Rockford University Nursing Program Review

Boasting accolades such as “Best in the Midwest,” “College with a Conscience” and among the few colleges in its state to have a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter is Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois. The college provides over 80-degree programs in management studies, education, and nursing among other fields.

Rockford University was founded in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary; the college has grown to a four-year university complete with extracurricular opportunities such as service learning for the more than 1,000 students enrolled at the campus. Rockford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It officially transitioned from Rockford College to Rockford University on July 1, 2013.

Rockford University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Nursing programs at Rockford University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Basic BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree Program

Transfer students, those applying for high school and for first year-entry to college may apply for the traditional BSN program. Upon completion of the 124 credit (approximately 4 years) nursing program, nurses are prepared to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). There are three options for the nursing program depending on a student’s level in their post-secondary education. All students applying to the Basic BSN program must take the Nursing Entrance Exam (NEE). Students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to become an RN and earn a BSN may also apply to this track.

Early Decision Option for High School Seniors

The Early Decision Option allows dedicated high school seniors to apply for admission to Rockford University and the nursing program’s first course upon meeting certain conditional criteria. In addition to successfully completing a personal interview, students must complete prerequisite courses, obtain at least a 23 on the ACT, and a minimum of 3.0 GPA overall. Admission to the nursing program through the early decision option is very competitive. Students should apply to the nursing program via early option by January 1st and will be notified of the decision by March 15. In order to continue in the program, students must meet all program requirements.

First-year Students

Students with 30 credits or less are considered first-year students. Admission requirements as a first-year student include a minimum GPA of 2.75 and ACT score of 20 or better (students also have the option of meeting the ACT requirement through a placement exam or math course).

Transfer-Students

Students with 30 or more credits applying to the nursing program are considered transfer students. Transfer students should have a 2.75 GPA or higher on college coursework to be transferred and also meet the same testing requirements as first-year nursing students.

BSN Completion (BSN-C)

The BSN-C option is for working LPNs or RNs who would like to complete their bachelor’s degrees. This program allows the nurses to qualify for up to 60 credits of the 124 credit program.

Rockford University Nursing Certificate Programs

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

As part of their nursing courses, students will take NURS 200 – Fundamentals of Contemporary Nursing Practice. Upon completion of this course, students may take the Illinois state certification exam to become CNAs.

Contact:
Rockford University
5050 East State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61108-2311