University of Louisiana at Monroe Nursing School Review

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) first opened its doors as Ouachita Parish Junior College in 1931. The name was changed to Northeast Junior College in 1939, and it became Northeast Louisiana State College in 1950, when it also began awarding four year degrees. In 1970, the state legislature changed the name to Northeast Louisiana University, and it became ULM in 1999.

The campus is located on 238 acres on next to Bayou DeSiard, and the University enrolls 9000 students each year. ULM has the only public College of Pharmacy in the state of Louisiana.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

This program is for students beginning their nursing career. Students will spend their first three semesters in the Pre-Nursing program, and then will be admitted into the Professional Nursing program for their remaining five semesters. Students that complete the program will earn a BS degree in Nursing, and will be allowed to take the licensing exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).

Students that meet the ULM admission requirements may enter Pre-Nursing. The Professional Nursing program admits students every fall and spring semester. To apply, students must be admitted to ULM, have completed the program prerequisite courses with grades of C or better, taken the entrance exam, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 in all pre-nursing courses.

The prerequisites for this program are Core English Composition, Introductory Chemistry and Lab or General Chemistry and Lab, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I and II plus Labs, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, College Algebra, Elementary Statistics, Microbiology and Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, a Fine Arts elective, University Seminar, and Nursing Concepts.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

RN to BS Online

This is an online program designed to help RNs earn their BS degree in Nursing. This program is flexible and may be taken full or part time, to help RNs continue working while they earn their degree.

To apply, students must have graduated from an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program and have a current RN license. They must also be admitted to ULM, and have completed the Pre-Nursing curriculum requirements. They will need to have a minimum GPA of 2.0, but there is no entrance exam requirement.

Once admitted to the program, students will take the bridge course of Professional Nursing Concepts. After they complete this course, they will be awarded 40 credit hours for previous education and experience.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BS

Students who are graduates of a state-approved LPN program and who have a current LPN license may apply for this program.

They will need to be admitted to ULM, and meet the same Pre-Nursing requirements as for the BS degree program. Students may earn up to 12 credit hours for their nursing proficiency by taking skills exams and showing work experience.

Accelerated BSN Program

This program is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Students must have their transcripts reviewed by an advisor to determine their eligibility and what prerequisites they need to take. All prerequisite classes must be finished before entering the program.

The prerequisites for the accelerated program are English Composition I and II, Introductory Chemistry and Lab or General Chemistry and Lab, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology I and II plus Labs, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, College Algebra, Elementary Statistics, Microbiology and Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, as well as a Fine Arts and a Humanities elective.

Students must earn at least a C in all prerequisites, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Sociology, and Nutrition classes. In addition, students applying to this program must submit a letter stating why they will succeed in nursing, and have an interview.

Continuing Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Students may take this program to become trained as CNAs and become qualified to work with patients in long-term care settings. After successfully completing the program, students will earn a Certificate of Completion and be recognized by the State of Louisiana as a Certified Nurse Assistant.

Students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent and a negative TB test to enroll. This course is approximately two months long, and students must maintain at least a C average to complete it.

Basic Faith Community Nurse Preparation Course

This program is offered to RNs who wish to combine nursing with health ministry. LPNs that are already involved in health ministry may also be considered for the program on a case by case basis. This online course is 45 contact hours. Students that wish to apply will need two references, and must fill out an online application.

Contact:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Ave.,
Monroe, LA 71209

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