The Rich History and Legacy of the UNW School of Nursing

Nursing students at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul are not just pursuing a degree; they are stepping into a rich heritage of commitment to Christ and God-honoring service in the healthcare profession. The roots of this legacy can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s when Northwestern offered a pioneering one-year program in Missionary Medicine.

Early Beginnings: Missionary Medicine Program

In the mid-20 century, Northwestern established a unique educational pathway designed to prepare individuals for missionary service by equipping them with essential medical knowledge and skills. This one-year program in Missionary Medicine was comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics necessary for effective healthcare delivery in the mission field. The curriculum included:

• Medical and surgical diseases with a focus on nursing care
• Anatomy and physiology
• Personal hygiene
• Dietetics and diet therapy
• Obstetrics and child care
• Minor surgical emergencies and first-aid
• Contagious diseases, including tropical health issues
• Essentials of nursing care

According to the 1946 yearbook, known as the Scroll, the students were trained to “relieve, at least in part, physical suffering and illness so that the people to whom they are ministering could better understand the love of Jesus.”

Commitment to Service and Christ

The graduates of the 1950 program vividly expressed their dedication and readiness to serve wherever God called them. They acknowledged in the 1950 Scroll, “The Lord has definitely called some of us to certain fields of service. . . . Where and whenever God thrusts us out into the fields, ‘white unto harvest,’ we are ready. Your prayers are requested for His direction in our lives.”

From the outset, Northwestern’s nursing program emphasized not only the physical well-being of individuals but also their spiritual health. This dual focus has been a hallmark of Northwestern’s approach to nursing education.

Continuing the Legacy: The Modern Nursing Program

The profound legacy handed down from these early Northwestern students laid a solid foundation for the university’s current nursing program, which was launched in 2013. Today, the School of Nursing continues to uphold the values of its predecessors by integrating faith and learning, preparing students to meet the holistic needs of those they serve.

Our modern nursing curriculum is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills required in today’s healthcare environment, while still emphasizing the spiritual care and Christ-centered service that have always been at the heart of Northwestern’s mission.

By walking in the steps of those early Northwestern students, our current nursing students are part of a timeless tradition of excellence in nursing education. We invite you to join us in this journey of faith, learning, and service, as we continue to make a difference in the world, one patient at a time.