St. Joseph School of Nursing Review

St. Joseph School of Nursing (SJSON) was established in 1908 along with the St. Joseph Hospital; it’s mother hospital.  The school of nursing started off by offering on-site hospital training for nurses by awarding them nursing diplomas. They discontinued the diploma nursing program and in place of that, introduced a practical nursing program. Later on, the school re-introduced the registered nursing program as an associate degree program. The school serves the resident health training center for nurses under the mandate of St. Joseph Hospital, Nashua.

Nursing Programs Offered

As a nursing school, Saint Joseph offers only nursing related programs. There is an Associate of Science in nursing program, a practical nursing program and a Nursing Assistant Course.  The practical nursing and associate degree programs are fully approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and the Practical nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).  The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program has recently achieved accreditation with the NLNAC. Practical nurses also have a chance to make the transition into the associate program to become professional nurses.

Nursing Assistant Course

This is a fast-paced course that prepares entry-level students to work as nursing assistants in health agencies. Qualified candidates are expected to take a pre-entrance exam to facilitate selection. Admitted students start with simple to complex nursing theory concepts for a period of 90 hours. Students then progress to take another 54 hours of clinical experience in St. Joseph Hospital, hospice centers and other home care centers.  After completion of the required 144 hours, students become eligible to take the nursing board exams for certification as Nursing Assistants.

Practical Nursing

The Practical nursing program at St. Joseph has a curriculum that leads to the award of a Practical Nursing Diploma. Students are a required to take a total of 42 credit hours of theory and 12 hours of clinical experience.  The program can be completed in 4 semesters on a full time study plan at the Nashua campus. Alternatively, students can opt for the 3-semester accelerated track offered at Keene Campus only. For the track at Nashua campus, classes commence in September while those of Keene commence in May. After completion, students become eligible to apply for the NLCEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

PN Refresher Course

This is a 148-hour curriculum designed to help the dormant practical nurse to re-enter the workforce. Students must obtain a temporary license before being admitted into the program and apply for full licensure after completion.

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program

The associate program has a curriculum that prepares students to become eligible for licensure as registered nurses.  Coursework consist of 68 credits hours designed to be completed in 2 academic years of five semesters. It is a full time track and classes commence in September each year. Completion of the coursework leads to educational eligibility to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

LPN to RN Transition

This is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become RNs. It is a 1-year track that admits qualified LPNs to take a Transition Course in the summer session and later join the main associate class in July as sophomores. Students become eligible to write the NLCEX-RN exam after completion of the Associate program coursework.

Contact:
St. Joseph School of Nursing
5 Woodward Avenue, Nashua,
NH 03060