Mercy College of Health Sciences announced Monday it has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission and the Iowa Board of Nursing to offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in Organizational and Systems Leadership. The graduate program, the first in Mercy College’s 123-year history, expands upon a legacy of health care and nursing education, officials said in a statement. “This is a monumental milestone in the long history of Mercy College of Health Sciences,” said Tom Leahy, interim president. “Being recognized by our accrediting bodies to offer a master’s program acknowledges the diligence, dedication, and commitment of our entire college community to prepare students to provide the highest quality of care.” The hybrid online and in-person MSN program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses to advance their skills in leadership and management. The program can be completed in as little as 1.5 years and offers full-time and part-time options. Graduates will be prepared to serve in positions of advanced practice, administration, education, and research. The new program will be the eighth approved MSN nursing education program in Iowa, according to the Iowa Board of Nursing’s website. The first MSN cohort will start in the fall of 2022. To learn more about Mercy College’s MSN program, visit www.mchs.edu/msn.