Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
University Center, MI
Discover something new. Stand Out in health at SVSU.
At Saginaw Valley State University, health and medicine are about purpose, preparation, and impact. Our students are future caregivers, clinicians, scientists, and health leaders who are driven to improve lives and strengthen communities. From Pre-medicine and Nursing to Neuroscience, Public Health, and Occupational Therapy, SVSU offers rigorous pathways supported by small classes, hands-on learning, and close faculty mentorship—so you’re ready to Stand Out in competitive health fields.
Personalized support that sets you apart
Support is central to the SVSU experience. Students receive one-on-one advising, personalized degree planning, mock medical interviews, and application preparation tailored to their goals. Pre-Health students work with nationally respected advisors, including Heidi Lang, a recipient of the Father Joseph L. Walter Award for excellence in health professions advising. At SVSU, you’re known, supported, and challenged to reach your highest potential.
Research and real-world experience
SVSU invests $6 million in undergraduate research, giving students opportunities to conduct original research and present at national and international conferences. A recent $2.8 million federal grant supports Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing students studying opioid-response needs in rural Michigan. These experiences strengthen graduate and medical school applications while addressing real health challenges.
State-of-the-art training and proven outcomes
Students train in SVSU’s $28 million Health Sciences building, featuring advanced labs, modern clinical spaces, and one of only four accredited health simulation centers in Michigan. Our Top 5 nursing program in Michigan ranks among the top 10% nationally, with a 98% first-time NCLEX®️ pass rate. Occupational Therapy students achieve a 100% licensure pass rate, and health programs maintain a 95% graduate school placement rate.
At SVSU, you don’t just prepare for a health career—you discover your potential and learn how to Stand Out.
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Ranked in the top 10% of Nursing schools nationally | RNcareers.org |
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Nearly 100% job placement rate for Nursing graduates |
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Over 95% of Social Work students achieving Council on Social Work Education competencies |
The dedication from advisors like Lang—and the determination of our students—leads to acceptance rates for medical schools, dental schools, and pharmacy schools that far exceed the national averages. Our Early Assurance Program provides our driven students with partnerships with various medical schools and the opportunity to apply the summer before senior year. While the overall acceptance rate for medical schools in the US is around 40%, several of our SVSU cohorts have achieved 100% acceptance rates. We're proud our students and faculty set themselves apart with their achievements. At SVSU, we push ourselves to keep advancing and strive to be the best in everything we do. That's why we have:
• Nationally accredited degree programs and
• 95% graduate school placement rate
• Nursing licensure rates far exceeding state and national averages
• Nearly 100% pass rate for Occupational Therapy students on the national board certification exam
• One of only four accredited health simulation centers in Michigan
• Nearly 100% job placement rate for Medical Laboratory Science majors
“At SVSU, everyone is extremely supportive and inclusive to help each other on their individual journeys. I love the strength, trust, and compassion of our community as Cardinals. SVSU has consistently provided me with the tools I need to succeed in my career.”
“You’re a name here, not just a number. Opportunities for professional development, networking events, and leadership roles helped me develop as a leader and grow into who I believe I am supposed to be.”
“The best part about SVSU is the access to opportunities. The faculty and staff have been so open to working with me to help me grow as a person and pursue opportunities to gain experience in my field.”
“I really like the diversity at SVSU. Being a minority, it’s great to see so many people represented. It’s so nice to be in an atmosphere that's so welcoming.”
“SVSU is more than just a school. It’s home. It’s always been home to me. I have created a bond with everyone and anyone here. This is my family. Once you come here, you’re not going to school—you’re joining a family.”