About Us

Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science

Overview

Welcome!

The Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science (WCFHS) at UIC focuses on family centered health and well being of infants, children, adolescents and women throughout their life cycle. Begin your career with us in the BSN program, or further your education in one of our graduate programs offering MS, DNP, PhD or post-master's certificate options.

Graduates of our programs are recognized for their excellence in nursing practice, research and education. Prepared to be leaders, many hold key positions in national organizations, health care systems, faculty roles and research teams, making significant contributions to the advancement of nursing.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science is to advance the science of health care for women, children and families through leadership in research, scholarship, education, clinical practice and service.  This mission includes the preparation of competent and caring nurses at both entry and advanced practice levels who function in a collaborative environment to provide safe, satisfying, evidence-based health care to women, children and families, and contribute to the profession through leadership in clinical practice, service, research, scholarship and education.

Cutting Edge Research

The faculty in WCFHS conduct cutting-edge research in the areas of prematurity, fetal loss, stillbirth, placenta, ultrasound, infertility, genetic decision-making, children's pain, stress, new models of prenatal care and adolescent health. Faculty and student research are funded by the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.

Advanced Practice Specialty Options

Nurse-Midwifery

Nurse Practitioner

• Neonatal
• Pediatrics
• Women's Health

Clinical Nurse Specialist^*

• Pediatrics
• Perinatal

*Optional Advanced Practice Palliative Care Nurse Certificate Program

Postmaster's certification programs of study are available.

Certification

Upon completion of the master's program, graduates are eligible to apply for specialty certification through national organizations including the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), National Certification Corporation (NCC), Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC).