Fairfield University Nursing School Review

Fairfield University is a Jesuit school that was founded in 1942. The university has over 5000 students enrolled each semester, and offers 41 undergraduate majors, 38 advanced degrees, and 26 certificate programs.

The School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate level degrees. The School is affiliated with over 50 health care agencies, so students may experience a variety of settings in their clinical education.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional

This program is a four year course of study designed to prepare students to be compassionate nurses in a variety of healthcare systems. The program requires a total of 130 credits to graduate.

After graduation, students will receive a BSN and be eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

BSN – Second Degree

The BSN Second Degree program is for students that have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This accelerated program allows students to complete their nursing requirements and complete earn a degree in 15 months.

To qualify for the program, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher prior to admission. Students must earn at least 60 credits at Fairfield University toward their BSN to graduate.

Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN

This program builds on the RN’s existing skills in an individualized program to earn a BSN. RNs may earn up to 30 credits for advanced placement in the program through the articulation agreement between nursing programs. They may also challenge courses for credit.

RNs who wish to apply to this program must have a current nursing license, resume, personal statement, transcripts, and personal references.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Clinical Nurse Leaders have a leadership role in health care and are responsible for evaluating and changing the way health care organizations provide care to patients. CNL master’s students will complete a three year course of study with 38 credit hours.

MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Graduates of the FNP program will provide care to people of all ages, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion. They will be eligible to take the certification exam from either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to become a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. The program requires 47 credit hours of classes and practicum over three years to complete.

MSN – Healthcare Management

Nurses in this program are prepared to take on leadership and management roles in health care facilities. This three year program takes 39 credits of study and practicum. Graduates of the program will have met the educational requirements for ANCC certification, but they will still need to meet the work experience requirements.

MSN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

In this program, advanced practice nurses learn to care for adults suffering from various mental illnesses such as anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Graduates may become licensed as Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners by taking the ANCC exam. To complete the program, students must take 47 credits of courses and practicum over a three year period.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP is a clinical program for advanced nursing practice. Students can either follow the BSN to DNP pathway or the post-master’s DNP program to earn their degree. BSN graduates must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to begin the program. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees will be considered for the program on an individual basis. MSN students must have a 3.2 GPA or higher.

Students may follow the Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Anesthetists track. The credits required for these programs are 72, 74 and 75, respectively.

Contact:
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824

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