American International College Nursing Program Review

American International College (AIC) began in 1885 as a school for international immigrants. The school became co-ed in 1892, making it one of the first colleges in the region to admit women.

This private, liberal arts school enrolls 3400 students each year in undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus, a 52 acre, park-like area, is located in the center of Springfield, a metropolitan area of half a million people. There are also extended campus sites throughout the state, and a learning center in Cairo, Egypt.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program admits students in their freshman year to begin their studies in professional nursing. Students that graduate from this program will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Students must complete 121 semester hours to graduate from this program.

Applicants to this program are recommended to have taken a college prep curriculum in high school, including English, Math, Laboratory Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and electives. They must submit a high school transcript or GED and have a high school GPA of at least 2.5. They must also submit their ACT or SAT scores, have a recommendation letter, and submit a personal essay.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

RN to BSN Program

RNs who want to earn their BSN degree may be admitted to the BSN program with advanced standing. They must meet the same entrance requirements as the traditional BSN program, and must be graduates of an associate or diploma program, as well as have an RN license. They must also have a 2.5 GPA or better in their prior nursing coursework.

Students may receive credit for prior classes taken through articulation agreements or through challenge exams. To transfer prior nursing courses, students must have earned a C+ or higher in the class.

Students will work with the program director to determine what courses they need to take to complete their degree.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is designed to build upon the skills learned in undergraduate nursing studies. This program was started in 2005, and is a hybrid of classroom and online classes. Two thirds of the curriculum is online, making this a flexible program for working nurses. The MSN program at AIC is designed to be completed in 24 months. Students have two concentrations to choose from: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.

Applicants to this program must submit official transcripts and a statement of personal and career goals, as well as their reasons for pursuing a graduate degree.

Nursing Administration

This program is designed to strengthen management skills and prepare students to accept a management position in a health care facility. Students learn advanced patient care, as well as how to guide and support other health care professionals. It requires 36 credits to complete this program, including 15 credits specific to Nursing Administration.

Nursing Educator

The Nursing Educator concentration teaches students how to prepare curricula for nursing courses, and enhances teaching skills in both the classroom and in clinical rotations. Graduates of this program will be able to become nursing faculty and be trained to help prepare students to become professional nurses. To complete this program, students will take 36 credits, 15 of which are for the Nursing Educator concentration.

Contact:
American International College
1000 State Street,
Springfield, MA 01109