Saint Vincent’s College Nursing Program Review

Saint Vincent’s College (SVC) was founded in 1905. Originally St. Vincent’s School of Nursing, it has evolved into a leader in health science education. This Catholic school offers a variety of programs to over 550 students each year. The majority of students are women.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science – Nursing

The associate degree nursing (ADN) program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The course of study includes class time, labs, and clinical practice. Graduates of the program will complete at least 72 credits and be eligible to take the license exam (NCLEX-RN) for Registered Nurses (RNs).

Students may apply to the limited slots available for this program if they have taken high school biology and chemistry or the equivalent with a C grade or better within the last 5 years.

Once in the program, students need to earn a grade of B- or higher in each nursing class to be able to progress to the next level. All other classes must be taken with a C+ grade or higher. If a student earns lower than a B- in more than one nursing course, they will be dropped from the program. Also, if a student fails a clinical course, they will be dropped from the program.

SVC is affiliated with St. Vincent’s Medical Center, a modern acute care medical facility. Students will perform their clinical courses there, and at other area health care facilities.

Advanced Standing for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) wishing to gain advanced placement in the associate degree program must meet the admission criteria listed above, and submit transcripts from their previous nursing education. According to the Articulation Model for Nurse Educational Mobility in Connecticut, LPNs may be awarded up to 16 credits toward the associate degree program.

To qualify for articulation, LPNs must have a current license. They will be required to complete any general education courses, an online bridge course, and a nursing transition course prior to taking the final year of nursing courses.

Advanced placement is also an option for students who do not hold a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Any student may challenge courses, whether clinical or theory.

Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This online RN to BSN program is available to Registered Nurses currently licensed in Connecticut who want to earn their BSN degree. To graduate, students will complete at least 125 credits, and must finish the program within four years of starting.

Through the Connecticut State Articulation Model, students may apply for advanced placement credit to be applied toward their BSN. Graduates of the SVC associate degree program may earn up to 84 credits as follows: 36 credits for General Education, 36 credits for Nursing, and 12 credits for additional courses taken either at St. Vincent’s or at another school.

Students that graduated from an associate degree program at another school may also earn up to 36 Nursing credits and 48 General Education credits, for a total of 84.

Graduates of a diploma program may earn up to 30 General Education and 30 Nursing credits, for a total of 60.

All courses must have a grade of C or higher and must be equivalent to a class from SVC for the credit to transfer.

Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

All students in the SVC nursing program must be CPR certified each year, and proof must be submitted each fall semester. Students may take the course offered throughout the year at SVC at their own expense.

RN Refresher Certificate

SVC offers an RN Refresher Certificate for RNs who wish to return to acute care practice after being away from it. This is a 152 hour, seven week program that will reinforce previously learned skills, update advances in technology and practices, and provide hands-on practice in a nursing skills lab and a clinical setting.

This program is open to anyone with a current Connecticut RN license. Students must apply to the Continuing Education Office of St. Vincent’s College.

Contact:
Saint Vincent’s College
2800 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06606

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