Purdue University Nursing School Review

Purdue University (PU) is among the most well-known universities in the Midwest. The university has its main campus in West Lafayette and two additional campuses in Indiana, Calumet and North Central. Purdue University has collaborated with Indiana University through two partnership campuses in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.

Additional nursing programs are offered at satellite campuses throughout Indiana. Purdue University was established in 1869 to offer agricultural and technical programs. The university bears the name of its benefactor, John Purdue. Purdue University educates over 40,000 students on its main campus. Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Services at Purdue University. Nursing programs at the  university are available from the bachelors through doctoral level. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the School of Nursing at Purdue University. The School of Nursing has many resources available to nurses including the Center for Nursing Education and Simulation and the Nursing Center for Family Health. The Nursing Center for Family Health was established in 1981 and is a nurse-managed clinic. The clinic has served as a training ground for nursing students at Purdue University.

The clinic provides non-emergency health screenings to patients affiliated with Purdue University including students, employees and their families. Cholesterol and Lipid Panel Tests, Physicals for adults, women and children are a few of the services provided by the Nursing Center for Family Health at Purdue University. The Center for Nursing Education and Simulation provides hands-on learning opportunities and real life experiences in a controlled setting for nursing students. High quality simulators including maternity and newborn simulations are available in addition to static mannequins.

Purdue University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Four year Baccalaureate Program (BSN)

The Four Year Baccalaureate program at Purdue University prepares nurses to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon completion of the four year program, students earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).

RN to BS (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science) Track

The RN to BS (more commonly known as RN to BSN; Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) track prepares nurses to complete a BSN. Admission criteria to the RN to BS program include graduation from an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma program and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Second Degree Baccalaureate Program

The full-time Second Degree Baccalaureate program is an intensive BSN program which prepares students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to become RNs. The Second Degree Baccalaureate program builds on the previous education of students while preparing them for graduate school and their nursing career. Upon completion of the program, students receive a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Purdue University Graduate Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

The MSN program at Purdue University offers to specializations:

– MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

– MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

The MSN ANP and PNP programs offer a multidisciplinary approach, with students completing courses in related healthcare fields and putting this knowledge into practice through a 630 hour clinical practicum. Both specializations prepare nurses to take the relevant certification exam upon completion of the nursing program. Students earn an MSN qualification in 2 to 3 years, depending if the student pursues full or part time study.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program at Purdue University prepares nurses to work in a variety of healthcare settings as developers of patient care programs, innovators and policy makers in the field of nursing. The program partners with other centers and departments at Purdue University to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the DNP curriculum. The program can be completed in 2 or 3 years depending on the plan of study.

Post-baccalaureate DNP

Nurses with a BSN may pursue the DNP program upon completing the BSN degree. The DNP program can normally be completed in 2 to 3 years, but students with a BSN must complete either the MSN ANP or PNP program before commencing the DNP program option. Upon completion of the DNP program, students earn both an MSN and DNP. Students have the opportunity of leaving the program upon completing the MSN, and also beginning the program at a later date. Admission requirements include graduation from a BSN program with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Purdue University Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-master’s Certificate

Nurses with a masters degree desiring a NP (Nurse Practitioner) specialization may pursue a post-master’s certificate. Post-master’s certificates are available in the ANP and PNP specialization as with the MSN programs. Admission criteria include graduation from an accredited MSN program. The program requires a minimum 15 credits.

Summer Nursing Institute at Purdue University School of Nursing

The Summer Nursing Institute offers courses in nursing that continue to prepare nurses for leadership opportunities and emerging trends in the nursing profession. Past courses include Human Factors in Healthcare Engineering and Principles of Epidemiology. Nurses, students and other healthcare professionals may attend the institute and also earn college credit.

School of Nursing Continuing Education Programs at Purdue University

Lifelong learning programs for clinical nurses are available through the Purdue University Continuing Education in Nursing program. Seminars and conferences are available for nurses at all stages of their career in healthcare. Continuing education courses help nurses stay up to date on emerging trends and practice in the nursing profession without pursuing an entire course of study. The nursing programs are geared towards nurses in clinical care-nurses providing care to patients and families. Seminar topics have included End of Life Care, oncology, nursing education curriculum and a leadership conference among other events.

IMPACT (Instruction Matters: Purdue Academic Course Transformation) Program

The program recently implemented by the School of Nursing at Purdue University offers the IMPACT program to increase student competence and comprehension in foundation courses. The nursing program is participating in the program by re-evaluating nursing courses, specifically Introduction to Nursing and Foundations of Research and EBP.

Contact:
Purdue University
610 Purdue Mall
West Lafayette
IN 47907

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