Illinois Wesleyan University Nursing School Review

Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in Bloomington has a strong foundation in the liberal arts, stretching back to its establishment in 1850. All undergraduates, regardless of major, receive a strong foundation in the humanities. The university takes pride in its small school feel: just over 2,000 undergraduates are enrolled, and the average class size is 17. Approximately 7 percent of those undergraduates are in Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The School of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University offers only one program: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for undergraduates who have no prior experience or education in the nursing field. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Unlike other four-year BSN programs, the program at Illinois Wesleyan University does not require a separate admissions process. Applicants to the university state their intention to enter the School of Nursing; they are accepted at the same time to both the university and the School of Nursing.

Admitted students enroll immediately in the School of Nursing, and spend the first year taking general education courses and science support courses. Starting in the fall of their sophomore year, students begin with nursing courses and clinical rotations. Since many BSN programs wait until junior year to start clinical rotations, Illinois Wesleyan nursing students have the advantage of a whole extra year of hands-on experience. Nursing students continue taking general education courses along with nursing courses and clinicals throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years. At the conclusion of their senior year, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN) and seek work as Registered Nurses (RN).

Study Abroad Options

Illinois Wesleyan University has an unusual academic schedule. In addition to the fall and spring semesters, the university has a short May term. Nursing students are encouraged to study abroad during this term. Illinois Wesleyan University offers a Transcultural Nursing course in Hawaii, which allows nursing students to see how culture and geography affect the delivery of nursing care.

Alternatively, students can pursue a liberal arts course of study during the May term, in many locations all over the world. Illinois Wesleyan University also allows nursing students to study abroad in Barcelona for an entire semester. Only sophomores are eligible for this program, since the clinical requirements in this year are less intense than the clinical requirements in the junior and senior years. Students abroad keep up with their nursing classes in Illinois via distance-learning technology.

Minor Options

The School of Nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University encourages students to pursue minors, which can be completed along with the BSN degree in four years. Working with an advisor, students can chart their own course of study. Alternatively, the School of Nursing has three established minors with set curriculums. Students with a background in Spanish may pursue a minor in Hispanic Studies, which may help them to provide culturally sensitive nursing care to minority populations. Students who are interested in an administrative position in the nursing field can pursue a minor in Health Services Administration, through the Division of Business and Economics. Students can also pursue a minor in Health.

Contact:
Illinois Wesleyan University
1312 Park Street
Bloomington, IL 61701

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