St. Cloud State University Nursing School Review

St. Cloud State University (SCSU), located along the Mississippi river in Minnesota is a public institution of higher learning serving Minnesota and US as a whole. It has an intriguing history from when it started in1869 as a small normal school giving training to teachers. The university received its current status in 1975 and journey of numerous academic opportunities for its students. It boasts to be the second largest university in the state and one among the top universities with the highest number of international students.

Nursing Programs- St. Cloud State University

The nursing department at Saint Cloud University has two programs for offer to interested candidates. Both programs lead to the award of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing. The department is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is worth noting that St Cloud does not have a master or doctoral program in the nursing department. However, there is a master of science in gerontology offered by a different department of the university. A detailed view of the nursing programs is given below:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Generic / Traditional Program

The traditional baccalaureate in nursing program at St Cloud is a four year program that admits both new and transfer students from other colleges. New students must have applied to St Cloud and completed the set of general education and prerequisites courses. There is double admission each year in spring and fall semester. After successful completion of this portion, students can apply to be admitted into the nursing major program.

The nursing major portion requires 71 credits to complete for students to graduate with a BSN degree. Completion of the nursing major program takes about two and half academic years. The first portion of 41 liberal arts credits takes about three to five semesters bringing it to a total of about 4 to 5 years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Accelerated Nursing Program

This program is designed for students with non nursing degrees from recognized universities and colleges. It is an intense- highly paced program that takes only 16 months to complete with admission a single admission annually. The curriculum includes a rigorous combination of theory and clinical experience. Curriculum delivery is via a blended mode of both online and classroom instructions.

Students graduating from this program are awarded a second degree bachelor of science in nursing degree. Graduates are also well prepared and eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. It is a great fast track opportunity for career shifters from other fields to get into professional nursing.

Master of Science in Gerontology

Although the program is not offered through the department of nursing, it is a common master specialty in the nursing field. The department of Gerontology delivers the curriculum in full time and part time study formats. Students are expected to work in health agencies or any other facilities working with the elder populations. It is therefore recommended that students who would wish to get a Master of Science in Nursing-Gerontology from St Cloud to consider taking the MS- Gerontology.

Contact:
St. Cloud State University
720 4th Avenue South St. Cloud,
MN 56301