OpenFieldCollege of Saint Mary
The College of Saint Mary (CSM) in Omaha, Nebraska, is an accredited Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, celebrated for developing ethical leaders in the health sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and legal education.
Academic overview & excellence
Situated on an attractive 25-acre campus in central Omaha, College of Saint Mary is dedicated to empowering women through undergraduate degrees while offering co-educational graduate programs in healthcare professions. CSM features a state-of-the-art Gross Anatomy cadaver laboratory, clinical pediatric and adult rehabilitation clinics, high-fidelity nursing simulation wards, and an on-campus Mothers Living & Learning residential program. Academic partnerships connect students directly with the Omaha healthcare ecosystem, including Nebraska Medicine, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, and CHI Health.
Research admissions & criteria
Undergraduate admission to CSM evaluates high school cumulative GPA (minimum 2.5/4.0 recommended), standardized test scores (test-optional available), and high school transcripts. Admission to competitive professional graduate programs (such as the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, or Master of Science in Nursing) requires an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA, completed science prerequisites, direct patient care experience hours, and letters of recommendation.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Three-year entry-level doctoral degree accredited by ACOTE, preparing practitioners in neuro-rehabilitation, pediatric developmental therapies, sensory processing, and assistive technology design.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
Twenty-four-month continuous master's degree accredited by ARC-PA, training compassionate primary care medical providers through didactic human anatomy labs and year-long clinical rotations.
Marie Curie STEM Excellence Scholarship for Women
Prestigious undergraduate scholarship for mathematically and scientifically talented women majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics, including faculty research mentoring.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
CCNE-accredited four-year undergraduate nursing degree featuring direct clinical entry, cadaveric human anatomy study, pediatric simulation suites, and NCLEX pass rates exceeding 95%.
Children's Hospital Omaha Pediatric Rehabilitation Fellowship
One-year post-professional clinical fellowship in pediatric occupational therapy at Children's Hospital & Medical Center Omaha, focusing on neonatal intensive care and neuro-developmental therapy.
Nebraska Medicine Clinical Intensive Care Practicum
Twelve-week intensive hospital practicum in adult intensive care, cardiac step-down, and emergency trauma at Nebraska Medicine, Omaha's premier academic medical center.
Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Clinical Ethics
Post-baccalaureate four-course online certificate preparing clinical nurse managers and therapists in bioethical decision-making, healthcare policy, and organizational change.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Heather Vance-Chalcraft
President and Professor of Higher Education Leadership · Office of the President
Dr. Heather Vance-Chalcraft is an acclaimed biologist and higher education administrator dedicated to expanding undergraduate research access, women in STEM leadership, and inclusive pedagogies at CSM.
Dr. Christine Urish
Professor and Director of Occupational Therapy · Department of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Christine Urish is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) researching mental health occupational therapy interventions, substance abuse recovery, and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Dr. Mindy Barna
Associate Professor and Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies · Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Dr. Mindy Barna oversees the MSPAS program, evaluating clinical procedural mastery, point-of-care ultrasound training in primary care, and rural mid-level provider retention.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with College of Saint Mary.