Salve Regina University Nursing School Review

Salve Regina University (SRU), founded in 1947, is justifiably famous for its scenic campus. The university occupies several of the historic Newport Mansions, along the scenic Cliff Walk, overlooking the Sakonnet River. In addition to its unique campus, Salve Regina University is respected in Rhode Island and the surrounding area for its academic programs, at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. Approximately 2500 students take classes at the university, working toward degrees in the humanities, education, social work, science, business, and nursing.

Through its Department of Nursing, Salve Regina University offers nursing programs at the undergraduate level for prospective nurses and for Registered Nurses (RN). All programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure Track

An incoming freshman can enroll in Salve Regina University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing), Pre-licensure track. This track takes four years to complete. Students spend the first three years of the program taking both general education courses and nursing courses. The fourth year focuses solely on nursing classes, and includes a capstone project. Hands-on experience is an important part of the program, with clinical rotations beginning in the second year. After graduating from the program, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second-Degree Students Track

A student who already holds a degree in a field other than nursing may complete a BS in Nursing through the Second-Degree Students track. Prior to beginning the program, he will meet with an advisor, who will evaluate his transcript and decide if he needs to complete any general education courses. Depending on his previous education, he may only need to complete two religion classes. Salve Regina, a Catholic University, will waive all general education requirements for qualified second-degree students, except this one. In addition to the religion classes, he must complete prerequisites in the sciences, statistics, computer science, and social sciences. Once he begins the nursing courses, he can finish his BS in Nursing degree in just four semesters. After finishing, he is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Degree Completion Track

If an RN who is a graduate of a diploma program or an associate-degree program wishes to earn a full bachelor’s degree, she may do so through the Degree Completion Track. Salve Regina University will award her thirty-two advanced placement credits for her previous nursing coursework. In addition, if she has taken any classes that fulfill Salve Regina’s general education requirements, she can transfer in those credits. In total, she must earn 124 credits to graduate, which includes the advanced placement credits for nursing classes and the transfer credits toward the general education requirements. Depending on how many credits she has to earn, then, the length of the program will vary. An RN who already knows that she wishes to pursue graduate-level nursing education may opt to complete a senior thesis, in addition to the required capstone project.

Contact:
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Avenue,
Newport, RI 02840