Health Stories & News

Men's Sheds participants cleaning up litter outside

UNI professor starts first-of-its-kind health initiative in Iowa for retired men

Melinda Heinz, a University of Northern Iowa assistant professor of gerontology, is improving the quality of life of local men, especially those who have retired, with Men's Sheds, an initiative that is the first of its kind in Iowa. 
Student looking through microscope

Want to become a doctor or dentist? Start here.

Want to become a doctor or a dentist? A pre-professional program at the University of Northern Iowa is the place to start! Discover your path to a health career.
UNI instructor, Mary McDade, standing next to a synthetic cadaver used in the syndaver lab.

How UNI faculty are helping to reshape anatomy education across the US

Anatomy and physiology professors at UNI standing next to the synthetic cadaver.

State-of-the-art health education isn’t just for med school. At the University of Northern Iowa, future doctors, nurses, athletic trainers and other health professionals can look forward to working hands-on in their very first semester.

Mackenzie McDonald

Charting her path

From CNA to BSN, Mackenzie McDonald is building her nursing future at UNI through hands-on training and close-knit faculty support.
Megan Kopp, Trina Tounjian and Lorelei Cash

UNI public health students earn top honors at national competition

Three students from the University of Northern Iowa have earned national recognition for their outstanding performance at the prestigious National Case Study Competition in Health Education (NCSCHE®).
Empowerment in Action: Culture Change through Dementia Education

UNI Dementia Simulation House planning dementia education conference

The Dementia Simulation House at the University of Northern Iowa is proud to announce the upcoming Empowerment in Action: Culture Change through Dementia Education conference, taking place on Wednesday, June 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Falls from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Nursing student prepping IV bag

Top in-demand health careers that will surprise you

Getting a health science degree can set you up for many top health careers. Here are just a few examples that you can start working toward at UNI.
Students working in a model clinical setting.

UNI nursing program receives education award from City of Cedar Falls

 The City of Cedar Falls and Cedar Falls Utilities have awarded the University of Northern Iowa nursing program the 2025 John Milton Overman Education Award.
Kelli Snyder showing students an artificial skeleton

UNI professor Kelli Snyder receives Iowa Athletic Trainers' Society Educator of the Year Award

Kelli Snyder, associate professor and program director of athletic training at the University of Northern Iowa, has received Iowa Athletic Trainers' Society Educator of the Year Award, given to a member who has demonstrated outstanding abilities in educating future athletic trainers either at the high school or college/university levels.
Nancy Kertz

UNI’s Chief Academic Nurse Administrator Nancy Kertz named to 2025 Great Iowa Nurses

Nancy Kertz, chief academic nurse administrator and head of the Department of Nursing and Public Health at the University of Northern Iowa, is named one of the 2025 Great Iowa Nurses.