Rate My Professor Caitlin Vlaeminck

Caitlin Vlaeminck, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, is Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing and Graduate Program Director in the Division of Nursing Science at Indiana University South Bend's Dwyer School of Health Sciences, where she also holds the William and Kathryn Endowed Chair. She earned her PhD in Nursing from Indiana University Indianapolis in 2024, with a dissertation titled "Enduring Uncertainty Through the Lens of Osteoporosis: A Mixed Methods Study," which examines patient transitions and uncertainty in managing osteoporosis through qualitative and quantitative approaches. Vlaeminck completed her Master of Science in Nursing, with certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, at Indiana University South Bend in 2010 as part of the inaugural cohort of its nurse practitioner program. She previously obtained her undergraduate degree from Bethel College in 2003. As an alumnus of Indiana University South Bend, she received the Alumni of the Year Award.

In her academic career at Indiana University South Bend, Vlaeminck directs the Master of Science in Nursing program, oversees graduate admissions and curriculum, and teaches advanced courses in leadership and primary care for nurse practitioners. She maintains active clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Beacon Medical Group in South Bend. Her research interests center on chronic illness management, particularly osteoporosis, patient-centered care, and the experiences of individuals enduring health-related uncertainty. Vlaeminck presented her dissertation research at the SIGMA International Research Conference. She contributes to institutional governance as co-chair of the Academic Senate Standing Committees in the Vera Z. Dwyer School of Health Sciences and serves on the university Assessment Committee. Additionally, she participated as a speaker in the Dean's Seminar Series on September 19, 2025. Through her roles in education, clinical practice, and research, Vlaeminck advances nursing education and advanced practice nursing in primary care and bone health.