Concordia University Ann Arbor

For professionals considering a career change, nursing offers something rare: work that is both in high demand and deeply meaningful.

CUAA's Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DE-MSN) program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to enter healthcare. Graduates earn RN licensure alongside a master's degree, with an accelerated path to nurse practitioner preparation available through six additional courses.

CUAA faculty integrate physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of care into their curriculum, preparing students to serve patients and communities with both clinical skill and compassion.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 189,000 openings projected annually.

Explore the program: https://blog.cuaa.edu/5-reasons-career-changers-are-choosing-nursing/

CUAA's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is getting a meaningful upgrade — and it starts June 22.

The program is moving to a hybrid model, trimming from 34 to 30 months, and redesigning the on-campus experience to be fully immersive. Students can now complete most coursework through live online sessions while coming to campus just once per term for a six-day hands-on lab.

Program director Juliane Chreston put it simply: "We're not sacrificing rigor." Small cohorts of 28 students, a student-led capstone, and a faculty team committed to individual attention remain at the heart of the program.

The next admissions round opens July 16. Learn more about what's new:

https://blog.cuaa.edu/whats-new-in-cuaas-doctor-of-occupational-therapy-program/

This year, Concordia University Ann Arbor is inviting students, faculty and staff to “Rest in Christ.”

Rooted in Matthew 11:28, this campus-wide theme points our community back to the deeper rest Jesus gives—not simply rest from a busy schedule, but rest for the soul.

In a world that often measures worth by work, achievement and constant motion, Christ calls us to receive His peace, mercy and grace. Through worship, chapel, God’s Word, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that the Christian life begins not with what we accomplish, but with what Christ has done for us.

Read more: https://blog.cuaa.edu/a-campus-wide-invitation-to-rest-in-christ/

What is the difference between a job, a career and a vocation?

At Concordia University Ann Arbor, students are encouraged to think beyond the work they will do after graduation. They are invited to consider how their God-given gifts, education and experiences can be used to serve others with purpose and compassion.

A job can meet an immediate need. A career can help shape professional growth. A vocation reaches even deeper, asking how we are called to serve in our communities and in the world.

Read more: https://blog.cuaa.edu/job-career-or-vocation-understanding-the-difference/

Learning to care for patients means learning to see the whole story.

Through realistic simulation experiences, CUAA Physician Assistant students are developing the clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and compassion needed to recognize signs of domestic violence and child abuse. These challenging scenarios help prepare future healthcare providers to advocate for vulnerable individuals, respond with sensitivity, and connect patients with the support they need.

At Concordia, we believe healthcare is more than treating symptoms. It is serving others with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. As our students grow in mind, body, and spirit, they are preparing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those entrusted to their care and to serve Christ through their vocation in the world.

For Jillian VanSolkema (’26), earning a teaching degree meant balancing work, family, faith, and classroom training — all while pursuing her calling to serve future students.

As part of the first graduating class from Concordia University Ann Arbor’s online bachelor’s pathway leading to Michigan teacher certification, Jillian’s story highlights the impact of flexible, faith-based education paired with meaningful classroom experience through Talent Together.

CUAA’s online education programs are designed to support students wherever they are, helping future educators prepare for the classroom while continuing to serve their families, workplaces, and communities.

Read more about Jillian’s journey and CUAA’s Online Teacher Certification Pathway: https://blog.cuaa.edu/jillian-vansolkema-marks-a-milestone-for-cuaas-online-teacher-certification-pathway/

We're welcoming our faculty, learners, and staff to a new semester with some doughnuts, coffee, and camaraderie. Here's to new experiences, new classes, and a new season. Happy Summer, everyone!

This summer, Concordia University Ann Arbor is creating space for young learners to grow in skill, confidence, and joy through the new Move & Groove Youth Literacy Camp.

Designed for students entering kindergarten through third grade, the no cost camp combines literacy, movement, music, and play based learning to support the whole child. Led by CUAA faculty and facilitated by occupational therapy students, the experience reflects Concordia’s commitment to serving others with compassion while preparing students for meaningful hands on work.

Families will also receive practical tools to help support learning and development at home.

The camp runs June 22–26 on CUAA’s campus. Space is limited.

Learn more: https://blog.cuaa.edu/cuaa-launches-move-groove-youth-literacy-camp-as-part-of-serving-our-neighbor-with-compassion-initiative/