American University of Beirut Nursing School Review

American University of Beirut (AUB) was founded in late 1866 following generous donations from the community. The university was initially known as Syrian Protestant College and its aim was to start a college offering American Education in the Middle East. The college put more emphasis on medical education right from the start with the school of medicine being the first academic affair of the college. A hospital affiliated with the college: American University of Beirut Medical Center was established along with a school of nursing. In 1920, the initial name of the college was changed to AUB to reflect an expanded college and its recognition as a US university.

Nursing at American University of Beirut

The Rafic Hariri School of Nursing at AUB was established in 1905. It opened along with AUB medical center and severed as an in-house training school for nurses. The school prides itself to be the first nursing school to be established in the Middle East and the first to be accredited outside the US by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school offers a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program and a BSN completion option for registered nurses.  There are also accelerated BSN opportunities for career shifters and the ability for dual undergraduate degrees. The programs are fully accredited by the CCNE.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a traditional full time 4-year program that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses (RN). Students are admitted as freshmen and start off with general education courses in the first year.  In the second year, nursing courses are introduced along other supporting science courses. In the 2nd and 3rd year, nurses come for fully loaded summer sessions and normal semester periods during the 4th year.

In total, 30 credits in general education and 102 credits in nursing and supporting science courses. Successful completion leads education eligibility to sit for the National Colloquium Exam to become a registered nurse in Lebanon. Students also graduate with a Bachelors of Science in nursing degree.

RN-BSN Program

This RN to BSN program is designed for candidates who are already registered nurses in Lebanon or equivalent. The curriculum is scheduled to be completed in 3 academic years on a full time basis but not exceeding six calendar years on a part time plan. Courses are taught during summer sessions in 1st and 2nd years besides the normal semesters and only one semester during the 3rd year.

Students may apply for validation of a number of nursing courses after admission into the program. However, on a normal basis, 90 credits of nursing courses are required for graduation with a BSN degree.

BA/BS –BSN Accelerated Program

This program is meant for students who already hold Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in other non-nursing fields.  Students who join this program are career shifters who want to become professional RN by earning a BSN degree. Since most general education courses are met in the prior program, students can complete the program in an accelerated format of 24 months. Completion leads to eligibility to write the National Colloquium Exam for licensure as registered nurses.

Dual Degree

Those in the BSN program may take another degree in tandem with the nursing program upon approval from the faculty. This program is advised for highly achieving students who wish to graduate with 2 degrees at the end of their study period.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

AUB’s Rafic Hariri School of Nursing offers BSN-prepared students four options in the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). All candidates are required to a minimum of 1 year working experience as a RN in addition to a Valid RN licenses from the candidates’ place of practice. Although the ideal Master’s of Science in Nursing program candidates are those who have a cumulative grade 80, those with a average passing grade of 70 maybe admitted on a probation basis.

The curriculums for all tracks consist of 36 credit hours that can be completed in either full time or part time options.  No more than 6 credits can be transferred from other colleges into the AUB MSN tracks. MSN Students also have the chance of choosing between thesis and non-thesis options for graduation requirements. The following are the MSN tracks offered:

  • MSN in Nursing Administration
  • MSN in Community and Public Health (optional nursing education minor)
  • MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health (optional nursing education minor)
  • MSN in Adult Care (optional nursing education minor)

Contact:
American University of Beirut
3 Dag Hammarskjold, New York,
NY 10017