Mercy College of Health Sciences alumnus, Aaron Hemsworth, knew he wanted to work in healthcare, but wasn’t sure what career path to take. Hemsworth first discovered a passion for nursing while working in a group home assisting individuals with disabilities. In 2013, he managed to continue working full-time at the group home, attend school, and graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing from Mercy College.
After graduation, Hemsworth was hired as a full-time nurse at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. He was exposed to the complex and comprehensive knowledge physicians bring to patient care. Through this experience, he became determined that he could do more to help patients. This determination lead Hemsworth back to Mercy College to earn his Bachelor of Science in Health Science in preparation for medical school. After a life-changing medical mission trip to Cambodia, he knew he was making the right decision in pursuing a career as a physician.
Hemsworth was a determined and dedicated student; however, keeping up with the Health Science curriculum while working as a full-time nurse on the night shift was challenging. Mercy College Health Science Program Chair, Dr. Jeannine Matz, helped Hemsworth adjust, accommodated his work schedule, and guided him through each step to obtaining his degree. In 2017, Hemsworth graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree.
“Throughout my time in the Health Science program and afterward, Dr. Matz supported and encouraged me in many ways, including helping me build a class schedule around a full-time job, a medical mission trip abroad, writing letters of recommendation, and encouraging me throughout my MCAT testing and medical school application cycles,” stated Hemsworth. “Her guidance has been invaluable to me over the years."
In 2019, Hemsworth was invited to interview at three medical schools. Since then, he has been accepted to two of the three schools. He is waiting to hear from the third.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Visit www.mchs.edu/apply or call (515) 643-3180 to learn how you can start your Charting Your Course.
