Jun 15, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences


Dean   Kris Vacek, OTD
Associate Dean of Nursing and Chief Nursing Administrator   Kristina Henry, RN, DNP, NE-BC, CNE
 Associate Dean of Health Sciences   Mylene Schriner, Ph.D.
Director of Advising Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences   Christina Berg, MA
Co-Chair, MS in Speech-Language Pathology & Graduate Program Director   Stephanie Becker, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Co-Chair, MS in Speech-Language Pathology & Undergraduate Program Director   Julia Patnode, MA, CCC-SLP
Chair, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program   Brian McKiernan, Ph.D.
Vice Chair, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program   Ann Marie Decker, Ph.D.
Chair, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program   Lynne Clarke, OTD, M.S., OTR/L
Director, Nursing - MSN Program   Caroline Olawaiye, DNP, RN, CRRN
 Director, Nursing - RN to BSN Program   Caroline Olawaiye, DNP, RN, CRRN
 Director, Accelerated Nursing (ABSN) Program   Sarah Schlanker, MSN, RN, CNE
Director, Nursing BSN Program   TBD
Accelerated Nursing, RN to BSN & MSN Advisor   Lilly Coye, Ed.D.

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences grants degrees in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. Close faculty-student interaction and mentoring are hallmarks of a Rockhurst University graduate experience.

Programs offered through the Department of Occupational Therapy and Health Science , Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science Speech-Language Pathology  and School of Nursing  provide opportunities for professional interactions between students and faculty occur throughout the curricula. A professional perspective strengthens understanding and collaboration among future colleagues in these health science professions. These programs also provide opportunities for students to participate in interprofessional service projects that enable faculty, students, and other members of the Rockhurst community to team with community agencies, fulfilling the institution’s mission in providing leadership in service to others.

Mission

As a learner-centered, service and community-minded College, we develop reflective leaders in health and human services who are ethical, inclusive, and compassionate professionals. Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is an educational leader serving exceptional students pursuing healthcare professions including Speech-Language Pathology (Speech Therapy), Exercise Science, Health Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. As a comprehensive university affiliated with Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, the college seeks to prepare health professional leaders to effectively meet the health care needs of diverse populations in complex organizations and in a variety of settings. A broad base of knowledge derived from liberal education studies is integrated into each program as a foundation for personal growth, professional education, and practice. A stimulating academic environment focuses on the discovery, scholarship, and practice to address societal needs in healthcare.

Vision

We aspire to transform and strengthen the learning, health, and well-being of our dynamic society. Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences aspires to be a leading educational institution for preparing professionals in the health industry. Further, we seek to continue our collaborative relationship with the region’s quality leader, Saint Luke’s Hospital and the Saint Luke’s Health System, affording our students leading-edge research and clinical educational opportunities.

Values

Accountability is being responsible for consistency and fairness in our thoughts and actions. Integrity is individual responsibility and equality through a mutual commitment to each other and to Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Knowledge is the preparation of intelligent, humble, and passionate caregivers for service to others. Professionalism is responsibly and efficiently demonstrating greatness to every population we serve. Excellence is the consistent dedication to being the best. Respect is a positive regard for each other through our actions and open, honest dialogue. Leadership is providing results through an efficient and ethical approach to our work.

These five principles also weave through the curriculum of each program:

  • Interprofessional experiences
  • Creation or use of evidence via research
  • Service using gifts and talents
  • Communication and collaborative skill-building opportunities
  • Inclusion and diversity appreciation

Accreditation

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 info@hlcommission.org

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree programs in nursing at Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

 

Programs

    Doctor of Occupational TherapyDoctor of Physical Therapy