24 with their master of arts (M.A.) degrees.
The Glendale Campus honored 147 graduates. From the Clinical Psychology Program, 18 students finished their Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degrees, and 29 students received their master of arts (M.A.) degrees. The Occupational Therapy Program featured 35 graduates with their Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) degrees. The Nursing Program celebrated five students with their Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degrees with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner focus, 30 with their Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Entry into Practice (D.N.A.P.) degrees, and 30 with their Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Completion Program (D.N.A.P.) degrees.
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice graduate Jason Larson, D.N.A.P., (CHS-Glendale DNAP ’24) reflected on his beginnings on his acceptance to Midwestern University. “I was being given the opportunity to drastically change the trajectory of my career and my family’s life forever,” Jason said.
Physician Assistant Program graduate Rebecca Sansoterra, M.M.S., (CHS-Downers Grove PA ’24) expressed her gratitude for her education at Midwestern University, a sentiment she said was shared by her classmates. “We feel prepared and confident to enter the clinical world due to the rigorous didactic courses, numerous written and clinical assessments, interdisciplinary experiences, and high quality clinical and practical sites.”
As their student days at Midwestern University come to an end, the graduates begin the next part of their careers, taking with them their classroom learning, supplemental learning from organizations and outside activities, clinical experiences, and a variety of fond memories shared with their cohorts and faculty.
