Grand View First in Iowa to Offer NAMI Nursing Certification

August 5, 2025

Grand View University is leading the way in preparing future nurses to meet one of today’s most pressing healthcare needs: mental health. In a first for Iowa, Grand View has embedded the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Provider Certification directly into its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum.

This innovative step puts Grand View at the forefront of tackling the growing mental health crisis. With nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experiencing a mental illness each year, and less than half receiving treatment, the need for better-trained, more compassionate healthcare providers has never been greater. Among youth ages 10 to 14, suicide remains the second leading cause of death, underscoring the urgency for action.

“This certification equips our students to recognize mental health concerns, respond with confidence, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness, starting from their very first clinical experiences,” said Lisa Laughlin, Chair of Grand View’s Nursing Department.

The NAMI Provider program brings voices of lived experience into the classroom and provides practical tools for supporting patients with mental health needs. By making this certification a required part of its nursing education, Grand View is ensuring that every graduate is ready to provide whole-person care, supporting both mental and physical health.

At a time when the need is great, Grand View University is helping lead a shift in how nurses are trained, setting a powerful example for the future of healthcare.