Dr. Julie Ritland

Dr. Julie Ritland is currently practicing as a nurse practitioner in a PRN position with the Allen Child Protection Center in Waterloo. She has a long-standing career in healthcare that began after graduating with her BSN from the University of Iowa. She secured her first nursing position at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she deepened her love of pediatrics through caring for children undergoing bone marrow transplants. She next transitioned to a position in Waterloo, Iowa working in public health at a school-based clinic. She was intrigued by the skill set of the nurse practitioner that she worked with and set a goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Ritland accepted a position in the operating room at Allen Hospital which enabled her to have a flexible schedule that supported her long-term goal of returning to school. She graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, and her goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) was realized. 

Utilizing her advanced degree, Ritland accepted a position with Allen College and began her career in academia. She remained with the College for 16 years, teaching in several areas, but primarily sharing her knowledge and love of pediatric practice. She completed her doctoral degree from the University of Iowa in 2010. During that academic pursuit she assisted Allen Hospital in the creation of a child protection center that would serve northeast Iowa. Dr. Ritland left the College to practice as a provider at the Allen Child Protection Center where she still supports the providers by filling in as needed. She has also maintained ties with Allen College and taught full-time in the 2022-2023 academic year. 

Dr. Ritland has continually been a supporter of the Cedar Valley community and has served in various volunteer roles. She was the president of Junior League and her PEO chapter. She served on the Allen Foundation Board for six years. She was heavily involved with Waterloo Schools and was a founding board member of the Waterloo Schools Foundation. Ritland is interested in continuing her commitment to the community through serving on the Board of Trustees for Allen College. She views this opportunity as a union of her skill set and her personal interests.