Purpose Statement

The purpose of the master’s program is to prepare skilled, competent healthcare professionals who will pursue excellence and professional growth through lifelong learning. To lead change resulting in quality outcomes and safety of healthcare delivery systems. To design innovative, evidence-based protocols; and serve as collaborative partners of the health care team. SMU believes caring should be embedded in healthcare delivery and is the essence and science of excellent individual and population health outcomes.

The process of caring progresses into better plans to promote health and wellness, prevent illness and restore health. According to Watson’s (2008) caring theory, effective caring promotes health and individual or family growth. Caring responses accept the client as he or she is and what he or she may become. A caring environment offers potential development while allowing individuals to choose the best action for themselves at a given time. The practice of caring is central to the delivery of healthcare to the SMU model.

Motto

Let’s soar!

Mission

We will empower our students through our commitment to help them succeed. By providing quality healthcare programs and support, we will instill the values of caring, integrity, and humanity. Our goal is to create highly qualified healthcare professionals who will meet the ever-changing needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Vision

We believe everyone should have access to the same quality education and resources regardless of gender, race, or socio-economic background, and we are committed to creating a learning environment where all individuals can thrive. We endeavor to build a strong community of healthcare professionals with critical thinking skills who are actively engaged with current trends in the field and committed to providing their patients with the best possible care.

Philosophy

SMU’s philosophy is embedded in the caring theory. We at SMU believe that students who understand caring at the fundamental level will use this approach in practice. Based on the caring model, emphasis will be placed on student engagement in the learning process, and faculty are the facilitators of learning. With the foundation of the current model, the student will promote health for individuals, families, and communities and function as advocates, educators, coordinators, and managers as they pursue their different roles in the healthcare environment.