McKendree University in Kentucky Nursing School Review

McKendree University (MCK), formerly McKendree College, has a location in two places in Kentucky as well as others in Illinois and Indiana. Two locations in Kentucky are the Louisville campus and the other in Radcliff, Kentucky. This non-profit four-year university was established in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary, and it is the oldest college in Illinois. It is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

The university offers flexible scheduling and classes at times that are convenient for working adults. Classes last for only one month and are accelerated as they combine online learning and classroom learning. Through this arrangement, students are presented with the same amount of material in one month that is usually covered in an entire semester. The end result is that it takes only one-fourth of the time to earn a degree as it would in a traditional college setting. This provides a very attractive option for students who want to begin working as soon as possible.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This program is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who have either an associate’s degree or a diploma in nursing. It is a convenient option for nurses who want to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while continuing to work. Students may take most of the core courses online while the nursing core courses are offered at the two Kentucky campuses. Evening courses are offered, and both campuses in the state also offer daytime classes. The entire program is also available online so that there is no commuting to the university necessary for classes. This nursing program builds on the Associate Degree or Diploma education of the RN.

Applicants must complete either an online application or send in a paper copy. Official transcripts from all college work must be submitted, along with an official high school or GED transcript. ACT or SAT scores are also required. Those who have been out of high school longer than five years do not need to submit this information. It is also required that applicants have a 2.0 minimum grade point average for their previous college work. The next step for applicants is to meet with an admission counselor who will be able to advise the student about prerequisite courses and provide other information. Students who are admitted to the program will need to complete additional liberal arts and science classes, upper-level nursing courses, and clinical experience to complete the program.

Master of Science in Nursing

McKendree University also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for RNs who want to further their careers. This program is designed for RNs with an Associate Degree or Diploma who want to pursue one of the two tracks available, which are Nurse Educator and Nurse Manager/Administrator. It typically takes five semesters to complete both of the tracks. Rather than a thesis, students may complete a scholarly project. The 500-level courses are available at the Louisville, Kentucky campus one night each week, and students must complete 600-level courses online. Another option for MSN students is to complete both 500-level and 600-level courses online. Both of the MSN tracks share some core courses and have their own additional required ones.

Students may attend the program full-time and complete it in two years or five semesters or part-time in ten semesters after the requirements for the baccalaureate degree are completed. As the student works on the MSN, advanced nursing courses are taken and a Practicum and clinical experience are required. Those interested in the program should submit an online application.

Online MSN Degree Program

The online Masters of Science in Nursing program at McKendree University is specifically designed for Registered Nurses who want to complete their MSN at their own pace. An associate’s degree or nursing diploma is required to enter this nursing graduate program, and students complete bachelor’s degree-level nursing courses before moving on to the MSN program. Working nurses may complete the courses when they have time available after work or on weekends. The MSN program requires 16 core nursing credits in addition to the necessary credits for the advanced nursing specialty that is chosen. The program is offered on a full-time basis for students who want to complete the program in two years or five semesters. The part-time option takes ten semesters or four years to finish after the BSN degree is completed.

Nursing Education is one of the MSN tracks that is available at McKendree University. The other master’s level specialty is Nursing Management/Administration. Both of these require a scholarly project or thesis plus credits related to the specialty field.

Post-Master’s Certificate

McKendree University offers a Post-Masters Certificate program for nurses who have completed their MSN. Certificates are available in either nursing education or nursing management/administration. All of the coursework for these programs is available online, and only 14 credits are needed for either of the certificates.

Contact:

McKendree University –  Radcliff Campus,
1635 W Lincoln Trail Blvd.,
Radcliff, KY 40160
(270) 351-5003


Other Campus:

McKendree University – Louisville Campus,
10168 Linn Station Road,
Louisville, KY 40223
(502) 266-6696