Orientation & Registration

As a new student at Mercy College of Health Sciences, you are required to attend a New Student Orientation and Registration session. This event introduces new students to critical policies and deadlines as well as available student services and activities. At the conclusion of your session, you will work with faculty advisors to select your courses and register for your first semester.

Your New Student Orientation is available in a variety of formats. You’re encouraged to attend any session that is most convenient for you! Enroll in our Online Orientation course to peruse and complete the required modules and documents at your own pace, OR attend one of our scheduled in-person orientation sessions and meet directly with our campus representatives.

Click below to register for the New Student Orientation session that works for you!


Choose Your Preference:

PROGRAM DETAILS

Some majors require a professional program admissions process and a professional program day.

VISIT CAMPUS

Have you experienced campus life up close and personal yet? We’d love to see you!

FUND YOUR EDUCATION

There are many ways you can finance your education. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

ORIENTATION

DETAILS


What’s the difference between online and on-campus orientation?

On-campus orientation options include face-to-face sessions hosted on our campus and virtual sessions hosted via webinar. Both options give you the chance to meet with campus representatives to have your questions answered. Online orientation is an online course with several modules, videos, and documents that can be completed at your convenience. Whenever you have a chance to work through the course is when you can complete your online orientation! The quality and quantity of content is the same across all orientation format options.

How do I register for classes?

After you have completed your chosen orientation session, you will be contacted by your academic advisor to enroll in classes. For students attending a face-to-face orientation session, this will occur at the conclusion of your scheduled orientation session. For students completing the online orientation course OR attending a scheduled virtual session, your advisor will contact you after all required modules and documents have been received.

How long will the on-campus orientation last?

Face-to-face New Student Orientation and Registration is a two and a half hour event. Students attending an in-person orientation event are encouraged to come early to take advantage of our resource open house, during which they can talk with Financial Aid, meet with IT, and get their ID badges and parking permits. Virtual orientation sessions typically last about an hour. Students attending a virtual session or completing the online orientation course are encouraged to attend our Purple and Green Resource Info Series.

What do I need to bring to face-to-face orientation?

If you plan to attend a face-to-face orientation session, all you need to bring is your license plate number and laptop, if you have one. You will receive a packet of information when you check in for the event, as well as writing materials for any notes you would like to take. Be sure to bring any questions you may have about Mercy College!

Can my parents or family members attend face-to-face orientation?

While we welcome parents and/or family members to attend, please remember that this is YOUR day to prepare for a successful start to your Mercy College career. There will be opportunities for your guests to explore additional campus resources while you go through your required sessions.

Is childcare provided at face-to-face orientation?

No, childcare will not be provided. This is YOUR day to get acclimated and have all of your questions answered before you become an official Mercy College student!

How do I get my parking permit and ID Badge?

After you have registered for an Orientation & Registration session, you will need to complete a Student ID Badge and Parking Registration Form. There will be time after you check in and before the event starts for you to get your student ID and parking permit from the Campus Receptionist in the Sullivan Center. If you are unable to get your ID and permit at your selected orientation, you will need to make arrangements to come to campus and do so at another time.

Why do I need my ID badge and parking permit?

The parking permit allows you to park in the 701 Crocker Street student parking lot on campus or Employee lots of Mercy Medical Center at designated times. Violators will be ticketed and/or towed. (Click here to view the Student Handbook for details.)

The ID badge must be worn visibly on campus or in clinical settings at all times. It is needed for borrowing books from the college library, accessing print services, identification on clinical sites, and building and parking access. A processing fee of $15 is charged for replacement badges.

REQUEST INFO

Next step before transforming into a life-saving hero: complete the form below. Our admissions team will get you all the info you need to know.

Request Info

Email
Email

Admissions: admissions@mchs.edu

Phone
Phone

Admissions: (515) 635-1133
General: (515) 643-3180

ABOUT US

Mercy College of Health Sciences has been transforming students into healthcare professionals since 1899. Located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, we offer master’s degreesbachelor’s degreesassociate degreescertificate programs, and continuing education courses.

Mercy College is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in addition to numerous programmatic accreditors.

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