Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Program Review

The award winning nursing programs at the Order of St. Francis Medical Center (OSFSFMC) have been in operation since 1905. Originally opened to serve Sisters in the Order of St. Francis, the college is now open to undergraduate upperclassmen and graduate students seeking a quality nursing education.

The college maintains its affiliation with the order of St. Francis and was recently awarded the Spalding School Award for excellence in nursing education. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing (SFMCCON) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The college enrolls over 450 undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

Nursing Programs

BSN and MSN programs at St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

The 124 credit nursing program at St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is an upper division program which begins nursing courses in the junior year of study. The nursing program is approximately 2 years. Upon completion of the program, nurses will be eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and also earn the BSN qualification. Clinical opportunities are available in local health care agencies, but primarily with the St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.

RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Accelerated Pathway

The RN to BSN program provides an opportunity for current RNs to earn credit for their education and experience, and complete the BSN in less time than pre-licensed nursing students. The program prepares nurses with half of the 62 credits required in the nursing program. To qualify for the RN to BSN program, nurses must have a valid Illinois RN license, be a graduate of a nursing diploma or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA in nursing coursework.

High School Early Entry

High School juniors who would like to enter the nursing program can apply early through the High School Early Entry Program. Requirements for the programs include a 3.25 GPA, rank in the top 25% of their class and have a minimum ACT score of 22. The high school early entry option into the nursing program is highly competitive as only 10 students are admitted for each fall term.

St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Graduate Programs

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Program

MSN programs are available in various specializations to accommodate a wide variety of interests among nursing students at St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. In some cases, nursing students will complete coursework online. The following are areas of concentration:

  • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Medical-Surgical or Child & Family
  • Family Nurse (FNP)
  • Master of Science in Practitioner Child & Family – Clinician or Educator
  • Master of Science in Medical-Surgical – Clinician or Educator
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
  • Nursing Management Leadership (NML)
  • Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FP/MHNP)

Accelerated Pathway to the Masters of Science in Nursing (for Non-Nursing Baccalaureate Degree students)

For RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers an MSN program. To qualify for this program RNs, should have extensive experience in addition to an excellent academic background. The program is 45 credits.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Program

The DNP program prepares nurses who hold an MSN with knowledge in a variety of areas related to management in nursing including ethics, law and healthcare finance. The program is 39 credits and is designed as an online, part-time program. Students in the program will learn through coursework as well as clinical experiences to apply nursing knowledge gained in the classroom. The program can be completed in 3 years.

St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-master’s Certificates

Students who hold an MSN can pursue a certificate in one of three areas:

  • Post Graduate Nurse Clinician Certificate
  • Post Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate
  • Post Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

The programs range from 9 hours to over 30 credits. In the Nurse Educator program, students may also take courses without earning a certificate.

Contact:
St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
511 Northeast Greenleaf Street
Peoria, IL 61603

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