September 03, 2021 | Midwestern University

Graduates from the College of Health Sciences take part in a commencement ceremony at Midwestern University.

Midwestern University recently held commencement ceremonies to celebrate nearly 340 graduates from the College of Health Sciences. Graduates from both the Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona campuses who earned their master’s and doctoral degrees will join their healthcare professions as clinical psychologists, physician assistants, occupational therapists, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

As part of the ceremonies, the graduates pledged to dedicate themselves to the highest standards of patient care and commit to continuing their professional education throughout their practicing careers. In addition, Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, congratulated the graduates on their many accomplishments and noted their important role in addressing the healthcare needs of our nation. "Midwestern University’s graduate healthcare programs have always been focused on providing its students with excellent didactic and experiential training in a wide variety of disciplines," Dr. Goeppinger said. “From the very onset of the pandemic, we made sure all students were equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment and training to safely continue their studies in our labs, classrooms, as well as see patients in our clinics so they could complete their program requirements in order to graduate on time.  The pandemic has placed an enormous burden on our healthcare workers and the healthcare system. Our graduates are entering their professions at a time when they are needed the most.  Midwestern University is grateful for all of our wonderful graduates who are very well trained and ready to practice their professions to become vital members of the healthcare team,” she added.

Degrees awarded at the ceremonies include: Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.); Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (M.A.); Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.M.S.); Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (D.N.A.P.); Master of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (M.S.); and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.). These new graduates join nearly 32,000 Midwestern University alumni who are working in leading hospitals, clinics, private practices, laboratories, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities across the United States.