Inver Hills Community College Nursing Program Review
Dating back to 1970, Inver Hills Community College (IHCC) offers a serene learning environment in the 90-acre wooded-hill campus. As a community college, Inver Hills is dedicated to offering its education services to the locals but also welcomes students from nearby states.
One fascinating old fact about Inver Hills is that close to half of its students, in any given time, are part-time or adult learners who attend college for evening, weekend or part time classes. It is therefore an excellent college for working professionals who wish to work and study at the same time.
Nursing Programs at Inver Hills Community College
IHCC offers a number of nursing programs all of which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The nursing programs focus on a philosophy of holism, healing and health as the core points of practical nursing. Top on the list of the programs offered is the traditional 2-year Associate of Science degree in Nursing (AS in Nursing). Also offered are mobility/ advanced placement options for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) & Paramedics and a short Certificate in Nursing Assistant (CNA) course. Together with Metropolitan State University and 6 other community colleges, IHCC offers its nursing programs under a consortium. This consortium; the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) allows students to complete the Associate degree and later on, complete the curriculum for the baccalaureate nursing degree.
Associate of Science in Nursing
The AS in nursing is a 75-credit program designed to take two years; 1 semester of a sequence of liberal arts courses and 3 semesters of nursing coursework. A Certificate as a Nurse Aide is a prerequisite for admission to this track. Upon completion of the 4 semesters of required coursework, students become eligible to write the NCLEX exam to become Registered Nurses. This track falls under the MANE program and as such, offers interested students Dual Enrollment with Metropolitan State University. The dual enrollment option: rolled out in the fall of 2013/2014 academic year, enables a student to complete the associate degree, earn the RN license and continue to take additional courses for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This program forms the objective of the MANE program which is to make baccalaureate nursing education accessible to all across the state.
Licensed Practical Nurse/ Paramedic Mobility Track
These advanced placement programs are designed for those interested in becoming registered nurses. Candidates must have an active LPN status from any state in the US or a Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician for the case of paramedics. Additionally, applicants of these accelerated tracks must meet other nursing admission requirements which include state registration as a Nursing Assistant and completion of the NLN Pre-Admission Exam. Classes for these two tracks start in the summer semester where students take the Transition to Professional nursing course prior to starting the AS in Nursing Curriculum. In addition to courses waivered in lieu of former qualification, students must complete a total of 75 credits to be eligible for graduation. Graduates are also welcome to take the MANE option and complete the baccalaureate in nursing degree.
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Besides being a prerequisite requirement for admission to the Associate degree in nursing program, the CNA course is designed to offer employability skills to entry-level learners. It is a short 5-credit curriculum inclusive of 24-hour supervised practical experience in long term care facilities. Upon completion, graduate become eligible to apply entry in the State’s CNA Registry.
Contact:
Inver Hills Community College
2500 East 80th St, Inver Grove Heights
MN 55076
