Iona University has announced the renaming of its school of health sciences to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences. The change highlights the expansion and influence of Iona’s nursing programs, which are now in their fifth year.

The university also revealed that its master’s degree program in nursing has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This complements the existing accreditation for its baccalaureate nursing program.

Seamus Carey, Ph.D., president of Iona University, said these developments reinforce the university’s dedication to students and community needs amid a growing demand for healthcare professionals. “As we grow our programs in nursing and the health sciences, we do so with our students at the forefront; their success is both the motivation and the foundation for all we do at Iona,” Carey said. “We are also deeply grateful to our partners at NewYork-Presbyterian for their collaboration and support, providing students with an exceptional advantage not only in their studies, but also as they launch meaningful, successful careers.”

Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and chief executive officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, commented on the partnership: “We are proud to collaborate with Iona University to grow its outstanding nursing and health sciences programs and develop the next generation of exceptional healthcare professionals. Through the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, we are providing a pathway for students to find successful careers caring for patients and the communities we serve.”

Since 2020, enrollment in Iona’s nursing programs has grown along with positive student outcomes. The university offers undergraduate degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Accelerated Second-Degree BS in Nursing, as well as graduate degrees including Master of Science in Nursing Education and Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Organizational Leadership.

Graduates from Iona’s four-year bachelor’s degree program achieved a 91 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in May 2025—surpassing national averages. Additionally, 86 percent of undergraduate nursing graduates secured employment within six months after graduation; all were employed within one year.

Director of Nursing Sherylyn Watson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE said: “Our nursing students are thriving. They are training in world-class facilities, participating in top-tier clinicals alongside the best nurses in the country and being actively recruited by major hospitals – even before graduation. This is a testament to the quality of education and the caliber of students at Iona.”

The partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian provides students access to clinical placements and career opportunities post-graduation. NewYork-Presbyterian holds Magnet recognition—the highest national honor for nursing excellence—at all 11 hospitals within its system. Only about 10 percent of U.S. hospitals have this distinction.

Students study on Iona's Bronxville campus using modern facilities like simulation labs and virtual reality suites designed to mimic real healthcare environments.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for registered nurses are expected to increase by five percent between 2024 and 2034—a faster rate than average—with an estimated 189,100 job openings each year during that period due to ongoing shortages projected until 2037.

Beyond nursing programs, Iona offers degrees across various health fields including Health and Wellness (BS), Social Work (BS), Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (BA), Communication Sciences & Disorders (MA), Marriage & Family Therapy (MS), Mental Health Counseling (MA), Occupational Therapy (MS), Social Work (MSSW), as well as a new interdisciplinary MS degree in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation developed collaboratively by several schools within Iona University.

Kavita Dhanwada, Ph.D., dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences said: “At Iona, our students have opportunities to learn in dynamic, interprofessional environments where rigor, innovation and practice go hand in hand not only in the classroom but in practicum/clinical placements. It is both our privilege and our passion to teach our students, training them to provide highly personal, patient-centered care.”

Iona University was founded in 1940 as a private Catholic institution located north of Manhattan with campuses at New Rochelle and Bronxville serving nearly 4,000 students globally.