Ocean County College Nursing Program Review

Ocean County College (OCC) located in Toms River, New Jersey was established in 1969 as a community college. Supported by New Jersey and Ocean County locally, it was established to meet higher education needs of ocean county residents. OCC offers 2-year associate degree programs in arts, science and applied science along with certificates of completion in various fields of study. It also offers community and professional development courses, lifelong learning and continuing education opportunities.

Ocean County College Nursing Program

Ocean County College offers qualified candidates an opportunity to become registered nurses (RN) through their associate degree program. It has three options from which students can choose from in completing the registered nurse curriculum.  There is the traditional day program, an online-onsite program and a Career mobility option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to become registered nurses. OCC is also known for its online RN associate degree in nursing: the first of its kind in the state and among the few associate nursing programs in the country.  The school and the programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nursing

Associate in Applied Science (AAS/RN Program)

Ocean County College offers students three options to complete the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree:

Traditional Day or Evening Nursing Program

This generic program is planned to be completed in two years of 4 semesters. Since OCC is an open-admission college, candidates only need to have a high school diploma to be eligible to apply. This track has two admission cycles for fall and spring semesters.  However students should note that those admitted in the fall semester attend classes during the day while spring students attend classes in the evening.

High schools graduates must complete general education courses while those admitted with prior bachelor degrees only need to complete A & P I and II. The curriculum of 72 credits must be completed for students to be eligible to graduate with an occupation-oriented Associate of applied science in nursing degree. Graduates also become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

On-line On-site (OSOL) Nursing Program

This is a very unique full time nursing program of its kind in the state. The Onsite/Online RN Program  program offers a chance to individuals who have had some hands-on experience in working in a health care facility complete the AAS curriculum and become registered nurses. Preferably, candidates can be Licensed practical nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, paramedics or Emergency Technicians. Unlike the generic AAS programs, candidates for this option must have completed general education before applying.

Coursework is delivered in both on-site: one or two days per week face-to face instructions and online via web enhanced delivery modes. Students are allowed to complete lab skills and practice at their own time from Monday through Saturday. Classes are also offered at an existing collaborating hospital as opposed to attending OCC.  The curriculum is similar to the traditional program only that general education courses are not included. Students graduate with an AAS degree and become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam.

Career Mobility Option

This option is for graduates of an accredited Practical Nursing program and holds a valid current LPN license. Students must complete prerequisite and core requisite courses in order to be accepted in the career mobility track.

Kean-Ocean Nursing Programs

Special arrangements have been put in place to enable OCC graduates complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Kean’s University RN to BSN.  Through this arrangement, students can transfer all credits from their RN program to the Kean-Ocean nursing program.  Kean University also offers a BSN to MSN (Master of Science in nursing) program right at OCC Manahawkin Campus. This program helps students complete a MSN degree in either Clinical Management or School Nursing within Ocean County College.

Contact:
Ocean County College
College Drive, Toms River,
NJ 08754

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center Nursing Program Review

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center (OLLMC) is home to Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing. The school of nursing was established in 1961: about 10 years after the medical center. The school of nursing and the Medical center are part of Lourdes Health System along with the Lourdes Medical Center located in Burlington County. The health system is a catholic-faith based medical center and it was founded by the Franciscan sisters of Alleghany.

Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing

The School of Nursing (SON) under the Lourdes Health system is located in Camden County, New Jersey. The school has one nursing programs to offer: a 3-year hospital-based diploma in nursing program.  Outside the nursing school, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center (OLLMC) offers a Nurse Anesthesia program as a joint program with Drexel University. The 3-year diploma program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is fully approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

The OLLMC Nursing Program

The 3-year nursing program is also offered as a joint program between the school of nursing at Lourdes Health System and Camden County College.  Candidates must therefore place applications in both institutions to be considered for admission in the two admission cycles in fall and spring. Candidates must complete a TEAS V test and a college placement test administered by Camden County College. A CPR certificate is also mandatory to eligible for the program.

Once admitted, students take all general education courses from Camden County College. Transfer students who wish to transfer credits must follow the transfer policy of Camden College to establish credit transferability. However, the program does not accept transfer of nursing courses with a clinical component. On the other hand, nursing courses and related practical courses are offered at OLLMC-SON. Students may do clinical practice at either OLLMC at Camden County or Lourdes Medical Center Burlington County.

After completion of the 82-credit curriculum, students earn two awards: a diploma from Our lady of Lourdes School of Nursing and an Associate of Science in nursing from Camden County College. Graduates of the program also become educationally eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses (RN).

Our Lady of Lourdes Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP)

This is a joint program between OLLMC and Drexel University and is fully approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs. Candidates must apply to both Drexel University and OLLMC in order to be considered for the single April admission. Candidates must have earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree in addition to 2 years RN experience preferably in intensive care. However, candidates with a non-BSN degree may be accepted into the program if they convert their non-nursing degree into a BSN. This can be done by completing a 3-credit Bridge Course offered by Drexel University prior to making an application.

Accepted students complete the entire curriculum package for the NAP program of Drexel University right at OLLMC in Camden or from Drexel.  The 70 semester credit curriculum (93-quarter credits) is designed to be completed in 27 months of full time study that includes 3 summers and 2 winter sessions.  Students graduate with a Master of Science in nurse anesthesia degree.

Post Master’s Options

OLLMC offers a post masters track in Nurses Anesthesia still in collaboration with Drexel University. The track is open to candidates who have already earned a Master of Science in nursing degree. Such graduates can receive credit for their earlier master program to cover some of the 66 credits needed for this certificate track.

Contact:
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
1600 Hamden Ave, Camden,
NJ 08103

Passaic County Community College Nursing Program Review

Passaic County community College (PCCC) opened its doors to the residents of Passaic County in 1971. PCCC offers academic and non-credits programs including associate degrees, certificates and continuing education.  In its efforts to offer accessible learning methods, PCCC has evening, weekends and online learning modes to supplement the traditional day programs. The college has its main campus in Paterson and another 3 satellite academic centers in Wayne, Wanaque and Passaic City. This public, 2-year community college helps students to acquire career training for direct job entry or transfer opportunities.

Nurse Education Program at PCCC

The Associate in Applied Science nurse program at PCCC accepts two categories of students: recent high school graduates and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) seeking advanced placement to become registered nurses (RN).  High school graduates have an option of choosing between the Day and Evening programs. Both the generic and the LPN mobility option are approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

This degree track has two admission options namely Day and Evening options. Admission into the program requires candidates to have a high school diploma or a GED. Before applying, candidates must complete a TEAS V test and a College Placement Exam. Selection of candidates is based on the entrance exams and GPA scores. Candidates looking forward to start on the evening option are required to have completed all general education courses prior to application.

Day Option

The day option is for students who wish to complete their nurse education program in no more than 4 semesters of 2 years.  Students in this program take general education and nursing courses from PCCC on a full time basis. The program is completed within 2 years after taking 34 general education and 34 nursing credits. Students graduate with an occupation-oriented Associate in Applied Science degree and become academically eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses.

Evening Option

As mentioned, evening candidates must have completed at least 24 general courses before applying. If this requirement is met, students are able take a lighter course load; hence the program is suitable for working students. Basically, the remaining courses can be completed in 4 normal semesters and 2 summer sessions. The track takes at least three years to complete although the period can be extended up-to five years after taking the first nursing course. Since the degree requires 68 credits to complete, students in this track take a maximum of 44 credits to graduate with the associate degree and take the NLCEX-RN exam.

Nursing –LPN Mobility

This track is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become registered nurses. Besides being an LPN, a candidate must meet all admission requirements for the associate in applied science in nursing program. Candidates must also hold current New Jersey LPN licenses to be eligible to apply. In addition, a Nurse Acceleration Challenge Exam for LPNs or a TEAS test must be completed during the application process.  LPN students start by taking a Nursing Mobility course during the first spring semester followed by a summer, fall and another spring session. The program is designed to prepare LPN to take the NLCEX-RN exam and become registered nurses within one year.

PCCC Nursing at Sussex County Community College

The Nursing Program at Passaic County Community College is also offered to residents of Sussex County. This same program is offered from Sussex County Community College and is restricted to its residents only. The program begins every spring semester at Sussex with alternate day and evening options. This works in such a way that the day program is offered in even-numbered with the evening option being offered in odd-numbered years.

Contact:
Passaic County Community College
One College Blvd, Paterson,
NJ 07505

Ramapo College of New Jersey Nursing Program Review

Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) was established in 1969 as a state-supported co-ed liberal arts college. The college has its main campus located in Mahwah, Bergen County of New Jersey.  It offers 4-year degrees in arts, sciences and professional studies like nursing.  Over 40 undergraduate programs are offered in the college to baccalaureate degree seekers in addition to six graduate studies programs.  Ramapo College is also renowned for its elementary and secondary teacher certification courses.

Nursing Programs at Ramapo College

Ramapo College has three tracks under the nursing program to offer to qualified candidates. Two are at the undergraduate level: a generic nursing program for initial licensure candidates and a completion track for Registered Nurse (RN) who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The graduate track is a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program for those wishing to become nurse educators. A Post-master’s certificate option is also available for nurse educator track. The 3 tracks are approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is the generic track that prepares entry-level students to become registered nurses. The track is designed to be completed in 4 academic years on a full time progression plan. It is offered as a joint program between Ramapo College and two other Magnet hospitals of New Jersey: The Valley Hospital and the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (VH & EHMC).

The curriculum consists of 128 semester credits: 64 of general education and prerequisites and 64 of nursing courses. As part of the partnership, all nursing courses with a clinical component are offered at both VH and EHMC while nursing courses with theory component and general education courses are offered by Ramapo College.  Courses are designed on a 2+2 model in that all general education and support courses are offered in the freshman and sophomore years and nursing courses are only at Junior and senior levels. Any pre-licensure students for the generic program must have completed the 64 credit category of 1 and 2^nd years to be eligible for the nursing portion.  Completion of the curriculum leads to academic eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam for initial licensure as a registered nurse.

Nursing RN/BSN

The completion track is designed for licensed registered nurse graduates of diploma or associate programs. In recognition of their earlier programs, nurses from accredited associate programs transfer all their prior credits towards the BSN at Ramapo. On the other hand, graduates of accredited diploma programs receive 30 core credits only after completing at least 2 junior level nursing courses.

After admission, registered nurses complete 32 upper division nursing credits and any other outstanding general education courses required for the BSN degree.  Students must also note that this program is not offered through the two above mentioned hospitals; hence clinical experience is not restricted to the 2 sites.  Unlike the generic BSN track, courses for the RN/BSN track are web enhanced and this allows registered nurses to continue working while studying.  A maximum total of 60 credits are needed to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Ramapo College graduate nursing program is designed for BSN-prepared candidates wishing to become nurse educators or faculty members of nursing schools.  However, registered nurse candidates with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree can complete a Transition Program to facilitate their acceptance into the MSN.  Candidates must also have proof of some working experience as registered nurse.

The curriculum consists of 32 credits designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time study though part time options are also available. Courses are offered in hybrid format with most courses being online or via distance learning. Ramapo College also offers a Post-master’s nursing certificate in nurse education. This track is meant for candidates with MSN degrees who wish to become certified as nurse educators.  The post-master’s certificate track consists of 15 graduate nursing credits.

Raritan Bay Medical Center Nursing Program Review

Established in 1902, Raritan Bay Medical Center (RBMC) was opened to serve the health care needs of Central New Jersey.  Besides offering high quality medical care to patients, RBMC has a nursing program which dates back to 1903, an year after its opening. The medical center boasts to have been named as a Center of Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In addition to the main medical center at Old Bridge, RBMC also has an auxiliary center at Perth Amboy both of which constitutes its over 500 bed capacity.

RBMC and Middlesex County College Nursing Program

Raritan Bay Medical Center offers a nursing program as a joint effort with Middlesex County College of New Jersey. The 2-year program offers students of Middlesex and Monmouth counties to start on a nursing journey with both practical and theory teaching partners directly working together towards program completion. It is an associate of science degree program that is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. On its own, Raritan Bay Medical Center also offers nursing professional development and continuing education courses.

Nursing Program

Associate Science (AS) Degree

This program is offered by both Raritan Bay Medical center and Middlesex Community College and is designed for entry-level nursing candidates. Students must apply and be accepted into both schools after completing a Health Technologies entrance exam.

The program is offered on a 5-50 basis for both schools in terms of covering the curriculum This means 35 general education credits are offered at Middlesex Community College while the other 35 credits of nursing courses are offered at Raritan Bay Medical. The program is designed to be competed on a full time basis of four semesters-2 academic years.

Students must be flexible enough to switch between Raritan Bay Medical center and Middlesex College within the first 2 weeks.  Besides offering the nursing component of the program, Raritan also serves as the primary clinical site; hence students do not have to travel wide for clinical experience. 

After successfully completing the coursework, students graduate with an Associate of Science degree and become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam. However, unlike many cooperative programs between medical centers and community colleges, this program does not give a diploma award from the side of the medical center. A double award: associate degree and diploma is common in other cooperative programs.

Articulation Agreements

Graduates of the RBMC Middlesex Community College nursing program can take advantage of articulation agreements between Middlesex and Kean University and Felician College. This enables graduates to smoothly transfer their credits to the 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing programs at the 2 colleges.

Professional Development

RBMC has been approved by the Council on Continuing Nursing Education to offer Continuing education for nurses.  The medical center offers a number of nursing courses including but not limited to:

• Peripheral IV for RNs
• Charge Nurse Workshops
• Neonatal Resuscitation provider

These courses are offered on different timings and registered nurses can check for the exact offering dates from time to time.

Contact:
Raritan Bay Medical Center
1 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge Township,
NJ 08857

Raritan Valley Community College Nursing Program Review

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) opened its doors for the first class of students in 1966 in temporary facilities at Green Brook High School.  During its early years, it was known as Somerset County College offering post-secondary education to Somerset county residents.  In 1986, the board of freeholders from the mother and Hunterdon Counties decided on co-sponsoring the college. This decision led to the change of name to Raritan Valley Community College. It is an open admission public college that offers 2-year associate degrees, certificate and professional development in the 2 counties and beyond.

Nursing Programs at Raritan Valley Community College

RVCC offers two entry options in the associate degree for candidates wishing to become registered nurses (RN).  The first choice is available in day and evening options for recent high school graduates with no prior nursing experience. The second choice is for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) wishing to become registered nurses through advanced placement.  In the continuing education category, RVCC offers two short courses: Home Health Aide and Certified Nurse Aide courses. The associate nursing tracks are approved by the National League for Nursing.

Nursing/RN, Associate of Applied Science

The nursing program is strictly meant for candidates who can proof residency in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, hence external applications are rejected. Candidates need to take a TEAS test before applying into the nursing. Candidates must have completed all prerequisites courses and if they had not been taken at RVCC, a second application into clinical program is required. Admission into the clinical program is based on the ranking of TEAS and GPA scores.

The 68 credits needed to graduate are designed to be completed in 4 academic semesters on Day or Evening/Weekend plans. After completion of the program, students must take a college exit exam to be allowed to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam. An associate of applied science degree is awarded upon completion.

Nursing PN/AD, Associate of Applied Science Degree Option in Nursing

This track is open to Hunterdon and Somerset county Practical Nurses (PN) wishing to becoming registered nurses by completing the Associate Degree (AD). Candidates must have graduated from LPN program in the last five with at least 6 months experience. However, LPN with more than 5 years from the time of graduation must have at least 3 years working experience to be allowed to apply. There is also an option for those LPN who do not have the 3.25 GPA cutline from the earlier practical nursing program. Such candidates are advised to apply for an advanced standing opportunity in the generic program rather than applying for the PNAD.

After admission into the PNAD program, students take a Nursing Transition summer session followed by one year of study.  In addition to the nursing transition course, LPN receives 15 credits from the practical nursing program. Since this track is offered in a rigorous full time day-only option, the college advices the LPN to give-up employment while studying.

Nursing-LPN Program

RVCC had a practical nursing program which at the moment has not been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The program is also suspended along with other PN programs in the state and students can only be admitted if the current New Jersey moratorium on PN programs is lifted. RVCC advices students interested in the program to apply and be placed in a waiting list until the suspension is lifted.

Articulation Agreements

RVCC has special articulation agreements to enable graduates of the nursing program to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upper division nursing courses from Kean University and Rutgers University are offered on-site at the RVCC’s University Center. Students can also choose the ASS-BSN Dual admission program from Kean University to enable completion of upper division nursing courses during the AAS program. However, students can still transfer to a 4-year college of choice.

RVCC Continuing Education

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

This course is offered in the RVCC continuing education category and prepares entry-level students to work in long-term care facilities. It is a 90-hours clinical and theory course that makes students eligible for CNA licensure.

Homemaker/Home Health Aide

This is also a short 10-hour course designed for already Certified Nurse Aides who wish to become Home maker home health aides (HHHA). This course allows dual certification as a nurse aide.

Contact:
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg,
NJ 08876

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Nursing Program Review

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (RSCNJ) opened doors for its first students in late 1971. The pioneer students had to attend classes in rented hotel property since it had no property of its own. A year later Stockton College completed its first permanent property at Galloway its main campus to date. In honor of its first president Richard Bjork, Stockton College was renamed Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. It offers a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate, master and a few terminal degrees.

Nursing Programs at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

The school of Health sciences at Richard Stockton College offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. At the undergraduate category, the college has 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track and an upper division track designed for registered nurses (RN) who wish to complete a BSN. At the graduate level, Stockton has a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) with 2 concentration options and one post-master’s certificate program. There are also continuing education opportunities for registered nurses. The upper-division RN to BSN and MSN tracks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Nursing 4-Year

This is the traditional/generic program designed for high school pre-licensure candidates.  It is a relatively new option at Stockton as it graduated its first class in 2010.  Students are admitted once annually for classes starting fall and admission is very competitive.

The curriculum consists of 128 credits designed to be completed in 8 semesters plus a short summer term. Courses are offered on a full time basis at Stockton main campus. Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Graduates also become eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses.

Nursing-Upper Division

The RN-BSN program consists of an upper division curriculum designed for registered nurses wishing to earn a baccalaureate degree.  Registered nurses must be in possession of valid and current New Jersey RN licensure to be eligible to apply. Candidates from diploma and associate degree programs are welcome to apply.

A maximum of 66 credits can be transferred from the diploma or associate program. Students from NLNAC accredited programs automatically receive 26 credits for lower division nursing courses.  The outstanding credits are transferred from the general education category after evaluation for equivalency with Stockton courses. Students must then complete 30 upper division nursing courses plus any outstanding general education and elective courses required for the BSN degree.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program (MSN)

The MSN program at Stockton is meant for BSN prepared candidates who wish to become advanced practice nurses in the following 2 capacities:

• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner

The curriculum of both tracks is 42 credits designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full time basis study though part time plans can be made for interested students. Upon completion, graduates become eligible to take national nurse practitioner certification exams in their respective areas.

Fast Track Option

This option is open for MSN-prepared candidates whose specialization is not in any of the above two choices. This track enables such students to complete a few credits and be eligible for certification as adult or family nurse practitioners.

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner

This sounds more or less the same as the fast track option but it is only designed for adult nurse practitioners who wish to become family nurse practitioners. It only requires one course-5 credits required for certification in family health.

Continuing Education for Nurses

Richard Stockton College also offers a number of continuing education courses to nurses and other health professional. There is no specific courses offered at any one time and as such, interested students can keep checking for scheduling of courses being offered at a particular date and period.

Contact:
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
101 Vera King Farris drive, Galloway,
NJ 08205

Rutgers State University of New Jersey Camden Nursing School Review

Rutgers State University of New Jersey has a very long history. With over 250 years from when the pioneer college was founded, Rutgers has grown in bounds to be one of the most recognized colonial, public land-grant and research institutions in the US. In particular, Rutgers-Camden history can be traced back to 1920 when two schools: college of South Jersey and South Jersey Law schools joined. In 1950, the two colleges became part of Rutgers State University system and became Rutgers-Camden. It is one of the 3 campuses of the Rutgers State University besides Rutgers-New Brunswick and Newark.

Nursing Program at Rutgers-Camden

Rutgers-Camden has offers two baccalaureate nursing programs: an entry-level program for recent high school graduates and registered nurses (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) completion program.  There is also a school nurse certification program for nurses wishing to work in schools. In mid 2011, the university formed the school of nursing with the aim of developing the existing programs in addition to introducing graduate nursing programs. Rutgers-Camden nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Four-Year BSN Program

This is the traditional generic track designed for high school graduates with no prior nursing experience. The track has a curriculum that spans four full time academic years. Liberal arts, science and nursing courses are integrated in the curriculum throughout the four years. This means that students starts on nursing courses as early as the first year and liberal arts and general education courses even in the senior year.

Basically, the curriculum is designed to academically prepare students to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Successful students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN completion track is designed for registered nurse graduates of associate or hospital diploma programs. RN must have valid and current license for New Jersey to be eligible to apply. Courses offered are upper division nursing courses designed to build upon prior nursing experiences. The program admits new students for classes starting fall and spring semesters. 

Successful registered nurses may transfer up-to 60 credits of lower division courses. Upon acceptance, all students automatically receive 33 nursing credits in advanced standing in recognition of the RN license.  The other 28-credits must be evaluated against Rutgers general education and liberal arts courses to facilitate their transfer. Outstanding courses may be completed at other college or universities but the last 30 credits towards the BSN must be completed from Rutgers school of nursing. Courses offered at Rutgers are completed on a hybrid of online and live classroom sessions.

Off-Campus Locations

The school of nursing at Rutgers-Camden also offers two off-campus programs for the RN to BSN tracks.  As such, graduates of associate or diploma nursing programs of Atlantic Cape & Camden Counties and beyond can complete a BSN at:

Atlantic Cape Community College

Camden County College- Blackwood

Contact:
Rutgers State University of New Jersey Camden
303 Cooper Street, Camden,
NJ 08102

Rutgers State University of New Jersey Newark Nursing School Review

Rutgers-Newark is one of the 3 campuses in the Rutgers State University of New Jersey system. Rutgers- Newark history can be traced back when New Jersey School of Law; established in 1908 together with four other colleges and schools merged to form the then University of Newark in 1936. The University of Newark remained operational for only a decade after which it was voted to join the Rutgers university system in 1946 and become Rutgers-Newark.

Nursing Programs at Rutgers-Newark

Rutgers-Newark College of nursing is a very large college in terms of the number of program offered under it. Programs include non-degree programs, Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing, graduate tracks and the 2 terminal nursing degrees. Undergraduate programs include a generic, an upper division nursing track and a second degree option while the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) offers a nursing leadership concentration option.  For the non-degree category, Rutgers-Newark has 6 post-master’s nursing certificate tracks and numerous professional development continuing education opportunities for registered nurses. The college is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Undergraduate Programs

BS in Nursing

This is the generic program designed for pre-licensure candidates wishing to become registered nurses. The program accepts two categories of students: high school students and transfer students. It is important to note that the college of nursing does not accept students outside Rutgers for transfer into the generic BS in nursing. This is a college to college transfer for students wishing to move from one Rutgers academic division to the other.

The curriculum consists of 125 semester credits designed to be completed in 4 years- 8 semesters of full time study. The period is shorter for Rutgers transfer students and depends on the number of courses accepted for transfer to the BSN. All courses are offered at Rutgers Newark and New Brunswick campuses. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing degree. They also gain academic eligibility to write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN).

RN to BS in Nursing

The RN to BS in nursing is an online program option designed for registered nurses who wish to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree.  Registered nurses must be graduates of accredited diploma or associate degree programs and must have a current RN license for New Jersey.  There is one admission cycle per year for classes starting in fall semester.

Students can transfer as many courses as may be applicable but the last 30 credits must be completed at Rutgers Newark. In addition to taking undergraduates courses, students can also choose to take up to 12 graduates courses. These courses count towards both the baccalaureate and graduates degree programs at Rutgers.  Due to the varying course selection options, completion times may differ.

Accelerated 2^nd Degree BS in Nursing

This is a very rigorous and intensive curriculum designed for students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.  New students are admitted every summer semester for a study intensive 14-month period culminating at the end of the following summer. Selected courses in the first summer are web-enhanced or offered online.  There is also a short 10-day clinical winter session after the fall semester.

Students who choose this program are advised to be self-motivated and be ready to give-up employment due the intense nature of the program.  Pre-requisites courses must have been completed to be in a position to finish in 14 months.  The program is offered on a full time basis only.

School Nurse Certificate

Rutgers-Newark offers an online school nurse certificate program for post-baccalaureate registered nurses wishing to become school nurses. It is also open for any BS in nursing student currently enrolled at Rutgers as a minor alongside the nursing major. The track admits new students once a year each fall semester.

Suitable candidates are those who have had relevant educational experience preferably in mental health, adolescent development, school nursing, and foundations in education among other relevant areas. Students that complete this program become eligible for certification as school nurses in New Jersey.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

The only MSN program designed for post-BSN students at Rutgers Newark is the Nursing Leadership track. The advanced practice nurse practitioner options previously offered as MSN tracks will only be offered as post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

The BSN-MSN Nurse leadership track is designed to be completed in 15 or 2-3 years of full time and part time basis respectively. The track requires 42 credits to complete most of which can be completed online with a few selected requiring a face-face classroom setting very week.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Rutgers –Newark has restructured all MSN programs with a clinical focus to be post-BSN DNP programs following the recommendation to transform all advanced practice nursing education to DNPs by 2015. The DNP program is designed for students who want to translate evidence from research in real clinical practice.

In addition to the post-BSN option, the program also accepts all post-MSN-students wishing to take the DNP. There are two program options for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN students;

• Leadership Practice Focus
• Clinical Practice Focus

The Clinical Practice focus consists of all transformed advanced practice nurse practitioner options namely:

• Adult and Aged Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Mental Health /Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Both post-BSN DNP and post-MSN DNP students take their courses in hybrid format of online and few on campus residency program. Each track under the two categories has part time and full time options including the nursing leadership focus. Generally, post-BSN DNP option takes 3 years and up to 6 years for full time and part time study plans respectively. On the other hand post-MSN DNP options requires 2 years-5 semester and 2 years-6 semesters  for full time and part time plans respectively.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

Rutgers boasts to offer the first PhD terminal nursing degree in the state. The program is meant for MSN-prepared students wishing to get into scholarly nursing research. It a class curriculum of 67 credits available in both part time and full time study plans. Projected completion time is 3 and 4 years for the full time and part time plans respectively.

Non-Degree and Graduate Certificate Opportunities

Post-Master Certificate Programs

These programs are for MSN generalists who wish to earn certification as nurse practitioners. Options are available for the following nurse practitioner areas:

• Adult and Aged Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Mental Health /Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

All tracks consist of 18 credits except the family nurse track which has 24. New students are admitted in the spring semester

Non-Degree

BSN and MSN graduates seeking non-degree credits can register for Rutgers selected courses. Post-BSN graduates can take 2 courses equivalent to 6 credits whereas post- baccalaureate non-nursing graduates can take 3 courses. Most of the non-degree courses are offered in the summer semester.

Professional Development

Rutgers offers quite a number of professional development opportunities for nurses.  Such offerings are available as Conferences, Special events, Onsite and Online courses.  Courses are offered in different timings, periods and semesters hence, students should keep checking for current offerings at the college of nursing website.

Contact:
Rutgers State University of New Jersey Newark
180 University Ave, Newark,
NJ 07102

St. Francis Medical Center Nursing Program Review

St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) has over a century in providing health care. The Medical center was founded in 1874 by the Sisters of St Francis of the Third Order in Philadelphia. It was opened with the aim of meeting the health care needs of Trenton residents. 1905, 30 years after its establishment, the medical center opened the St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing. It was a hospital-based program that awarded students a diploma in nursing. Both the school and the Medical center are strongly affiliated to the Catholic Health East and supported by the Hope Ministries.

Nursing Program at St. Francis Medical Center

The nursing program initially started as a hospital-based nurses training program. Currently St. Francis offers a joint nursing program with Mercer Community College. The program prepares students to become registered nurses (RN) by taking courses from both institutions.  Three entry options are available: an extended program, a generic track and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN track. St. Francis and Mercer Community College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

The Generic Program

The generic program is designed for recent high school graduates with no prior nursing experience but have completed all prerequites courses.  The program accepts students each fall semester and continues for a period of 2 years of year- round study i.e including 2 summer sessions.  Normally, all nursing courses are taught by faculty members of St. Francis Medical Center while general education courses are taught by Mercer County Community College (MCCC) faculty.

The curriculum consists of 70 credits: 40 for nursing courses offered by St Francis and 30 for general education offered by MCCC. As a cooperative program, students who successfully complete the program are awarded a nursing diploma from St Francis Medical Center and an associate degree in nursing from MCCC. Graduates also become eligible to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Extended Program

This track is designed for high graduates who wish to join college but have not completed nursing school prerequisites. This plan takes 3 years whereby, the first year is dedicated to prerequisites courses offered by MCCC. After the 1^st year, students begin on the study plan similar to the generic program.  Just like the generic track, students graduate with a diploma and associate degree and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

LPN to RN Track Program

This track is designed for LPN who wishes to become registered nurses. Candidates must have valid New Jersey practical nurse licensure and at least one year clinical experience in acute, rehab or sub-acute care centers. Qualified candidates take a 9-credit LPN Nursing Transition course for which they receive 17 credits towards the associate and diploma awards. The track takes one year including a summer semester to complete. Practical nurses must complete all nursing courses within ten months after the first one. Completion leads to eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam to make the transition to professional nursing.

Contact:
St. Francis Medical Center
601 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton,
NJ 08629

Saint Peters University Nursing Program Review

Saint Peter’s University (SPU), previously known as Saint Peters College (SPC),  was established in 1872 as a liberal arts college known as Jesuit College of New Jersey; a men’s only college.  In 1918, the college closed down due to the effects of WW I. When it re-opened in 1930, it started admitting its first female students.  It holds strong to its founding Jesuit Tradition and is as such strongly supported by the catholic faith.  The college offers undergraduate, graduate, adult, and doctoral programs academic programs from the main campus at Jersey City and the satellite campus in Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County. SPC gained university designation in 2012.

Nursing Programs at Saint Peters College

Saint Peters College offers nursing programs ranging from undergraduate to terminal degrees.  At undergraduate level, there two nursing programs: one for entry level students and a completion program for adult learners. The graduate degrees include two Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks, post-Master’s Certificate options and a doctor of practice in nursing (DNP) program.  There is also a registered nurse (RN) to MSN Bridge program for registered nurses who do not wish to take the Baccalaureate prior to the MSN. All graduate programs are offered at the Englewood Cliffs campus while the entry level track is offered at the main campus. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Undergraduate Programs

At undergraduate level, SPC has an entry-level option for candidates with no prior nursing experience and another option for registered nurses (RN).  On a further note, there are 3 entry options for the RN to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN).

RN to BSN

This program is designed for registered nurses who have valid and current RN licenses.  It is an upper-division curriculum that enables RN from associate or diploma programs to earn baccalaureate nursing degree. The required curriculum of a BSN degree at SPC is 121 credits but RNs can transfer most of their lower division and general education courses towards the BSN.

This program is offered only at the Englewood Cliff Campus (in Bergen County) but students can choose from three progression options listed below. All tracks carry the same coursework and only differ in the mode of curriculum delivery

• Evening Program of Eight-week Sessions
• Nurse Express Track offered only on Tuesdays (Students study in cohorts)
• Exclusive Online Program

Generic BSN Program

The generic Bachelor of Science in nursing track is designed for entry-level recent high school candidates and transfer students from pre-nursing programs.  It is offered on a full time basis only at the Jersey City (Hudson County) campus. Candidates must complete a TEAS V test prior to admission. After enrollment, students acquire a pre-nursing status for the entire freshman year during which they take pre-nursing courses.  Scores obtained from the pre-nursing year determines whether the student will be eligible to apply, at the sophomore year, for the Generic BSN program.

Once accepted into the school of nursing for the BSN, students can then start on nursing courses. The program takes a total of four academic years of 8 semesters to complete the 121 credits curriculum including the pre-nursing component. Upon completion, a bachelor of science in nursing is awarded and graduates become eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Graduate and Doctoral Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing program at SPC is offered only at Bergen County-Englewood Cliffs Campus.  The program offers BSN-prepared students two options to choose from at their MSN specialty:

• Nurse Administrator
• Adult Nurse Practitioner

On a further note, those who choose the nurse administrator track take case management as a functionality role while the adult nurse practitioner (ANP) students take adult primary care as their functionality role.  The ANP track requires 39 credits while the administrator track has a curriculum of 37 credits. All courses are offered onsite on a full time basis at the Englewood Cliffs campus.

RN to MSN Bridge Program

This program is specifically designed for registered nurses who have a bachelor degree in a non-nursing field. This program enables registered nurses to earn a MSN degree without having to complete a BSN first. To start with, registered nurses are tested on undergraduate nursing competence by completing 3 undergraduates courses in statistics, nursing research and a Bridge course are equivalent to 10 semester credits.

Upon successful completion of the competence tests, students become permitted to take the MSN courses. The two specialty areas and functional roles outlined above are the MSN options that students can choose ie:

• Nursing Administration (Case Management)
• Adult Nurse Practitioner (Adult Primary Care)

All courses are offered on site at Englewood Cliffs on a full time basis. However, interested candidates must note that no Bachelor of Science in nursing degree is offered upon completion, only the MSN.

Post-Master Certificate Program

The post-master’s certificate program is also offered along with other graduate nursing programs at the Englewood cliffs campus.  There is only one track: Post-Master’s Adult Nurse Practitioner Certificate. The curriculum consists of 25 credits offered on a full time- onsite mode for MSN-prepared registered nurses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Saint Peter’s College offers this terminal nursing degree from the Englewood campus on a part-time basis. The program is designed for MSN prepared nurses from nationally accredited nursing schools. Candidates for the program must be certified nurse practitioners or nurse administrators.

Two tracks are available for students to choose from:

– Nurse Executive/Administrative Role (Non-clinical/Indirect)

– Advance Practice Role (Clinical/ Direct)

For candidates interested in the executive/administrative track, they must have taken a similar MSN track at graduate level. Similarly, for the advanced practice clinical track, candidates must have graduated from a nurse practitioner or nurse specialist MSN program and must be in clinical practice at the time of application.

Each track carries a coursework of 39 semester credits with completion projected to be 3-3.5 academic years. Courses are offered in one evening per-week patterns on a part time basis only during the fall and spring semesters. Only one course is offered during the summer session.

Contact:
Saint Peters College
2641 John F Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City,
NJ 07306

Seton Hall University Nursing School Review

Established in 1865, Seton Hall University (SHU) has so much history to show for the over a century and half it has been operational. It was established as Seton Hall College by a catholic Bishop as home to shape learners in the mind, body and spirit besides the usual education knowledge. About a 100 years down history, it was upgraded into a full-fledged university in 1950. Adhering to the mission of its founder, it remained a men’s college until 1968 when it became a coeducational college.

Nursing at Seton Hall University

The nursing field is one with the most programs at Seton Hall University. The university has affiliation with a number of catholic hospitals and medical centers in the state hence, nursing and other healthcare programs are given high priority in the university academic programs. The college of nursing in particular has 14 distinct nursing tracks at undergraduate, master and a few post-masters certificates.

 At undergraduate level, SHU offers several tracks of registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) completion programs, second degree nursing program and an entry-level track. At the graduate level, it has 8 Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in nursing terminal degrees. SHU also offers 2 Dual nursing degrees programs.

Undergraduate Programs

BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is the traditional 4-year nursing programs designed for pre-licensure entry-level candidates. The first two years are dedicated to science and liberal arts courses while the junior and senior years are for nursing major courses and clinical experience. To be eligible to graduate, students must complete 125 credits hours and take a comprehensive exit exam. Graduates can then take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

RN to BSN

This program has a number of study options and offers many entry options to nurses who wish to add a BSN degree to their prior nursing experience.  It is offered on part time basis to ensure nurses who have difficulty sparing time outside of employment have the chance of completing a BSN degree. Applications are welcome from graduates of hospital-based diploma schools and 2-yaers associate colleges who have proof of valid RN licensure.

The degree requirements for the RN to BSN  at Seton Hall University is 122 credit hours: 32 can be awarded after showing proof of RN licensure, 55 can be transferred from liberal arts and science courses  or can be completed at community colleges prior to matriculation. 30 credits forms the cornerstone of what SHU offers for the RN to BSN. This must be taken from the SHU curriculum to be eligible for graduation. Below is a breakdown of the different study options for the track:

–     RN to BSN- On campus

On campus students take all their courses at the main campus at Seton hall. This includes all the 30 mandatory SHU courses in addition to any outstanding liberal arts or science courses. Courses are offered on a part time basis therefore suitable for the working RN.

–     RN to BSN-Off Campus

Students who choose this track take their courses from several established locations within the state. At the off-campus locations, courses are also offered on part time plans and students can progress at their own pace. All courses are offered in convenient afternoon schedules of one day per week and are offered according to the students preferences forwarded to the program director. What’s more, registered nurses who choose this track receive 25% discount from SHU on all tuition fees. The off-campus sites are:

• Community Medical Center, Toms River
• Somerset Medical Center, Somerset
• Camden County College, Blackwood
• Medical Center of Ocean County, Brick

–     RN to BSN-Online

This online track is designed to meet the career advancement need of the busy RN who wish to have an “anytime anywhere” sort of program. Students choose their own pace of progression through the program.  The 30 upper division courses plus any outstanding courses may be taken at SHU on an online format.  Students can choose to take clinical courses at clinical sites of choice. However, there are two residency visits: one for program orientation and a mid-program residency where students present professional role function projects. This particular option also allows students to take 6-double edged credits that count towards the BSN and can be transferred to a MSN program.

BSN Accelerated Program

This is a fast paced program designed for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree other than nursing.  It is offered as a joint program between SHU and Georgian Court University.  New students are admitted every September to embark on studies for a period of 14-study intensive months.

The required curriculum consists of 61 credits offered in a fulltime rigorous mode, Monday through Friday. All courses are offered on site at Georgian Court University Lakewood campus New Jersey.

BSN Second Degree

This degree plan is also designed for registered nurses with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree with only a difference in completion time from the accelerated track. It is offered onsite at South Orange campus of SHU unlike the accelerated option.

New students are admitted every fall and spring semesters to complete the 61 upper division nursing credits. The track takes 4-semesters of 2 academic years to complete on a full time but not rigorous study mode.

Graduate Degrees

Graduate degrees make-up most of the nursing program offered at Seton Hall University. Degree programs at the master’s level are:

Clinical Nurse Leader

This is for candidates with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree wishing to earn a nursing degree at graduate level.  It is a very intensive track and students must dedicate full time commitment for a period of 22 months. Course are offered exclusively at South Orange campus of SHU

The curriculum consists of 80-semester credits designed to be covered in 6 semesters of 2 academic years including 2 summers.  Students are provided with clinical role development courses to help them get the basics of nursing at undergraduate level. This prepares students for entry into nursing by helping then take the NCLEX-RN exam at the end of the program. Besides earning a registered nurse status, students are also awarded a Master of Science in nursing-Clinical Nurse Leader degree.

MSN Case Management/Administration

This 30-credit program is offered in a hybrid format combining internet based/ online learning and clinical experience at convenient local sites.

MSN Health Systems Administration

The 33-credit health systems administration program has on campus and Online options. Students can further choose to complete the curriculum on a full time or part time basis taking 24 and 30 months respectively. For the onsite students, clinical practice and courses are offered onsite at SHU. On the other hand, MSN Health Systems Administration (Online) students take the didactic portion of the curriculum online and clinical practice at their conveniently chosen clinical sites.

MSN Nurse Practitioner (Online)

Seton Hall offers three online tracks on advanced practice-nurse practitioner option. The same tracks are also offered on campus at South Orange for interested students. Options are

• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner-46 credits
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-43 credits
• Adult Nurse Practitioner-43 credits

On campus students complete all their theory and clinical courses at SHU sites. Online students take didactic courses online and clinical courses from clinical sites at their geographical locations. However, all online NP students must make three onsite weekend residency visits. This permits project presentation and interaction with peers and faculty members. Upon completion, students become eligible to take the national certification exams on their respective field of study.

MSN School Nursing

This track is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses who wish to become school nurses. Coursework is offered on a hybrid format of online and onsite at South Orange. Onsite classes are offered in the late afternoon/evenings and can be completed on a full time or part time basis.

Registered nurses with a school nurse certificate receive credit for advanced standing and only need to take 25 credits to earn the MSN. An RN without the said certificate has to complete an extra 9 credits to be awarded the school nurse certificate upon completion.

Dual MSN Degrees

• Master in Nursing Education

The Master of Arts (MA) in nursing education at Seton Hall University is offered in combination with any of the Nurse Practitioners tracks available. This program; MSN/ MA in nursing education can be sought by students who have already completed an advanced practice MSN program or hand-in-hand with the any of the 3 NP specialization options at SHU

• MSN/MBA in Health Systems Administration

This program is offered by the Stillman School of Business and the college of nursing of Seton Hall. The curriculum consists of 54 credits: 30 for the MBA and 24 for the nursing component. Students are free to choose from any of the advanced practice nurses tracks offered by SHU as their MSN concentration area. Students are awarded the two degrees simultaneously during commencement.

Nursing Certificate Programs

Seton Hall offers nursing certificate on nursing and multi-disciplinary approach in the health care field as follows:

·         Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Online & On campus)

·         Post-master’s Certificate in Health Systems Administration)

·         Post-Master’s Nursing Case Management

·         Multidisciplinary Certificate in Gerontology (Baccalaureate candidates)

Doctorate Nursing Degrees

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)

The DNP terminal degree is open for both MSN and BSN prepared registered nurses. MSN candidates must have completed their specialty in any advanced practice nurse (APN) program or a health systems administration (HSA).  Similarly, at DNP level, students must choose an area of concentration in either APN-adult or pediatric nursing or HSA.

The curriculum for post-MSN students consist of 36-45 credits depending on the concentration area chosen. For post-BSN students, the curriculum is longer and consists of 72 semester credits. Both are available on a full time study plan.

PhD Nursing

The PhD program prepares MSN graduates to be nurse scholars on full time or part time study plans. The 48-credit hour program takes 5 years/ 10 semesters and 4 years/8 semesters for part time and full time plans respectively.

Contact:
Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange,
NJ 07079

JFK Medical Center Nursing Program Review

JFK Medical Center (JFKMC) was formed in 1967 serving a tri-county area of Somerset, Union, and Middlesex. The medical center offers out-patient and in-patients specialty treatment health services. Besides offering medical services, JFK Medical Center is home to the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools which offer a range of academic medical programs including therapeutic sciences, nursing, and medical imaging.

Nursing Programs at JKF Medical Center

Nursing programs at JFK Medical Canter are offered at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of nursing. It is one of the 5 medical schools under the JFK medical system. The nursing programs are offered as a cooperative effort between JFK and Union County College.  There are 3 tracks towards the registered nursing licensure. A fourth program; Pathways to BSN is a registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track with Rutgers, Kean University, and Wagner College.

The 3 tracks are a Generic program, a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to RN track, and an Accelerated track. A fifth program also not affiliated with Union County College is a special nursing program specifically designed for single parents. Graduates are awarded a diploma from the medical center and an associate degree from Union County College. The programs have joint accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission with Union County College.

Generic Track

The generic track is for entry-level students who do not have prior nursing experience. The track has a curriculum of 75 credits: 38 of general education and 37 of nursing. All general education courses are offered at Union College while JFK faculty teaches the nursing component.

General education courses can be taken at multiple campuses of UCC namely Plainfield, Elizabeth, and Cranford while nursing courses are only offered at the school of nursing at Elizabeth campus. The track has day or evening/full or part-time and takes up to 5 semesters to complete. Students are awarded a diploma from JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing and an associate degree from Union. Graduates also become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Accelerated Track

The accelerated program is designed for non-nursing baccalaureate degree holders. It’s available on full-time and part-time options. Students ought to have completed the 38 general education courses either by transfer or from Union. Nursing classes start during the spring semester followed by a condensed 12-week summer session and a final fall semester. Courses in the 3 semesters are offered in an accelerated manner. The diploma and associate degree graduates become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

LPN to RN Track

This is for licensed practical nurses who wish to become registered nurses through advanced standing. Students take a 3-4 week full-time summer LPN to RN Transition course equivalent to 4 credits. These are held in an escrow account until the student completes the other program requirements.

In addition, students can be awarded advanced standing for up to 4 nursing courses equivalent to 20 credits. The track takes 3 semesters and 2 summer sessions if students have met pre-requisites requirements. Two of the nursing courses in the 2^nd and 3^rd semesters offer choices for day or evening plans.  Students receive the diploma and associate degrees and become eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam.

Pathways to BSN

This is a 5-semester full-time program designed for students planning to take a BSN immediately after the registered nurse’s program. This program incorporates 6 Kean University courses equivalent to 20 credits that count towards the associate and BSN degrees. 6 credits count toward the associate degree and 14 for the BSN. Students in this program must be enrolled at the three colleges: Union, JFK, and Kean.

Following completion of the RN requirements, students can proceed for the BSN at Kean University. Due to the double credits taken earlier, students only take another 3 semesters to complete the upper-division BSN at Kean. This track can also articulate to the RN to BSN programs at Rutgers, Wagner College.

Audrey Snyder Single Parent Program

This is a special program meant for single parents with a child aged between 5-10 years. Candidates must demonstrate academic motivation, personal responsibility and must be ready for a one-one interview with the dean.

Beneficiary student nurses receive tuition scholarships and a family residential unit during the entire program period. Students are also assigned to family and academic mentors to help them cope with time management, socialization, interpersonal relations, self-esteem, and conflict resolution among other counseling services.

Contact:
JKF Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison,
NJ 08820

Thomas Edison State College Nursing Program Review

Thomas Edison State College (TESC) was established in 1971 and was initially located in Princeton.  7 years later, the college moved to its current location in Trenton.  It is one of the colleges in the US founded with a mission to educate adult learners wishing to earn baccalaureate or graduate degrees. The college was named after one of the most renowned inventors who gained fame through self-directed learning. With its mission, it mainly offers completion programs to self-motivated adult learners who already have associate degrees.

Nursing Programs at Thomas Edison State College

The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing offers self-paced, flexible programs to meet the education advancement needs of registered nurses (RN). There is a RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)/ Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses with associate degrees. Candidates with a first bachelor degree can take the accelerated 2^nd degree BSN program.  At graduate level, there are 3 MSN concentration tracks and 3 post-master’s certificate tracks for the same. The programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

RN-BSN/MSN Programs

This online program offers two options for highly experienced registered nurses to earn a BSN and (or) a MSN simultaneously.

RN to BSN

This track is for registered nurse graduates of associate or diploma nursing programs. It is an open enrollment and self-paced program that allows RNs to save both on time and resources.  The program is also unique in that there are no completion time limits as long as the student takes at least 3 credits in any 12-month period.

As part of the curriculum, registered nurses take 9 double-edged credits that can apply to the BSN and MSN curriculum. The program curriculum consists of 120 credits: 48 nursing, 60 in general education and 12 electives. Of the 48, 20 can be transferred from the earlier program while 28 upper division nursing courses must be completed at TESC.  Most of the 60 general education credits can be transferred depending on relevance to those at TESC.

RN to MSN Program

This track enables students to earn the BSN and MSN degrees simultaneously with the same format as the RN/BSN track. Students must complete the RN/BSN curriculum first including the earlier mentioned double-edged graduate 9 credits. When the BSN curriculum is completed, students only need to take another 27 graduate credits to earn a MSN degree. Besides the Master degree, registered nurses are also awarded a graduate nursing certificate.  At the MSN level, nurses can choose to become prepared in the following specialties:

• Nurse Educator
• Nurses Administrator
• Nursing Informatics Specialist

Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN Program

Thomas Edison offers the Accelerated 2^nd degree BSN program to baccalaureate graduates with degrees other than nursing. The program prepares career shifters to become professional nurses in a short 1-year period. The curriculum consists of 120 credits, 60 in general education and can be transferred from the earlier program.   

The curriculum is delivered in a hybrid of both classroom and asynchronous online modes. The onsite courses are for courses with a clinical component and are scheduled 2 days per week at Trenton campus of TESC. Classes last for 4 terms of 12 weeks each of full time and rigorous study. In this case, students are advised to give-up employment during this period. Upon completion, students become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing program at Thomas Edison State College is an online program designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses. The program is open to self-directed registered nurses who wish to learn on their own and earn graduate degrees with little effort from faculty.  This is in-line with the mission of college.  The MSN program is unique in that all students who earn the MSN degree are also awarded a graduate certificate in their respective area of specialty. There are three tracks as listed below all of which require 36 graduate credits to complete:

• Nurse Educator
• Nurses Administrator
• Nursing Informatics Specialist

Graduate Nursing Certificate Programs

The school of nursing also offers graduate nursing certificates in all the MSN specialties listed above. The tracks are designed for MSN-prepared nurses who wish to earn certification in education, administration or informatics. Each certificate program has a curriculum of 18 credits most of which are offered online.

Diversity Nursing Program

The school of nursing also runs a 20-week online nursing program designed for minority nurses educators at no extra cost to the minority nurse participant. This program is designed to train and certify minority nurse educators on how to teach/deliver online faculty services.

This program enables minority nurse educators to become nurse educators at the TESC school of nursing or their respective nurses educators home institution. The advantage of this program is that it enables nurse educators to continue offering online teaching services beyond the retirements and across boundaries.  Beneficiaries are also entered in a Minority Nurse Educators Online Database where they can be sourced for their services by any school of nursing in the US.

Note: This program was started as a continuation of the stopped diversity nursing program funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The earlier program had the same mission and objective but funding was only for the period of 2006 to 2011. The current program is funded by TESC

Contact:
Thomas Edison State College
101 W. State Street, Trenton,
NJ 08608

Trinitas School of Nursing Review

Trinitas School of Nursing (TSON) has a long history dating back to 1891.The school of nursing was founded by the Elizabeth General Education Ladies Aid to be center of professional nurses training. It was established as part of Elizabeth General Hospital which later became Trinitas Regional Medical Center (TRMC). Coming from a diploma nursing school, the Trinitas School of Nursing started offering associate degrees after its affiliation with Union County College.

Trinitas School of Nursing Programs

Trinitas school of nursing boasts to be a Center of Excellence in nursing education; a recognition given by the National League for Nursing.  It offers a cooperative nursing program with Union County College. The two registered nurse (RN) tracks are a generic track and a RN completion track for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  The school also has an onsite Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) BSN/MSN as a cooperative program with College of St Elizabeth. An orientation/bridge program of both classroom and clinical learning is also offered at the hospital to help novice RN become acquainted with hospital environments. The programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

The Generic Nursing Program

The cooperative program is taught by faculty from both Trinitas School of nursing and Union county college.  Prior to admission, candidates must complete a college placement test from either college and drop their applications at any of the two schools. Students have the advantage of completing the program at multi-campus sites of Union county college.

This program requires 75 credits to complete and takes four semesters in two and a half years. All general education and science courses are completed at Union County College campuses namely Elizabeth, Cranford and Plainfield campuses. On the other hand, all nursing courses are offered at the Trinitas School of nursing at the Elizabeth Campus.  Of the 75 credits, 38 are of nursing courses and 37 are of general education and science courses. Students can choose between the full time or part time plans for the day, evening or weekend classes. 

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students graduate with an Associate of Science in nursing degree awarded by Union college and a Diploma in nursing from Trinitas School of Nursing. Graduates also become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

LPN to RN Completion Program

This program enables LPN to gain advanced standing towards the generic nursing program. Candidates must show proof of current New Jersey LPN licensures and must have graduated from a nationally accredited college. Successful students are admitted every fall semester to take two LPN to RN transition courses for which they receive advanced standing credits.

The program is offered as evening option only with a flexibility of 3 evening classes per week schedule. With this plan, LPNs can complete the program within one and a half years including a summer session.  Just like the generic track, students are awarded a diploma from Trinitas and an associate degree from Union. They also become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Onsite Articulation Options

The Trinitas School of nursing has onsite BSN and MSN programs for students wishing to earn a BSN or MSN.  The programs are a joint effort between Trinitas Regional Medical Center and College of St-Elizabeth. This plan is also open to all Trinitas RN employees who wish to take advantage of professional experiential learning to earn credits.

Such employees need to submit their professional experience at Trinitas and take a professional assessment like CLEP in order to earn credits. Additional credits may be earned by following usual transcript evaluations. The program has yet another advantage of offering discounted tuition fees and deferral of payment to participants from Trinitas.

Contact:
Trinitas School of Nursing
40 W. Jersey Street, Elizabeth,
NJ 07202

Union County College Nursing Program Review

Founded in 1933, Union County College (UCC) boasts to be the oldest serving community college in New Jersey. The college was established to meet career minded and transfer oriented higher education needs of Union County residents. The college has established a large county presence in both urban and suburban sites through its 3 satellite campuses in Scotch Plains, Elizabeth, and Plainfield in addition to the main campus in Cranford. Union College offers 2-year associate degrees, certificate, continuing education and professional development programs.

Nursing at Union County College

Health care academic programs including nursing are one of the strongholds of UCC. The college offers two categories of cooperative nursing programs. The first cooperative program is with JKF medical center school of nursing. Through JKF’s Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder School of nursing, Union offers 3 registered nurses (RN) tracks namely:

•          Generic Track
•          Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN track
•          Accelerated RN track

The second cooperative program is offered with Trinitas Regional Medical Center School of nursing. Through this plan, UCC offers the first 2 listed RN tracks. Independently, UCC also offers one of the only two nationally accredited practical nursing programs in the state. The RN tracks are jointly accredited with JKFMuhlenberg Harold b. & Dorothy Snyder school of nursing by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In the cooperative plans, JKF and Trinitas award a diploma while Union awards an associate degree.

Practical Nursing

This is a one-year program that prepares entry-level candidates to join the nursing career. The program is one of the only two such programs accredited by the NLNAC alongside Salem Community College. It is also the only program that UCC offers independently without a cooperative plan. Admission into the program is limited and depends on the number of pre-requisite courses a candidate has completed at the time of application. Preference in selection is given to candidates who have completed or taking pre-requisites courses at UCC.

The curriculum is delivered on site or through distance as is found fit by the college.  Students can also choose from the Day track or the Evening/weekend option: for which the distance learning mode can be used. For all students, clinical practice can be scheduled in day, weekend or evening sessions.  A maximum of 53 credits are required for graduation with a Practical Nursing Certificate. Graduates also become eligible to take the NLCEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses.

Nursing Trinitas

These 2 programs are jointly offered with Trinitas School of nursing located in UCC Elizabeth campus.

• The Generic Program-Trinitas Nursing

This cooperative program is taught by faculty from both Trinitas School of nursing and Union county college.  Prior to admission, candidates must complete a college placement test from either college and drop their applications at any of the two schools. Students have the advantage of completing the program at multi-campus sites of Union county college.

This program awards requires 75 credits to complete and takes four semesters in two and a half years. All general education and science courses are completed at Union County College campuses namely Elizabeth, Cranford and Plainfield campuses. On the other hand, all nursing courses are offered at the Trinitas School of nursing at the Elizabeth Campus.  Of the 75 credits, 38 are of nursing courses and 37 are of general education and science courses. Students can choose between the full time or part time plans for the day, evening or weekend classes. 

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students graduate with an Associate of Science in nursing degree awarded by Union college. They are also awarded a Diploma in nursing from Trinitas School of Nursing. Graduates also become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

• LPN to RN Completion Program

This program enables LPN to gain advanced standing towards the generic nursing program. Candidates must show proof of current New Jersey LPN licensures and must have graduated from a nationally accredited college. Successful students are admitted every fall semester to take two LPN to RN transition courses for which they receive advanced standing credits.

The program is offered as evening option only with a flexibility of 3 evening classes per week schedule. With this plan, LPNs can complete the program within one and a half years including a summer session.  Just like the generic track, students are awarded a diploma from Trinitas and an associate degree from Union. They also become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Onsite Articulation Options

The Trinitas School of nursing has an onsite BSN/MSN program for students wishing to move smoothly and earn a BSN or MSN.  The program is a joint effort between Trinitas and College of St-Elizabeth. This plan is also open to all Trinitas Hospital employees who wish to use professional Experiential Learning to earn Credits.  Such employees need to submit their professional experience at Trinitas and take a professional assessment in order to earn credits.

Nursing Muhlenberg

The 3 nursing programs under this plan are offered through UCC and JKF’s Medical Center School of nursing.

• Generic Track

The generic track is the traditional track designed for entry-level candidates. Just like the prior generic track with Trinitas, general education courses are offered by UCC while nursing courses are taught by JKF Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder School of nursing.  The program takes five semesters and students are awarded a diploma from Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder School of nursing.

• Accelerated Track

The accelerated track is open to candidates who have completed all prerequisites courses preferably at Union. The admission requirements for this program are similar to those of the generic track. Those who have met this requirement take another three accelerated semesters of nursing courses including a 12-week summer semester.  These courses are offered at Muhlenberg Harold B & Dorothy Snyder School of nursing.

Just like the generic track, students are awarded a diploma and an associate degree from JKF and Union respectively. Students also become academically prepared to take the NLCEX-RN to become registered nurses.

• LPN to RN Track

The LPN to RN track is designed for practical nurses that hold valid New Jersey licenses. It is also designed to accept articulation graduates from UCC’s practical nursing program who wish to become registered nurses.

Students are admitted on summer session I to complete a LPN Transition Course followed by summer session II for science courses. This is then followed by another three normal semesters for nursing courses. Students receive a minimum of 12 credits in advanced standing after taking the transition course. Completion of the coursework leads to eligibility to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse besides earning the diploma and associate degree.

Contact:
Union County College
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford,
NJ 07016

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Nursing School Review

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is a complex story of numerous merges, renaming and relocations. Its history can be traced back to 1954, to the then Seton Hall College of Medicine and Dentistry located in Jersey City. From that point, the college became affiliated with numerous medical schools, hospitals and medical centers coupled with change of names and locations. It finally adopted the current name in 1981 and became the largest public health science University of that time. The school of nursing is one of the 8 academic set-ups opened in 1992 as the 7^th school at UMDNJ.

UMDNJ-School of Nursing Programs

The UMDNJ school of nursing primarily operates from the Newark campus but offers nursing programs at the Stratford campus too. It is a relatively large school that offers nursing degrees from the undergraduate level to the terminal degrees. At the undergraduate level, the university offers only 2 options for students seeking a 2^nd degree in nursing: freshmen entrants do not have a chance at UMDNJ.

For graduate candidates, there are 11 tracks for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and 7 options for the Post-masters certificate programs. A special women’s health initiative program offers 6 MSN tracks covering women health concerns. What’s more, 4 of this are dual MSN degree programs! For the terminal degrees, UMDNJ has a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a multidisciplinary PhD in Urban Health and a Post-BSN DNP in Pediatrics. The university also offers statewide continuing education opportunities for registered nurses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-BSN

Apparently, UMDNJ does not offer entry-level / traditional nursing degrees for students coming as freshmen. Instead, it offers only 2^nd degree options for career changers wishing to enter professional nursing.

Accelerated BSN Program

This is a fast –paced pre-licensure program designed for students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field from a nationally accredited school. The program offers a 62 pre-licensure credits curriculum meant to prepare students to take the NLCEX-RN exam. Students ought to have completed all general education and prerequisites courses before starting on the nursing courses. Most of this though can be satisfied from the previous degree.

The curriculum is rigorous and is offered on a full time plan only at the Newark and Stratford Campuses. It takes four consecutive semesters over a period of 15 months to complete graduation requirements. It is therefore recommended that students are not employed during the course of the 15 months. Upon completion, a 2nd degree Bachelor of Science in nursing is awarded. Graduates also become eligible to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

BSN Degree Part-time Program

This program is similar to the accelerated track in term of the type candidates and number of required courses for graduation. The only difference is the time taken to complete the graduation requirements. While the former takes 15 months, the part time program runs for 30 months. New students are admitted every summer semester to start on the 62 pre-licensure courses. Courses are taught in the evening and weekends only.

This program is currently offered at the Newark Campus but a replica of the same will be started at the Stratford campus by the end of 2013. The Stratford campus option will be admitting students once annually for classes begging spring semester. Courses in the Stratford campus are expected to be part time day for theory and weekends for clinical rotations. Just like the accelerated track, graduates become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN to make the switch to professional nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing

MSN programs at UMDNJ are offered at both campuses of the school of nursing. This category consists of the most nursing programs at the university including the special women’s health initiative tracks. In total, 18 distinct tracks are offered excluding post-master’s certificate options available for most of the MSN tracks.

All RNs must have at least 1 year working experience with exceptions of a few tracks. Additionally core courses can be completed any semesters online or on site for all tracks. Graduates become eligible to take national certification exams in their respective areas of concentration. All tracks are meant for BSN-prepared students and are as follows:

• Adult/ Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

This track is has a curriculum of 42 credits and is available in full time or part time options at Newark and Stratford. Candidates for this track must have an additional 2 years clinical experience besides the 1 year RN experience

• Adult Health Nurse Practitioner

Has a curriculum of 41 credits available in both full time and part options at Newark and Stratford

• Dual Adult Health Nurse Practitioner &Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

This is a dual MSN track can graduates can become certified in both nurse practitioner areas. It has a curriculum of 50 credits available in both full time and part options at both campuses

• Advanced Community Health Leadership

This track is available in two options: option I is 36credits and option II is 34 credits. The first option is for students who take 2 public health courses while option II is for students to choose one doctor of nursing practice course in addition to the other degree requirements. It is also available in both full time and part times plans.

• Clinical Leadership MSN Program

This 33-credit track is available as a 5-semester part time option and is only offered at the Newark campus. Application for this tracks are accepted all-year round

• Family Health Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

This track is has a curriculum of 46 credits and is available in full time or part time. Core courses can be completed any semesters online or on site.

· Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care MSN Program

This track requires students to have a t least 2 years nursing experience working in emergency care setting. The 59-credit hour curriculum can be completed in part time or full time study plans.

· Gerontological Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

This tracks leads to certification in caring for older adults. It requires 38 credit hours which can be complete in full time and part time options.

· Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia

The nurse anesthesia program is relatively new and has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs. Candidates must meet additional admission requirements like having both New York and New Jersey valid and current registered nurse license. In addition, they must show evidence of at least 2 years working experience in intensive care units or surgery rooms. Since it a very competitive program, only candidates with very high GPA scores-above 3.0

It is only offered at the Newark campus on a full time basis-strictly no part time plans. It has a relatively large curriculum of 72 credit hours. New students are admitted at Newark every fall semester to embark on a rigorous study period of 28 months-7 semesters. Graduates become eligible to take the national examination to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

· Nursing Education MSN Program

This 40-credits track is offered online with choices of full time and part time completion plans. It offers graduates an added advantage in that, by the end of the curriculum, students will have completed 6 graduates that can be transferred to the DNP program. These are part of the 40 and count towards both degrees

· Nursing Informatics MSN Program

The track consists of 38-graduates credit and can be completed onsite at both campuses or completely online. Students participate in identifying suitable and convenient clinical sites for their clinical practicum sessions.

Women’s Health Initiative MSN tracks

· Nurse Midwifery

This is a single track consisting of 50 credit hours available at both campuses. It can be completed on part time plan or a 5-term full time plan. It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

· Dual Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Midwifery MSN Program

This program enables registered nurses to become certified advanced practice nurses in the two mentioned areas. A total of 53 credits well distributed between the two areas must be completed in order to gain eligibility for the dual certification. It is offered onsite at the 2 campuses.

· Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

This track concerns issues affecting women across the lifespan. It is a 43-credit track designed to be completed onsite on part time or full time study plans.

· Dual Women’s Health & Adult Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

This dual track enables registered nurses to earn certification in the two areas of concentration. The dual program has a curriculum of 57 credit hours offered both campuses in part time or full time study modes.

· Dual Adult Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery MSN Program

This track is offered on a full time basis only at the Newark and Stratford campuses. It enables students take certification exams in the two areas after completion of 68-credits hours in a period of 6 terms.

· Dual Nurse Midwifery & Family Health Nurse Practitioner

This dual track is also offered on site at both campuses on a full time basis only. 7 terms are required to complete the 68-credit hour curriculum. Graduates become eligible for certification in both concentrations.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program

UMNDJ offers a number of post-master’s certificate programs in most of the MSN tracks explained above. MSN-prepared students can seek certification in the following specialties:

• Nurse Midwifery
• Nursing Informatics

Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner tracks

• Adult Health
• Acute and Critical Care
• Gerontology
• Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care
• Family Health

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This is a practice-focused program designed for MSN-prepared students. It offers students two concentration focuses:

· Direct care tracks- Family, Individuals and Population

· Indirect Care tracks- Systems and Organization

The 40-credit curriculum is offered in an executive education mode that enables students to work full time and still study full time. Courses are in blocks in that one course must be completed before starting the next with a break between each course. Each course is designed to take one month and students meet every start and end of the course for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The track takes 6 full time semesters of 2 years to complete.

Post-BSN DNP- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

This, unlike the above DNP is designed for baccalaureate registered nurses seeking a doctorate degree. It is relatively new as the first class was admitted in January 2012. Post –BSN students will take the advanced practice role in pediatric nursing. The curriculum consists of 83 credits offered part time and full time at Newark and Stratford campuses.

PhD in Urban Systems

This is a multidisciplinary research-oriented program involving public health/urban health and policies around this area. It is offered collaboratively by UMDNJ, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers-Newark.

Continuing Education (CE)

UMDNJ offers quite a number CEs for Advanced practices nurses/registered nurses. Some in this category include a nurse residency program, RN refresher clinical and theory courses, pharmacology, prescriptions among others.

Contact:
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
150 Bergen Street, Newark,
NJ 07103

Warren County Community College Nursing Program Review

Warren County Community College (WCCC) started offering classes in 1981 as a “College without Walls”. It relied on property from local high schools to offer college courses. It was accredited to offer 2-year degrees in 1988. WCCC moved to its current and permanent location in west Washington in 1996 where tremendous developments have been done.  Currently, WCCC offers about 33 2-year degree and 10 certificate programs in addition to the numerous continuing education opportunities for professional and personal development.  It operates from the main campus and the Philipsburg Education Center in Philipsburg.

Nursing at Warren County Community College

WCCC has a registered nurse program designed to prepare entry-level students take the NCLEX-RN exam. It is a 2-year associate degree program designed to allow students transfer to 4-year colleges to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. In the Career/Continuing Education category, Warren offers a short nursing assisting course, a rehabilitation course and a number of online-nursing continuing education courses. The associate program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This short course is offered under the career/ continuing education category of WCCC. It is open to any 18 year olds who hold a high school and wishing to enter the nursing profession at the basic level. It is a state approved 100-hour program designed to train students to take roles as direct patient caregivers. Upon completion, students become eligible to take the state certification exams for nursing assistants.

Rehabilitation Aide

This program is a 45-hour an extension of the CNA core curriculum program. Students who do not have the CNA core curriculum can take a 12-hour CNA prerequisite preparatory course before taking the rehab aide.

Nurse Education

Associate in Science Nursing (ASN) Program

This program is offered to students seeking entry-level positions in professional nursing as registered nurses. An initial application into the college must be completed and if accepted, students become designated as Nursing Intents. At this time, they complete all general education and prerequisite courses.  This portion can be completed during the day or evening schedules. After successful completion of this portion a second application is needed for the nursing program.

Admission for the nursing course is a limited and competitive. This means that scores from the nursing intent courses completed earlier and a Pre-nursing exam are used for selection on a point system in addition to high school GPA scores.

After admission into the nursing portion, students take nursing courses over a period of 4 semesters. This portion is only offered during the day for both clinical and theory courses. Generally, the entire curriculum for the program consist of 69 credits: 34 nursing credits and 35 general education credits. Successful completion of coursework makes the students eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The program is also suitable for students intending to transfer to a four-year college/university to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Online Health Professions Programs

WCCC is an approved provider of American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission continuing education courses. Some courses offered in this category include:

• Certificate in Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
• Certificate in End of Life Care
• Certificate in Growth and Development Through the Lifespan
• Certificate in Gerontology

Contact:
Warren County Community College
475 Route 57, West Washington,
NJ 07882

William Paterson University Nursing School Review

William Paterson University (WPU), also known as William Paterson University of New Jersey was established in the mid 19^th century as Paterson City normal school. It remained as a teacher training school until 1936 when it offered its first general college courses to non-teacher students, including a nursing program by 1939. In 1951, the college relocated from Paterson to its current location in Wayne; in the former vice president’s estate. Owing to the increased and diversified academic programs, the “state teachers college” name was replaced with WP College in honor of the vice president. It finally received university status in 1997.

Nursing at William Paterson University

WUP has quite a number of nursing programs to offer at undergraduate, graduate and doctorate level. A generic Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), an accelerated/ fast track for second degree students and a Registered nurse (RN) to BSN completion track are available at undergraduate level. Four Master of Science in nursing (MSN), two post-master’s certificate and a school nurse certificate programs are offered for graduate students. Students seeking a terminal nursing degree can apply for the Post-MSN doctor of nursing practice (DNP). The programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Generic Program-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This track offers a traditional 4-year pre-licensure curriculum in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. The generic BSN program has well outlined sequences of courses that ensure all general education, science and prerequisites courses are completed before any nursing courses can be taken. These are all concentrated in the freshman and sophomore years of the generic track. No single nursing course is offered during 1^st and 2^nd year.  Students can choose to complete this portion through online, evening, day or weekend schedules.

After finishing the general education portion, students can start on the nursing upper division courses. One need not apply again to the upper division nursing sequence that begins both fall and spring semesters. This sequence is taken at the junior and senior years and has a curriculum of 57-60 credits.  All courses are taken on campus but there are daytime part time and full time options. However, part time students must complete the upper division portion within 3 year-6 semesters from the time of starting.

Upon successful completion, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Graduates also become eligible to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses.

Accelerated BSN Degree – Fast Track Option

The fast track BSN option was designed for baccalaureate degree holders with non-nursing degrees and seeking a BSN. However, since the review of the format of their generic BSN curriculum (1^st & 2^nd years general education and 2^nd &3^rd years upper division), the fast track option has been suspended.  This means that WP has ceased accepting applications for this particular track. However, after a new review of the requirements of a fast track is made, the university will resume offering it. This is projected to be towards the end of 2013.

RN to BSN Program

This program is for registered nurses who hold a current New Jersey Licensure and want to complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Candidates must have graduated from a nationally accredited associate or diploma program. The BSN program at WPU requires 120 credits to complete. The RN will however receive most credits in the lower division credits upon admission and validation of transferable courses. A maximum of 70 credits can be transferred from a community college.

Any outstanding general education courses can be completed online or in evening schedules. The upper division nursing courses are generally designed for day schedules with a few courses being offered in the evening. Students can be accepted for general education course pending the RN licensure but must obtain the license before taking the nursing courses. Completion times differ among students depending on the number of credits transferred from the earlier program.

Master of Science in Nursing

The MSN program is for BSN-prepared nurses wishing to take the following functional roles:

• Adult Nurse Practitioner Track-40 credits
• Family Nurse Practitioner Track-48 credits
• Administrative Track-36 credits
• Educational Track-36 credits

Courses are offered on a full time or part time basis. Part time classes run Mon to Thursday once a week for 150 minutes per course, usually in the late evening. The program must be completed within six years. Students taking the education track on a full time basis are eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program; a federal loan program for nurse educator students.

Post-Master Certificates

WPU offers two Post-masters certificates in nursing namely:

• ·         Post Masters Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Program
• Post Masters Nurse Educator Certification Program

School Nurse Certification

This is a 36 credit post-baccalaureate non-degree program designed for registered nurses wishing to become school nurses. Applicants must have a current RN license and a bachelor degree in health education, nursing or community health.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The DNP program offers two concentration options for MSN-prepared students taking this practice-oriented terminal degree:

• Advanced practice administrative track- for MSN nurse administrators 
• Advanced practice clinical track-for MSN advanced practice nurses

Both tracks have a curriculum of 41 credit hours each designed to be completed in 7 semesters of part time study.

Contact:
William Paterson University of New Jersey
300 Pompton Road, Wayne,
NJ 07470

Colby-Sawyer College Nursing Program Review

Colby-Sawyer College (CSC) was established in 1837 when a group of ambitious New London citizens requested a Charter to operate a college. The team lead by Susan Colby served as teachers in the college which was then Co-ed. The family of Susan Colby generously donated to the college development and as such the college was named Colby Academy. In 1928, another ambitious president Leslie Sawyer helped change the college into a women’s college and renamed it Colby Junior College.  The junior college began offering baccalaureate degrees in 1943 and in 1975, the name was changed to Colby Sawyer College; reflecting names of two former presidents.

Nursing Program at Colby Sawyer College

Colby-Sawyer College offers one nursing program leading to the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Details of the program are given below

B. Science in Nursing

This sole nursing program at the college leads to the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The program has a curriculum with strong liberal arts foundation courses for the entry-level candidates.  Prospective students for this program must first apply into the college to take general education courses. Students who successfully complete the general education and liberal arts courses must then apply again to be admitted into the nursing major during the sophomore year.

Completing the general education pre-nursing portion does not guarantee students a place in the nursing major. The selection process is competitive and merit based and depends on the outcomes of the pre-nursing program. However, transfer students from other colleges have slim chances of getting admission into the program as preference is given to the students who have taken liberal arts courses from Colby Sawyer. Such students are evaluated on an individual basis and on space availability.

Colby-Sawyer College has formed partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical center where students of the college take most of their clinical practicum lessons.  Students visit the medical center once a week during the sophomore years and twice per week starting from the junior year. As part of program completion, students must take two capstone projects in the senior year. The two are a Clinical capstone and a Nursing Leadership Capstone. 

A total of 120 credits of both portions of the program are required to graduate from Colby Sawyer nursing program and all courses can be completed in 4years of 8 semesters. Completion of the curriculum leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and students will be eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Colby Sawyer Nurses Honor Society

There is a Colby-Sawyer College Honor Society chapter of the International Honor Society for Nurses. The honor society aims at improving the health of the community via dedicated scientific research and credible nursing practice. The members of this chapter are student nurses who maintain a GPA of 3.0 and rank among the top 35% of their nursing class.

Contact:
Colby-Sawyer College
541 Main Street, New London,
NH 03257

Great Bay Community College Nursing Program Review

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) has a long and complex history. From its founding year in 1945 as a State Trade School in Portsmouth, the college has undergone tremendous changes and numerous changes of names. The college has advanced from a trade school to a technical and vocational college and finally to the status of a community college it holds to date. The college had campuses in Manchester and Stratham but in 2008, when the college made its last name changes, all programs were concentrated at the pioneer campus leading to closure of the other two campuses.

The Nursing program at Great Bay Community College

Great bay community offers one nursing program that leads to the award of an associated degree in nursing.  The program is offered as a ladder program whereby, at pre-determined stages within the program, students can apply for licensure as Practical or assistant nurses. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.  There is also an advanced placement option for Licensed practical nurses who wish to complete the associate degree program to become registered nurses. Details are given below:

Nursing-Associate in Science

The associate degree in nursing at Great Bay community college provides a curriculum designed to prepare students to become registered nursing. Candidates for this program are expected to have completed their general education courses before applying. Eligible candidates must also complete a National League for Nursing (NLN) pre-admission RN exam no later than 2 weeks before application.

After admission into the program, students take 69 credits of nursing and supporting courses. Courses are designed to be completed in 4 semesters in 2 academic years. There are also full time and part time options of completing the program. However, part time students must complete the nursing courses within four years from the time of entry. Courses with clinical components may require evening or weekend sessions to complete clinical experience.

Matriculated students of this associate program receive a curriculum designed in such a way that students can apply for additional licensure. This is done prior to meeting all program requirements for the following arrangements:

• Nursing I- Additional Licensure as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
• Nursing II-Additional Licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Students must apply for such licensure from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Otherwise, completion of the entire program grants students educational eligibility to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Advanced Placement and Transfer Options

Students seeking transfer into the Associate degree in nursing at the college must have meet all prerequisite courses by challenging their prior courses. Transfer students need to take Excelsior College Exams in order to challenge transferable credits.

For Licensed Practical Nurses seeking advanced placement into the program, they should take 3 advanced placement exams from the same body. After advanced placement, students join the associate nursing program at the second year/ Nursing III level.  Completion of the advanced placement track leads to award of the Associate degree in nursing and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Contact:
Great Bay Community College
320 Corporate, Portsmouth,
NH 03801

Manchester Community College Nursing Program Review

Manchester Community College (MCC) history can be traced back to 1945 when it opened doors to students as State Trade School of Manchester. The school was established with the aim of offering quick career entry options for soldiers returning from the Second World War. As such, the college initially offered technical career training programs only. Through a long history, the college has had numerous changes of names and relocations in three different sites before settling to the current location in Manchester City Center. It prides to be the 2^nd largest Community College in the state and offers 2-year degrees, professional development, certificate and transfer programs.

Nursing at Manchester Community College

The college has one nursing program on offer that leads to the award of an associate degree in nursing. The curriculum of the program is designed in such a way that prior to finishing the entire program requirements, students can apply for licensure as Nursing Assistants or Practical Nurses. This kind of a ladder program is also exhibited in other community colleges in the state. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.  Practical nurses may also seek advanced placement in the associate program as will be explained below.

Nursing

The nursing program at Manchester Community College leads to the award of an Associate of Science in nursing degree. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to become Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide direct patient care. Candidates for this program must have completed prerequisites course prior to making an application. Admission occurs every fall semester and candidates must have submitted their application by January 1^st every year. If the class is not filled by the end of that date, applications may be extended to the 1^st of July.

Prior to admission, students must complete the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission exams for Registered nurses. This exam together with the outcomes of the prerequisites courses are used on a cumulative point system for competitive selection of the successful candidates. Usually, the 70 credit curriculum is designed to be completed in 4 semesters of 2 academic years on a full time basis.  However, students may choose the part time option but nursing courses must be completed within 4 years after enrollment. Clinical experiences may include evenings and weekends on a dynamic schedule with regard to times and locations.

Successful completion of the program grants the student eligibility to write the NLCEX-RN to become a registered nurse. However, as a ladder kind-of program, matriculated students may apply for additional licensure within the courses of the program besides the final RN licensure. In this case, students must apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) after completing the following:

Nursing I- Licensure as Licensed Nursing Assistant (NLA)

Nursing II- Licensure as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Advanced Placement or Transfer

Transfer and advanced placement for LPNs is based on space availability. Such students who wish to get into the associate program must have completed prerequisite courses prior to admission.  Transfer students must take the Excelsior college exams in order to challenge their transferable credits. Practical nurses must hold active LPN licensure in New Hampshire to be allowed to apply. Additionally, they must take Advanced Placement into Nur112 course from Excelsior to be secure advanced placement in the 2^nd year of the associate of science in nursing program.

Transfer to 4-year Colleges/ Universities

Manchester Community College has articulation agreements with a number of 4-year colleges and universities to ensure their nursing program graduates transfer flawlessly to a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. These are:

• Emmanuel College
• New England College
• St. Joseph’s College of Maine
• Endicott College,
• Rivier College
• University of New Hampshire

A dual admission program for MCC nursing program and Franklin Pierce University for their Bachelor of Science in nursing program is also available.

Contact:
Manchester Community College
1066 Front St, Manchester,
NH 03102

Nashua Community College Nursing Program Review

Nashua Community College (NCC) founded in 1970 forms part of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). The college received its current name in 2008 together with the other six community colleges in the state from the common New Hampshire Community Technical Colleges. As a community college, the main emphasis is on two-year degree programs meant for career-entry or for transfer purposes. It also offers certificate courses, workforce development, non-credit courses and lifelong learning opportunities to the residents of Nashua and beyond.

The Nursing Program at Nashua Community College

Like all other community colleges under CCSNH, Nashua Community College department of nursing offers one nursing program that leads to the award of an Associate of Science in nursing degree. The program is fully approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Licensed Practical Nurses from the state are also welcome to seek advanced placement into the associate nursing program to become registered nurses. More details about this program are given below:

Nursing

The curriculum of the Associate of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare students to become registered nurses. The curriculum leads to educational eligibility of students to apply and write the NLCLEX-RN exam for licensure as registered nurses.

Candidates for this program are expected to take the TEAS V test from the Assessment Technology Institute before applying to the program. Potential students are also expected to have completed pre-requites courses before making their applications. During the competitive selection, the TEAS V test scores and those of earlier pre-requisites courses are considered. It is also worth noting that preference is given to New Hampshire residents. This means that out-of-state candidates are considered on a space-availability basis. 

Upon admission, students can choose between the 2-year or 3-year curriculum plans to complete the 71 nursing and supporting courses. Unlike the 2-year study plan, the 3-year plan has a lighter course-load per semester and also has a summer session. All courses must be completed within five years after taking the first nursing course. Completion of the coursework grants students eligibility to apply for NLCEX-RN exam.

Advanced Placement and Transfer

Transfer students wishing to get admitted into the nursing program must submit their transcripts for credit transferability evaluation.  Such credits must not be more than five years old and must carry a grade not lower than B- (Minus). On the other hand, Licensed Practical Nurses in the state are welcome to challenge up-to 7 nursing credits through standardized exams. All other general courses may also be evaluated for transferability. Un-licensed practical nursing graduates who meet all the associate of science in nursing admission requirements may also be considered for admission.

Continuing Education for Nursing Graduates

Nashua Community College encourages graduates of the nursing program to take advantage of the articulation agreements between the college and other 4-year colleges. Such agreements that ensure smooth transition into baccalaureate nursing programs have been maintained with:

• Rivier College
• Franklin Pierce University
• University of New Hampshire
• St. Joseph College of Maine

Contact:
Nashua Community College
505 Amherst Street, Nashua,
NH 03063

New Hampshire Technical Institute Nursing Program Review

New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI), the college destined to become Concord’s Community College was founded in 1965 as an engineering college. Years later, the college introduced non- engineering programs and this warranted the change of name to represent the modern status yet giving credit to the past. The college offers about 30 associate degree programs, 30 certificate programs and the only diploma in Practical Nursing. It is one of the colleges that offer all its programs in one campus location.

Nursing Programs at NHTI
The college offers three nursing programs: two leading to the associate degree in nursing and the only diploma in the college in practical nursing.  The programs are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Besides the mainstream programs, the college also offers Continuing Education for nurses.  The College has also recently been approved by the American Bar Association to start offering a Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate.

Nursing Program Practical Nursing Diploma

The practical nursing program offers a curriculum that prepares students to take the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Prior to admission, students must complete a NHTI placement testing. Admission is very competitive and selection is based on cumulative point system derived from the score from the placement and prerequisite college courses.

Classes commence in January each year and progresses for three semesters including a summer semester. The coursework is designed to be completed in one year of full time study otherwise; students can take more time but not exceed two years from admission date. A total of 42-43 credits are required to become eligible to graduate with a Practical Nursing Diploma and take the NCLEX-PN exam.

Nursing Associate Degree

The nursing associate program offers a curriculum designed to prepares students to become registered nurses by taking the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission is competitive and is also based on the cumulative system point system as of the practical nursing program.  Those students who make their applications before November 21^st may be considered for an Early Action Admission. The program has two entry options: a Day Option for entry-level students and a LPN-RN Advancement Option. Admission occurs every fall semester.

For the generic day option, students must take 72-73 credits at NHTI community college which can be completed in 2 years but not in more than 4 years. Satisfactory completion of the coursework awards the students an Associate in Science in nursing degree: a transferable degree. Students also become eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN).

Nursing Program LPN-RN Advancement Option

LPNs who wish to become registered nurses are welcomed to take this route. Candidates must have current LPN licenses for the state of New Jersey to be allowed to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Acceleration Challenge Exam.  The scores for this exam are used for selection purposes. After admission, students take a LPN-RN Advancement Course to receive advanced placement into the associate degree.

Nursing Professional Development

New Hampshire Technical Institute  is an approved provider of nursing Continuing Education through the state’s board of nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The college also offers a certificate program for those interested in becoming legal nurse consultants.

Articulation Agreements

RN graduates from NHTI have the opportunity to take advantage of the existing articulation agreements. This enables them to transfer seamlessly to the Bachelor of Science in nursing programs in the following universities:

• University of New England
• Franklin Pierce University
• University of New Hampshire

Contact:
New Hampshire Technical Institute
31 College Drive, Concord,
NH 03301

River Valley Community College Nursing Program Review

River Valley Community College (RVCC) was founded in 1968 to meet the higher education needs of residents of Claremont. The college is located in a rural setting with a rich and diverse culture of students from all walks of life. In the effort to reach-out to more communities, the college has established an academic center at Keene. Qualified candidates can choose from the 19 associate degree programs and 19 certificate and diploma programs.

Nursing Programs at RVCC

River valley Community College has four nursing programs to offer to qualified candidates. Two of the tracks lead to an associated degree in nursing: an entry-level option and an advanced placement option for licensed practical nurses (LPN). There is also a practical nursing diploma and a nursing assistant certificate program. The programs are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The diploma and associate tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nursing Assistant Certificate

The Nursing Assistant certificate program prepares students to become licensed nursing assistants. The program consists of one course of 144 hours: 24 in clinical labs, 72 in supervised direct patient care and 48 of classroom theory instructions.  The course is scheduled to be completed in 8 weeks on a part time study plan: 2 evenings and 1 weekend day per week. After completion, students become eligible for national exams to become Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA) besides being awarded the Nursing Assistant Certificate from RVCC

Practical Nursing Diploma

The practical nursing program provides a curriculum that enables students become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Those seeking admission into this program must have completed a nursing assistant course and have a LNA license to practice in the state. Such status must be maintained throughout the program.  6 courses consisting of 31 credits must be taken at RVCC to be eligible to graduate with a practical nursing diploma. Satisfactory completion also leads to eligibility to take the NLCEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The curriculum for the associate degree in nursing prepares students to become registered nurses. Candidates must have a LNA license for New Hampshire to be allowed to apply to the program. In addition, students must also take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission exam.

Students need to complete 69 credit hours from either Claremont or Keene campuses or complete the general education courses prior joining the program. All nursing courses must be completed within 5 years from the date of entry into the program. Successful completion of the coursework grants eligible to apply and take the NLCEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Students are also awarded the Associate of Science in nursing degree; a degree that is both career-oriented and transferable.

Advanced Placement Option-For Practical Nurses

This is designed for LPNs who wish to earn an associate degree in nursing and become registered nurses. This program begins every summer where students take 4Transition PN to RN courses. Candidates whose credits from the practical nursing do not transfer automatically must complete an Accelerated Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 80%. This enables such students gain transferability their PN program credits.

After admission, students get matriculated in the associate program at the 2^nd year level. Satisfactory completion leads to the award of the Associate of Science in nursing besides gaining eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Transfer Options

River Valley Community College has articulation agreements to enable RN graduates to transfer seamlessly to complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from:

• Franklin Pierce University
• University of New Hampshire
• University of Vermont

Contact:
River Valley Community College
1 College Drive, Claremont,
NH 03743

Rivier College Nursing Program Review

Rivier College (RC) was established in 1933 as a catholic private college. The college was named in honor of Mary Rivier, the founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary.  The college was initially located in Hudson but 8 years down the line, it relocated to Nashua its current location. The college still follows the catholic tradition of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs that are grounded in its original mission of “Education of the Whole Person”.

Nursing Programs at Rivier College

The Division of Nursing at Rivier College offers both undergraduate and graduate level nursing programs. In the undergraduate category, the college has an associate degree track, advanced placement for practical nurses, a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing track and a completion program for Registered Nurses. At the graduate level, there are four Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks. The MSN tracks have two entry options each as will be explained below. All the programs are accredited by the National League in Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

Associate of Science in Nursing (Evening)

The Associate of Science in nursing (ASN) professional track is meant to prepare students to become competent registered nurses. This program is offered exclusively on an evening study plan therefore, a fit for students who wish to work during their study period. While completing the nursing courses, students take two evenings and choose between two weekend days or a 12-hour weekend day for clinical experience. Students also take 2 evenings for theory coursework per week.

72 credits are required to complete the program whereby, 42 credits are general education and 42 nursing courses. Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters with only one courses being offered in the summer session. Completion of the program awards the student an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and eligibility to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN).

Students may also seek transfer into the ASN program at Rivier. Rivier has articulation agreements with most Community Colleges in the state; most transfer students are accepted flawlessly. In the situation that the transfer students do not come from a school with articulation agreements with Rivier College, such students must be ready to complete half of the ASN courses at Rivier. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) seeking advanced placement to the ASN program are required to take a Nursing Transition course. This enables them to receive advanced placement in the 2^nd year of the ASN program.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BS (Online)

The RN to BS online degree is open to registered nurses from Rivier ASN program and any other from accredited diploma or associate nursing programs.  The curriculum is designed to build on prior nursing experience as students advance to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Due to its flexibility, it is suitable for RNs who wish to maintain their employment status while working towards their degree.

Generally, students must be able to transfer a minimum of 60 credits from their earlier program to be allowed to apply. If this requirement is met, 24 nursing major and 18 general education credits must be taken at Rivier in 2 years of full time study. Since the baccalaureate program requires 126 credits to complete, the remaining credits must be chosen from a pool of additional elective courses. Part time study plans can be arranged on an individual basis for students who wish to take 1-3 courses per semester. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after completion.

Professional Track Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Day)

The undergraduate nursing program is designed for recent high school graduate who wish to become registered nurses. The program is the form of a traditional 4-year full time day program that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. After admission into the program, students take core and general courses in the freshman year and start on nursing courses at the sophomore level. After completing all required courses at the junior year, students must apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam and be licensed as registered nurses.

Only students who take the NLCEX-RN exam at this level are allowed to progress to the senior year. Successful students who make it to the senior level must take a professional Capstone project to be eligible for graduation.  The entire program requires 57 general education and 66 nursing major credits. Additional credits must be taken from a pool of elective courses to fulfill the required 126 credits needed for the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Master of Science in Nursing

There are four graduate nursing tracks available at Rivier College. Each of these programs has two entry options as follows:

Bridge Option for Non-nursing Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses

This bridge option entry path is designed for registered nurses with a Baccalaureate degree in another non-nursing field. Since it is a generalist track students must take a post-master program to be eligible for certification in their respective areas.

RN to MS Option

This option is designed for the Registered nurse graduates of associate or diploma nursing programs. Candidates of this track must show prove of a current unrestricted RN license and at least two years of working experience. Unlike the former track, students in this option are eligible to apply for National Certification in their respective areas of the MSN chosen.

Following any of the two options explained above, students can chose the following Master of Science in nursing specialty areas:

• M.S Nursing (Adult Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [PMHNP]) Track
• M.S Nursing (Nurse Education [NE]) Track
• M.S Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner [FNP])Track

A M.S Nursing: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Degree Completion program that do not follow the above two options is also offered. It is meant for certified APRNS who wish to complete MSN degree requirements

Post-Master’s Certificates

Rivier College also offers Post-Master’s certificate programs in the following areas:

• Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing Education
• Family Nursing

Contact:
Rivier College
420 South Main Street, Nashua,
NH 03060

Saint Anselm College Nursing Program Review

Saint Anselm College (SAC) was established by the Benedictine Monks of St Mary’s Abbey in 1889. During its early years, the college offered philosophical and theological courses only. By 1895, the college was granted the power to offer other standardized degree programs with a strong liberal arts outlook.  To this date, the college holds on to its founding Benedictine traditions and is as such, strongly affiliated to the Catholic Church.

Nursing Programs at Saint Anselm College

Nursing programs at the college are offered by the department of nursing. The department has three programs: a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing completion track a traditional 4-year baccalaureate track and a program that offers Continuing Education. The programs have unconditional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The Continuing Education program is also approved through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses (RNs) complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree in a flexible and relatively short period. Candidates for this program must be in procession of an active and unrestricted RN license. Admitted students transfer most of their associate of diploma program credits to the BSN program.

Courses are covered in a flexible hybrid format of both online and on-site classes at the Manchester campus.  For full time students, coursework is designed to be completed in 15 months on a rotating 8-week schedule. However, for busy students course load per semesters is very flexible and has no minimum requirements. This means that students can take even one or two courses per semester on a rotating 7-week schedule on a part time study plan. Completion times for such plans vary depending on the number of courses taken per semester. A total of 120 credits must be completed through direct transfer, challenging exams and from Saint Anselm Courses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree curriculum is meant to train qualified students for initial licensure as registered nurses. It is a traditional 4-year baccalaureate program offered on a full time basis. Students are admitted as freshmen and starting on their first nursing courses at the 1^st year level. 120 credits are required for students to be eligible for graduation and applying for the NLCEX-RN to become licensed registered nurses.

Continuing Nursing Education (CNE)

The CNE department is an autonomous department but still operates within the Saint Anselm nursing department. The department is an approved provider of CNE through the states board of nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  The department offers courses that help nurses in New Hampshire and the larger New England Region to obtain Contact hours for license renewal.

The CNE department offers contact hours in form of conferences held in scheduled year-round times.  Conferences can be in the formats of multi-days, one-day, half-day or evening schedules. The College also offers a number of online continuing education courses.

Sigma Theta Tau- Epsilon Tau Chapter

Saint Anselm College has the Epsilon Tau chapter of the international honor society for nurses. Highly achieving senior year students are welcome to this chapter where scholarship, leadership and research to enhance the wellness of the society.

Contact:
Saint Anselm College
100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester,
NH 03102

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

Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health Nursing Program Review

Initially known as the Health Care Training Associates, Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health (SSNAH) serves the residents of Manchester, New Hampshire as a Vocational and technical nurses training center. This post-secondary vocational training center was established to meet the training needs of students who wish to enter the nursing or allied heath careers from the most basic entry-level points.  The school has a curriculum that aims at developing students nursing career with a strong base that enhances career mobility into higher nursing education.

Nursing Programs at Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health

Nursing programs are the major programs under this post-secondary vocational and technical training center. As a vocational centre, the education level does not go beyond the practical nursing level but serves the purpose of students wishing to start from the foundation level upwards.  The focus is on career-oriented, on-the-job training required for entry in employment in the healthcare field.

 Two programs under the nursing docket are a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Program and a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) track. The LPN track is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Specific details on each program are given below:

Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)

This program is offered at the Manchester campus and is meant to meet the education needs of students wishing to become nursing assistants. It is a 1-course program requiring 145 hours of both theory and clinical experience.  60 hours are dedicated for clinical experience and 85 hours for the theory component. The 60 clinical hours are completed at a long-term care facility while the theory and lab sessions are conducted at the Salter school of nursing.

The course gives emphasis on long term care, rehabilitation and acute care centers.  Students focus on Basic Life Support for adults, Infants and children patient groups.  Students serve an externship during their final term at Salter through assistance by the school’s Career Services Department to secure such externships. After completion, students become eligible to apply to New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) for licensure as nursing assistants.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Salter school of nursing provides the technical training that helps students meet the of the Board of Nursing standard requirements of a practical nurses. Students must have licensure as LNA prior to application into the program, otherwise, students must complete 145 hours of the LNA courses along with the LPN courses.

The program courses are taken in a period of 5 terms for nursing and supporting courses. The first term is short and entails current NLA license post assessment. Medical Assistants (MA) can also join the program after providing proof of licensure and official transcripts from the post-secondary education institution attended.

Coursework is designed to be completed during day or evening programs which require 24 hours of clinical experience per week on every weekend. Students may request for part time schedules to complete the coursework which can be arranged on an individual basis. Students also serve an externship during their final term at Salter through assistance by the school’s Career Services Department to secure such externships.

Contact:
The Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health
60 Rogers Street, Manchester,
NH 03103

University of New Hampshire Nursing School Review

University of New Hampshire (UNH) was founded in 1866 in Hanover to meet the education needs of rural families. In the early years, it was known as New Hampshire College of Agriculture. In 1893, the college received a land-grant in Durham and later, relocated from Hanover to the new and current location. It put more emphasis to liberal arts programs and by 1923; the college was offering a wide range of programs.  This led to a legislature that changed its name to University of New Hampshire to reflect the expanded and more diverse programs.

Nursing Programs at New Hampshire University

Nursing programs in the university are offered in the College of Health and Human Services. There are two undergraduate nursing programs: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN degree programs. On the graduate category, there are 3 tracks in the Master of Science in nursing, a Direct-Entry option and 1 Post-Master’s Certificate program.  All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The BSN program is a traditional full time 4-year baccalaureate program that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. Qualified students are admitted as freshman and start off by taking general education courses. The program is peculiar in that students start on nursing courses in the sophomore year- all but 1 courses covered in the second years are nursing courses.  Students must also take a capstone project in the senior as a graduation requirement. A total of 8 general education and 31 nursing courses are required to prepare the students to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides eligibility to be awarded a BSN degree.

RN Baccalaureate Program – RN-BP (RN to BSN)

The RN baccalaureate program is designed for registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN degree. Candidates must meet the BSN admission requirements besides having a current and unrestricted RN license. Students meet the 128 credit requirements by transferring their diploma or associate program credits, challenge exams and by taking courses at the Durham Campus.  Courses are offered on both full-time or part-time study plans and admission occur in fall and spring semesters.

Due to the disparity on the number of courses challenged and transfered, all students develop an individualized study plan with their advisors.  The RN-BP program welcomes associate degree nursing graduates from all 7 Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) colleges. Such applications are must be done no later than 1^st March of the last semester of study at the community college.  Applicants from CCSNH with articulation agreements with the university are given preference over RNs from other colleges.

Graduate Program in Nursing

The graduate program offers the following 3-master of science in nursing MSN) degree tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
• Evidence –Based Nursing

Within the Evidence Based track, students can complete additional courses in clinical nursing education. Those who complete the FNP and CNL tracks become eligible to apply for national certification exams in their respective areas.

Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing Program

This program admits non-nursing bachelor degree holders who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses. The curriculum is designed in such a way that student will cover the BSN and Master’s requirements without repetition hence saving time and money. However, students remain as provisional Master of Science students until they complete 64 credits courses required to take the NLCEX-RN exam. These are taken on an accelerated mode and include a summer session.

After taking the licensure exam, the provisional status is lifted and they continue to take another 13 credits for the Clinical Nurse Leader track. In 5-semesters of full time accelerated study, students complete 73 credits and earn a Master of Science in Nursing- Clinical Nurses Leader degree and eligibility for certification. All courses for this track commence in January each year

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

University of New Hampshire offers the above named program for Master-prepared students. Those seeking such certification may complete between 30 to 39 credits depending on the masters courses taken earlier.

Contact:
University of New Hampshire
105 Main Street, Durham ,
NH 03824

College of Southern Nevada Nursing Program Review

Founded in 1971, College of Southern Nevada (CSN) prides itself in being the states’ largest institution of higher learning with regard to student enrollment. It started off as Clarks Community College before the name was changed to Community College of Southern Nevada in 1991 and the name was changed again to the current name in 2007. As the largest college in the state, it maintains about 30,000 students annually in about 3000 classes. It offers programs in 3 campuses: Henderson, Charleston and Cheyenne and in 8 eight education centers across the state.

Nursing Programs at College of Southern Nevada

The nursing program at the college boosts to be the largest trainer of registered nurses in Nevada. There are three distinct nursing programs namely: a practical nursing track, an associate degree program and a nursing assistant program. There is also an associate degree completion program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to have advanced placement. Programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Nursing Assistant

The nursing assistant program awards the student a Certificate of Completion after taking the 6 credit hours of clinical and theory instructions. The program accepts students every spring, fall and summer and is an open-entry program hence; students do not need to apply. The 6 credits course is offered in Cheyenne and Charleston campuses but the theory portion can be taken online.

Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

Unlike the nursing assistant courses, the practical nursing program is a Limited-Entry program. Candidates for the program must hold a current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) License or take courses leading to certification in tandem with the first semesters’ credits for the LPN program. Enrollment for the program occurs once annually for the classes commencing fall semester. Classes progress for four semesters to the spring of the 2^nd year.  After completion of the required 44 credits, students become eligible to take the NLCEX-PN exam besides earning a Certificate of Achievement. LPN graduates have the chance of completing an associate degree in nursing as will be explained later.

Nursing (RN) Program

The Nursing (RN) Associate of Applied Science at College of Southern Nevada has two entry options; one for fresh entry students and another for LPN wishing to advance and become professional registered nurses (RN). Courses can be taken on a full-time plan of 4 semesters or an extended part-time plan of 7 semesters at Charleston and Cheyenne campuses

Candidates for this program are selected bi-annually for the spring and fall semesters. Transfer candidates cannot transfer science courses that are more than 7 years old. Such courses must be subjected to a Pilot Test before they are accepted for transfer.  72 credits are required for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree-an occupation based degree. Students also become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses

Nursing- LPN to RN Emphasis

This program is meant for Licensed Practical Nurses making a transition into nursing. After taking a practical nursing challenge course for Nevada LPN licensure, students receive advanced placement into the associate program. 37 nursing credits must be completed at College of Southern Nevada to be allowed to take the NCLEX-RN exam. These are not inclusive of the general education courses required for the associate of applied science in nursing degree.

Note

RNs can also apply to complete a registered Nurse First Assistant Course meant for nurses who wish to work in operating rooms. It if offered by the College in association with National Institute of First Assisting in an online, self-paced format.

Contact:
College of Southern Nevada
6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas,
NV 89146

Great Basin College Nursing Program Review

Great Basin College (GBC) is a rural College-located and serving the communities in the rural settings of Nevada. The college was established as Elko Community College in 1967, before it was renamed to Northern Nevada Community College. It later received its current name owing to the state-wide coverage of its educational programs. The main campus is located in Elko and other campuses and satellite campuses are spread throughout the state-especially in the rural areas. It is a two-year public college with a few four-year professional programs.

Nursing at Great Basin College

Great Basin College offers qualified candidates a chance to become nurses through three programs. Students can choose to start from the Certified Nurses Assistant program or the Associate in applied science nursing program. Registered nurses can also choose to complete their Baccalaureate through the Bachelor of Science-BSN completion program. The associate and Bachelor programs at Great Basin are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a short nursing assisting course that requires 80 hours of both clinical and classroom instructions. The course is offered in several openings throughout the year and can be completed in either day or evening plans.  Completion of this course gives the student eligibility to write the National Nurse Aid Competency Exam to become certified as a Nursing Assistant.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

This is a 4-semester program that welcomes fresh entry candidates who wish to become registered nurses. The program admits students once annually for classes commencing fall semester. However, admission into the program is kind of restrictive as students in the sense that, candidates from the 6-county Great Basin College service area are considered first during the selection process. Students from other locations outside the Great Basin College area are only considered if the former applicants do not fill-up all slots.

Candidates must be certified nursing assistants to be allowed to make an application into the program. Students are also required to have completed 20 general education courses prior to starting on any nursing courses. After enrollment, 50 nursing and supporting courses are taken on a 4 semester period at the main campus.  Completing the program awards the student an occupation-based Associate of Applied in nursing degree in addition to gaining educational eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) wishing to make the shift into professional nursing are also welcome to do so by taking a level 200-Introduction to Associate Nursing Bridging Course. After passing the course, such candidates are awarded advanced placement at the 2^nd year of the associate degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN at Great Basin College is an entirely online BSN Completion program. It offers students the flexibility of working as they pursue their baccalaureate degree. Candidates for this program must have current and unrestricted registered nurses licenses to be allowed to apply.  As a 100% non-traditional program, students are able to complete all their nursing and remaining general education/supporting courses online. What’s more, the program is available in both full time and part time study plans.

Contact:
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway, Elko,
NV 89801

Nevada State College Nursing Program Review

Nevada State College (NSC) is a relatively young institution of higher learning. It was founded in 2002 after a deliberative proposal to establish a state-founded college south of Nevada.  The college started operations under the stewardship of University of Nevada Reno. However, the college has been near the edges of closure in recent years following the cutting-down of state funding but it’s still crawling to keep open..

Nursing Programs at Nevada State College

Nevada state college offers students 3 distinct paths to becoming professional nurses. The college has curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Science in nursing with different entry options.  Entry-level students can choose to join the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.  Registered Nurses (RNs) can choose from the RN to BSN completion program while student with another baccalaureate degree can apply for the accelerated BSN for a second degree in nursing. All nursing programs at Nevada State College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the Nevada state Board of Nursing.

Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Program)

This program is designed for RNs that are graduates of associate or diploma nursing programs. The curriculum aims at building on prior nursing experience at those levels towards the advancement to earn a baccalaureate degree. Students admitted to this program complete 128 credits of both core curriculum and major nursing &supporting credits.

The program is offered as a collaborative effort between the college and University of Nevada- Las Vegas (UNLV). As such, students must complete 6 credits from the University following an application to do so as a non-degree seeking student. There is also a choice of taking 6 graduate UNLV courses in place of the undergraduate that will count towards the BSN but can still be used towards a Master of Science in Nursing at UNLV.

Those who meet the core curriculum needs require only 56 nursing major credits to finish the program in RN to BSN curriculum at Nevada state college. The program can be completed in either a full time basis taking 2 years or a part time basis lasting 3 years.  Students in the full time study plan have 1 summer session and 2-January sessions while those who choose the part time plan require 2 summers and 3-januray sessions besides the usual fall and spring semesters.

Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This is the traditional/regular track that admits fresh entry students seeking a BSN degree. The curriculum is covered in 8-fall &spring semesters of 4-academic years on a full time study plan. Students require 128 credits to complete the program and be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Part-Time Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Unlike the traditional BSN, the part time option includes summer sessions throughout the period of study but with the same completion time of 8 semesters.  It is designed for students whose commitments cannot match the rigorous traditional program. Classes for the part time option commence each fall and spring semesters unlike the traditional option that starts only on fall. Theory courses are taught every two days/week with lab and clinical sessions being held Thursday through Saturday during day or evening hours.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Accelerated BSN is meant for highly motivated career shifters who already hold a first bachelors degree or higher. Students are admitted to the program for classes commencing August and finish in August the next year.  Preferably, students are advised to complete any outstanding prerequisite courses before taking the upper division courses. The upper division portion is a study-intensive full-time track that takes 3 semesters of full-load coursework in fall, spring and summer and a shorter winter session. Completion of the program awards the student a second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nevada state College and eligibility to apply and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a professional RN.

Contact:
Nevada State College
1125 Nevada State Drive, Henderson,
NV 89002

Roseman University of Health Sciences Nursing School Review

Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) was founded in 1999 as a very small pharmacy school in Nevada. In those days, it was known as Nevada College of Pharmacy offering only pharmacy undergraduate and graduate degrees. With intentions of introducing other degree programs being contemplated, the college changed its name to reflect this new idea and became the University of Southern Nevada. The college later added a nursing program in 2006 in Nevada and opened another campus in Utah which also started offering a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2010. Due to the large geographical presence in Utah than in Nevada, the college finally changed its name to Roseman University of Health Sciences to shift the emphasis on Nevada.

College of Nursing at Roseman University

The college of nursing prepares registered nurses who will function as competent nurses in the healthcare sector. The college has 3 locations; 2 in Nevada and 1 in South Jordan Utah. The college offers qualified candidates a curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in nursing. There is a traditional Bachelor of Science track and an accelerated baccalaureate in nursing track for candidates who wish to shift into nursing as will be explained below. All programs at Roseman College of Nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The programs in Utah and Nevada are also approved by the Utah & Nevada-States Boards of Nursing respectively.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) at Roseman University of Health Sciences has an 81.5 credit curriculum that prepares entry-level students for initial licensures as registered nurses. The shorter curriculum implies that students must have covered all general education courses required for the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree for application eligibility.

It is a full time week-long commitment that takes 18 months to complete.  The curriculum is offered in Nevada Henderson campus and in Utah at the South Jordan Campus. Students are admitted as cohorts and must progress through the program as so. Candidates wishing to be admitted at the Utah Campus must make their applications by November for the January cohorts while those interested in Henderson campus must place their applications by May for the August cohorts.

This program is a bit peculiar in that students do not take multiple courses at once. Instead, students must take the courses in a ‘Block System” where, an entire course is exhausted before starting on the next. After 18 months, students are deemed educationally prepared to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

This program is designed for students who have another baccalaureate degree other than nursing. It is only offered in the 2 Nevada campuses; Henderson and Hartwell. It utilizes the same curriculum like the BSN but the block system curriculum coverage is compressed to ensure students finish in 14 months. A hybrid mode of learning is utilized for curriculum delivery with all didactic courses being offered online while courses with a clinical component are taken on-site. Basically, not all courses are offered in one campus and therefore, students have to commute between the 2 campuses for assessments, skills labs etc.

 This program admits students thrice annually for classes commencing February, July and October. Completion of the Block system curriculum prepares the student to write the NCLEX-RN exam hence make the career shift to professional nursing. Students also earn a second degree-Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Contact:
Roseman University of Health Sciences
11 Sunset Way, Henderson,
NV 89014

Touro University Nevada Nursing School Review

Touro University Nevada (TUN) is part of the larger Touro College System with headquarters in New York. The college was established in 1970 and its main aim was to enrich and spread the Jewish Heritage. The branch in Nevada was established in 2004 and serves as an exclusive academic health training center i.e. it offers health-related degree programs only. The university follows the Judaic values and observes Jewish traditions although it welcomes students from all walks of life.

Nursing Programs at Touro University Nevada

The school of nursing in Touro University is mandated to offer five nursing tracks leading to award of Bachelor, Master and Doctoral nursing degrees.  Students should note that the university does not offer pre-requisite or general education courses for the nursing programs hence, these must be completed elsewhere. The university prides itself to be first university to offer the terminal degree in nursing in the state. All the nursing tracks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. At Touro University, students can choose from the many learning options including online, part time and full time as will be explained below:

BSN Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Touro University is designed for pre-licensure transfer students. This means that all candidates must have completed 60 general education and prerequisites credits prior to admission. Candidates who meet this requirement can apply for the BSN program and complete the 60 upper-division nursing credits in 4-semesters of 16 months.

Since it is designed is for pre-licensure students coming from pre-nursing programs, completion leads to educational eligibility to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Students are also awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

RN to BSN Program

This is for registered nurses who wish to expand their knowledge and earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. The program is well suited for working nurses as all courses are offered online. Like the BSN track, students must have met the 60-credit general education and perquisites requirements. For the remaining 60 credits required for a BSN at Touro University, students are allowed to validate 36 of them.  The 36 credits must have been taken at an accredited associate or diploma program.

Basically, those admitted into this track only require 24 upper division nursing credits to be allowed to graduate with a Bachelor of Science nursing degree. These are designed to be complete in three lightly-loaded semesters.

MSN Program

The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Touro University is designed for BSN-prepared students or BS graduates of other related fields. The program is designed such that students can choose to take clinical and didactic courses leading to a generalist MSN degree. Such students must later take a post-master advanced practice track to become certified in a field of choice. On the other hand, students who wish to take specialty roles in Nursing Education or Management /Leadership can add some courses to the MSN generalist curriculum.

To complete the MSN graduate –level generalist track, students require 36 credit hours designed to be completed in 6 semesters. All courses are offered online on a full time or part time basis.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This terminal nursing degree at Touro University Nevada is meant for MSN-prepared students.  The program requires completion of 39 credits hours culminating in a practice-based project. Although most of the courses are offered online, students are required to visit campus on selected dates for intensive sharing of development and implementation of their projects.

The curriculum can be completed in 6 intensive semesters of year-round study and students can transfer most of their clinical practice hours from their MSN program. However, personalized part time options can be arranged with interested students.

Contact:
Touro University Nevada
874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson,
NV 89014

Truckee Meadows Community College Nursing Program Review

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) was established in 1980 as an independent community college. Initially, the college had operated under the Western Nevada Community College system until a campus of the college was established in Reno. This campus grew and the Board of Regents found it appropriate to split the new Western Nevada campus to another college which became Truckee Meadows Community College.  It became the 4^th community college in the state. It offers various 2-year degrees, certificates and transfer programs and occupational and career enhancement programs in its main and 4 satellite education centers.

The Nursing Program at Truckee Meadow Community College

The nursing program at the college is also known as the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing program. It is a single-track program that leads to the award of an associate degree in nursing and has no options for non-traditional entry. There is also a short certified nursing assistant program besides the Maxine S Jacobs program that trains students to become nurse aides. The nursing program is approved by the Nevada state Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

This is a relatively short course consisting of 6 credit hours. The course trains students on basic bedside patient care skills in preparation of taking the Nursing assistants exams to become certified as nursing assistants.

Maxine S. Jacob Nursing Program

As mentioned earlier, this is the only main nursing degree program at Truckee Meadow Community College. The curriculum of the program prepares students to become professional registered nurses with classes commencing each fall semester.  Candidates for the program need to complete general education courses before making an application to the college and 34 of these are needed for graduation.

The program is offered on a full time basis at the Dandini main campus and requires 75 credits to complete. 4 semesters are required to complete the 41 nursing and support courses needed for graduation. To maintain progression, students must maintain a minimum of grade ‘C’ in all nursing courses. 

The curriculum is not dynamic to accommodate student’s needs and as such, they must also follow an outlined sequence of taking the courses. Those who do not meet this sequence are allowed to re-take those courses once. Re-taking of a skipped course is not guaranteed and depends on space availability.

Successful completion of the completion gives the students educational eligibility to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. This also awards the students an occupation-based Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree.

Note

Truckee Meadow community College Fast-Track Associate of applied science in nursing has temporarily been discontinued. The reason put forward by the college is that there is a decreasing need for nurses in the state that would warrant a fast track training program. Currently, the college is evaluating the need for that program and it assures it would re-institute it if a job demand rose and if the economic budget made sense.

Contact:
Truckee Meadows Community College
7000 Dandini Boulevard, Reno,
NV 89512

University of Nevada Las Vegas Nursing School Review

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) was established in 1951 as an extension campus of the University of Nevada Reno. The Las Vegas campus operated in Las Vegas High School until it was able to secure some donations and funds to put up a campus building of its own. Then, the campus was known as Nevada Southern until 1968 when the campus was given autonomy from its mother campus to become a fully fledged independent university with the current name UNLV.

UNLV School of Nursing

The school of nursing offers 4 main nursing degree programs starting with the bachelors to the master and the two terminal nursing degree programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD. Several tracks fall under each of the four mainstream degree programs giving students different entry options and specialty choices. The nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Details of each program are given below:

BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a traditional 4-year degree program whose curriculum prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. All candidates are admitted as Pre-nursing major students in Pre-Nursing program before they can take any nursing courses. Courses for the pre-nursing portion can be completed on full time and part time study plans. Those who make it through the 61-credit pre-nursing program are welcome to apply to the upper division baccalaureate nursing program. Transfer students from other pre-nursing programs are also welcome to apply but preference is given to UNLVs pre-nursing graduates.

After enrollment in the BSN major, students must take another 64 credits in order to fulfill the graduation requirements of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The 64 credits are designed to be completed in 4-semesters of full time study taking 16 months instead of the usual 24 months. As such, it is a kind of accelerated program and applicants are advised to give-up employment. Completion of all the courses awards the student a BSN degree and grants them educational capacity to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses (RN).

Collaborative RN to BSN Program

The collaborative registered nurse to Bachelor of Science degree program is offered by the University and the Nevada State College. The program is designed for associate or diploma registered nurses who wish to earn a baccalaureate degree.  Most of the courses are taken at Nevada State College campuses with only 6 undergraduate credits being completed from the UNLV curriculum. Full time and part time study plans are offered by the college. It is worth noting that the undergraduate courses need not be taken at UNLV campuses but can be completed at Nevada. UNLV faculty teaches the courses.

The program is also designed to help RNs who wish to have a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree cover some courses during their baccalaureate program. Students who choose this arrangement take between 6-9 credits hours of graduate nursing courses from UNLV while still at the College. These 9 credits are double edged meaning they cover the requirements for the BSN but can still be used towards the Master of Science in nursing at UNLV.

MSN

The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree program at UNLV provides a flexible way to obtain an advanced practice RN status. The program has two specialty roles namely:

• Family Nurse Practitioner Track
• Nurse Educator Track

Most of the coursework for the program is offered online and students come for on-site classroom instruction once/semester for the Nurse Educator track and  thrice for the nurse practitioner track. Students can also choose between the 4 semesters of a full time study plan or the 6 semesters of a part time study plan. The full time option takes 18 months to complete including 1 summer semester while the part time option has 2 summer sessions. 48 and 39 credit hours are required for graduation for the nurse practitioner and educator tracks respectively.

The university also offers an accelerated option for students taking the nurse educator track that can be completed in a record 12 months. Graduates students of Nevada State College RN to BSN program who have taken master-level nursing courses during their study may be considered for this program. These students receive up-to 9 credits for the MSN tracks at UNLV.

PhD in Nursing

The PhD program offers MSN-prepared students two options of specialization namely:

• Nurse Education option
• Urban Sustainability: Health Option

Students can choose from any of the 2-full time or 2-part time options for each track consisting of 65-credits. This precisely means that each track has 4 entry options to choose from. The option chosen depends on whether some of the MSN courses taken at master level that are applicable for exemption at PhD level. Such students follow a ‘fast track’ option in either a full time or part time plan. Those who do not have any transferable credits take the generic track with the same plans to choose from. Generally, the full time tracks take 3 years while the part time tracks take 4 years to complete including full-load summer sessions.

UNDNP

The University of Nevada Doctor of Nursing Practice (UNDNP) is a joint terminal degree program offered by both Reno and Las Vegas campuses.  The program offers students two tracks to choose from namely:

• Advanced Practice
• Nurse Executive

All DNP students are admitted as full time Cohorts in fall and spring semesters and must progress as so throughout the program. Each track consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours taken through distance/ web enhanced formats. However, students are required to visit campus for 2-3 times to present and defend their DNP practice-based project. It takes 2 years of five semesters to complete the program including a summer session in the 1^st year.

Continuing Education

Nursing continuing education offers chances for professional development. Such courses can be used towards license renewal in Nevada or for lifelong learning purposes. The courses are offered at the Division of Educational Outreach of the University. Through the states board of nursing, the university is an approved provider of CE for nurses by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Contact:
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas,
NV 89154

University of Nevada Reno Nursing School Review

Initially located in Elko, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) was founded in 1874. Owing to the small population at that time in Elko, the legislature voted to re-locate the campus at the more populated Reno- Carson City area 10 years later. With the University’s strive to reach more residents in Nevada, it established an extension campus in Las Vegas in 1951. The extension campus grew and was later separated from the main campus to become University of Nevada Las Vegas.

University of Nevada Reno-Nursing Programs

The nursing programs at the college are offered at the Orvis School of Nursing. The school has about 7 nursing programs ranging from bachelors to doctorate degrees in nursing. Besides the usual master tracks, the nursing school also has a dual degree program in nursing and public health. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN curriculum prepares fresh entry-level students to become registered nurses (RN) by giving them educational capacity to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires 128 credit hours for eligibility to graduate and take the licensure exam. Students must first complete all the general education courses offered exclusively in the 1^st and 2^nd year before taking nursing courses are offered in the 3^rd and 4^th years.

Out of the 128 credits, 57 are nursing major requirements and can be completed in 4 semesters of full time study. Admissions occur in both fall and spring semesters for both high school graduates and pre-nursing programs transfer students.

RN to BSN Program

The program is meant for registered nurses who wish to advance their knowledge by earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Candidates for this program must have current RN licensure in Nevada and must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate in nursing program.

The nursing major coursework for this completion program is offered fully online and students complete their clinical experience at their local communities.  After portfolio evaluation, RNs receive 29 upper division credits in recognition of their earlier education. Those who have not completed pre-requisite courses may take them at the university Extended Study Program or from any community college at their locality. Admission to the RN to BSN occurs once annually for classes commencing fall semester.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is designed for BSN-Prepared registered nurse candidates. Interested candidates must be willing to take specialty roles in:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Clinical Nurse Leader

All tracks require between 35-39 credit hours to complete with options of full time and part time study plans being offered. In addition, students who already have a MSN degree may seek certification in all the above tracks by taking the Post-Master’s Certificate programs. 

The Orvis School of nursing also offers a unique Master of Science in nursing/ Master of Science in Public Health dual degree program. The MSN/MPH dual degree program is a good choice for highly motivated students who wish to earn two master-level degrees hand-in-hand.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program at University of Nevada, Reno is offered as joint degree program with University of Nevada Las Vegas. The University of Nevada DNP (UNDNP) program admits students on cohorts of up-to 15 students in each university’s school of nursing.  Although most of the courses are offered online, students must go to their respective campus for purposes of presenting and defending their DNP projects. It takes 5 semesters including a summer session to complete the 39 credits curriculum.

Contact:
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno,
NV 89557

Western Nevada College Nursing Program Review

Western Nevada College (WNC), then known as Western Nevada Community College opened its doors to the first group of students in 1971. Then community college was meant o serve the residents of western Nevada especially Reno and Carson City. The college had a satellite campus in Reno which was later separated as independent campus to what today is Truckee Meadows Community College in late 1979. In 2007, the college dropped its community college name to the current name to reflect the expanded academic outlook.  It offers 2-year degrees, certificates and work force training programs in its main campus at Carson City and 7 other education and learning centers across the state.

Nursing at Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College offers two nursing programs.  One is a short Nursing assistant course while the other is a 2-year program that leads to the award of an occupation-based Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree. The associate degree program is approved by the National League in Nursing and accrediting Commission and is approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Details of each program are provided below:

Nursing Assistant

The nursing assistant program is designed to train entry-level students basic bedside patient care skills. It is a 1-course program that enables students to apply for the Nurse Aide evaluation tests for certification as a nursing assistant. The course is also meant to meet the application requirements of most associate of science in nursing programs in the state.

Associate Degree Nursing

The associate degree in nursing at Western Nevada is the only main nursing program offered by the college.  It offers a curriculum that leads to education eligibility of students to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Candidates applying for this program must take the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Test instead of the common TEAS test. The program is offered at the Carson City campus on a full time basis. At times, students may be required to attend classes in the evening and weekends if need arises. 

A total of 71 credits must be completed on a sequential complexity progression basis to be eligible for graduation. 21 of these are general education and must be completed before the candidates apply to the program.  The remaining 50 credits are taken after admission into the program and include nursing and support courses covered in a period of 4 semesters. Courses are offered on-site at Carson City or through the Western Nevada College Online Moodle therefore, students need to be computer literate. Satisfactory completion of the program awards the students an Associate of Applied Science Nursing degree.

High School Programs

Western Nevada College has partnered with High school in the western region of the state to enable them complete some courses that can be used to full some of the associate degree requirements. One such program is the Tech Prep-Nursing and Criminal justice program. Through the program, students earn college credits at their senior level at no extra cost.

Contact:
Western Nevada College
2201 W College Pkwy, Carson city,
NV 89703

Bryan College of Health Sciences Nursing Program Review

Bryan College of Health Sciences (BCHS), previously known as BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, has a history that can be traced back to 1922 when William Jennings Bryan donated his home to the Methodist church to establish Bryan Memorial hospital in Lincoln. When the hospital opened in 1926, so was the Bryan School of nursing which offered diploma nurse training under the hospital. In 2001, the Bryan School of Nursing was granted permission to offer nursing degrees in place of the diploma among other health programs. That achievement led to the change of name to BryanLGH College of health sciences and by 2005, the college had graduate level nursing programs on offer. The college is to date, affiliated with the BryanLGH Medical Center.

Bryan College of Health Sciences – Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing and the School of Nursing Anesthesia are mandated to offer the nursing degrees at Bryan College of Health Sciences. Programs range from certificate to graduate level degrees: one certificate, two undergraduate and two graduate level programs. Since the college is affiliated to three fine medical centers in the region, students are assured of excellent practical exposures in addition to the theoretical component of the programs. 

The undergraduate programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the Council on Accreditation of Nurses Anesthesia programs accredits the Nurse Anesthesia program.  More details on each of the program are provided below:

Basic Nursing Assistant

This is a one course program that trains entry-level students on basic nursing skills. Completion of this short course enables students to apply for certification and hence, be entered in the State of Nebraska Nurse Aid Registry. The course is approved by the Nebraska Dept of Health and Human Services

RN to BSN Hybrid Option

The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) option at Bryan College of Health Sciences enables registered nurses the chance to earn a bachelor degree through a simplified hybrid option.  To complete the program, RNs require 64 nursing major credits. Candidates who have prove of practice as an RN can further apply for validation of 28 more clinical nursing credits towards the major. RNs who hold active licenses automatically receive 36 credit hours in recognition of prior education hence, easing off the required 64 credits required for a BSN outside the nursing major requirement.

General education courses are offered online while nursing courses are completed in a hybrid format. On this note, students only need to go to college on 3 occasions per term to complement the courses with a clinical component.

BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at BCHS is meant for entry-level students who do not have prior nursing experience.  It is a full time program that requires 128 credit hours to complete.  64 of these are nursing major credits while 58 and 6 are general education and non-nursing electives credits respectively.  Theory and intense clinical practice in the affiliated hospitals including BryanLGH Medical Center prepare students to become eligible to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam for first licensure as registered nurses.

Graduate Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia

At BCHS, there is a dedicated school offering the graduate Nurse Anesthesia program. The School of Nurse Anesthesia offers this unique 33-month program to registered nurses who wish to earn an Advanced Practice RN status. The program involves intensive clinical exposure in community hospitals in a two-phase format.

During the phase I of the program, students undertake clinical and classroom courses in basic anesthesia for a period of nine months. In Phase II, more active clinical practice is done built upon 4 advanced anesthesia principles courses. This phase is long and takes 24 months to complete. Due to the intensive nature of the program, students need to be committed full time preferably with no employment during study. 71 or 73 credits are required to complete the program for project and thesis tracks respectively.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator

The Master of Science in nursing with a nurse educator concentration is a part time program that calls for BSN prepared students. The program takes two academic years inclusive of two summer sessions to complete. To graduate with the Master of Science in nursing-Nurse Educator degree, 36 credit hours are required.

Contact:
Bryan College of Health Sciences
5035 Everett St, Lincoln,
NE 68506

Central Community College Nursing Program Review

Central Community College (CCC) was established in 1971 following a state legislature vote that required each county in the state to be affiliated with a community college. As such, two distinct colleges: Columbus and Hastings came together to form Central Community College, one of the six community colleges in Nebraska. The community college then added two three more centers Kearney, Lexington and Holdrege to the colleges’ fraternity. Central CC services 25 counties of the state by through multiple campuses offering certificate, diploma and two years programs in various field of study.

Nursing at Central Community College-Nebraska

Under the nursing department of Central Community College, there are multiple nursing programs to choose from. Programs range from certificate to associate degree programs. In total, there are four nursing programs; three of which lead to an associate degree in nursing and one practical nursing program.  There are also refresher courses for each of the two mainstream nursing programs. The associate degree tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The four programs are approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Campuses locations and specific details for each program given are below:

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing (PN) program at Central Community College leads to the award of a Diploma in practical nursing.  It is offered in multi-campus locations of the college namely, Kearney, Lexington, Columbus and Grand Island in 1year full time or 2 years part time options.  It is a career mobility program that requires 43-49 credit hours to complete and become eligible to write the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPN Mobility

The practical nursing program through its mobility status offers an opportunity to its graduates to get into the Associate degree in nursing program (ADN). Students who wish to continue with the mobility program from the PN diploma must reapply afresh from the colleges Grand Island campus.

LPN-Certified

This is an additional course for licensed practical nurses who want to take extra tasks in nursing. Such include nasal-gastric tubes insertions, IV therapy and patient assessment and intervention.  The LPN-C course enables LPNs to have a wide scope of practice than usual LPN graduates.

LPN Refresher Courses

The refreshers courses for LPNs are meant to meet the required contact hours for re-licensure in Nebraska. The refreshers courses are also important for nurses who want to make a comeback after prolonged breaks from practice.

Registered Nursing

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year or three-year full time and part time program respectively offered in full at Grand Island campus. However, some selected courses of the program can be completed in three other locations namely Lexington, Columbus and Kearney. The freshman courses can be completed in the Grand Island or at Kearney and Columbus campuses.  Courses with a clinical rotation component can be completed at Lexington, Kearney and Columbus. However, the number of students taking clinical rotations at the latter two campuses is very limited and chances are high that most students remain in Grand Island. Having completed 72 credit hours, student become eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Advanced Placement for LPNs

Licensed practical nurses from other colleges may also complete the ADN program at Central Community College. Such students must complete advanced placement curriculum prior to admission into the ADN. After successful completion of the advanced health assessment course for LPNs and fulfillment of other academic requirements for the ADN, students join the program as sophomores. An additional 33 nursing credit hours must be completed to be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

RN Refresher Courses

The RN refresher courses are meant to help registered nurses meet the requirement for re-licensure in the state.

Paramedic to RN Transition

For Paramedics who wish to become registered nurses, Central Community College offers them an opportunity to do so. Paramedics need to take 3 Paramedic to RN transition courses totaling to 7 credit hours upon for they receive advanced placement in recognition of their previous qualification. After completion of the transition courses, paramedics follow the same sequence of progression as the LPN to RN students.

Contact:
Central Community College
4500 63^rd Street, Columbus,
NE 68601

Creighton University Nursing School Review

Creighton University is a Catholic institution of higher learning strongly grounded and following the Jesuit Traditions. Its history dates back to 1878, when the wife of a late rich businessman in Omaha; Edward Creighton donated her husband’s inheritance in support of a school in Omaha through a will. The inheritance was given to a bishop and later, this bishop mandated the Society of Jesus to operate the university. Then known as Creighton College, it started off with two lays teachers and five Jesuits. Since then, the larger family of Creighton became engaged in the development of the college by way of more donations and establishment of affiliated colleges leading to the big milestones of success of the current university.

School of Nursing at Creighton University

The school of nursing at Creighton University (CU) has been offering nursing program for more than 50 years.  Programs in the school include different tracks for baccalaureate, master and doctoral nursing for qualified candidates. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. The various entry points into the nursing programs at Creighton suit the educational levels of different student groups as explained below:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Two routes lead to the award of Bachelor of Science in nursing degree as outlined here:

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The traditional BSN at Creighton University is designed for entry-level nursing students. Under this program, student s can further choose from the four paths available

i)        Beginning or Transfer students

Candidates for this program are those who are coming in as freshmen or those transferring from a pre-nursing program from other colleges. For those who begin as freshmen, the following study options are available

• Traditional four –year study plan
• Traditional five-year study plan
• Traditional study abroad option

Those who enter the program as transfer students take two years to complete the program if they have all the required prerequisite courses. The program is offered in two campuses of the university in Hasting and Omaha. However, students who start as freshmen must be enrolled in Hasting campus but transfer students can enroll in either. Students who choose the study plans with a study abroad option must take a summer session to compensate the time for which they will be studying abroad. 128 credit hours are required for graduation and eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ii)      Pre-Med Nursing Path

The pre-med nursing path is designed for candidates who anticipate to enter medical school after the completing their nursing program. This program carries a more workload than the above mentioned path. Students must complete 149-160 credit hours, with a minimum of 36credits of pre-med courses. Two study plans are offered:

• Pre-Med Nursing Four year Plan
• Pre-Med Nursing Five Year Plan

For the four years study plan, students take extra 3 summer sessions after the 1^st academic year apart from the senior year.  For the five years option, students take summer sessions only after the 3^rd and 4^th years. However, those who choose this option have a greater advantage of taking more pre-med credits as compared to the four year plan. Five year students can take as much as 160 credits meaning more will be transferable to a future medical school.

iii)    Army ROTC  Path

For students wishing to become nurse corps in the army, Creighton University has an option for them. Students who choose courses in the ROTC path have the advantage of getting full scholarships for the tuition fees.  Nurse who train under the Army ROTC path are those who wish to serve in the army as nurse leaders and managers. Like the pre-med path, students who take this path have two study plans to choose from:

• Army ROTC Four year Plan
• Army ROTC Five year Plan

Each of the above students attend summer military camps for which they earn credits, the only difference in the two programs is the course workload for each semester as the five year plan is less loaded.  Additionally 4-year students take their summer sessions after the sophomore and junior years while the 5-year students take theirs summers after the 3^rd  and 4^th  years. The program is offered in Omaha campus and requires a maximum 141-147 or 148-151 credits hours for the four and five year plans respectively.

iv)   Air force ROTC Path

This option is open to qualified candidates who wish to become nurse corps in the Air force. Just like their army counterparts, they enjoy scholarships towards their tuition fees.  For this program, only the four year study plans is available. 133-138 credit hours are required for graduation from this program which is offered only in Omaha campus.

BSN Accelerated

The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) accelerated program at Creighton is designed for student with a baccalaureate degree in another field. It takes a full time study plan that spans one academic year. Due to the rigorous nature of the program students are advised not to engage in employment during the one year of study.

Admission into the program occurs on a rolling basis and students are admitted into the Omaha and Hastings Campuses. For the Omaha campus, admission is for semesters starting January and August while those who wish to be enrolled at the Hastings campus must wait August each year. 58 nursing major courses equally divided between three academic semesters are required to graduate from the BSN accelerated program at Creighton University and to gain eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Graduate Nursing Programs

At Creighton University, there are a number of master’s level tracks, 2-doctor of nursing entry options and a number of post masters’ certificate programs as outlined below:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs

The Master of Science in nursing is meant for BSN-prepared students who want to gain Advanced Practice Registered Nurses status among other master-level specialties. Usually, all the graduate nursing programs at Creighton are offered on a hybrid format. On this note, students take most of their courses online and come for on-site instructions every Wednesday. This makes the programs ideal for working nurses. Below is a list of available programs. 

• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Advanced public Health/ Global Health Nursing
• Clinical Systems Administration Track

Under the two Advanced Practice RN tracks (APRN), the following options are available:

Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Pediatric Nurse Specialist
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Acute Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Adult acute care Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Generally, all tracks take two years to complete under the full time hybrid learning format.  Additionally, all students are free to add nurse educator courses to their curriculum even though there is no dedicated track for nurse educators. Students who may be willing to take additional gerontology, oncology and cardiology courses can add them to their curriculums too. But these are only offered on a three-year cycle basis.

Post –Baccalaureate to DNP

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Creighton welcomes BSN students who want to earn their master and terminal degrees in nursing simultaneously. The program allows students to take a shorter time to earn a masters level specialty together with the DNP. Students willing to take this program must take 70 to 73 credit hours depending on the master level specialty they choose.

All the above master level tracks (apart from the Clinical Nurse Leader track) listed above are available to those who take this path. Generally, the program takes 3 full-time years to complete but part time studies can be arranged for individual students. Just like the masters programs, students can choose to take additional education, oncology, cardiology and gerontology courses just like explained on the masters’ category.

Post-Masters to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Program

This program welcomes candidates who have earned their master of science in nursing or Master of Science degree. PM-DNP Students are supposed to choose from the following roles which must also be relevant to the specialty tracks they took at masters’ level:

• Advanced Public Health/ Global Health
• Clinical Systems Administration
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Nurse Practitioner

Courses in oncology, gerontology, cardiology and education offered on a three-year cycle can also be added. Specific details for adding these courses apply to those explained on the master level category.

Post Masters Certificates

For MSN prepared students, three post masters nursing certificate programs are available at Creighton University namely:

• Neonatal
• Adult Health
• Family

Contact:
Creighton University
2500 California Plaza, Omaha,
NE 68178

Clarkson College Nursing Program Review

Clarkson College idea was conceived by Bishop Robert Clarkson towards the end of the 1800s.He had wanted to establish a nursing school in Omaha. After his death in 1884, his visionary idea was taken-up by his wife who helped complete a women’s nursing school in Omaha Good Samaritan Hospital in 1888. As part of the hospital, the school operated as Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing.

Due to financial challenges, the college closed down in the 1950s but re-opened in 1960 as Clarkson College following donations. After re-opening, the college became a co-ed college by admitting the first male students in 1969. Currently, Clarkson College offers various health-related study programs besides nursing.

Nursing at Clarkson College

As a dedicated health college, Clarkson College (CC) has so much to offer to prospective student nurses. Programs range from the diploma in practical nursing to masters level nursing programs and post-masters certificates.  The college also has cooperation with Grace University to allow students to take two degrees as will be explained below. The Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing tracks at Clarkson are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and also approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Additionally, there is a Nurse Anesthesia master level track that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Clarkson is also an approved provider of several Nurse Refresher courses. More details on each program are given below:

Practical Nursing

For candidates looking forward to start their nursing careers as practical nurses, Clarkson College has this opportunity for them. The Practical Nursing Diploma program takes two years of six semesters to complete through a part-time study plan only. The program also accepts Certified Nursing Assistants who want to advance their nursing skills.

Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) besides graduating with a transferable diploma in practical nursing.  49 semester credits are required for this eligibility. Graduates of this program are welcome to continue in Clarkson College and earn a baccalaureate degree through the LPN to BSN Program.

LPN to BSN

Licensed Practical Nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are welcome to have the transition at Clarkson College. This is an on-campus track that can be completed on either a full time or part time basis.  Candidates must have active and unencumbered LPN licenses for any state in the country. The LPN to BSN advanced placement requires students to complete 2 transition courses of 3 credit hours each upon which they receive 13 nursing semester credits. To earn the BSN from Clarkson, students must complete 40, 21 and 69 general education, support and nursing major credits respectively. Some of these are covered in the advanced placement status and through application for credit validation. Completion of the program enables students to apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN)

RN to BSN

Registered nurses who wish to take their education level a notch higher can pursue the very flexible and accelerated RN to BSN program at Clarkson College.  The right candidates must hold active RN licenses and must have transferable credits from their associate degree program. Student enrolled to this program receive 43 nursing semester credits towards the 130 credits required for the BSN either by direct completion of coursework or through validation. Other general education and support credits may be received through validation of the associate degree credits.

Students are required to take 3 BSN transition courses for them to be allowed to take other nursing major courses. It is also allowed for students to request validation of 1 level 400 nursing course and its equivalent clinical course to earn the student an extra 4 credit hours. RNs can choose to complete their coursework on either a full-time or part-time basis.  For both options, courses can be completed either online or onsite depending on the flexibility need of the student. Clinical experience may also be earned at a student’s place of choice preferably their place of work after the faculty at Clarkson College approves such a setting.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing at Clarkson College is an entry-level program designed for pre-licensure students; otherwise, other classes of students may look at the two advanced placement options. The program requires students to take the NLCEX-RN exam for initial licensure as registered nurses. It is a traditional 4-year full time program requiring 130 credits to complete: 40, 21 and 69 credits in general education, support and nursing major courses respectively.

Gateway to Success Minority Nursing Scholarship

Minority candidates for this program may benefit from the Gateway to Success Minority Nursing Scholarship.  The beneficiaries of this scholarship program receive $10,000 annually towards offsetting their tuition fees at Clarkson College.  The funds are awarded for the four years of study provided the student remains in good standing in academic excellence. Beneficiaries are also entitled an additional $5,000 after completing a summer internship program each year at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Grace University Co-op

This joint program between Clarkson and Grace University enables students to graduate with two degrees on a dual enrollment basis. Students under this program undertake nursing studies at Clarkson and biblical studies at Grace University. At the end of both programs, students graduate with Biblical Studies and BSN degrees from the respective schools. Students in the practical nursing program are also welcome for this dual degree program.

RN to MSN

The RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program gives a chance to highly ambitious registered nurses to complete a master of science in nursing degree without the repetitive work of both the Bachelor and masters level curriculums. The program is ideal for busy RNs who want to have an individualized plan of study. As such, students can complete their coursework via online mode and very minimal one-on-one instructions with the faculty. Candidates of the RN to MSN program are those interested in taking any of the following 4 master specialty options:

• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Health Care Administration
• Family Nurse Practitioner

However, students are also free to exit the program at BSN level

Those who choose any of the 2 nurse practitioner options must be ready for on-site instruction for selected clinical courses otherwise; other courses and the other 2 tracks can be completed entirely online. Before taking the MSN level courses, students must complete the required BSN courses i.e. the courses for both levels are not taken in tandem.

Master of Science in Nursing

The traditional Master of Science in nursing program calls for BSN prepared students who might be interested in any of the 4 listed specialty options above in addition to a Nurse Anesthesia option. The courses are offered entirely online with minimal on-site competency validation visits.  Students who choose the Health care administration and education option may transfer up-to 9 credits from other schools. However, the nurse practitioner options do not accept any credit transfers.

Nurse Anesthesia Option

The nurse anesthesia option has a slightly different and engaging curriculum. The program is also not offered online like is the case with the other MSN tracks at Clarkson. Students can choose from two study plans as outlined below:

Full time: This study plan requires students to complete 12-months didactic period after which they proceed to an 18-month clinical experience phase, totaling to 30months of full time commitment.

Extended Track: This option enables student to take their didactic courses in an extended period of 24 months of lesser course load followed by a progression into an 18 months clinical phase.

Post MSN Certificates

The post MSN certificate programs are designed for MSN-prepared students who want to become certified in the following areas:

• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Health Care Administration
• Family Nurse Practitioner

The courses are offered online with a few on-site instructions for students taking the nurse practitioner options.

Professional Development

Clarkson has been approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center to offer the following professional development and lifelong courses:

• Nurse Refresher course
• Nurse Aide Course
• Basic & Advanced Life support Courses
• Infection Prevention Course
• Medication Aide Course
• Abuse and Neglect Course

Contact:
Clarkson College
101 S. 42 Street, Omaha,
NE 68131

College of Saint Mary Nursing Program Review

The College of Saint Mary (CSM) was first envisioned by Catherine McAuley, the founder of Sisters of Mercy Tradition. When she passed on, Mary Gallagher took-up the dream and established the college of Saint Mary in 1923. The college was dedicated at educating the girl child and so is its vision to date. The college started-off as a two-year liberal arts college but later added other fields of study in its curriculum list. By 1958, the college of Saint Mary had established more campus buildings and better infrastructure and was then accredited as four-year women’s College under the Sisters of Mercy tradition; a status it maintains to date.

Nursing Education at College of Saint Mary

The college has various nursing programs which were started back in 1969. The college offers qualified candidates entry level nursing opportunities with programs ranging from practical nursing to a masters level nursing degree. Four degree programs are offered in the undergraduate category and one in the graduate level. The programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the Practical nursing program is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Program

This is a day program designed to meet the education needs of entry-level nursing students. The program takes one year to complete with classes commencing on the summer session each year. Upon completion of the required 42 credits, students become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) besides being awarded a Certificate in Practical Nursing from the college.

Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN-ASN)

This too is a full time day program that can be completed in one academic year. Candidates must have an active LPN licenses from the state and an Advanced Challenge Exam scores. Classes commence in a summer session whereby, students take the Bridging LPN to ASN course. After completing this 3-credit hour course, students receive advanced standing into the ASN program and progress for another 3 semesters to complete the nursing courses alongside core courses required by the college. Students are awarded an Associate of Science in nursing degree and become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses (RN).

Associate Degree Program (ASN)

The associate of science in nursing at the College of Saint Mary welcomes female candidates interested in an entry level professional nursing program.  This traditional program can be completed through two study plans. Plan One is a Nursing 2 Track Program that enables students to complete the requirements of the associate of science degree in two years. Upon completion of this program, students must apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RNs). After the two years, the curriculum is designed in such a way that students can choose to progress for another two years and complete the junior and senior years of a Bachelor of Science degree, but only if they passed the NCLEX-RN at plan one.

Plan two is a Nursing 3 Track Program where students take courses that meet the requirements of the ASN degree together with selected baccalaureate courses in 3 years. During the 2^nd and 3^rd summers of study, students are required to take selected courses that count towards a bachelor’s degree.  Such courses are also taken alongside the sophomore and third year courses of the ASN program. After completion of the third year, students must apply for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. After passing the NLCEX-RN exam, students can flawlessly continue for another year to complete senior year courses of the baccalaureate program to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Bachelor Degree (RN to BSN Program)

This completion program is designed for registered nurses apart from those from College of Saint Mary. Transfer students entering this program can complete the coursework in one academic year provided all core courses have been met. Completion period is also dependent on the number of credits validated from the earlier program. A total of 128 credit hours must be completed on either a full time and part time basis which may take longer. RNs can complete their courses in a hybrid format of online and onsite classes. Onsite classes are scheduled on a one day/week basis.

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) with a concentration in nursing education is the only graduate nursing program at College of Saint Mary. It is a hybrid program consisting of web-enhanced and onsite curriculum delivery modes. The program takes exactly two years to complete with an equal course load of 9 credit semesters in 4 semesters.  Candidates for this program must be BSN-prepared.

Contact:
College of Saint Mary
7000 Mercy Road, Omaha,
NE 68106

Metropolitan Community College Nursing Program Review

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) was formed as a result of consolidation of 8 technical community colleges in the eastern region of Nebraska. Following this merge in 1974, the assets, programs and personnel from each technical college in Omaha and those of Eastern Nebraska came together to form Metropolitan Technical Community College. The new campus, set on different locations chose Fort Omaha to be the central Campus of the other 8 campus locations of the college. In 1992, another legislature was passed to remove the word ‘Technical’ hence the current name Metropolitan Community College.

Nursing Programs at Metropolitan Community College

The nursing programs at the college are offered at South Omaha campus. 1 two-year associate of science in nursing program is offered and certificate programs in practical nursing and nursing assistant.  The associate degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the practical nursing program is approved by the Nebraska state Board of Nursing. Details pertinent to each program are given below:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This is a course that requires 59 hours of classroom work and 23 hours of clinical experience to enable students to be entered in the states registry of nurse aides. The course is offered in several locations of the college and also available in day, evening and weekends study options.  Classes commence in winter and spring each year. After completion of the 18 units, students can apply for state evaluation upon which they become Certified Nursing Assistants.

Medication Aide

The medication aide course from metropolitan requires students who are already certified as CNAs. Student are free to self-register for this course and upon completion, they can apply to take the state competency exams. Completion of the course enables the medication aides to work as medication administrators under the supervision of registered nurses. Those who pass the competency exams are also entered in the states’ medication aide registry.

Nursing-Practical (LPNCE)

The practical nursing program at Metropolitan Community College is a career mobility program that enables students to apply for the NCLEX-PN exam or continue to the associate of science in nursing degree. The curriculum takes one year of three quarters to complete at the South Omaha Campus on a full time basis. During the 3 quarters, students take a total of 35 nursing credits and 12 general education credits. A separate 19.5 general education credits must have been completed before application for the program. In total, students require 66.5 credits to be allowed to graduate with a Certificate of Achievement and take the licensure exams. Students may choose to exit at this point and become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or progress into the associate degree program as will be explained below.

Licensed Practical Nurse-Certified (LPN-C)

The LPN-C course is designed for LPNs who want to additional education so as to get certification in more nursing roles than those of the LPN. Such extra roles include administration of IV therapy, Nasal gastric interventions among others. The course is offered in the evening, weekends and holiday hours and takes 11 weeks to complete.

Nursing- Associate Degree (ASNAS)

The Associate of Science in nursing (ASN) program is a continuation program and all students must have earned a LPN licensure to be allowed into the program. Because students already have 35 nursing credits from the first year of the LPN mobility program, they will only require an additional 22 nursing credits for the second year of study. All credits in the first year including the general education ones count towards the ASN degree.

An additional 20 courses in general education must be added during the 3 quarters of the second year, bringing it to a total of 42 credits in the second year. Therefore, for students to graduate from metropolitan community college with an associate degree, they will require 108 credits all completed in two academic years. By then students become eligible to apply for the NLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Contact:
Metropolitan Community College
5300 North 30^th, Omaha,
NE 68111

Midland University Nursing School Review

With its initial location in Kansas, Midland University have come a long through a number of mergers. It was founded in 1887 under the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  About 22 years later, the Midland College, as it was known then, moved from Kansas to Fremont in Nebraska. Here, the college merged with Luther junior college to form what was known as Midland Lutheran College (MLC).  Recently, in 2010, the college gained full university status and as such, dropped the name ‘Lutheran’ to become Midland University (MU).

Nursing at Midland University

Nursing at midland university has three major nursing tracks that lead to the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. One of the baccalaureate tracks is a traditional entry level program while the other two are completion programs for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).  Two minor nursing tracks in nutrition and gerontology fulfill some of the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree requirements. A certified nursing assistant course is also offered. The Baccalaureate programs are accredited by the National League in Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. Specific program details are provided below:

Certified Nursing Assistant Course

At Midland University, qualified candidates have the opportunity of starting a nursing career at the most basic point as a nursing assistant. The nursing assistant course takes 76 hours of both classroom and clinical experience to complete.  Students earn a certificate in nursing assisting and are entered in the state’s Nurse Aide Registry upon completion of state competency exams.

Traditional BSN

The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year full time program that prepares entry-level students to become registered nurses. The curriculum consists of 55 nursing major credits and 42 supporting courses which must be taken at Midland. Other credits required for graduation are derived from either of the two minor nursing tracks offered ie Nutrition or gerontology minor credits. Each of the minor tracks consists of 24 credit hours bringing the total number of credits to graduate with a BSN to 121.

As a church affiliated university, the nursing at midland University promotes holistic nursing in bringing wellness, shaping societal structures and moral responsibly in a strong liberal arts foundation. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

LPN Connection (LPN-BSN)

This program is specifically designed to meet the career advancement needs of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The LPN Connection students receives advancement placement after completion of 3 freshman and sophomore level courses. Midland also recognizes all equivalent non-nursing credits of LPN programs.  Students enrolled in this program are then required to complete any other remaining supporting courses in addition to all junior and senior level nursing courses required for the BSN at Midland.

Those enrolled for this program must meet their assigned faculty advisor to device a personalized method of covering the courses depending on the number of courses transferred from the LPN program. After completion of the program, students are awarded a BSN degree besides gaining eligibility to apply the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RNs).

RN to BSN

The RN to BSN program at Midland University aims at building on prior nursing experience to enable RNs complete a baccalaureate degree. Students are tested in order to receive general education courses while validation procedures are carried out to enable transfer of nursing courses.  Once the actual number of transferable credits is determined, the credits are escrowed into the student account and they only take the remaining courses to fulfill the BSN requirements. Again, students come-up with a personalized plan of study depending on the credits received.

Note

The two minors: Gerontology and Nutrition consist of credits that make-up the requirements of the BSN degree. Since there are 55 nursing major and 42 supporting and liberal arts credits, student can choose between the two minors for the remaining credits.

Contact:
Midland University
900 N Clarkson Street, Fremont,
NE 68025

Mid-Plains Community College Nursing Program Review

Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) like all other community colleges in Nebraska was established after a legislature to merge all junior, technical and vocational colleges into six community colleges. As such, McCook junior college and North Platte junior college joined Mid-plains Vocational Tech College.  This merge led to the change of name to Mid-plains Tech Community College but the name tech was dropped to form the current name. To date, McCook Community College (MCC) and North Platte Community College (NPCC) remain as distinct Divisions of Mid-Plains Community College.

Nursing at Mid-plains Community College

There are three nursing programs at Mid-Plains Community College. An associate of science in nursing degree program is available and is accredited by the National League in Nursing Accrediting Commission.  Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) also have a chance to complete the associate degree through advanced placements option. A Diploma in practical nursing that is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing is also offered. For those who wish to become nursing assistants, there is a short Basic Nurse Aide courses on. More details on each program are provided below:

Basic Nurse Aide

This is a very short course that trains students to become nursing aides. The course enables students to become eligible to take state competency exams to become certified nurse aides.

Practical Nursing Education Program

The Practical nursing program at Mid-Plains Community College leads to the award of a practical nursing diploma.  It is a full time program that takes 12 months to complete and prepares students to be eligible to write the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses.  Classes for the program start on fall semester and is designed to be finished in the summer semester. 40 credits are required for graduation with the diploma.

LPN-C

Mid-Plains Community College also offers LPNs a post graduate course for those who want to become certified in intravenous therapy. Students must first pass the NCLEX-PN exam to be allowed to take the IV therapy course. Those who complete get the title Licensed Practical Nurses-Certified (LPN-C)

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

The associate degree program is a traditional two-year program that commences in August each year. Other than fresh entry candidates, Mid-plains has also formed dual enrollment agreements with a number of high schools in Nebraska. This enables senior year high school students to earn some credits towards the associate degree in nursing before enrolling at Mid-plains. Admission into the program is selective and students are required to have completed a nursing assisting course within the last 6 months prior to application. The program also requires candidates who hold current employment at the time of application failure to which; they must undergo a nursing assisting skills check.

The ADN requires 72 credit hours to complete, some of which are taken during a summer semester. All nursing courses are taken at Mid-Plains Community College while non- nursing courses can be completed at Mid-Plains, McCook or North Platte-South Campus. Completion of the programs awards the student an Associate Degree I Nursing and eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). There is an opportunity for LPN advancement as explained below:

LPN to RN Bridge Program for Advanced Placement

The LPN to RN Bridge course is open to licensed practical nurses that hold LPN licenses for the state and want to become RNs. The bridge course equivalent to 3 credit hours must be completed for students to receive advanced placement into the ADN.

Contact:

Mid–Plains Community College
601 W State Farm Road, North Platte,
NE 69101

McCook Community College
1205 East Third St, McCook,
NE 69001

North Platte Community College
1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte,
NE 69101

Nebraska Methodist College Nursing Program Review

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) was founded in 1981 to offer a diploma in nurse training. The college started under the Methodist Health System to which it is affiliated to up-to date. As the college was expanding, it started offering other allied health programs besides nursing. In 1989, the college was allowed to start offering four year baccalaureate nursing program and master programs were introduced in 2000. Nebraska Methodist College has so much to offer for the prospective nursing student since it is ‘health’ college only.  Students enjoy its benefits of a small, private dedicated health institution of higher learning.

Nursing Programs at Nebraska Methodist College

Nursing was the pioneer program at this Methodist Health System affiliated program. The program has therefore been developed and improved over a long period to ensure students get the best out of their studies. Nebraska Methodist College starts preparing future nurses from the Nursing Assisting level all the way to the Master level.  Several track options for the Bachelor and Master of Science in nursing dominate the nursing program list. All bachelor and master programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is also well known for its numerous online nursing program options.

Nurse Aide

The nurse aide is short but intensive course that trains students to become nursing assistants with emphasis on the aging population. The course takes five weeks to complete with classes being held at Josie Harper campus of Nebraska Methodist College. The last three days of the program involve an intensive clinical experience at Methodist Hospital. Classes meet every Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays, but students can be called upon for testing on Wednesdays. A sixth week is needed for State examinations and testing so that students can become certified in this field and be entered in the state’s Nurse Aide Registry.

Medication Aide

Candidates of the medication aide course must have completed a nurse aide course to be allowed to apply. In addition students must be currently listed in the state’s Nurse Aide Registry and provide prove of current placement as a nurse aide. The course includes the medication aide basics outlined on the states Medication Aide Act and takes four weeks to complete on a full-time basis. Over 7 admission cycles are done each year.

Nursing (BSN) Traditional

The traditional Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) at Nebraska Methodist College takes four years to complete. This pre-licensure program has a strong emphasis on community based nursing and takes a holistic approach to nursing. One interesting thing about the program is that students start on clinical nursing experience from the 2^nd semester of the freshman year. All courses are offered in a mixed version, such that general education and support courses are covered in tandem throughout the program.

Qualified candidates can place their applications at any time of the year but enrollment occurs in fall and spring semesters. After completion of the 127 required credits, students are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN).

Nursing (BSN) Accelerated

This program is designed for those interested in changing their careers and switching to nursing. Candidates with a non-nursing associate or bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution are welcome to apply. Students engage in an intensive study program to ensure they complete all nursing and supporting courses in 15 months of full time study

Courses for this Accelerated (ACE) program are offered in a hybrid format with majority courses being offered on-site and some selected ones online.   A minimum of 74 credits must be completed at Nebraska Methodist College to be allowed to graduate with a second degree in nursing. Students also become eligible to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. On a further note, there is a dedicated ACE BSN scholarship for students enrolled in this program; The Kathryn Montgomery ACE Scholarship.

LPN to BSN Degree Completion Program

This program is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to make the transition into professional nursing. Candidates must have active and unrestricted LPN licenses besides meeting other general admission requirements. LPNs achieve the Advanced Placement status by completing 2 LPN transition courses. After passing the transition courses, 11 credits are awarded to the student BSN account. Upon admission, students must complete all support and general education courses in Phase I before progressing to the nursing courses in Phase II. Completion leads to eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Online RN to BSN

The online registered nurse (RN) to BSN at Nebraska Methodist College is open to RNs who wish to take their education a level higher by completing a baccalaureate nursing degree. Candidates must have active licensures as RNs and must be holders of an associate or diploma in nursing. The curriculum for the program consist of 60 credits hours – 33 in nursing and 27 in general education.  Courses are offered online for 18 months but can also be completed on a longer part time basis. Only two courses have a clinical component that requires on-campus visits.

The program is completed in 2 phases whereby during phase I, all general education courses are completed. Phase II of the program is exclusively for the nursing major courses. There is also a special RN to BSN program for RN employees of Nebraska Methodist Hospital as explained below.

RN to BSN Nursing Academy NMH Nurses

This program is similar to the generic RN to BSN track above with regard to the admission requirements, number of courses, curriculum delivery mode and progression phases. However, to join this program, candidates must have worked at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital for at least 2 years. Through appraisal and service executive approval, RNs are able to join the nursing academy and study as a cohort group until completion.

The benefits of joining the academy include getting full sponsorship for completion of the 60 credits required. However, as pay back for the sponsorship, all nurses in this NMH nurses Academy must work for at least 24hrs/week during the period study and extend after graduation for another five years.

Graduate Nursing at Nebraska Methodist College

At graduate level, Nebraska Methodist College has two entry options for its 2 Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks as explained below:

RN to MSN Nurse Educator & RN to MSN Nurse Executive

This program is designed to help the RN to progress faster in completing master level education. The curriculum is designed to avoid repetitive mirroring of courses hence saving time. RNs take 18 credits of RN to MSN bridging courses that help cover concepts of the BSN curriculum and then progress to take the 36 MSN courses. The two tracks are available on both full time and part time study plans. 

Students taking the Nurse Educator track can take advantage of The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP).  Although this is a federal loan, it is the only of its kind in the state and Nebraska Methodist College students are the only ones who receive such funding. However, the loan can only be granted to students who are enrolled in the full time study plan.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive

The two tracks are exclusively offered online and each carries an equal course load of 36 credit hours. Both programs can be completed in two years of full time study but part time study plans can be made on request. The candidates for this program must be BSN-Prepared and must have current unencumbered RN licensure prior to application. Qualified candidates of the full time Nurse Educator track can to benefit from the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) financial assistance.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Nebraska Methodist College offers two Post- MSN certificate programs in the two tracks mentioned above i.e. Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive.  Both programs are offered online and consist of 14 credit hours each. Ideal candidates for these post-master’s programs are MSN graduates although Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) graduates with non-nursing fields may be considered on an individual basis.

Contact:
Nebraska Methodist College
720 North 87^th Street, Omaha,
NE 68114

Nebraska Wesleyan University Nursing School Review

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) history can be traced back to 1887. It was established as a liberal arts college under the United Methodist Church of America. The college has developed in size and the number of programs but still holds on the foundation of liberal arts and the strong Methodist Christian learning environment. The university has two campus locations, one in Lincoln which is also the main campus and another one in Omaha.

Nursing Programs at Nebraska Wesleyan University

Nursing degrees at the university start with completion programs implying that pre-licensure students are not enrolled. The only pre-licensure nursing students admitted in the university are those who want to complete the general education courses required in the 1^st and 2^nd years of a Bachelor of Science in nursing.  There are 3-Bachelor and Master of Science tracks which have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The three programs are offered under the Wesleyan Advantage(Adult Programs)  Two post-master’s certificate in nursing programs are also offered. More details for each program are given below:

Pre-Nursing Advising

This program is designed for prospective nursing students who want to complete their registered nursing program for initial licensure at another school. Students only take general education courses required for the first two years. Since Nebraska Wesleyan University does not prepare students for Registered Nurses (RN) licensure, students must transfer to community colleges or other universities to complete professional nursing courses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) at Nebraska Wesleyan University is a RN to BSN completion program. It aims on building on prior nursing experience for RNs who hold current licensure. Candidates must also have graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or associate program.

RNs require 33 nursing major credits and up-to 45 general education credits and 9 supporting credits to complete the BSN program. Generally, the program is designed to take one year but a part time slower pace depending on the students needs. The program is offered in full at both campuses of the university.

Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) has two entry paths for RN and BSN prepared students. Details are given below:

RN to MSN Program

This program is designed for high achieving students who are ready to take-up a changeling career mobility path. For this program, Nebraska Wesleyan University requires candidates who hold active unrestricted RN licenses. Candidates must also have at least one year working experience within the last three years.

Students who choose this program have the advantage of graduating with two nursing in one program. Since the RN to MSN curriculum has a comprehensive BSN curriculum, students will be awarded both degrees. But this is not an exit program and students must complete the entire program to graduate with both degrees. The program is suitable for working RNs since classes are conducted one day/ week at both university campuses in 8-week sessions. For the MSN specialty, students can choose from Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader/ Manager Tracks.

BSN to MSN

The Wesleyan Advantage BSN to MSN is a part time program offered at both Omaha and Lincoln campuses. The program is suitable for working and adult students since the classes are conducted one day/ week in 8-week sessions.  The 41 credits curriculum is designed to take two years to complete. Like the RN to MSN track, students have the Nurse Educator or the Nurse Leader tracks as the specialization options.

Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing

The post graduate certificate in nursing is designed for students who want to become certified as Nurse Educators or Nurse Leaders. The program is offered under the Wesleyan Advantage adult programs and is therefore suitable for working RNs. Like other programs under the Wesleyan Advantage programs at Nebraska Wesleyan University, courses are conducted 1 day/ per week in 8-week sessions cycles.

Contact:
Nebraska Wesleyan University
5000 St. Paul Avenue, Lincoln,
NE 68504

Northeast Community College Nursing Program Review

Northeast Community College (NCC, NECC) was formed as a result state legislature to merge junior and technical colleges. As such, Northeast Community College began operations after merging of Northeast Nebraska Technical College and Northeast Nebraska College.  Since, 1973, the community college has been serving Nebraska in an area representing 20 counties.  After the merge, it had the names ‘Nebraska Technical’ which were later dropped in 1991 to the current name. It offers 1 and 2-years degree, vocational, technical and liberal arts programs through four centers across Nebraska.

Nursing at Northeast Community College

At Northeast, future nursing candidates have the opportunity to choose from a number of programs available. There are two training programs for Nurse and Medication Aides and an Associate of Science in nursing degree program. The Associate degree is offered as a career mobility track whereby, students can choose to exit after the first year and earn a Diploma in practical nursing. On the other hand, students who do not wish to complete their nurse training can apply for the Pre-professional or the Transfer program. The associate degree program is fully approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Details are given herein:

Basic Nurse Aide

The Basic Nurse Aide is a short 1-course training program that helps entry level students to work as nursing assistants. The course consists of 3 credit hours and prepares students for certification as nurse aides.

Medication Aide

The medication Aide program prepares the students to become assistants in all medication matters like drug administration, classification, rules, ordering and commonly used drugs.  The 3-credit hours training follows the requirement set on the state’s Medication Aide Act.

Nursing-Pre-Professional

The pre-professional nursing program offers qualified students a chance to complete general education courses required to complete an associate or diploma nursing program. Coursework completed can also be transferred to a 4-year college to cover some of the 1^st and 2^nd year general education requirements for a bachelor of science in nursing.

Students must completed 60 general education credits by choosing to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree but with a pre-professional nursing focus.

Nursing-Transfer-UNMC

This unique program is meant for qualified candidates who enroll at Northeast for either an AA or AS degree with a plan to join University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for their Bachelor of Science degree. This program does make students to gain eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam but it only covers 60 credits of both nursing and general education course required for 1^st and 2^nd year at UNMC. If the requirements of this program are successfully met, students seamlessly articulate into the Bachelor of Science degree program at UNMC.

Nursing

At Northeast Community College, the professional nursing program is a career mobility program where students can choose from the two options below:

Diploma-Practical Nursing

The first year of this career mobility nursing program starts with 23 nursing courses and 18 general education credits bringing it to a total of 41 credits. After completion of the first year, there is an option to exit as students are usually eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.

Associate Degree Nursing

 Those students who choose not to take the NCLEX-PN exam can continue and complete another two semesters of 31 credits. Having finished a total of 71 credits, such students graduate with an associate degree in nursing and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Contact:
Northeast Community College
801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk,
NE 68701

Southeast Community College Nursing Program Review

Following the implementation of a statewide community college system, Southeast Community College (SCC) was formed. The college was formed in 1973 after vocational, junior and technical colleges in counties in the Southeast Nebraska region merged. Some of the colleges that formed the current Southeast Community college were Milford, Lincoln and Fairbury and Southeast colleges. The college serves 15 counties in the Southeast through three campuses in Milford, Lincoln and Beatrice and 4 extended education centers.

Nursing Programs at Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College offers nursing programs at Lincoln and Beatrice campuses and online. The programs range from short-term training in nursing assisting to practical nursing and associate degree in nursing. The college has also been approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center to offer a number of continuing education courses for nurses.  The associate degree program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the practical nursing program is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. More info on each program offered is given below:

Nursing Assistant

The nursing assistant course at Southeast prepares students to work as assistants in long-term care facilities or hospitals with emphasis on the aging population. The course is offered at the colleges’ Continuing Education (CE) center in Lincoln and requires 100 hours of clinical and theory instructions. After completion, students are entered in the state’s Nurse Aide Registry after passing the state certification exams.

Medication Aide

This is also a short term training course that follows the set out Medication Aide Act requirements.  The course prepares students on giving medication and monitoring patient response to such medication among other drug-related matters.  It is offered at the CE center and has two admissions annually.

Practical Nursing

The practical nursing program at Southeast leads to the award of a Diploma in Practical Nursing. The diploma has a huge course load of 76 credit hours including those that are required prior to admission. Courses for the program are offered at the Beatrice and Lincoln campuses on a full time basis for a period of one year.

 A 2-year part time track is also offered at Geneva, Lincoln, Beatrice and Fall City in Nebraska.  Students may also choose to complete the program online and as such, all courses with a clinical component must be taken at the aforementioned 4-campuses.  Completion of the gradation requirements leads to eligibility to write the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses. For LPNs wishing to become registered nurses, Southeast Community College has an advanced placement option for them.

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

For those wishing to become registered nurses, the associate degree program offers them the opportunity.  This program is offered only at the Lincoln campus with some few selected courses being offered online. Prior to application, candidates must have been certified as nursing assistants and placed in the nurse aide registry.

The ADN curriculum consists of 108 credit hours inclusive of pre-admission pre-requisites. Satisfactory completion leads to eligibility to take the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides being awarded the Associate of science in nursing degree. Southeast Community College also welcomes LPN students who wish to make the transition into professional nursing. These students take 1 transition course in order to receive advanced placement for the ADN.

Continuing Education

Southeast Community College is approved to offer quite a number of CE courses for nurse. Some of the CE courses are offered online while other are offered at the Continuing Education center in Lincoln. Courses offered online include:

• Certificate in Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
• Legal Nurse Consulting
• Certificate in Gerontology

Others offered at the CE center include:

• RN/LPN Refresher –(Bi-annual)
• LPN-Certified-(Bi-annual)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course
• Several Annual Nurses Conferences

Contact:
Southeast Community College
4771 West Scott Road, Beatrice,
NE 68310

Union College Nursing Program Review

Union College was opened in 1981 after a group of Seventh Day Adventists sought to open a church affiliated college in the Lincoln area. The college is based in Lincoln and still maintains strong ties with the seventh day Adventist denomination. The college has strong Christian values but students from all walks of life are welcome to study at Union. It offers accredited and comprehensive programs in more than 50 baccalaureate majors to a local and international student community.

Nursing at Union College

Union College (UC) offers a curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Three BSN tracks fall under the nursing academic division each with a different entry option. The program enrolls Advancement students from Practical nursing program, Registered nurses and fresh pre-licensure students. The nursing program at Union is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. More details on each of the programs are given below.

BSN Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in nursing at Union is designed for entry-level pre-licensure students. It takes the form of a traditional 4-year degree program that requires 128 credits to complete. Students are admitted as freshmen and start on the general education courses during the 1^st year while nursing courses start at the second year. Completion of this program makes the student eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). The program provides advancement and completion opportunities for RNs and LPNs as explained below.

LPN to BSN Second Step Program

At Union College, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are offered the opportunity of obtaining advanced standing for the BSN program. LPNs with Nebraska licensure enrolled to this program receive highly discounted tuition fees. For placement into the BSN, LPNs take assessments administered by the Assessment Technology Institute after paying a separate fee. The assessment is offered in two steps and can only be taken once for Union College placement.  The outcome of the ATI tests determines where the student will be placed for the BSN.

Generally, students who receive advanced placement for the BSN must complete the 128 credits required for graduation. Some of the courses are earned by advanced placement and after validation of equivalency with those of Union. LPN students are allowed to complete some of their courses at any other 4-year institutions but must complete the last 30 credits at Union.  The LPN to BSN second step Program takes six semesters of full time study to complete although part time plans can be arranged. Either way, the program must be completed within six years after enrollment. Students earn a BSN degree and become eligible to write the NCLEX_RN exam to become registered nurses (RN)

RN to BSN Completion

This program is designed to meet the education advancement needs of RNs who wish to complete a Baccalaureate degree. RNs from accredited diploma or associate programs are welcome to apply to the RN to BSN completion track. Candidates must have current RN licensure to be allowed to apply. Upon acceptance into the program, students are subjected to some selected nursing courses equivalent to 9 credits hours. Those who complete these successfully receive 31 hours of nursing credits in place of the 9.  Others general education courses can be validated for equivalency with those of Union College to facilitate transfer.

Courses can be completed on a full time or part time basis but must be completed within six years.  Students require 57 nursing major credits of which, the last 30 must be completed at Union. Completion awards the students a BSN degree.

Contact:
Union College
3800 South 48^th Street, Lincoln,
NE 68506

University of Nebraska Medical Center Nursing School Review

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) was founded in 1881 as an independent Medical College in Omaha. The college operated as a dental college until 1902 when it became part of University of Nebraska System. From that point, pharmacy, allied health and nursing programs were added and by 1942, the college had its first graduate programs. UNMC prides itself to being the only academic medical center in the state and strives to offer quality health care through innovative research in all its health programs.

College of Nursing at UNMC

The college of nursing at UNMC dates back to 1917. Through these years, the college has developed innovative and top tier nursing programs to suit the needs of most prospective nursing students.  From bachelor degree programs to master tracks and doctoral degrees, students are bound to get a program that suits them. The college delivers the nursing program curriculum through its five campuses spread across Nebraska namely: Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha and Scottsbluff.  All programs at the college are approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the bachelor tracks are approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. Precise information about to each program is given herein:

Bachelor’s BSN

For the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) prospective students, three tracks are available at UNMC College of nursing. However, all the programs are kind of completion programs as explained below:

• Traditional BSN Program

The traditional BSN program requires 120 credit hours to complete. Candidates for this program are pre-licensure but do not complete all their courses at UNMC. The college of nursing only offers 62 nursing major credits and as such, students must complete the other 58 prerequisites courses from a pre-nursing program in a 4-year college or university, or opt to take them at any University of Nebraska via on-campus or online modes.

Those who meet the 52 pre-requisites courses become eligible candidates for the traditional BSN at UNMC. Classes for the program commence on August each year and take 4 normal semesters to complete. There are five campuses as mentioned above, to choose from and part time options can also be arranged. Generally, a completion timeline of 4 years of full time study plan is needed if students transfer promptly to UNMC after taking prerequisites. Students are awarded the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and become eligible for initial licensure as registered nurses (RN) after taking the NLCEX-RN exam

• Accelerated BSN

The Accelerated BSN is an intensive 1 year program designed for baccalaureate graduates of other non- nursing programs. Like the traditional BSN, students must have completed their pre-requisite courses at a 4-year college. However, most students have this requirement met from their earlier baccalaureate program hence, only need to take the 62 credits at UNMC.  The program is offered at Lincoln, Omaha and Scottsbluff campuses on a full time basis only.

Candidates are admitted annually on the semester commencing May and progress for a 13-week summer session and 2 16-week fall and spring semesters. Due to the intensive nature of the program, students may be required to attend evening and weekend sessions for their clinical rotations. It is strongly advised that students give-up their employment owing to the rigorous nature of the program. Completion leads to the award of a second degree Bachelor of Science in nursing from UNMC and eligibility to take NCLEX-RN exam.

RN to BSN

The program is meant for currently registered nurses (RN) who wish to advance their education from diploma or associate degree levels. The program is very flexible and is offered exclusively online via distance learning modes. Courses for the program can be completed at the students pace anytime with a few exceptions requiring synchronous/live online instructions from UNMC.  Like the other BSN tracks, students must have completed their pre-requisite courses prior to admission.

It is a relatively short program that requires only 20-24 nursing credits since students are awarded up-to 42 credits in recognition of their diploma or associate degree. The program accepts students each spring semester for either the 1-year full time or the 1.5-3 years part time study plan.

Master’s MSN

At UNMC, BSN-Prepared candidates are welcome to apply for the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks offered. A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and several Nurse Practitioner (NP) advanced practice registered nurse tracks are available as listed below:

• Acute Care NP
• Primary Care NP
• Adult Gerontological CNS
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Family NP
• Nurse Leader/Executive
• Nurse Educator
• Pediatrics Primary Care NP
• Women’s Health NP

All courses for the MSN are delivered in online/ distance learning modes. Some courses can be taken at the students pace anytime via asynchronous modes while others require synchronous video conferencing. Students are free to conduct research and clinicals at their areas of convenience but must be supervised by UNMC-appointed preceptors.  Usually, all tracks require 6 semesters of 3 years on a full time basis and 4-5 years in a part-time plan.

Dual Training

For all the listed specialty tracks above, one may choose to have the Nurse Educator courses concurrently in a dual training plan. In this case, students graduate with 2 specialty options; the nurse educator and any other track.

Post master’s PMC

UNMC offers post masters certificate (PMC) training programs in all MSN tracks listed above.  The curriculum delivery mode, clinical requirements and suggested study plans are similar to those of the MSN.  In addition, students can choose to take Nurses Education Training as their PMC of choice for their particular MSN specialty rather than a generic nurse educator PMC track.

UNMC also receives grants to offer special accelerated PMC programs. Students who enroll for these 3-tracks receive funding for their programs namely:

• Psychiatric Mental Health- Sprint Track Certificate (PIPN)
• Nurse Leader Executive Advanced Development  (LEAD)
• Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Accelerated post masters certificate (GNP-MAP)

Advanced Rural Hospital Care Program (ARHC)

This is also a special post master‘s program designed for MSN graduates with a Family Nurses Practitioner (FNP) specialty. UNMC receives federal grants to train nurses on emergency and advanced critical nursing skills for rural hospital settings. The program takes three years of federal-funded training of both distance and interactive skills development at UNMC.

Doctor of Nursing Practice-DNP

The DNP program at UNMC is designed for MSN-prepared graduates with any MSN specialty tracks. It is a practice-based terminal degree that prepares nurses who are able to translate research findings into real clinical practice. The curriculum consists of 35 post master’s credit hours with courses from both the UNMC college of Health Sciences and College of Nursing.  Students may choose from the full time or the part time study plans.

Doctor of Philosophy-PhD

The PhD in nursing unlike the DNP is a terminal nursing degree with a focus of preparing nurse scholars and researchers. The program has three focus areas of research in nursing education, Quality Health Systems, Health Promotion & Management of risked and chronically ill populations.

Postdoctoral

The postdoctoral nursing training at UNMC is open to all students who have earned a terminal degree in nursing. DNP or PhD graduates enter the training program as Post-doctorate Research Fellows under the Niedfelt Nursing Research program. The aim of the program is to strengthen the research skills of students. For applications, students must contact the post-doctorate office at UNMC

Continuing Education (CE)

UNMC is approved to offer CE needs for nurses. Registered nurses can take the CEs as live programs of teleconferencing or face-to face conferences.  The college also offers online CE courses offered by other approved CE alliances. All the CE programs at the university are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The university is an American Nurses Credentialing Center accredited provider of nursing CE courses.

Contact:
University of Nebraska Medical Center
42^nd and Emile Street, Omaha,
NE 68198

Western Nebraska Community College Nursing Program Review

Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) is one of the six community colleges in the state of Nebraska. Following a state legislature to merge junior, technical and vocational colleges in 1973, the college came into being. Three colleges: Alliance School of Practical Nursing, Nebraska Western College and Western Nebraska Tech College merged to form Western Nebraska Community College area. Although the colleges remained as distinct entities, in 1988, all three colleges dropped the different names to the current name. The college serves western Nebraska counties through 3 campuses in Sidney, Scottsbluff and Alliance.

Nursing at Western Nebraska Community College

Three nursing programs are offered at the college. For students wishing to transfers to other 4-year colleges to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing, there is a pre-professional nursing program. The other two programs are a practical nursing track leading to a diploma award and an associate degree program for preparation of registered nurses.  The latter two are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. Details for each track are given below:

Nursing/Pre-Professional

The pre-professional nursing program is designed to help students cover the basics of the freshman and sophomore year requirements for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. Although the courses can transfer to any 4-year university or college, the setting of the curriculum has put in place the requirements by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) BSN program.

The curriculum consists of 58 general education and supporting courses. Students wishing to transfer to other colleges/universities other than UNMC must contact their future college to ensure they have course equivalence.  Students should note that following completion of this program does not award eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nursing (Practical)

This program has a curriculum that prepares nurses to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Western Nebraska Community College requires that candidates for this program to have completed a Basic Nurse Aide (BNA) course prior to application. After enrollment, the curriculum is set to be completed in three semesters on a full time basis. After completing the required 48.5 credits, students are awarded a Diploma in Practical Nursing and are eligible to write the NLCEX-PN exam.

Associate Degree Nursing

The associate degree in nursing is open for both entry-level candidates and LPNs who wish to have advanced standing in the professional nursing program.  All candidates must have completed a BNA course and entered in the State’s Nurse Aide Registry prior to application. For entry-level students, 44 nursing credits and supporting courses must be completed in 4 full semesters and 1 short summer session of 4 credits.  Students must complete a separate 21 general education credits before starting on the 44 mentioned above.

LPNs that apply for advanced placement join the program at 2^nd year level after completing a bridging course. Completion of this curriculum ensures the students are educationally prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides being awarded an Associate of Science in nursing degree.

Contact:
Western Nebraska Community College
1601 E. 27^th Street, Scottsbluff,
NE 69361

Miles Community College Nursing Program Review

Custer County Junior College, the college destined to become Miles Community College (MCC) was established in 1939. Classes for this college were being offered in temporary facilities through hosting by high schools. 28 years down the line, the college managed to build its own property through a federal grant. One year prior to that relocation, in 1966, the name was changed to Miles Community College to reflect an expanded college offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Nursing at Miles Community College

Miles Community college nursing program is approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and also follows licensure standards set by Montana State Board of Nursing. The program leading to an associate degree prepares students to become registered nurses by becoming eligible for the NLCEX-RN. Eligible candidates for the program are required to complete a special entrance exam upon which a formal selection will be based upon.  There is also a LPN to RN bridge program that helps practical nurses to make the transition into professional nursing as explained herein:

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree

The associate degree at Miles Community College is a highly intensive 73 credit hours program. This is because unlike many colleges that offer the prerequisites courses on a summer session prior to admission, Miles has all the courses in the four semesters. There is no summer session to ease the course work load when students are taking nursing courses.  However, students who cannot follow this 2-year full time program can consult with their academic advisor for the sequence of personalized part time study plans.

LPN to RN Completion Program

The LPN to RN completion program gives recognition of skills acquired by licensed practical nurses from an accredited program or vocational nursing program. Miles Community Colleges accepts applications from active LPNs and also those expecting to graduate and obtain licensure from an LPN program prior to the fall semester. 

The generic option is for students who enter the program at 2^nd year and completed their LPN program is not more than five years. For those with who graduated over five years prior to admission, they have the option of getting into the associate program as 2^nd semester freshmen. Admission into the program requires that students take two online entrance exams from Assessment Technologies Inc. including the ATI LPN Step Exam, offered twice per year. The scores from these exams form the basis for the selection of successful candidates. Completion of the LPN to RN program leads to eligibility to apply for NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

Articulation Agreements with Miles Community College

Associate of Science in nursing graduates of Miles Community College have the great opportunity to complete a baccalaureate in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. This is as a result of a special articulation program between those to institutions to allow students enjoy a direct transition into the RN to BSN program at the university. This is a flexible RN to BSN online  program enabling students to complete the bachelors’ degree right in Montana.

Contact:
Miles Community College
2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City,
MT 59301

Carroll College Nursing Program Review

In 1909, Mount St. Charles College was founded by Bishop Carroll. Just over 20 years later, the college changed its name and named in honor of the founder bishop. As was the intentions of the founder, Carroll College still holds to it the Catholic ecumenical traditions of the second Vatican Council. It is a college where students engage in career entry programs with a liberal arts outlook and a tradition of nurturing social and spiritual awareness.

The Nursing Program at Carroll College

One nursing program is offered at Carroll College (CC) giving students a coursework progression that leads to a bachelor of science in nursing. The baccalaureate program with a major in nursing is offered on a full time basis and students enjoy undivided attention from the nursing faculty. Accreditation for the program is through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and it has been approved by the Montana Board of Nursing.

Baccalaureate Nursing program

For the four years of the nursing program at Carroll, students start-off with a pre nursing status and only progress to the nursing major after the pre-nursing and co-requisites courses are completed. Students who have completed at least 30 credits in sophomore standing are ready to start on their nursing courses at the second semester of the sophomore year. In this case therefore, student nurse at the college begin their clinical experience from as early as the 2^nd year.  Largely, clinical sessions are completed at Montana State Prison in addition to other health agencies around Helena. Completion of the required curriculum leads to eligibility to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam and become registered nurses

Special Features of the Nursing Program at Carroll College

Sigma Theta Tau

Carroll College is part of the Sigma Theta Tau international Honor Society. The College is under the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of the honor society which was started as joint effort between Carroll College and Montana State University. The chapter recognizes advanced achievement from student nurses at either undergraduate or graduate level. On this note, 22 student nurses had been inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society from Carroll College as of 2011.

Nursing Outreach

The nursing outreach program at Carroll College takes nursing students for an outreach program in Swaziland-Southern Africa. The outreach focuses on the perspectives of the HIV/ AIDS pandemic on the South African nation which has almost quarter of its population infected with the virus. The Swaziland destination was chosen seeing that it had almost the same population as Montana but had an infection ratio approximately of 750:1 (UNICEF) as compared to Montana.

During the outreach program, Carroll Students nurses interact with the country’s Parish nurses in their work towards helping the HIV/AIDS victims. Although the Parish Nursing program was scraped from Carroll College nursing curriculum, the Swaziland Study Abroad course is a kind on integration that reflects on holistic, empathic, spiritual and community nursing tasks of parish nurses.

Army ROTC Nursing Scholarships

For students who enroll for Army ROTC courses, there are Army ROTC scholarships for them at Carroll. The Army ROTC scholarships are great for nurses who want to serve in the military as Nurse Corps.

Contact:
Carroll College
1601North Benton Avenue, Helena,
MT 59625

Montana State University-Bozeman Nursing School Review

Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU) has it history dating back to 1893 as an agricultural college. It was one of the states’ land-grant colleges and was offering programs in agricultural studies and mechanic arts. In 1965, the college had advanced in regard to the number of programs and its commitment to scientific research. With this advancement came a new name; Montana State University.  It serves as the flagship campus of the Montana State University system.

Montana State university Bozeman-College of Nursing

The college of nursing is devoted to offering healthcare education and providing nurse training to the rather rural state of Montana. As a rural state, the nursing programs at the university have a focus on training nurses to cater for underserved citizens. Two baccalaureate nursing tracks and three Master of Science in nursing tracks are offered at the university.  Nursing programs are offered at five campus locations of the university and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the States Board of Nursing. Montana State University-Bozeman also prides itself to be the only educator of graduate level nurses in the state.

Baccalaureate Program (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at the university is offered at five locations of the university namely Bozeman, Great falls, Billings, Missoula and Kalispell.  It is designed to take eight semesters of full time study whereby, in the first two years, students complete pre-nursing and core curriculum courses. During the junior and senior years, students take upper division courses and clinical practicum sessions in the above mentioned campuses. A minimum of 120 credits is required to prepare for the NLCEX-RN exam and graduation with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree

Accelerated BSN Option

The program at Montana State University was developed to cater to for the increasing needs of nurses in the underserved, rural and remote areas of the state. It is designed to help graduates of other non nursing degrees to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree in a short time.  Candidates for this option enter the BSN program only at Bozeman campus as nursing majors, if they have completed core pre nursing courses

Once admitted into the nursing major, students take 15 months to complete the program. The 15 months include four semesters of year-round study, a full time study plan and a highly intense and fast paced study commitment.  Completion leads to the award of a second degree in nursing and eligibility to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Distance Master of Nursing (MN) Graduate Degree Program

The Master of Nursing (MN) at Montana State University has focus on the delivery of healthcare to sparsely populated locations. It is the only Master of Science in nursing program in the state and has a focus on the challenges on management of health and wellness for people living in rural areas. As mentioned above, the program delivers curriculum in a variety of teaching methods including synchronous, asynchronous, webinars, intensives and teleconferencing. The intensive modes requires students to attend the main campus at Bozeman for two days every fall semester and not more than 2 times per semester at their respective coordinating campuses mentioned earlier. BSN prepared students interested in this program can choose from the following tracks on the Master of Nursing:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with2 or 4-year study plans
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) with 2 or 3-year study plans
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) with 1.5 or 2.5-years study plans

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is pending approval at Montana State University and the first class is expected to start very soon.

Contact:
Montana State University-Bozeman
1501 South 11^th Avenue, Bozeman,
MT 59715

Montana State University-Northern Nursing School Review

Montana State University-Northern (MSUN, MSU-Northern) is the sixth oldest university of the Montana State University System. It was established in Havre High School in 1929 and remained there temporarily until its own departments were built at the current main campus in Havre. Then, it was known as Northern Montana College but after joining the Montana State University system, it was renamed to the current name.

Nursing at Montana State University-Northern

The nursing department at the university offers three programs leading to the award of associate and bachelor degree in nursing.  One of the programs leading to an associate degree is a LPN advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become registered nurses. The programs are approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Associate of Science in Nursing Program

The ASN coursework offered at Montana State University Northern qualifies students to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The sequence of the first year courses of the ASN are offered on a full time basis at Lewistown and Havre main campus. After completion of the first year courses, students at Havre have the chance to proceed to Great Falls campus to finish the sophomore year or remain at Havre. On the other hand, those who start their program at Lewistown must complete the entire curriculum there. 72 to 75 credits are required to graduate with an associate of science in nursing degree. LPN advanced interested in becoming RNS, details are given below.

LPN Advanced Placement

Licensed practical nurses are welcome to apply for advanced placement for the ASN degree. Eligible candidates must be graduates of an accredited practical nursing program but holding licensure is not mandatory to be admitted. Applications for the program are accepted all year long for any of the three teaching semesters at Northern.

 An LPN to RN Transition course must be completed through an online summer session prior to the semester of enrollment into the ASN program. However, students who have graduated from a LPN program that have used the Montana Statewide Curriculum in the last three years do not take the transition course. Articulation into the ASN for those students is automatic provided they become admitted.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (Distance)

The Bachelor of Science in nursing is a completion program that allows RNs to progress and complete their baccalaureate. As such, the program requires RNs who have current and active licenses for the states in which their clinical practicum sessions will be conducted.  It builds on earlier nursing experience through innovatively scheduled classes to allow adult RNs to work as they study.

 For this program, students can complete the entire curriculum without having to come to campus using non-traditional internet/ Desire2 Learn methods of curriculum delivery. RNs are also free to attain clinical experiences at their geographical locations of choice especially their neighborhoods or places of work. There are full time and part time study plans but all requirements for graduation must be completed within five years.

Contact:
Montana State University-Northern
300 West 11^th St, Havre,
MT 59501

Montana Tech of the University of Montana Nursing School Review

Montana State School of mines opened doors for the first batch of students in 1900, offering two degrees in mining and electrical engineering.  As more programs were added to the school by 1965 the name ‘school ‘was dropped and ‘college of technology’ was added. When the Montana State University system was undergoing restructuring in 1994, Montana Tech (MTech, MTUM) became part of it. This again led to the change of the name to Montana Tech of the University of Montana along with introduction of more academic programs.

Nursing at Montana Tech of the University of Montana

Montana Tech offers a sequence of coursework and clinical experience that leads to the award of an associate degree and a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Preparation of the students for the NCLEX-RN exam leads to them becoming registered nurses. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing. More details about the programs are given herein:

Associate of Science in Nursing

The ASN degree from Montana Tech requires a five semester both full time and part time study commitment. Students get admitted into the school and take the first portion of the program referred to as pre-nursing courses. These courses take the first two semesters in the school and a second admission into the nursing courses depends on the scores of those two semesters. Students who pass the first two semesters continue to take the nursing and supporting courses of 48 credits in a period of four semesters.

 For the three-year 72 credit hours required to graduate, 30 are non-nursing and 42 are of nursing courses. All semesters of the ASN program carry an equal course-load of 12 credits each. One of the level 100 nursing courses is offered online while the other ten are offered on-campus. On the other hand, all pre-nursing courses can be completed on a part time study plan. A student who takes the part time option of the pre nursing must switch to full time for the nursing and supporting courses component. Successful students are in a position to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science at Montana Tech is an RN to BSN completion program. Candidates must be graduates of accredited ASN programs to be eligible to apply. Students take 48 credits of upper division nursing courses including five supporting courses totaling to 15 of the 48. Students who have completed all the lower division and pre-nursing courses take between 1-2 years depending on how many credits are validated from the earlier ASN degree.

Three nursing major courses can be completed online while those who have do not meet the pre-nursing requirements can finish those courses on a full time or part time mode. Just like the ASN, all the semesters of the RN to BSN have equal course loads of 12 credits each. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after completion.

Contact:
Montana Tech of the University of Montana
1300 West Park St., Butte,
MT 59701

Salish Kootenai College Nursing Program Review

In 1977, a branch campus of Flathead Valley Community College, destined to become Salish Kootenai College was opened.  The same year, the tribal council passed a resolution to have a tribal college in Pablo and the reservation branch of Flathead was chosen. The branch campus operated under Flathead but under a consortium of other 12 other colleges of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Four years down the line, the reservation college broke ties with Flathead Valley Community College to be the first fully accredited Tribal College on the Northwest. With this came the change of the name to Salish Kootenai College (SKC).

Nursing at Salish Kootenai College

The nursing department at the college has two nursing programs on offer. The programs prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs) via the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) programs.  The baccalaureate program is a completion program which enables RNs to earn a bachelors degree.  Both programs are approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. It is worth noting that the college recently stopped offering the LPN to RN advanced placement option. Further details are provided below:

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

The ASN program at Salish Kootenai College is open to both nursing and pre-nursing students. The nursing students start on their nursing courses early while the pre-nursing students tackle the general education courses first. The program is open to all citizens of US but as a tribal college, preference is given to American Indians during the selection process. As a prerequisite, all students must possess a Certified Nurse Assistant certificate to be allowed to apply for the program.

Students who are admitted in the pre-nursing category take three full load semesters of one academic year to take general education courses before being allowed to take the nursing courses. Those who have completed their general education prerequisites courses take six full load semesters; including two winters to complete the program. A total of 76 nursing credits are required for eligibility to apply and write the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) Program

This degree program at Salish Kootenai is designed for RNs who want to advance their nursing skills by earning a bachelor degree. The coursework for the program builds on prior nursing experience from the ASN program. To be qualified for admission into this program, students must show proof of having practiced as a RN in the last two years whereby, they must have had a minimum of 800hours of supervised RN roles. Those who do not meet the above requirement may be admitted if they graduated from an accredited RN program in the last 9 months and possess a current RN license.

While enrolled in the BSN program, Salish Kootenai college department of nursing makes it mandatory for RN colleagues (students) to maintain their employment as RNs. For this requirement, students must show prove with documentation from their supervisors of at least 8 hours/ week of RN roles.

The program is available on both full time and part time study plans and all students cover their courses in a hybrid format. In this case, general education courses for the BSN can be offered online or on-site. Courses with an online component require a mandatory 1-3 times on-site activities per semester. To be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree from Salish Kootenai College, RNs must complete 47 nursing major credits, 78 general education credits.

Contact:
Salish Kootenai College
58138 USS Hwy 93, Pablo,
MT 59855