Massachusetts Bay Community College Nursing Program Review

After having temporal locations in Watertown and Boston, Massachusetts Bay community college; commonly known as MassBay College moved to Wellesley Hills in 1971, 12 years down its year of founding.  To date, the former Elizabeth Seton high School became the main campus for MassBay Community college.  By the year 2001, the college had additional two satellite campuses in Ashland and Framingham.

Nursing Program Overview at MassBay Community College

At MassBay community college (MBCC), there are four nursing programs namely Associate of Science in nursing (LPN to RN), Associate of Science in nursing (Direct entry), Phlebotomy nurse training and Practical Nurse Certificate. All nursing programs start at fall and they have flexible schedules with both day and evening/part-time learning modes. Some selected nursing courses are also offered in an online mode but students have choices to take or not to take those online selected courses.

Associate Degree Science in Nursing (ADN)

This nursing program is designed to accommodate two groups of students:

• ADN-Direct Entry Students

It is for candidates who wish to become registered nurses but have no prior experience in nursing. With this program, the students are trained on all nursing courses including the nursing foundations. It prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. It is available in two options where the day program takes about two academic years to complete while the evening/ part time option takes three academic years; 8 semesters and 2 summers. For the two programs, 77 credits must be covered within the stipulated time.

• ADN- LPN to RN Students

This transition program is designed for LPNs who wish to become RNs via the associate in science degree route. The credits needed are the same as the ones the ADN-direct entry but having prove of licensure enables exemption of a total of 14 nursing credits after a bridging course.  It is worth noting that this program is only offered on part-time learning modes where classes and practical sessions are conducted. To complete this program, it normally takes 5 semesters with one summer session.

Practical Nursing Certificate

For candidates wishing to have nursing career-entry as licensed health care workers, the PNC option at MassBay community college is an excellent option. The program is accredited by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. It is presented as a 40-week training program whereby, students receive rigorous clinical theory classes and lab sessions.  Students begin at fall and move on through June.

A total of 48 credits must be covered and successful completion of the same gives the students eligibility to take the NCLEX-LPN exam. A certificate in practical nursing is the final outcome of the training program.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is a very short; one semester certificate program that trains nurses on techniques of drawing blood for laboratory testing and diagnosis.  Students must have CPR certificate prior to enrollment from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Only seven credits are required to be eligible for the phlebotomy certificate from MassBay community college.

Contact:
Massachusetts Bay Community College,
50 Oakland Street,
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Nursing Program Review

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS, or MCPHSU, MCPHS University) was founded in 1823 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts specifically at the Longwood Medical and Academic Area.  It has a rich history of providing excellent health-care training and medical careers. 

It is second after the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia; formerly the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, oldest pharmacy college in US.  The main campus is located at Boston while other two satellite campuses have recently been opened at Manchester and Worcester.

School of Nursing- MCPHS

This is one of the well established nursing schools in the State of Massachusetts. It offers close to ten nursing programs; most of which are offered online. The school of nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is also home to the clinical centre utilized by other nurse-programs offering college like the Emmanuel college among others. It is due to the long established and infrastructure development that makes nursing and other health careers at MCPHS worthwhile, challenging and fun too. Below are the nursing programs under the nursing school:

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a fulltime on-campus program that enables students become RNs. It takes an accelerated study mode of 32 months to complete the eight semesters of the normal BSN degree.  The curriculum is designed to cater for both fresh nursing students as well as transfer students. Academic sessions start at the fall semester of each year for this program and are conducted at the Boston main campus. Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Graduate Nursing Programs

These programs take Bachelor of Science graduates from both nursing and non-nursing degrees. Apparently, all the masters programs are offered exclusively online and include the following concentrations:

• MSN- Family Nurse Practitioner

This program is designed to meet advanced education needs of nurses who wish to become family nurse practitioners. The ultimate goal is to enable the advanced practice nurse to take and pass the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification exam. It also meets the criterion set for FNPs by AACN

• ADN to MSN- Generalist Track Bridging program

This unique program is meant for associate of science in nursing graduates who are considering to get a masters level education without doing the Bachelor of Science in nursing.  It is a bridge program that prepares students for any concentration among the many MSN nurse specialist options.  This program is offered as a part-time online version and with students choosing their convenient 45- hour’s practicum sessions location.

Ultimately, this bridging program allows students to get 20 credit hours which can then be used for transfer into the MSN program during matriculation, allowing associate degree students to get into the MSN without doing the BSN.

• ADN to MSN- Family Nurse Practitioner Bridging Program

Just like the generalist program, the ADN to MSN (FNP) bridging courses allows a student to be awarded a MSN-FNP without having to undergo the BSN. The only difference is that students take courses geared towards FNP during the bridging program.

Post Baccalaureate BSN

Designed for non- nursing bachelor degree holders, this program takes 16 months to complete. It allows career shifters to come into the field of nursing on condition that they hold accredited degrees from other recognized institutions.  Semesters for this program start at fall and spring and are all conducted on-campus at Manchester and Worcester campuses.

Contact:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Avenue,
Boston, MA 02115

Massasoit Community College Nursing Program Review

Massasoit is a symbol of union and integration between cultures; the school was named after the Great chief who welcomed Pilgrims at Plymouth. It dates back to 1966 when the State Board of Education deliberated on the establishment of low tuition- state support centers of higher learning and is among the 15 community colleges in Massachusetts. The college is located at Brockton and has auxiliary campuses at Canton and Middleborough.

Nurse/ Allied Health Academic division

At Massasoit Community college (MCC), the Nurse/ Allied Health academic division houses the department on nurse education. The department so far has only two nursing programs which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. They are also approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  The programs have the following specifications:

Nurse Education at Massasoit

This is a two-year program whereby students are awarded the Associate of Science in nursing upon completion.  The program combines courses in general education, liberal arts and nursing theory. Clinical practice is arranged by the college and transport to health agencies is also catered for. The mode of study takes the form of exclusive day classes for nursing theory classes and either evening or day clinical sessions.  Clinical sessions are largely conducted in Brockton VA medical centre, just around the main campus.

However there is a completely evening option for the associate degree but students in this program are not eligible for state funding; hence must be self sponsored.  The exclusive evening program takes three academic years unlike the hybrid day-evening program. For both degrees, completion enables students to be eligible to sit the NCLEX-RN exams for licensure as a registered nurse. A total of 65 credits must be completed to be eligible for graduation

 LPN to Associate Degree Advanced Placement Nurse Education

At Massasoit, LPNs who have current licensure for practical nursing in Massachusetts State are eligible to enroll for the LPN to ADN degree. The program offers bridging courses to LPNs and therefore, they are matriculated into the nurse education program for their ADNs.  The bridging course takes three semesters to complete.  Study options include both day and evening classes; theory in day classes and clinical rounds in both day and evening.

It is worth noting that LPN graduates of Bristol Plymouth Technical, Blue hills technical and Southeastern Regional college are eligible for credit transfers from their LPNS as the Massasoit college has articulation agreements with the said colleges. Their program therefore takes a far less period.

Transfer Students in Nursing School

Massasoit accepts only LPN transfer students from a number of the above named technical colleges. On the other hand, the college has articulation agreements with other larger universities and colleges in Massachusetts. This allows the associate of nursing students to be able to transfer their ADN credits to a four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.  With this arrangement, registered nurse graduates of Massasoit Community College are able to finish the BSN in two years.

Contact:
Massasoit Community College
One Massasoit Blvd.,
Brockton, MA 02302

MGH Institute of Health Professionals Nursing Program Review

MGH Institute of Health Professional is the successor of the old Massachusetts General Hospital nursing Diploma school dating a century ago. MGH Institute of Health Professionals (MGHIHP) is dedicated to the noble profession of training competent nurses since its inception in1977 after taking over from the general hospital.  From the start, MGH institute of health professionals has been offering graduate level nursing programs.

MGH Institute of Health Professionals-School of nursing

To become a nurse from MGH institute, there are two tracks that are usually followed;

• Becoming a nurse at graduate level with no prior nursing experience or
• Becoming an advanced practice nurse by building from your nursing experience

Programs are approved and accredited by the CCNE and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Direct entry Nursing Programs

i)        Accelerated BSN

 At MGH institute of health professionals, bachelor graduates with a non nursing degree are welcomed to enroll to the “become nurse programs”. These programs are meant to cater for career changers and also responding the increasing need of nurses in the US. The program takes in bachelor degree holders from accredited universities to enroll for a 14- month accelerated BSN program. Completion of this program awards the student a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

ii)      Master of Science in Nursing

This 3-yaer degree program is also designed for non- nurses who wish to pursue a Masters level degree in the nursing field.  The program offers training to non-nurses who later are awarded the MSN-Nurse Practitioner degree.  And even more, it is one of the few nursing programs in Massachusetts that awards two degrees at simultaneously ie the BSN and the MSN upon completion. The following are nurse specialties offered here:

• Gerontology
• Women’s health
• Acute care
• Family health
• Mental health
• Adult health
• Pediatrics

Post –Professional Nursing Degrees (For RNs)

The programs meet the educational needs of registered nurses who are in the pursuit of graduate studies.  There are quite a number of nursing programs in this category namely:

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

This program from MGH institute of health professionals is geared towards building on prior nursing experience. The programs are meant to take a period of two academic years with options of full-time and part time study modes. It is only open to students who already hold a RN licensure. The track leads to the award of a MSN- Nurse Practitioner degree.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

In this category of terminal nursing studies, there are three tracks at MGH institute:

iii)    RN to DNP program

This is an excellent opportunity for RNs who do not hold a MSN degree to get to the highest level of education without following the MSN route.  The study takes the form of hybrid learning modes with a combination of online and classroom instruction. Students can also choose between the part time or full time study options. During the time of application, RNs must choose from any one of the advanced practice nurse specialties of MSN levels and eventually taking the Doctor of nursing courses. The program takes 4 years to complete.

iv)   Post- Master Doctor of Nursing Practice

Unlike the RN to DNP, the Post-master DNP is specifically designed for RNs who are already advanced practice nurses ie only those with a MSN degree.  This program takes three years to complete with classroom and clinical practice being offered in part time and fulltime options. The program is also a hybrid where some selected courses are offered exclusively online and others in the classroom setting. Nurses are able to take concentrations in:

• Global health
• Nursing Administration
• Advanced Clinical practice
• Informatics and
• Education

The same concentrations are applicable to the RN to DNP.

v)     DNP for Nurse Executives

This is a 3-year special program for nurses who can show prove of being in nurse leadership and administrative posts. It takes nurse leaders and builds on their leadership skills in the nursing field. Unlike the other two DNP programs at MHG institute of nursing professionals, the program is offered almost exclusively online with students only coming for classrooms sessions for only two weekend afternoons per month.  During these visits, students meet at Charlestown Navy Yard Campus.

Nursing Certificate Programs

MGH also offers three post graduate nursing certificates ie:

• HIV/AIDS certificate
• Post- NP/ MSN certificate
• Mind Body Spirit Certificates (for holistic nurses)

Contact:
MGH Institute of Health Professionals
36 First Avenue,
Boston, MA 02129-4557

Middlesex Community College Nursing Program Review

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was founded in 1970 and has two well established campuses: the main campus at Bedford and a satellite campus at Lowell. It offers both credit and noncredit programs for the adult community in Bedford. Since its inception, the college has developed to offer more than 75 degree and certificate programs.  One of the most successful departments of Middlesex Community college is the nursing department.

Nursing at Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College offers two associate degree nursing programs and two certificate programs in nursing.  All the nursing programs are offered at the Lowell campus located at Kearny Square and are offered in both day and evening classes. The nursing department is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing while the four programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.  The college has formed articulation agreement with 15 universities and colleges in Massachusetts to enable students have an easy transfer of credits from the 2-year to the 4-year BSN. Precisely, this is what the college has to offer its nursing students:

Associate of Science in Nursing

The program prepares students sit for the NLCEX-RN exam. The program starts at spring and fall of each year and takes a total of four semesters. All the classes and instruction sessions are held at the Health, Science and Technology Centre in Lowell Campus. Classes are during the day and evening but clinical experience is scheduled for the evening hours only. There is also an evening-weekend option if the number of students is sufficient although this program takes one extra year to complete.  Classes are held at the same venue and include two week-day evenings and one weekend day

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses

LPNs who meet Middlesex Community college admission requirements may be eligible for the advanced placement for LPNs. Generally, prospective students must produce current licensure for LPNs for the state of Massachusetts. Usually, the program takes the form of bridging courses to enable entry into the associate of science in nursing program.

LPNs seeking advanced placement must follow either of the following two options:

i)        Apply and take a number of bridging courses at Middlesex Community college. Completion of this courses leads to a nursing transition seminar into the ADN program.

ii)      The second option is for students coming from colleges that have articulation agreements with Middlesex community college. These students do not take longer periods for the bridging as some credits are transferred from their LPN program.

Nursing Assistant Certificate

The nurse aide program at Middlesex community college prepares students to take the certification exam of certified nurse assistants. It is fully accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Public health. Classes are scheduled for evenings only (Tue & Thur) and on Saturday while practical experience is only held on three sessions for the last three Saturdays of the training.  A total of 18 nursing and general courses must be completed.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is an entry level program for the nursing field where students are trained on blood drawing techniques. Just like the CNA certificate, the program is only offered in the evening and weekends. 19 credits are required to complete the program with an additional 100- hours of externship off campus. Students are expected to cover the costs culminating from the externship hours.

Contact:
Middlesex Community College
591 Springs Road,
Bedford, MA 01730

Mount Wachussett Community College Nursing Program Review

Mount Wachussett Community College (MWCC) is a public college offering two-year associate degrees as the highest level of education. It sits on a large 269-acre land on its main campus at Gardener, Massachusetts. It has additional three auxiliary campuses in Devens, Leominster and Fitchburg. It has integrated full time, part time and online study approaches to enable students reach their career goals.

Nursing at Mount Wachussett Community College

Five distinct nursing programs are offered at Mount Wachussett Community College two of which are associate degrees and the three are certificate programs. The college has been approved to offer the nursing degrees and certificates by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. On a further note, the programs have been accredited by NLNAC and Massachusetts Department of Public health. Below are the nursing programs explained:

Nursing Degree- ADN

This is an entry level degree for those wishing to become registered nurses.  Day and evening classes are available and must be competed at the Gardener campus. By the end of the program, students must have completed the required 72 credits and are then, eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Mount Wachussett College has formed articulation agreements with Drexel university for students who wish to get transfer into Drexel’s University online BSN. However, the college does not dictate transfer to only this university and plans can be made for transfer to university of Phoenix, Fitchburg and Framingham State Universities, UMass at Lowell and Oak State University.

LPN Bridge Option

Licensed Practical Nurses who hold a current LPN license and having at least one year work experience are the ideal candidates for this program. The bridge program allows students to complete prerequisites for the ADN program. Upon successful completion of the bridge program, students can be matriculated into the ADN starting off at the second semester. This program is conducted at Devens campus and transfer options are similar to those of the ADN program. Just like the ADN, a total of 72 nursing and general education courses are required for NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.

Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion

This is an exclusive evening nursing program conducted at the main campus at Gardener. It trains entry level candidates in blood drawing techniques after completion of credits in phlebotomy clinical practice.  For students of Mount Wachussett community college who hold a certificate of completion in phlebotomy, three credits can be used towards the completion of a Medical Assisting Degree.

Practical Nurse Certificate

The program prepares student to sit the NCLEX-LPN exam for licensure in Massachusetts. The program is only offered as a day program at the main campus. Clinical practicum can be scheduled at any of the three campuses of the college.  The practical nurse certificate requires 45 nursing and non-nursing credits to complete. Mount Wachussett offers interested LPN certificate holders’ additional courses that usually lead to their matriculation into the Associate of Science in nursing program.

Certified Nursing Assistant

This is a relatively new nursing program at Mount Wachussett Community College. The curriculum is being developed and it will be on offer within the shortest time possible. Students interested in this program must keep checking with the school for the official launch of this program.

Contact:
Mount Wachussett Community College
444 Green St, Gardener,
MA 01440

Northeastern University Nursing School Review

Northeastern University (NEU) stands right at the heart of metro-Boston.  It was founded in 1898 with the aim of enabling research in the areas around and beyond Massachusetts. It has a total of nine distinct and independent colleges and schools, each offering a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This successful private university prides itself if offering interdisciplinary research, urban engagement and experiential approach to learning

Northeastern University- School of Nursing

It is quite an experience to study nursing at the Northeastern University. The School of nursing has well structured, greatly challenging nursing programs. From the undergraduate BSN to the highest terminal nursing degrees, Northeastern University has all you need for your nursing education needs. Precisely, the school has one undergraduate, seven masters and three Doctorate nursing degrees. All nursing school programs are offered at the Bouve College of health sciences; an affiliate college of Northeastern university.  A breakdown of this large nursing school would be:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a very dynamically designed undergraduate program that allows students to become RNs. The most special aspect of this program is that students are allowed to choose from any of the two 4-year plans or the any of the two five-year plans. With these plans, students have greater freedom in choosing which program suits them best. The five-year plan offers the students an extended co-operation experience during study in addition to vacations.  The four-year plans are designed for those who wish to have fewer cooperation externships during the period of study.

As part of the experiential learning, BSN students at Northeastern University have alternate study between academic study and paid employment starting from their second year of study. This is one aspect that makes the nursing program to be very attractive.

Direct Entry Nursing (MS)

The program allows bachelor degree holders from non-nursing program to use their credentials to enroll directly for a master of science in nursing degree. During the first year, students receive undergraduate-level nursing classes to get acquainted to the nursing program. Completion of the program allows the students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.  Following licensure, they get into a co-op experience for six months after which, they continue with the second and third year of MSN. The second and third year takes the form of usual nursing specialty programs.  Co-op experience is with over 10 medical facilities in Massachusetts.

BSN/MS Nursing Program

With the choice of two years for full time and five years part time basis, this degree program is meant for RNs who only have an associate or diploma in nursing. This is a joint degree program that allows student to combine the Baccalaureate and Masters programs into one track of learning. With this program, students can choose from seven nurse specialties including family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, mental health, acute care among others. At the end of the curriculum, students graduate from Northeastern university with two degrees; the BSN/MS degree.

Masters of Science in Nursing

This includes a collection of four master’s level nursing programs. It takes in BSN students who wish to take nurse specialties in:

• MSN-Nurse Practitioner
• MSN-Nurse Anesthesia
• MSN-Mental Health and
• MSN-Nurse Administrator
• MSN/MBA nursing program

A specially designed Northeastern nursing degree that allow nurse to take two masters degree at the same time, a Master of Business Admin and a Master of Science in Nursing. The two programs are offered concurrently on a part time basis. It takes a minimum of four academic years to complete at both the graduate school of business and Bouve College.

Doctorate Programs

There are two doctorate level nursing programs at Northeastern University namely Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing (PhD). The programs take four semesters for fulltime students and four years for part timers. An additional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is also available beyond the master degree holders.

Contact:
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA 02115

North Shore Community College Nursing Program Review

North Shore Community College (NSCC) is one of the oldest community colleges in Massachusetts State.  It has its history dating back to 1965 when it was founded at its main campus in Danvers. Later it opened two other campuses at Lynn and Beverly.  It has succeeded in offering post-secondary  education to the community around its campuses. Over the years, the community college has developed many credit and non-credit academic programs for the benefit of the community.

From a small college that it was, North Shore Community College currently admits over 15000 students in both credit and non-credit programs.

Nurse Education Department

The nurse education department at North Shore Community College is an integral part of the division of health professionals. The nurse education department is responsible in regulating the associate of nursing degree while the larger division of health professionals has other nursing programs which award certificates of completion. One is also a non-credit practical program.

Associate of Science in Nursing

The curriculum of this program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The program is offered exclusively as a day program from the Danvers campus. It is also worth noting that the first classes start only in fall and move on for four semesters.  The total number of courses required is 15 and completion makes students to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.

Following graduation with this two-year nursing degree, chances are open for students who wish to continue with nursing education. On this note, North Shore Community College has formed articulation agreements to enable students have easy transfer of credits for a BSN in either of the following colleges and universities:

• Salem State University
• Emmanuel College
• Framingham State University
• Endicott College and
• Regis College.

Mental Health Department

This is not entirely in the nursing department but offers courses that help students become mental patients caregivers. 10 courses are geared towards helping in psychiatric hospitals as aides for senior health professional or to work in home care psychiatric settings.  Completion of the program leads to award of a mental health certificate.

Gerontology Certificate

This one-year program is open to entry level students who want to get nursing skills in the field of geriatrics and gerontology.  The outcome of this certificate program is the ability of the student to offer basic bedside help to the aging population. However, the school does not provide information of whether this certificate program is accredited by any authority.

Practical Nursing Certificate

For ten months, entry level nursing students are trained on practical nursing skills via 12 practical nursing courses. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in nursing and nurses are able to sit the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure to work in Massachusetts State.

Nurse Assistant/ Home Health Aide Certificate

As part of community education in the health field, North Shore community college offers this program under the community education policy. It is a non- credit program which offers 100 hours of training to both adults and other interested persons. Classroom hours are conducted at North Shore while RNs at local hospitals help in the practical sessions.  The Massachusetts Department of Public health approves the certificate program.

Contact:
North Shore Community College
1 Ferncroft Road,
Danvers, MA 01923

Northern Essex Community College Nursing Program Review

Formerly the Greenleaf Elementary school, Northern Essex community college (NECC) opened its doors for higher learning in 1961. Sitting on a 10 acre land in Haverhill, the college is one of the fifteen state-supported community colleges in Massachusetts.  The mission of the college is to serve the community around Merrimack Valley and beyond.  It offers community education programs for adults, post-secondary education in addition to being a two-year public institution of higher learning. It provides high quality education at an extremely affordable cost.

Health Division-Northern Essex Community College

The health division at Northern Essex Community college offers three fully accredited nursing programs. They are approved by the commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and are also accredited by NLNAC. Two of the programs are certificate programs while the third is a two-year associate of science in nursing degree.

Nursing Associate Degree

At Northern Essex community college, the ADN degree builds on a strong foundation of sciences, liberal arts and nursing theory.  It is an entry level degree that eventually equips the students with the skills of as a registered nurse serving in different capacities in health care. The program incorporates a holistic approach to training hence enabling nurses to become counselors in addition to being nurses. Students must complete 70 credit hours as a requirement for graduation excluding practical sessions.  All sessions start in fall semesters are only available as day programs. The outcome of the study is to enable students sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Advanced Placement for LPNs

Additionally, the program accepts advanced placement for LPNs.  Admission into the LPN advanced placement program is criterion based and reapplication is allowed only once. The placement leads to the same degree award as the associate degree.

Practical Nursing Certificate

With this program, students are trained on patient care as an entry option into nursing. By the end of the program, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for certification in Massachusetts. A minimum of 47 credits must be taken as a requirement for graduation. It is also possible for the Northern Essex LPN graduates to be offered the chance to take the associate of nursing degree in an advanced placement plan whereby, bridging courses must be taken for successful acceptance into the ADN.

Phlebotomy Certificate

The program trains entry level and RN students on blood drawing techniques.  About 18 credits hours are covered alongside extensive laboratory experience and an externship program at the end.  Completion of the program puts the students in a position to take two different types of exams ie certified phlebotomy technician exam from the National Healthcare Association and the Phlebotomy Technician Exam facilitated by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Transfer information

Northern Essex Community college does not have any direct articulation agreements with other universities or colleges to enable credit transfer for its students. However, it provides to its students the requirements for credit transfer to other colleges in Massachusetts. In short, it only offers transfer advice and contact information to the colleges in which its students wish to complete a four-year nursing program.

Contact:
Northern Essex Community College
100 Eliot Street,
Haverhill, MA 01830

Quincy College Nursing Program Review

In 1958, following a feasibility study to establish community colleges in Massachusetts, Quincy college came into being.  Five years later, the College moved a notch higher by getting the go-ahead to offer two-year associate degree programs. It started off as a single campus college in Quincy but later expanded and founded a satellite campus at Plymouth, south of Quincy.  Quincy college (QC) offers flexible semesters all the year round, so you do not have to wait for too long to get started off as a student there.

Nursing at Quincy College

The nursing programs at Quincy programs are designed to meet the needs of prospective registered nurses. In total, there are four nursing programs; two certificates and two leading to associate degrees.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The program is an entry level nursing degree which is approved and accredited by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and NLNAC. Students can choose between the two study schedules available ie the two-year fulltime program or the part-time program which takes a minimum of two and a half academic years. 

During the first semester, students take only the liberal arts credits and start on nursing classes on the second semester. The outcome of the program is to equip the nurse with the capacity to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after a total of 67 credit hours and clinical sessions are covered.

Advanced Placement –ADN Program

As part of its career mobility commitment, Quincy College offer advanced placement for licensed practical nurses. For eligibility, successful candidates must be holders of current unrestricted LPN licenses for Massachusetts State. The program has two options to choose from; a part time program at both Quincy and Plymouth campuses or a full time option at Quincy campus only.

After the bridging, students are able to complete all the requirements of the program: both theory and practical, in 12 months for the part time and 9 months for the full time. During the bridging program, courses taken can be used to exempt up-to 30 nursing credits from the required 67. At the end of the track, the NCLEX-RN is taken for licensure as a RN.

Practical Nursing Certificate

This program leads to eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a practical nurse in Massachusetts. The program can be taken as either a ten-month fulltime day program or an evening part time program which takes approximate two years. Precisely, the program will cover 30 and 20 hours of class and clinical work for the fulltime and part time options respectively culminating to 44 credit hours.

Phlebotomy Certificate

With a total of 15 credit hours, entry level students are trained on blood drawing techniques. However, Quincy College does not provide guarantee for completion of the program in two semesters, since limited lab space can force students to continue for a third semester to take the clinical sessions.

Articulation agreements at Quincy College

Credits can be transferred from Quincy college for a four year nursing degree program at the following colleges:

• Framingham State University
• Massachusetts college of Pharmacy and health sciences
• Emmanuel College

Contact:
Quincy College
24 Saville Avenue,
Quincy, MA 02169

Quinsigamond Community College Nursing Program Review

Since 1963, Quinsigamond community college (QCC) has offered higher education to the community around and beyond Central Massachusetts.  The college tries to reach the community from it its three campuses in Worcester, Upton and Southbridge. It is known to be one of the community colleges with the most affordable college fees in Massachusetts. The programs offered range from two-year associate degrees to shorter certificate programs and non-credit continuing education programs.

Nursing Education- Quinsigamond Community College

In the capacity bestowed to it by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Quinsigamond college offers accredited and approved nursing programs.  There are three associate of nursing degree routes and one certificate of practical nursing.

Nurse Education- Entry Level ADN

This is a two-year nursing program at Quinsigamond which equips future nurse with nursing skills. Students take a combination of liberal arts, general education and nursing courses.  After completion of the program, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The college has also formed articulation agreements with a number of universities and colleges to allow students have transfer of credits into a four-year BSN. The program is also available in evening and day options.

Career Mobility in Nursing

By embracing career mobility, Quinsigamond community college has two programs in advanced standing placement that leads to the award of the associate of nursing degree.

Advanced Placement LPN to ADN

If a LPN satisfies the admission to the ADN program, then they can be allowed to get the shortened route of becoming a registered nurse. The graduate must be from an accredited LPN program and must have current and unrestricted license for the State of Massachusetts.  The bridging courses given enable the student to benefit from credit exemption from the total required 72 credits.

Classes are offered in evening classes only and just like the entry level ADN, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The same accrediting body of the ADN accredits this evening program.

Advanced Placement Paramedic to RN

This is one of the few paramedics to RN programs in Massachusetts. It is offered as an evening option with students covering a total of 73 credit units. Completion of co-requisites is required for entrance eligibility and they are basically known as a paramedic to RN bridge courses. In addition, students must provide prove of a current certification of Paramedics in Massachusetts.  Just like the other two nurse education programs, graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Articulation agreements are available between Quinsigamond Community College and specific colleges and universities in Massachusetts for the three ADN routes.

Practical Nursing Program

The program prepares students for entry level nursing careers as licensed practical nurses.  Course covered fall in the biological, social and nursing sciences totaling to 46 credit hours. There is also extensive practical experience. On a full time basis, the program takes 40 weeks to complete after which, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Students are then allowed to work in healthcare facilities as practical nurses providing direct care to patients.

Contact:
Quinsigamond Community College
670 West Boylston St, Worcester,
MA 01606

Regis College Nursing Program Review

Regis College (RC) was initially a women’s college until the year 2007 when it was transformed into a co-ed college and started admitting male students. Its history dates back to 1927 when a congregation of catholic faith sisters in Boston founded this institution of higher learning.

Over time, Regis College has advanced from undergraduate college to offering graduate programs and even doctorate programs. However, the catholic roots of Regis College do not deter students from to other faiths to apply for admission, since there is no discrimination against creed at Regis College.

Regis College-Department of Nursing

The department of nursing at Regis is well established and has been offering nursing degrees from 1983. It has a record fifteen nursing programs in total presenting a mixture of undergraduate, master and doctoral programs. It also offers an associate of science in nursing degree. Below is a breakdown of the nursing programs:

Associate of Science in Nursing

This two-year degree program is offered as a collaborative effort between Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Regis.  The collaborative ASN degree allows student to take nursing NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. There is also a dual admission opportunity whereby, students are able to have immediate admission into the Regis College RN to BSN or MSN career mobility track.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This four-year Bachelor of Science with a concentration in nursing is available as both a fulltime and weekend program.  The weekend program had been initially designed for military RNs but later was made open to non-military students. Graduates of the dual ASN at Regis have a direct transfer into the program without undergoing new application screening. Classes are held at Weston campus and Medford at Lawrence Memorial. As a faith-based college, Regis incorporates holistic nursing as part of the BSN and other nursing curriculum.

Variation in the BSN program is also available at Regis as a part time BS in nursing. It is meant for non-nurse students who want to get their BSN degree in three academic years. At the moment, it is only available for Massachusetts residents.

Graduate Degrees in Nursing

At Regis, graduate nursing degrees take the better part of the nursing department. There are about ten nursing programs under this category:

i)        Accelerated BS/MS – Nurse Practitioner

It is designed for non nurses who want to acquire a nursing education at both the undergraduate and masters’ level concurrently. The program allows students to take the NCLEX-RN exam after 16 months of study and later, move on to taking the masters specialty as a nurse practitioner. Within three years, the student is able to go home with two degrees precisely known as BS/MS- Nurse practitioner degree.

ii)      RN to BS to MS Upward Mobility Program

It is designed for RNS who either hold an ASN or Diploma in nursing. At the end, the student takes home two degrees; the BSN and a MSN in one of the four nurse specialties offered. Students are also free to exit the program at the BSN level.

iii)    Master of Science in Nursing

There are five masters nursing programs at Regis are designed for BSN holders. The nurse specialties offered are:

• MSN-Nurse practitioner
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Health informatics)
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Health administration)
• MSN-Nurse leadership (Regulatory and Clinical Research Management)
• MSN-Acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist.

iv)   Doctor of Nursing Practice

This is was the first doctorate program at Regis College. It is open to MSN holders and is offered as an online, weekend and evening program or a combination of the three.  It takes a minimum of three and a maximum of seven years to complete depending on which mode of study a student chooses.

v)     Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing

At Regis, nurses can enroll for career enrichment via the following three certificate programs:

• Post-Master Certificate – Nursing education
• Post-masters Certificate-Nurse Practitioner
• Certificate in Nursing Leadership

Contact:
Regis College
253 Wellesley Street, Weston
MA 02493

Roxbury Community College Nursing Program Review

Serving the greater area of Roxbury and Boston, Roxbury community college (RCC) is committed to be the college of choice for students seeking open enrollment, those seeking continuing education opportunities and those in pursuit of two-year programs. It is a co-educational institution of higher learning approved to offer associate degrees and certificate programs.

Nursing at Roxbury Community College

Nursing at Roxbury has two accredited and approved programs. The department is approved to offer the nursing programs by the commonwealth of Massachusetts and programs and programs are accredited by the NLNAC. A closer look at the nursing program is given below:

Nursing (AS)

The nursing (AS) degree at Roxbury community college prepares student s to become registered nurses by equipping them with a clinical and nursing theory component. This makes the students to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Generally, the program takes a period of four semesters to complete.

Until the second semester, students are not able to take nursing courses. It is during the first semester that students take general education and math courses. They call this a prep semester and it takes up-to ten of the required credits for graduation. On the subsequent four semesters, students take nursing classes coupled with clinical experience classes. A minimum of 70 credit hours must be fulfilled for as a requirement for graduation, three of which are offered online.

Students can also apply for joint admission program at Framingham State University. This offers the students a direct entry into the RN to BSN program instantly after completion of the associate degree. It is one of the advantages of taking the associate degree program at Roxbury, since a joint program has a smoother transition into a BSN than articulation credit transfer. 

Transfer options are also available for Roxbury students into to the following college and universities:

• Northeastern University
• University of Massachusetts-Boston (For both traditional and online BSN program)
• University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
• Framingham State University
• Simmons College (for a Master of Science in nursing) and
• Emmanuel College
  

Practical Nursing Certificate

For future practical nurses at Roxbury community, the practical nursing certificate program is an ideal idea. The program prepares entry level nursing students to offer basic patient and bedside care. Students take three semesters with a first semester being referred to as a prep semester covering at least 6 credit hours for non- nursing courses. In total, 48 credit hours must be completed before graduation and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The outcome is the award of the practical nursing certificate that allows for licensure for practice in Massachusetts.

Due to high application numbers of application received, taking and passing of pre-requisite  course does not guarantee one a place at Roxbury community college. Admission is based on space availability only. It is also important to note that the college does not offer articulation agreements for this particular nursing program with other colleges.  Students having this plan in mind must reconsider admission to other colleges having that plan.

Contact:
Roxbury Community College
1234 Columbus Avenue,
Roxbury Crossing
MA 02120

Salem State University Nursing School Review

Salem State University (SSU) was incepted in 1856 and has a century and a half history of bringing higher education to the people of North Shore and the whole of Massachusetts regions. It was started off an exclusive women’s college offering teaching programs. By then, the college was known as Salem normal school but later changed the name to Salem state college after extra non-teaching programs were introduced in the catalog.

Currently, Salem State College is known as Salem State University and is a co-ed public institution of higher learning, offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs among them nursing.

School of Nursing at Salem State University

The nursing school at Salem State University caters for the nursing education needs for high school graduates, career advancers and even career shifters. With eight distinct and well structured nursing programs under its mandate, the school strives to offer what most nursing students would require for a better career. Starting from the lowest point, the nursing programs available at Salem state university are:

LPN to BSN

This program enables students to receive six advanced sitting credits for the LPN license. Prerequisites are that the student must have a current Massachusetts LPN license. The credits must however come from a college level experience otherwise, they will not be accepted. Initially, students start off as part time students while taking the general education courses and transfer to the day program only occurs when nursing courses start.  The program awards the student a BSN with the eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

RN to BSN

For RNs wishing to get a BSN, the RN to BSN program is the ideal program at Salem. It is an exclusive part time evening program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For this particular program, classes are offered at both Salem state and Northern Essex Community college. Selected courses are offered online. Cohorts start at November and March and proceeding for two academic years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The program takes the traditional four-year baccalaureate format and is designed for entry level students and non nursing degree holders who wish to have a nursing degree. At the end of the program, students sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

MSN

The program takes students from accredited bachelor degree colleges and non nursing degree holders. For the non- nurses, they must pass the National League for Nursing Baccalaureate Achievement Exam.  The program covers 39 credits with two nursing specialties; nurse education and nurse administration.

MSN/MBA

This is a combined degree program that enables registered nurses with experience in management to take two concurrent degrees; the Master of Business Admin and the MS in nursing. The nursing specialty taken is nursing administration

RN to MSN

This is an integrated program designed for RNs who do not hold a BSN but have an RN education from a nationally accredited diploma or associate.  It is important to note that the program does not award two degrees ie BSN and MSN; therefore, students who want to get the two degrees must take additional courses out of this track to be awarded the two degrees concurrently.

Direct Entry MSN

This is a highly tight program that allows non nurses to get a second career in nursing.  After 15 months of full time day, evening and weekend classes, students are expected to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. They must also practice for another six months as RNs before re-instating to continue with the MSN track in either Education, Administrator of Nurse practitioner options.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Advanced practice nurse i.e. those with a minimum of a master level degree are welcome to enroll for this program.

Contact:
Salem State University
352 Lafayette Street,
Salem, MA 01970

Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Nursing Program Review

Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital is a community- based not for profit teaching hospital. Founded in 1896; Signature Healthcare is the largest and one of the oldest inpatient hospital in the greater area of Brockton. It has strong affiliations with Tufts Medical Centre in the providence of both medical services and teaching programs.  It also prides itself to being the only hospital-college in the state of Massachusetts.  The hospital teaching wing was established in 1897, a year after the founding of the hospital.

Brockton Hospital School of Nursing

The Brockton hospital school of nursing is an integral part of the larger Signature Healthcare. The school is a co-ed centre of nurses training offering a bunch of nursing programs in addition to other healthcare programs. Students in the schools of nursing enjoy unlimited access to clinical experience from three hospitals; Signature healthcare, Brockton hospital and Tufts medical centre.

The school has also formed a collegiate affiliation with Fisher College which largely facilitates the teaching of the nursing programs at Brockton.  The relationship is co-operative meaning; student nurses are able to receive lectures from both institutions. The school offers two nursing awards; a diploma in nursing and later advancement to an associate degree in nursing. The program is offered in the following two arrangements.

Day Division in Nursing

The day division nursing program allows students to study for two years in both Fisher College and Brockton hospital nursing school. However, students should note that, about 85% of all the courses in the two years of study are offered at Fisher College with the remaining being taken at Brockton. A total of two years full time study, ie 16 weeks of fall and spring and 8 weeks of summer per year must be taken.

 Completion of the study leads to two concurrent awards; a Diploma in nursing from Brockton Hospital and  an Associate of Nursing degree from Fisher College. Students are then eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed registered nurses.

Weekend/Evening Division

This option is designed for learners who wish not to take off time from work. The program also leads to the award of a diploma and associate degree from both Brockton hospital and Fisher College respectively. Unlike the day class that takes two years for completion, evening program students must be ready to devote at least four academic years of study. The curriculum for the evening class is similar to the day only that the classes are done during weekends and evenings.

All evening and day students take their clinical sessions at either Tuft Medical centre or at Brockton Hospital. Precisely, real clinical experience is done with patients at the medical centers while clinical simulation classes are held at Fishers College simulation lab.

It is also important to note that, accreditation for the nursing degrees from Brockton school of nursing are those in use at Fisher College for the Associate and the ones for Brockton for the Diploma in nursing.

Contact:
Signature Healthcare/Brockton Hospital, Inc
680 Centre Street, Brockton,
MA 02302

Simmons College Nursing Program Review

Simmons College (SC) is a private college founded in the late 1890’s. It has a rich history of being the first private college to offer women education in those years when discrimination against women’s education was prevalent. The college is known to have developed a non-discrimination policy against African- American female students in the early 1900’s.

Department of Nursing at Simmons College

Simmons College department of nursing offers comprehensive degrees in the nursing division starting with undergraduate programs to the highest-terminal nursing degrees. The nursing programs under this department have been approved and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  The programs are presented as:

Pre-licensure Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This program is designed for women students who fall under the ages of 18 and 23 years. It is a full time study plan that takes four-years to complete and as usual, students are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.

Dix Scholar Program

This is designed for previous BA or BS holders from other non-nursing fields.  Normally the program takes two academic years to complete but there is a part time option which takes 3 years. It takes the form of accelerated study hence; lots of commitment must be accorded by the students.

RN to BSN program

This program takes in nurses who have prior experience in the nursing field either diploma or associate degree holders. The program is offered in part time and full time basis and follows the same curriculum as the one for the BSN and admission is via the Dix Scholars Program. Candidates must have an active RN license to be allowed into the program and Completion leads to the NCLEX-RN exam. It is also possible to get credit transfers into the program via the advanced LPN placement route.

Graduate School of Nursing

A number of master’s and doctorate degrees are available at Simmons:

Master of Science: RN to MS

The RN to MS program is a curriculum designed to cater for the needs of Diploma and Associate degree holders who want to become advanced practice nurses. The degree surpasses the need of taking a BSN to a Master in Science with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner. It normally takes 3 to 4 years to complete for fulltime and pastime students respectively.

Dual Degree program:  MS in Society, Human Development and Health

This is a collaborative degree between the Harvard school of public health and Simmons College. The dual degree program is a fulltime nursing program for BSN graduates that award students a MSN-primary health care from Simmons and a MS in Society, Human development and Health from Harvard.

Direct Entry MSN

The advanced nursing practice is meant for students who wish to get into the nursing career and are holders of other non- nursing bachelor’s degrees. At the end of the first portion, usually three semesters, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs. Graduate studies must them continue immediately for the MSN with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner.  In total, students need to devote three years on a full time basis.

Five year BS-MSN in Nursing

This is a form of an accelerated nursing program that helps nurses become RNs at the BSN level with an immediate continuation for a MSN with a nurse practitioner track. It cuts down the six years usually needed for both programs by taking extra summer classes. However, students must attain a RN license before proceeding to the MSN component.

BSN to MS

It is designed for RNs who already have a BSN. It takes two years to complete for students taking a fulltime option and 3 to 4 years for part time student

Doctor of nursing practice

The doctoral program is offered in a blended format; online and short on-campus residency. The online portion takes the better part of the program with up-to 98 % of the degree being done online.  It is strictly allowed to advanced practice nurses who have had over 5000hrs of practice in the fields of NPs, Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Anesthetist. The award is a Doctor of Nursing-Professional Practice Leadership.

Post-Master Certificate-Oncology Nurse Practitioner

The program takes a holistic approach of training nurse practitioners on oncology courses. The NPs are then awarded a certificate of completion in Advanced Graduate Oncology.

Contact:
Simmons College
300 The Fenway, Boston,
MA 022115 

Springfield Technical Community College Nursing Program Review

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is devoted to offering and delivering what community colleges are meant for; affordable yet high quality higher education. Since 1967, it has lived to that call as one of the 15 community colleges of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The community collage located at Armory National Historic Site of Springfield prides itself in being the only technical community college in Massachusetts. It offers comprehensive program from technology to nursing to telecoms.

School of Nursing

The community centered approach to nursing at STCC is that of an interdisciplinary manner whereby, students learn by simulation techniques, and a combination of both nursing and liberal arts courses. The school is approved and accredited to offer programs under its wing by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the NCNAC. Three nursing programs are offered by the school and are:

Seamless Curriculum ADN to RN to BS in Nursing Program

This is a complex program at STCC that combines three distinct tracks which leads to the award of an associate degree and later to a BSN degree through the UMASS online study. The tracks can be explained as followed:

Track 1

Here, students take the normal entry level/ traditional route into earning the Associate degree. It usually takes two years to complete the program which is available on a full time basis only

Track 2

This is designed for high school graduates who have the intent of taking the RN to BSN track at a later point. Usually students start with some introductory nursing courses during their senior year in high school. Later on, they enroll to Springfield Tech Community College where they take a full curriculum to earn an Associate degree hence becoming RNs after sitting for NCLEX-RN exams. If the NCLEX-RN exam is passed, the student writes a letter of commitment to complete the UMASS-Amherst BSN online program. The latter is completed in one year hence earning the student a BSN degree. It takes the form of a 1+2+1 four-year program of study.

Track 3

This is a part time only associate in nursing degree and due to the part time nature, it takes up-to five years of study.

For STCC students who have taken the track 1 and 2, articulation agreements between STCC and other universities and colleges exist hence, allowing them to transfer their credits to a four-year degree program. The baccalaureate articulations are between STCC and:

• Russell Sage College- New York
• University of Massachusetts-All campuses
• American International College
• Elms College
• Framingham State College

Certified Nurse Aide and CPR Certificate Program

The certificate level training program gives intensive training to entry level nursing students. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Quality leads to certification  to become a CNA in Massachusetts State in addition to certification in CPR.

Phlebotomy Certificate

This is a relatively short program that is approved by the National Health-career Association. Upon completion, students are issued with a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate and become fully authorized to carry out blood drawing for diagnosis in health care settings.

Contact:
Springfield Technical Community College
One Armory Square, Springfield,
MA 01102

University of Massachusetts Boston Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of the five University of Massachusetts campuses. It dates back from the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863 when it was changed to the University of Massachusetts in 1947.  The University of Massachusetts Boston was born out of a deliberative vote by the States Legislature to establish a new campus in the area around Boston.

It started offering academic programs in 1974 and is commonly known as UMASS Boston. The college of nursing and Health sciences is one of the eight colleges in UMASS Boston located in a scenic waterfront site near the famous John Kennedy Library.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences-UMASS Boston

The college has remarkably diverse students enrolled via its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. As a college of a public university, it offers very comprehensive yet affordable nursing programs for students to choose from. It is has collaboration with key players in the healthcare field in Boston to ensure students get the best training and experience through co-operation before they leave campus. Below is a closer look of the programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at UMASS Boston:

Undergraduate Programs

A total of three accredited and approved undergraduate nursing programs are given at the college of nursing ie

i)        Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Accelerated

This program is designed for non- nursing BS or BA holders with admission being accepted every summer. It requires a lot of commitment as it is offered in a blended mode of learning; online and classroom sessions. It takes a total of fifteen months to complete upon which, a Bachelor of Science degree is awarded and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ii)      Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Traditional

There is no major difference in the curriculum requirements of the traditional and accelerated BSN. The only difference is that the traditional route to get the BSN take four years to complete and encourages entry level nursing students. The outcome is the same; the award of a BSN degree and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a RN.

iii)    RN to BS- Online

This is an exclusive online nursing program from UMASS Boston College of nursing and health sciences. The Program as the name suggests is designed for registered nurses who may have an associate or diploma in nursing. It builds upon prior nursing experience and reduces the commuting time to campus almost by a 100%.

Graduate programs

At UMASS Boston, three graduate nursing programs are offered under the college of nursing and health sciences. Two of these are master-level programs while one is a doctoral program.

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

Three tracks of the MSN fall under this level and students are required to complete 48 credits for any track chosen. The program is dynamic and courses are taken from both online and classroom sessions. In addition, students are able to choose between full time study which takes two years and part time which takes 3 to four years to complete. Students choose from the following advanced practice nurse tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Acute/Critical Car Clinical nurse Specialist
• Adult/gerontology Nurse Practitioner 

ii)      Nursing MS to DNP-Online

It is also an exclusive online nursing program designed for advanced practice nurses who some substantial experience in advanced practice. It is also available in a part time-online format for which, students takes up-to three years to graduate. Students only visit campus for a number of appearances.

iii)    Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD in nursing focuses on either Population Health or Health Policy. There are also three post-master certificate programs in nursing offered in the college ie:

• Nurse practitioner Post-Masters certificate
• Clinical nurse Specialist Post- Masters Certificate
• Nurse Educator Graduate certificate

University of Massachusetts Amherst Nursing School Review

University of Massachusetts Amherst was born as one of the five University of Massachusetts education systems emanating from the Massachusetts College of Agriculture. It has its history from 1947 when a campus of the larger UMASS (University of Massachusetts) system was open in Amherst.  It has since grown be a nationally reputed public university with nine schools and colleges offering a diverse array of degrees to the state and beyond.

UMASS Amherst-School of Nursing

The school of nursing at UMASS Amherst is proud to have been given approval and accreditation by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to offer the following nursing programs:

Undergraduate Programs

i)        Traditional Track BSN

This is a program meant to build a strong foundation for entry level nurses. It is designed to be taken in four years whereby, in the first two years, students take pre-clinical courses only. For the next two years, students fully concentrate on nursing theory and clinical nursing classes. The final year is deeply focused to nursing to enable students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. Completion awards the student a BSN degree.

ii)      Second Bachelor BSN Track

For individuals with non- nursing BS or BA degrees, the Second bachelor is their choice in getting into professional nursing. It is a full time-highly accelerated format of the traditional BSN track whose goal is to cover the usual BSN in a condensed and rigorous mode. Just like the BSN, the outcome is eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and the award of a BSN degree.

iii)    RN to BS track

The school of nursing at UMASS Amherst offers the exclusive online RN to BS track for RNs who already have 2-year degree or a diploma in nursing. All courses are completed online and students can arrange for clinical experience at a health care facility of their choice. Campus attendance is done occasionally for evaluation, conferences and orientation.

Graduate Programs

The following three graduate nursing programs are available at UMASS Amherst School of nursing:

i)        Master of Science-Clinical Nurse Leader

The Program; a full time commitment, is designed for BSN graduates. It is has a focus on clinical nurse leader and takes a period of two academic years covering 37 credits.  It is meant to prepare advance practice nurse graduates who are eligible to sit for the CNL from the American Nurse Credentialing Centre.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

This terminal degree from UMASS Amherst is offered as a distance and online degree. Students are able to take all their courses requirements online and attend their clinical facility of choice for internship and clinical experience. Students are only able to choose from two tracks of concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner or the Public Health Nurse Leader.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

This track prepares nurse scientists, scholars and nursing capable of handling professional practice. It comes in a two offers where, in the first offer, it takes BSN graduates who take 81 credits to graduate and in the second offer, it takes MSN students who require only 57 credits to graduate.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
300 Massachusetts Avenue,
Amherst, MA 01003

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has a long and complex history dating back into the late 1890’s. The first institution where the current university stands today was a textile school in New Bedford. Numerous development of that school, with change of names, numerous merges with other colleges eventually led to the now UMASS Dartmouth in 1991.

It started offering additional undergraduate degrees to those that had been offered by the former mother colleges and an induction to offer the first PhD in 1994. It forms part of the larger family of the University of Massachusetts (UMass).

College of Nursing-UMASS Dartmouth

The college of nursing is one of eight approved colleges and schools under the umbrella of UMASS Dartmouth.  The school with accreditation from the National League for Accrediting commission offers six programs in the nursing field; three in the undergraduate category and three as graduate level.

Undergraduate Nursing programs- UMASS Dartmouth

i)        Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Planning to move from a student to a registered nurse, UMASS College of nursing at Dartmouth offers you this option through their BS program. It takes form of a traditional nursing program with students taking classes for four years. A total of 122 credits constitute the curriculum for this program whereby, upon completion, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn a BSN degree. During the first year at Dartmouth, students will take general science and introductory nursing courses. During the second and third years, a clinical experience component will be incorporated into the curriculum. At the final year, each student nurse will be assigned to a RN who will evaluate and guide students through an internship program.

ii)      RN-BS (online)

For RNs who are already in practice, this online baccalaureate program is designed for you.  The curriculum is delivered in an online format and builds on prior nursing experience, hence the strict need for RNs only. It is one of the few degrees in Massachusetts where the teaching dynamics are individualized to meet the needs of program progression for each semester for each student. On a normal basis, the program is designed to go for up-to four semesters.

iii)    RN Refresher Course

This is an independent course designed for RNs who wish to re-enter nursing after long breaks or those who want to be trending nursing profession. The course only focuses on acute and critical care nursing.

Graduate Nursing at UMASS Dartmouth

i)        Master of Science in Nursing

The degree options for this degree are for students to choose from two clinical areas in either of the functional areas are outline bellow:

• Community Health Nurse Educator
• Community health nurse manager
• Adult health nurse educator
• Adult health nurse manager

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

The doctor of nursing practice at UMASS Dartmouth has one of the following tracks from which students can choose from:

• Adult nurse practitioner
• Community health clinical specialist and
• Adult clinical specialist

It is possible for BSN students to take some graduate courses right after graduation with a BSN. The nine courses help the BSN student to become enrolled into the program without having to take the MSN; otherwise, it is designed for advanced practice nurses.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

At UMASS-Dartmouth College of nursing, the terminal degree in nursing; doctor of philosophy in nursing is available. It takes a research focus and experiential learning in the following tracks:

• Scholarship on chronic illness
• Scholarship on leadership in nursing education
• Conduct of research

The curriculum is designed to be taught a period of 4 years on a full time basis. Entrants must have a minimum of a MSN degree to be eligible for admission.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road,
North Dartmouth,
MA 02747

University of Massachusetts Lowell Nursing School Review

University of Massachusetts-Lowell forms part of the larger family of the University of Massachusetts education system. It is a public university committed to offering students high quality education yet at an affordable rate. UMASS Lowell is an outcome of the merging of two colleges to form the University of Lowell. The latter then became part of UMASS (University of Massachusetts) and changed name to UMASS – Lowell in 1991 to offer comprehensive higher education via six colleges.

Department of Nursing at UMASS Lowell

The department of nursing is part of the school of health and environment.  The department is proud to have the oldest Family Nurse Practitioner and Gerontology Master of Science programs in New England.  The school offers thirteen nursing programs; from undergraduate to graduate level programs.

Undergraduate Programs

i)        Nursing for Non-RNs

This is a nursing program in the nursing department that strives to give foundation and strong nurse training to entry level nurse students. It is takes the form of a full time program that constitute 123 credit hours.  Upon graduation, the students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ii)      Nursing: RN to BS

This is a unique program that enables RNs to take advantage of credit transfer from their RN licenses. A total of 30 credits are received during admission leaving the student with only 45 credits to take at this level. The program is blended to deliver the curriculum in both online and classroom sessions. The program is accredited by the current accrediting body for UMASS Lowell nursing programs; the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Graduate Programs

i)        Master of Science

The masters of Science in nursing program at UMASS Lowell prepares registered nurses to become advanced practice nurses in the following nurse specialties:

• Family health nursing nurse practitioner
• Adult/gerontology nursing-nurse practitioner
• Mental health nursing- nurse practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist

The program is offered in both full time and part time basis with each track requiring 42 credits for completion. On the other hand, students must have a BSN from an accredited nursing program.

ii)      Fast Track Combined BS-MS for RNs

In this program, students who are already RNs and taking the BSN are requested to apply for the combined BSN/MSN degree. Application for this program is done during the junior year or at the start of the final year.  However, the program only admits BSN students who have had some experience working in a real healthcare setting.

iii)    Fast Track Combined BS-MS for Pre-licensure Students

The program is a mirror of the above mentioned fast tracks for RNs. However, this is meant for fresh nursing students who have no prior experience in nursing. The programs differ in that; the latter receive more emphasis on nursing foundation courses.

iv)   PhD in Nursing

The program takes in students who are RNs in Massachusetts State only and holders of MSN degree. The focus is on development of nurse scholars who will take a concentration in Health Promotion option.

v)     Doctor of Nursing Practice

The objectives of this program are to prepare advanced practice nurses who are able to assume high position leadership roles in healthcare. The program comes in a blended online and face to face mode with courses being offered in the evenings and weekends.

Graduate Certificates

There are six post-masters certificates under the UMASS Lowell nursing department namely:

• Graduate certificate in gerontological nursing
• Adult psychiatric & mental health certificate
• Graduate certificate in palliative & end of life nursing care
• Graduate certificate in geropsychiatric nursing
• Sleep & sleep disorders in Health Post master certificate
• Graduate certificate in nursing education

Contact:
University of Massachusetts – Lowell,
3 Solomont Way, Lowell,
MA 01854

University of Massachusetts Worcester Nursing School Review

The University of Massachusetts-Worcester is a public and exclusive graduate medical centre. It is part of the larger family UMASS (University of Massachusetts) campuses. It is a medical training centre dedicated to delivering medical education in the State of Massachusetts and beyond. It is commonly known as the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS, UMass Medical School)

From 1962, it has been doing the same noble job; providing affordable yet high quality medical training to nurses, physicians, and all health care professionals. The University of Massachusetts -Worcester has a great mission of promoting the increase in the number of medical personnel who ultimately work in underserved areas of Massachusetts.

Graduate School of Nursing-UMass-Worcester

The graduate school of nursing opened in 1986, offering graduate degrees in the nursing field. Since the university of Massachusetts-Worcester is an exclusive graduate medical school, undergraduate nursing programs are not offered. Programs range from master, doctoral and graduate certificates. Programs offered by the graduate school of nursing are:

Master Programs Options

i)        Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP)

The GEP is specifically designed to meet the educational needs of non nursing students who hold baccalaureates in fields other than nursing. It is a three year program whose curriculum first leads to RN licensure followed by taking a nursing specialty at the Masters level. During the second year, students take the normal BSN to MSN curriculum only after passing the NCLEX-RN exam of the first year.

ii)      Pre-Master Pathway

This is meant for RNs who hold of a two-year degree or diploma in nursing. Although the program does not offer the student a Bachelors degree after completion, it is a pathway that is followed by students who want to use the credit transfer advantage into pursing a master’s degree. Students who continue with the program to the end will be awarded a MSN degree.

iii)    Traditional MSN Pathway

This route is meant for holders of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree who want to become advanced practice nurses. It is offered on both part time and full time basis and has the following nursing specialties to choose from:

• MSN-Nurse Educator
• MSN-Adult Acute Care Nurse practitioner
• MSN-Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• MSN-Dual track with gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Post-Masters Certificates

The post masters certificates are meant for advanced graduate nurses who have master degrees in nursing. All the advanced nursing specialties above are available in the certificate program.

Doctoral Programs

Under University of Massachusetts-Worcester graduate nursing school, three distinct terminal level programs are available namely:

i)        BSN to PhD Pathway

The program is designed for BSN students from other universities and UMass-Worcester GEP students. It takes a total of six years to complete and students are made to understand that no masters’ degree is offered in the program, only the PhD.

ii)      Doctor of Nursing Practice

It targets advanced practice nurses who wish to take the terminal nursing degree with concentration on either nurse practitioner or nurse administrator. For the nurse practitioner track, the program allows only MSN-Nurse practitioner students while the Administrator option takes student with any MSN specialty or related degree.

iii)    PhD in Nursing

The PhD in nursing from UMass-Worcester is challenging program and calls for MSN students who are interested to take careers in research, teaching and nursing faculty. Both the DNP and the PhD in nursing are offered on full time basis and students are always encouraged to give-up their jobs as the curriculum is highly demanding.

Contact:
University of Massachusetts Worcester
55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester,
MA 01605

Worcester State University Nursing School Review

Worcester State University  (formerly called Worcester State College) as transitioned through a long journey into its current status. It came from being Worcester’s normal school to Worcester State Teachers College to the current name. The history of the first predecessor school dates back to 1874 but the current Worcester State University (WSU) came into being in 1963. The college was formed after the State Teacher College started offering sciences and liberal arts programs among them nursing.

Nursing at Worcester State College

At Worcester State University, nursing programs are offered from the undergraduate level to the master’s level and are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.  The nursing programs were started in 1974 and the college prides itself to offer the first BSN program to be accredited by the National League of Nurses and the first in New England. Below is a detailed breakdown of the nursing programs here at Worcester State College:

Undergraduate Programs

At WSU, the undergraduate programs lead to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing and they are offered in two distinct but merging tracks namely:

i)        Bachelors of Science in Nursing-Fresh Entrants

This program as the name suggests is designed for entry-level nursing students. It is meant to take the form of the traditional four-year full-time degree.  The BSN takes a holistic approach and is leads to the awards of a BSN degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX_RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse.

ii)      RN to BSN-Transfer Students

This program is designed exclusively for RNs who hold current licensure in the State of Massachusetts. The programs take up to 23 transfer credits from the many colleges it has articulation agreements with. The program takes three semesters to complete. There is also special consideration for the RN to BS student who would wish to get enrolled for an MSN degree at the same college. On this note, students are allowed to take level 500 nursing courses that count towards the MS degree.

The level 500 courses must be completed during the last semester of the RN to BS track. Additionally, interested students must apply for the consideration during the first semester of the RN to BS track.

Master of Science in Nursing

The program takes students who are holders of a BSN or bridging/direct entry students.  The traditional entry that takes two years to complete is the first lot BSN students while the bridging option is followed by those with a non-nursing degree. There is also a third aforementioned program under the master’s level. This allows registered nurses with either a diploma or associate degree to enroll for a master’s program. It is called the fast track RN to MS and awards the Master’s degree only and not both the BSM and MSN.

All master level students at Worcester state college are able to choose from the following two nursing specialties:

• Master of Science in nursing-Nurse Educator
• Master of Science in nursing-Community and Public Health Nursing

The program is dynamic and flexible as it blends both face to face classroom instruction and online learning.

Contact:
Worcester State University
486 Chandler St  Worcester,
MA 01602

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Allegheny College of Maryland Nursing Program Review

Allegheny College of Maryland (ACM) opened in 1961 as a two-year public college. The College offers over 90 associate degree programs, certificates, and letters of recognition. It also has over 35 associate degree transfer programs designed to let students easily continue their studies at a four-year institution.

ACM enrolls 4000 students in credit courses and 16,000 students in continuing education courses each year. The student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, and there are day, evening and online programs available. The main campus is in Cumberland, MD, and there are satellite campus sites in Everett, PA, and in Somerset, PA. There is also a site in Garret, MD, that admits students every other year.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing

This program allows students to pursue a career in nursing and earn their Associate in Science (AS) degree. This is a two year ladder program, allowing students to exit after completing the qualifications for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students that complete the entire program are allowed to take the licensure exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).

To apply, students must have taken a year each of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry, all with a C or higher. They also need to submit ACT scores and pass the placement test or take the courses indicated by the test. In addition, they will need to take the TEAS standardized test, and take Anatomy and Physiology I.

It is also recommended that students take Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, and College Algebra, as the grades in those classes are used to rank applicants. Grades in the general education courses of English Composition, General Psychology, Intro to Sociology, and two Humanities electives are also used in ranking.

Fast Track Program

Students that have already completed all of their general education courses may enter this program, and finish with and Associate Degree in 16 months.

Practical Nursing (LPN)

This program allows students to leave the associate degree program after the first year of studies having met the educational requirements to become an LPN. They will receive a certificate of completion and be able to take the licensing exam for Practical Nurses.

LPN to RN Online

LPNs who wish to earn their associate degree may take this online program. It allows students to enter the associate degree program in the second year, and takes 18 months or less to complete.

Students must have graduated from an approved Practical Nurse program with a C or higher in each course, and must be currently licensed as an LPN to be able to apply. They must also have two years of work experience as an LPN, be CPR certified, have three letters of recommendation, have a 2.5 or better GPA, and must have completed the general education classes required for the program.

The general education courses are English Composition, College Algebra, Humanities elective, General Psychology, Growth and Development, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II. The science courses must have a grade of C or higher.

Nursing Transfer Program

This program is for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution and complete their bachelor’s degree. Students will earn an associate degree, but will not be eligible for the RN licensing exam, as they will not take any clinical courses during this program.

Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide

This certificate program trains students to become certified as CNAs or Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs). Students may earn this certificate after taking the first semester of the associate degree program, and earning a C or higher in all classes.

In-Home Nursing Assistant

This program is for CNAs who wish to continue their education and become In-Home Nursing Assistants. This is a one semester program, and students must earn a C or higher in all classes to qualify for the certificate.

Contact:
Allegheny College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Road, SE
Cumberland, MD 21502-2596

Anne Arundel Community College Nursing Program Review

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) opened in 1961 with 270 students. Today, AACC enrolls over 53,000 students each year in credit and non-credit programs. The school has a main campus in Arnold, and sites at Arundel Mills in Hanover, and the Glen Burnie Town Center. There are also offices at the Fort Meade Army Education Center. In addition, AACC hosts classes at over 100 locations around the county.

The main campus in Arnold is minutes away from Annapolis and is located halfway between Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Nursing Programs

Registered Nursing (RN)

This 70 credit program allows students to graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree. Graduates are also eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN).

Applicants to the program must have completed the prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. They must also have a college GPA of at least 2.0, have taken high school or college level Chemistry with a grade of at least C, pass the Arithmetic Placement Test, take the TEAS test, and submit official transcripts.

The prerequisites for this program are Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 and 2 or Composition and Literature, Intro to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, a Math course, and Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 or General Microbiology plus Human Biology 1 and 2.

Practical Nursing (LPN)

The LPN program is a 41 credit program. Students that complete it are awarded a certificate, and are allowed to take the Practical Nurse licensing exam.

The prerequisites for this program are Human Biology 1 and 2 or Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, Introduction to Psychology, and Math. All classes must have a grade of C or higher.

To apply to the LPN program, students must be high school graduates or equivalent, take an orientation session, complete high school or college Chemistry with a grade of C or higher, pass the Arithmetic Placement Test, take the prerequisite classes, and have a college GPA of at least 2.0.

LPN to RN Upward Mobility

LPNs that want to earn their associate degree may take this 67 credit program.

Students wishing to apply must attend an orientation seminar, take the Arithmetic Placement Test, and the TEAS exam. They must also take the prerequisites of Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 and 2 or Composition and Literature, Introduction to Psychology, a Math course, and either General Microbiology and Human Biology 1 and 2 or Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2.

Students must also have a GPA of at least 2.0 at the college, have taken Chemistry in high school or college, have a current LPN license, document 2 years full time or 4 years part time work experience as an LPN, have their supervisor complete a Work Performance Evaluation form, and submit their transcripts from their LPN program.

Patient Care Technician (PCT)/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

This program is for those who want to be multi-skilled workers at area hospitals. This program consists of two 6-credit courses, and students that complete it will be eligible for the state registry exam for GNAs.

To apply, students must take an orientation course and English and Math placement tests, complete a background check, be CPR certified, and submit a completed Health Examination Record.

RN First Assistant (RNFA)

Designed for RNs who wish to practice in a surgical setting, this program consists of an online lecture course and a clinical course. Students must have an RN license, and hold certification as an Operating Room Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Midwife. They must also hold Basic or Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, provide letters of proficiency in perioperative skills, have malpractice insurance, and be up to date on immunizations.

This program has the approval of the Certification Board of Perioperative Nursing.

Continuing Education

Nursing professionals that wish to update their nursing skills or acquire new ones have a variety of options for both online and classroom courses available at AACC. Some of the options available are Spanish for Health Care, Infection Control, Patient Education, and Medicine Aide Update.

Contact:
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway,
Arnold, MD 21012-1895

Baltimore City Community College Nursing Program Review

In 1947, Baltimore Junior College was founded to provide education to veterans returning from World War II. It was originally part of the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1967, restructuring brought it under the City of Baltimore, and changed the name to Community College of Baltimore. In 1992, after being funded by the State of Maryland, it became Baltimore City Community College (BCCC).

BCCC has two main campuses on Liberty Heights Ave and on Lombard St. It also has the Reisterstown Plaza Center location and satellite sites all over Baltimore. The College enrolls over 22,000 students each semester in credit and non-credit programs. The median student age is 26, and the student population is 90% minority.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The ADN program is for students wishing to begin their career in professional nursing. Once the prerequisite classes have been taken, this program takes two years to complete. Students will complete 74 credit hours for graduation. Graduates of the program will earn an Associate in Science (AS) degree, and be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

Applicants to this program need to have graduated from high school or an equivalent program, take the Accuplacer test and other placement exams, show Chemistry and Biology proficiency, and be fluent in English. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and may be asked to take the TEAS test.

The prerequisites for the ADN program are Preparation for Academic Achievement, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and Allied Health Chemistry. Students will need to earn at least a C on all science courses for them to count toward admission.

Once accepted into the program, students will be required to have a background check, have personal health insurance, have a physical exam, current immunizations, CPR certification, and earn at least a C in each course.

Practical Nursing (LPN)

This one year certificate program teaches students to become entry-level nurses. Graduates are eligible to take the licensing exam for LPNs.

Applicants to the program must meet the same requirements as for the ADN program, and complete the same prerequisite courses.

LPN to RN Bridge Nursing Program (LPN to ADN Advanced Placement)

LPNs who are interested in becoming an RN and earning their AS degree are allowed to seek advanced placement in the LPN to ADN bridge program. They may take challenge exams to earn credit for the first semester courses in the program.

To qualify for the program, they will also need to have completed all prerequisites within the last five years with a grade of C or higher, have a 2.5 GPA, have graduated from an approved LPN program, have a current LPN license, and have at least one year of LPN experience.

Nursing Assistant

The Nursing Assistant program prepares students to work in acute care and long-term care facilities. Those who complete the program are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. This allows them to be placed on the Registry for the Maryland Board of Nursing, which enables them to work in long-term care.

To register, students will need to pass a background check and show proof of current immunizations.

This program consists of two classes, Nursing Assistant Theory and Nursing Assistant Clinical, that must be taken concurrently.

Contact:
Baltimore City Community College
600 E. Lombard Street,
Baltimore, MD 21202

Bowie State University Nursing School Review

Bowie State University (BSU) first began as Baltimore Normal School in 1865, which was created by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People. It began receiving state funding in 1872, and was eventually taken over in 1908 by the State Board of Education at the request of the School. In 1914 it became known as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie.

The school began offering a two-year teacher training program in 1925, and expanded this to a four-year program in 1935. It continued to expand its teaching programs, and began offering a liberal arts program in 1963, the same year its name was changed to Bowie State College. The name was changed one more time in 1988 to Bowie State University.

The University enrolls over 5600 students each semester, and offers 55 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs. The campus is located between Washington, DC, Annapolis, and Baltimore.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing Program

This program is designed to prepare students to become generalist professional nurses. Graduates of this full-time, four-year program will receive a BS degree and are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

Students may enter the BS in Nursing program straight out of high school, if they meet the admissions criteria. The program admits students in the fall semester only. To apply, students must be admitted to the University, have a 3.0 GPA in high school math courses, including Algebra, Algebra II, geometry, and precalculus. They must also have a 3.0 GPA in their high school science courses of biology, physics, chemistry, or other advanced science courses. They will also need to show on their University admissions test that they are eligible for pre-calculus.

Students that don’t meet the requirements to enter the program from high school may apply during the spring semester of their freshman year. They must have completed the prerequisite classes, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and a minimum science GPA of 2.5.

The prerequisite courses for students applying during their freshman year are Freshman Seminar, Composition and Literature I and II, Intro to Biology, General Psychology, Pre-Calculus I, African American History, General Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, and Professional Nursing Perspectives.

BS in Nursing for Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer into the Nursing program from another university must first enroll in Bowie State University. They are encouraged to apply to the Accelerated BS program as long as they have completed or are currently enrolled in the program prerequisite courses (see below).

Students who are transferring science courses must have taken them within the last five years. No core nursing courses may be transferred from another school.

RN to BS Program

RNs that are currently licensed may apply to this program. They must be admitted to the University, have a current RN license and CPR certification, submit their official transcripts, have a GPA of at least 2.0, and complete the Nursing program prerequisites listed above, plus Computer Literacy, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Oral Communications, and Principles of Logic and Reasoning with a grade of at least a C. They must also have three letters of recommendation, a statement of personal goals, a resume, and a physical exam.

All students in this program will be given 30 credits upon completing the program, for prior nursing courses and experience.

Accelerated BS Nursing Program

This Accelerated Baccalaureate program is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject. It is an 18 month program where students will take the core nursing degree classes. This program admits students during the summer semester.

Applicants must be admitted to the University, have completed 35 credits of general education courses for the BS in Nursing program, have both a cumulative and science and math GPA of at least 3.0, and submit their official transcripts with their application.

The general education courses required for this program are Intro to Biology, Pre-Calculus I, African American History, General Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology II, Principles of Reasoning, Stages of Development, and Elementary Statistics.

Master of Science in Nursing

Applicants to this program must have an undergraduate degree in Nursing and at least one year of nursing experience, at least a 2.75 GPA, an RN license and CPR certification, professional recommendations, a personal statement of their goals and objectives for their graduate study, a resume, and a physical exam.

Students in this program will complete 34 to 37 credits of core Master’s program courses, plus the courses required for their specific track of study. Students may choose one of the three following tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner – requires 20 additional credits of study, plus practicum components
• Nurse Educator – requires 12 additional credits, plus practicum components
• Community/Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist – requires 18 extra credits, plus practicum components

Contact:
Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Park Road,
Bowie, MD 20715-9465

Cecil College Nursing Program Review

Cecil College (CC) opened its doors in 1968 to serve Cecil County and the surrounding area. The College is open admission and offers associate degrees and certificates, transfer programs, and continuing education. There are more than 100 different associate degree and certificate programs available.

The College enrolls over 2700 students each semester in credit programs, and over 6000 in continuing education. The College has two sites, the North East Campus and Elkton Station. It also has the Family Education Center, JobStart at North Street, the Bainbridge Center, College Crossing, and offers classes at many other locations in the community.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science in Nursing

The associate degree nursing (ADN) program trains students to become entry-level nurses. Students must complete 68 credits to finish this program, and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Students are admitted into the ADN program in the fall semester.

Students that wish to apply to this program should be aware that there are limited spaces available, and they must meet specific criteria to be eligible. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.0, have completed any writing, reading or math developmental courses that were required by their skills assessment test, and have completed Freshman Composition with a grade of at least a C. They must also take General Biology with a lab, and earn at least a C in Anatomy and Physiology I with a lab. In addition, applicants need to submit all transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, and be admitted to the College.

This program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing.

Practical Nurse Certificate

Students that are interested in a career in basic nursing may apply to the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. Students that complete this one year program will earn a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the LPN licensing exam. Students are admitted to this program in the fall semester.

Students applying to this program must have a GPA of at least 2.0, have completed any writing, reading or math developmental courses that were required by their skills assessment test, and have completed Freshman Composition with a grade of at least a C. They must also take General Biology with a lab, and earn a C or higher in Anatomy and Physiology I with a lab. In addition, applicants need to submit all transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, and be admitted to the College.

LPN to ADN

Students with a current LPN license are encouraged to enroll in the LPN to ADN program, where they will earn an Associate in Science degree and be eligible to take the RN licensing exam upon graduation.

Students applying to this program must meet all the entrance requirements for the ADN program. They must also take the LPN Transition class. Once they complete this course, they will be awarded transfer credit through articulation. The amount of this credit varies, and cannot exceed the amount of credit earned by first year ADN students.

Articulation Agreements

Cecil College has articulation agreements with a number of universities in Maryland and other states for students who wish to continue their education at a four year institution and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Continuing Education – Certified Nursing Assistant

Students interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) may take this five month program. After completing Certified Nursing Assistant Theory and the clinical externship, students will be eligible to be certified in Maryland by the State Board of Nursing.

To apply to the program, students must be a high school graduate or equivalent, and score a passing grade on the Allied Health basic skills exam. They will also need to be CPR certified, fingerprinted and have a background check.

Contact:
Cecil College
One Seahawk Drive,
North East, Maryland 21901

Chesapeake College Nursing Program Review

Chesapeake College (CC) was Maryland’s first regional community college, and began admitting students in 1967. The first students attended classes held in the Queen Anne’s County High School in Centreville. The campus in Wye Mills opened in 1969.

The College offers two year associate degree programs in liberal arts and sciences, as well as career programs. The college enrolls almost 4000 students each semester, and the average class size is 18. In addition to the Wye Mills campus, the College offers classes at the Cambridge Center in Cambridge and the Center for Allied Health, located at the Memorial Hospital-Shore Health System in Easton.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

The Chesapeake College/MacQueen Gibbs Willis (MGW) nursing program trains students to be entry-level nurses. Students that complete the program will earn their degree and be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Students are admitted to this program during the fall semester.

To apply to this program, students are required to be high school graduates or equivalent, apply to the College and take the Academic Skills Assessment. Students that are assessed as having college level math and English skills may enroll in the nursing prerequisites, as long as they took Chemistry and Biology in high school with a C or higher. All other students must take the courses required by the assessment exam, and college level Chemistry and Biology, if necessary. They will also need to submit their high school transcripts, and consult with an academic advisor.

The prerequisite classes for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Psychology, English Composition, Microbiology, and a Math elective. All prerequisites must be taken with a grade of C or higher.

During the first semester of this program, lectures are scheduled for one day each week, simulations are one day a week, and clinical activities are one day a week. The remaining semesters will have classes one day a week and clinical time two days a week.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN Transition

LPNs that wish to earn their associate degree and become RNs may enroll in this program. This program gives LPNs advanced standing in the ASN program, once they have met all the application requirements listed above and have taken all general education classes.

In addition, LPNs must have a current LPN license, submit transcripts from their LPN program, and be CPR certified. They will also have to take the LPN to RN Transition course with a C or higher to be admitted to the second year of the ASN program.

Paramedic to RN Transition

Paramedics may take this course to become RNs. This is offered in partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County.

Students must meet the entry requirements for the ASN program listed above, including having taken the prerequisite classes. In addition, they must also take Human Growth and Development. They must also show proof of their Paramedic Certification and National Board of Registry Certification, as well as have two years of work experience as a Paramedic. After meeting these requirements, they may take the ASN Transition course, and be admitted to the ASN program.

Continuing Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This program trains students to provide basic care to patients under RN supervision. Anyone in Maryland that wishes to work as a nursing assistant must complete an approved nursing assistant course. This class accepts eight students at a time.

To register, students must have completed Career Planning for CNA/GNAs, and score at least a 45 on the Reading Comprehension exam. They will also need to have a background check and drug screening. It is recommended that they attend a Health Careers Orientation session, as well.

Case Manager/Delegate Nurse

RNs working as Case Managers and Delegate Nurses in assisted living facilities are required to take this course. Students in this course will also be trained to teach the Medication Technician for Assisted Living class. Students must have a current RN license to register.

Contact:
Chesapeake College
P.O. Box 8,
Wye Mills, MD 21679

Notre Dame of Maryland University Nursing School Review

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) first opened in 1873 as a Catholic women’s elementary and high school. It became the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 1895. The College was the first Catholic women’s college that offered a four-year baccalaureate degree. The undergraduate programs remain women only, but in 1975 the College allowed men to enroll in its Weekend College program, and also admits men into its Graduate Studies Program, which began in 1984.

In 2011 the College was renamed Notre Dame of Maryland University. The University currently enrolls nearly 3000 students, and the campus is located in a residential neighborhood in Baltimore.

Nursing Programs

Women’s College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program prepares students to enter professional nursing. This is a two year program, following two years of Pre-Nursing. Students must meet with an advisor to determine their course of study. Graduates of the BSN program are able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Students applying to the University for Pre-Nursing must have a high school transcript or GED, submit their SAT or ACT scores and a writing sample, and have a recommendation letter and a resume.

College of Adult Undergraduate Studies RN to BSN

This program is designed for students that are practicing RNs, and allows them to earn their BSN degree quickly. This program takes a minimum of two and a half years to complete, and builds on the prior education and experience of the student.

Applicants must have a high school transcript or GED, submit their college transcripts, submit a writing sample, a resume documenting relevant work or volunteer history, and have an RN license. They also need to have completed the general education courses of a 200 level Philosophy course, a 200 level and a 300/400 level religious studies course, English Composition, Literature, History, Values (Ethics or Moral Issues), and Basic Statistics. They will also need to take two elective classes.

Students will need to take the Transition to Professional Nursing Practice course. According to the articulation model, students will be able to transfer up to 60 credits from their previous course of study. They will also be awarded 30 credits if they have an active RN license. They will need to take the remaining classes at Notre Dame to be able to graduate.

Women’s College Dual Degree

This program is a partnership that results in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Notre Dame and a BSN from Johns Hopkins University. Students will spend three years working on their degree in Biology at Notre Dame, and then will transfer to Johns Hopkins and take the last two years of the BSN program there. This program takes five years to earn two bachelor’s degrees.

Students in this program must have a GPA of no less than 3.25 at the end of their first year of studies at Notre Dame, and must have at least a B in all Biology classes. They must also be recommended by the Notre Dame Dual-Degree Committee, and accepted into the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing

Students in this program have a choice of studying either the Leadership in Nursing Education Concentration, or the Leadership in Nursing Administration Concentration. The Nursing Education concentration requires 38 credits to complete, while the Nursing Administration concentration requires 37 credits to complete.

Applicants to either program must have an active RN license, have graduated from a BSN program with a GPA of at least 3.0, and provide a written statement of goals for their master’s study.

Undergraduate students in the RN to BSN program may apply for provisional entry into the program during their last semester of study.

Study Abroad

The School of Nursing encourages students to consider studying abroad, to gain a broader understanding of issues impacting nursing in other countries. Students may apply through the Office of International Programs for short term programs. These may be for academic credit or for personal enrichment. There are currently programs available for nursing students in Guatemala and Canada.

Contact:
Notre Dame of Maryland University
4701 North Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21210

College of Southern Maryland Nursing Program Review

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) was established as Charles County Community College in 1958. It expanded its services throughout the area in the 1970s and 1980s, and was officially renamed to CSM in 2000. CSM has campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick and the Waldorf Center for Higher Education. It also has Centers for Trades and Energy Training, and Transportation Training.

There are over 24,000 students enrolled at CSM. Of those, 11,600 are enrolled in credit programs, and the remainder in continuing education. The average class size is 20. CSM offers over 100 programs of study, including 13 online programs.

Nursing Programs

Nursing – Associate’s Degree

This program allows students to earn an Associate of Science degree. After graduating the program, they will be allowed to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

To apply for this program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and have acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams. They must also take the prerequisite classes.

The prerequisites for this program are Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition and Rhetoric, Current Issues of the Older Adult, Introduction to Nursing, and a Math elective. Students must earn at least a C in all prerequisites.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN

LPNs with an active license may apply for this program to earn their Associate of Science degree and become eligible to be licensed as an RN.

To apply, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, show proof of their nursing license, have a resume and a letter from their employer documenting that they have worked at least 2000 hours in the last two years, and submit copies of their LPN program transcripts.

In addition, they must take General Psychology, Composition and Rhetoric, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology with a lab, and Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs.

After completing the LPN Transition into Nursing course with a grade of C or better, students will be admitted to the associate degree program in the third semester.

Pre-Nursing – Associate of Arts Degree

Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree may take this program. It is structured so that students take the sciences and general education courses required for the baccalaureate degree, and are prepared to take the upper level nursing courses after they transfer. Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that this program meets the requirements of the school they wish to transfer to.

To apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams.

Practical Nursing Certificate

Students graduating from this one year program are eligible to take the licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

To apply for this program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, submit their ACT or SAT scores, and have acceptable scores on the English, Math and Reading placement exams.

They must also take the prerequisite classes of Current Issues of the Older Adult, Introduction to Nursing, Composition and Rhetoric, and Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I.

Transfer Option

CSN has an articulation agreement with Stevenson University for students wishing to transfer. After earning an Associate of Science in Nursing, students that meet the admission criteria for Stevenson may transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

This program is offered through the Continuing Education department. Students will take the Nursing Assistant Fundamentals and Nursing Assistant Practice classes. After completing the courses, they may apply for a CNA license with the Maryland Board of Nursing. They will also be able to take the GNA Skills exam through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program to become a certified GNA.

Nurse Refresher Course

This program is for inactive LPNs and RNs who want to reactivate their licenses. The classroom portion of this program is offered online. Students must complete all requirements within one year of registration.

Workforce Development

CSM offers other nursing related courses through the Workforce Development department, such as Certified Medicine Aide and the Training Program for RN Case Managers. Not all courses are offered every semester.

Contact:
College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road,
PO Box 910,
La Plata, MD 20646-0910

Community College of Baltimore County Nursing Program Review

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) first held classes in 1957 as Catonsville Community College. Catonsville was combined with Essex Community College and Dundalk Community College in 1998 to become the Community College of Baltimore County.

CCBC has campuses in Catonsville, Essex and Dundalk, and enrolls almost 70,000 students each year. It offers over 50 degrees and over 100 certificate programs, as well as customized employee training programs for over 100 area employers each year.

Nursing Programs

Registered Nursing (RN) Program, Day

This traditional daytime program admits students in the fall and spring semesters at the Catonsville and Essex campuses. Students will earn an Associate of Science degree, and graduates are eligible to take the RN licensing exam.

To apply, students must complete the prerequisite courses with a GPA of at least 2.5. Their overall CCBC GPA must be at least 2.0, and they must have taken the TEAS test. They will also need to submit their transcripts

The prerequisites are College Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and General Microbiology. It is also recommended that students take their general education courses prior to applying, as these are also used in the ranking process. These courses are Fundamentals of Speech Communication, College Composition II, a Math elective, Introduction to Sociology, and Principles of Human Growth and Development.

RN Program, Evening/Weekend

This program admits students in the fall at the Essex campus, and holds classes in the evenings and on weekends. It has the same admissions requirements as the day program.

RN Program, Online/Hybrid

This program admits students in the fall semester at the Catonsville campus. The lecture portions of this program are available online. Students will come to campus or to a clinical site one day a week. The admissions requirements for this program are the same as for the traditional RN program, except that students are required to complete all prerequisites and general education courses before applying.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN Bridge

This program is designed to allow LPNs to earn their associate degree in nursing and become RNs. Students must have a current LPN license and at least 6 months of LPN experience to apply. They must also meet the requirements for the traditional RN program. Once accepted, they will complete a 12 week Bridge class at the Essex campus during the summer semester, and will join the second year of the RN program in the fall.

Paramedic to RN Bridge

This program is for Paramedics who have at least two years of work experience and a current EMT-P certification. This program is only offered in an online/hybrid format. Students must complete all prerequisite and general education courses before applying to the program. After being accepted, they will take a Dosage course and the Bridge course, before joining the second year of the RN program.

Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

Students in this program will complete a 12 month, 3 semester course of study, earn a Certificate, and be allowed to take the LPN licensing exam. This program is only offered at the Dundalk campus.

The prerequisites for this program are College Composition I, Biology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology.

Associate to Masters Program

This program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing. It is offered as a partnership between CCBC and Towson University. Students will complete the RN program at the Essex campus, and then continue with the Master of Science in Nursing program at Towson. The entire program takes three years to complete.

To apply, students must have taken the TEAS test, complete the prerequisites, have a CCBC GPA of at least 2.0, a GPA in their bachelor’s program of at least 3.0, submit a writing sample, and have an interview.

The prerequisites for this program are College Composition I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Microbiology, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, Introduction to Statistical Methods, Introduction to Sociology, and Principles of Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, Fundamentals of Chemistry, and Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry.

All prerequisites must have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Nurse Refresher Online

This online program is offered in partnership with the College of Southern Maryland and is designed to prepare inactive RNs to reactivate their licenses. Students have 12 weeks to complete the program after registration and will receive a certification of completion.

Nursing Assistant Training

This program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and trains students to work in a nursing home under the supervision of an RN. Students that complete the program will receive an achievement award and be allowed to take the state certification exam to become a GNA.

The prerequisites for this program are Medical Terminology for Health Occupations, CPR for Healthcare Providers, and Basic Math Skills for the Healthcare Worker.

Nursing Support Technician

This program is for CNAs to perform higher level functions delegated to them. To apply they must be a CNA in good standing with the Board of Nursing, be certified in CPR for Healthcare Providers, and have taken Medical Terminology for Health Occupations.

Contact:
Community College of Baltimore County
7201 Rossville Blvd.,
Baltimore MD, 21237

Coppin State University Nursing School Review

Coppin State University (CSU) was initially begun in 1900 as a one year teaching school in conjunction with a local high school. In 1902 it expanded to a two year program, and in 1909 it was separated from the high school to become its own school. In 1926 it was given the name Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School, in honor of an African-American woman who pioneered teaching education.

In 1938 Coppin became a four-year school and began offering the Bachelor of Science degree. In 1950 the name was changed to Coppin State Teacher’s College, and in 1963 it was changed to Coppin State College as the school began offering Bachelor of Arts degrees. The College became part of the University of Maryland System in 1988, and received its last name change to Coppin State University in 2004. It is a historically black college.

Coppin enrolls nearly 4000 students in 53 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs each year. The 52 acre urban campus is easily accessible by public transportation, yet is serene with fountains and shaded walks, giving it a quiet, residential feel.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program at the Helene Fuld School of Nursing is for students wishing to begin a career in professional nursing. The program begins in the fall semester of the junior year. Until that point, students will take the general education courses required for the degree. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To be eligible to apply to the program, students must be admitted to the University as a Health Professions: General student and have completed the prerequisites for the program. They will also need to submit transcripts if transferring from another school, submit three letters of recommendation, and take the TEAS entrance exam.

The program prerequisites may be taken at Coppin or another school, and must all have a grade of at least C. The courses are English Composition I and II, College Algebra, a Humanities or Fine Arts elective, Comprehensive Preview of Life Sciences, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Microbiology, a History elective, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Philosophy, General Psychology, a Speech elective, Basic Statistics, Developmental Psychology, an English elective, and Normal/Applied Nutrition.

Accelerated BSN

This program is for students who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field of study, who want to pursue a nursing career. It is designed for highly motivated, adult students, and admits applicants in the fall semester only.

To apply, students must be admitted to the University as Pre-Nursing, take the TEAS admission test, and submit their official transcripts. They will need to complete the prerequisite classes, submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of their professional goals. They will also have an interview.

The prerequisites for this program are an English Elective, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry for Health Science, Microbiology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Philosophy or Logic, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Basic Statistics, and Normal/Applied Nutrition. All of these courses must have a grade of C or better.

RN to BSN

Students who are already RNs may take this program to earn their BSN degree.

Applicants need to be admitted to the University, supply their transcripts and three letters of recommendation. They will also need to take the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.

The courses are English Composition I and II, College Algebra, a Humanities or Fine Arts elective, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Microbiology, a History elective, Introduction to Sociology, Logic or Introduction to Philosophy, General Psychology, Introduction to Speech, Basic Statistics, and an English elective.

When accepted into the program, students will take Transition to Professional Nursing Practice. They will also receive 35 advanced placement credits for prior nursing education and experience.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program

This 12 week program trains students to provide basic patient care. To be eligible to apply, students must take the Nelson Denny Reading test. Upon completion of this program, students are allowed to take the Geriatric Nursing Assistant Exam to become a certified GNA.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is designed to teach nurses advanced knowledge and skills. It may be taken full or part time, and requires 48 to 51 credits to complete.

To be eligible to apply, students must have graduated from an accredited BSN program with a GPA of at least 3.0, and must have a current RN license. They also need to submit their GRE scores and professional letters of reference.

Post Masters Certification

This program is for students who have an MSN degree and wish to become Family Nurse Practitioners. Students will complete 31 credit hours and will be able to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

To apply, students must have an MSN degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 in their master’s program, and a current nursing license.

Contact:
Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue,
Baltimore MD 21216

Frederick Community College Nursing Program Review

Frederick Community College (FCC) began in 1957. It first began operating out of Frederick High School in the evenings, and then moved to a location on North Market Street. In 1970, it moved to its current location on Opossumtown Pike.

FCC has over 70 degree and continuing education programs available. There are over 17,000 students enrolled each year. The average student age is 26, over half the students are attending part time, and over half of all students plan to transfer to a four year university after graduation. FCC students in the nursing program have a 100% pass rate on the state licensing exams.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This program is for students who want to begin their career as a professional nurse. Students must complete 70 credit hours for this program, and will earn an Associate of Science degree. Graduates are able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and on weekends.

Applicants to this program are ranked by a point system. Students will be selected for the program based on their ranking. To be considered, students must complete all prerequisites and submit all transcripts as well as their application by the deadline.

Points for admission ranking are assigned based on having taken the prerequisites with a grade of C or higher, their GPA in the non-clinical credit courses they have taken, and whether or not they are a resident of Frederick County. Applicants may accrue up to 21 points. If there is a tie, students will be ranked by their GPA.

The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology for Allied Health, English Composition, a Math elective, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, a Speech elective, a Humanities elective, an Arts elective, and Human Growth and Development.

Practical Nursing (LPN)

The LPN program trains students to be entry-level nurses. This certificate program requires students to complete 43 credit hours. Once finished with the program, students are eligible to sit for the licensing exam for LPNs.

Applicants to this program are ranked by a point system. To be considered, students must complete all prerequisites and submit all high school and college transcripts as well as their application by the deadline.

Points for admission ranking are assigned based on having taken the prerequisites with a grade of C or higher, their GPA in the non-clinical credit courses they have taken, and whether or not they are a resident of Frederick County. Applicants may accrue up to 16 points. If there is a tie, students will be ranked by their GPA.

The prerequisites for the LPN program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology for Allied Health, English Composition, and Human Growth and Development.

Ladder Program

Students who complete the LPN program may continue their studies and enter the ADN program in the second year.

To qualify, they must enter the ADN program within two years of graduating the LPN program. They must also complete the prerequisites for the ADN program.

If a student graduated the LPN program more than two years ago, they may take the LPN to RN Articulation program.

LPN to RN Articulation

This program allows LPNs to earn their Associate of Science degree and become a licensed RN.

Students that successfully complete the LPN transition classes will enter the second year of the ADN program and earn 16 credits for prior education.

Applicants to this program will be ranked by the same point system used to rank ADN students, and must meet the same admission requirements.

Pre-Nursing Associate of Science (AS) Degree

This program is for students that intend to transfer to another school and pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. FCC has articulation agreements with other schools for students to be able to transfer. Students are encouraged to verify that this curriculum meets the BSN requirements of their desired transfer school.

Nursing Assistant

Students are eligible to become certified as a Nursing Assistant after they successfully complete Introduction to Clinical Nursing during their course of study in the LPN or ADN program.

Those that are not enrolled in the LPN or ADN programs may apply to the Allied Health Academy at FCC and enroll in the Certified Nursing Assistant program. Completing this program allows students to apply for status as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with the state Board of Nursing. Students are also qualified to take the licensing exam for Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs).

To apply, students must be at least 18, have current CPR certification for health care providers, be proficient in English, have a negative TB test and have a current medical exam. They must also complete the classes Intro to Basic Interpersonal Skills and Intro to Allied Health Skills.

Contact:
Frederick Community College
7932 Opossumtown Pike,
Frederick, MD 21702

Harford Community College Nursing Program Review

Harford Community College (HCC) began educating students in 1957. The College enrolls over 9500 students each year in credit programs and over 1000 in non-credit programs. The main campus is in Bel Air, and it has the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and the Higher Education and Conference Center, both in Aberdeen. Harford is recognized as being one of the most environmentally friendly campuses in the country.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing

This program prepares students to become professional nurses. Students are admitted to this program in the fall and spring semesters. Graduates of this program will earn an Associate of Science degree, and will be able to sit for the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Applicants to this program will need to meet the math requirement with one of the following: a qualifying score on the math assessment test, a score of 550 or better on the math section of the SAT, take the transitional math course at HCC, or take a college level math course. They must also take the prerequisite classes with a grade of C or higher and a GPA of at least 2.5, and take the TEAS test.

The prerequisites for this program are English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Psychology, Human Development Across the Lifespan, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology, and a Math elective. In addition, students are recommended to take two Arts and Humanities electives and a Physical Education Fitness elective, as the grades of these classes are used in the pre-nursing GPA.

Accelerated and Weekend/Evening Program (RN)

This accelerated program is available for students who have completed the pre-nursing classes and are able to take classes as a full-time summer student. This program begins in the summer semester and takes 15 months to complete. Applicants must meet the same admission requirements as for the Associate Degree program.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Students that wish to become an LPN may do so by taking the first two semesters of the Associate of Science program, and then enrolling in a ten-week summer session. Once they complete this class, they are eligible for a Practical Nursing Certificate, and will be allowed to take the licensing exam for Practical Nursing.

The admission requirements to the LPN program are the same as for the Associate Degree program.

LPN to RN

Students that already have an LPN license that want to earn their Associate Degree and become an RN may apply to this program.

To apply, students need to apply to HCC and submit their transcripts. They will need to submit proof of a current LPN license, and meet all the requirements for the Associate Degree program. Students will be allowed to take the LPN to RN Transition course online. Once they successfully complete the Transition course, they will be eligible to enter the Associate Degree program in the third semester.

LPNs that do not successfully complete the Transition course may still apply for first semester admission to the Associate Degree program.

Articulation Agreement

HCC has an articulation agreement with Stevenson University, for students who wish to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree after receiving their Associate Degree. Students may also enroll in a school participating in the Maryland RN to BSN Articulation Model, which allows RNs to be awarded 30 credits toward their BSN program.

Nursing Assistant

This program teaches students to provide direct patient care under RN supervision. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and may take the certification exam to become a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA).

To apply, students need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. They will need to take the basic math and reading tests, and score at least 8^th grade on the math and 9^th grade on the reading.

Students must take the Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical courses concurrently.

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

This program is the next step beyond Nursing Assistant and trains students to provide care that requires a higher level of technical ability.

To apply to this program, students must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also have taken HIPAA Confidentiality and Ethics, Medical Terminology, Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical, Venipuncture & Specimen Collection Theory and Clinical, and EKG Technician. Students may test out of any of these courses.

Students in this program will take the PCT Advanced Skills Theory and Clinical classes.

Basic EMT to CNA

This program allows those certified as an EMT-B to transition into the Nurse Assistant role. Students must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, take the EMT-B to CNA challenge exam, have current EMT-B certification, and be CPR certified.

This program requires three courses to complete: EMT-B to CNA: Bridging the Gap, EMT-B to Nursing Assistant Theory, and EMT-B to Nursing Assistant Clinical.

Contact:
Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road,
Bel Air, MD 21015

Howard Community College Nursing Program Review

Howard Community College (HCC) opened its doors to students in 1970. It is Maryland’s 14^th community college, and enrolls over 10,000 students in credit programs and over 17,000 in continuing education. One quarter of all high school graduates in Howard County enroll in classes at HCC. In addition to the main campus, HCC also has the Gateway Campus, the Hickory Ridge Building, and the Laurel College Center.

Nursing Programs

Registered Nursing (RN)

This program is for students who wish to begin a career in professional nursing. Graduates of this program will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and are able to take the Maryland state licensing exam for RNs. This program admits students in the fall and spring semesters, and takes two years to complete. Students may take the day program or the evening and weekend program, but may not change programs once they start.

To apply to this program, students must apply to HCC, take the English placement test and be eligible for English Composition I, and take the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment. They will also need to complete the program prerequisite courses. These courses are college-level Math, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of General Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology I. They must earn at least a C in all prerequisites, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

This program is also designed as a transfer program, allowing graduates to transfer to selected Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at Maryland universities.

Accelerated Nursing

This program allows students to take the clinical coursework for the nursing program over the course of 14 months. This program begins in the summer semester and is only offered during the daytime.

Applicants to this program need to be enrolled at HCC, have taken the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment, and completed all non-nursing classes. They will also need to take the English placement exam, and submit any transcripts.

The required non-nursing courses for this program are Microbiology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, College Composition I, Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Life Span Development, a college-level Math course, and two Humanities, Arts and Literature electives.

Students must have at least a 3.25 GPA in their science courses, a 3.0 GPA in their non-nursing coursework, and a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all classes at HCC.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

This program prepares students to become entry-level nurses. Graduates will be allowed to take the LPN licensing exam. This program is 11 months long, begins in the fall semester, and is offered either in the day, or during evenings and weekends.

To apply, students need to apply to HCC, take the English placement test and be eligible for English Composition I, and take the Clinical Nursing Admission Assessment. They will also need to complete the program prerequisite courses. These courses are college-level Math, Fundamentals of Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology I. They must earn at least a C in their math and science courses, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

LPN Pathway Sequence

LPNs that meet the criteria may apply for this program to gain advanced standing in the traditional associate degree nursing program. It is offered with daytime courses or with evening and weekend courses. Students may start this program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.

To apply to this program, students must have a current LPN license. They will also need to submit their transcripts, take the English placement test, and pass the HESI LPN-RN Mobility exam. They must also have completed a college level Math course, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of General Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Lifespan Development, English Composition I, and General Psychology. These courses must be taken with a grade of C or better.

RENEW

This is a scholarship program that provides a career ladder in health care to students who need financial assistance. Students with no prior nursing experience will start by taking the courses to earn a certified nursing assistant/certified geriatric assistant (CNA/GNA) completion certificate, and be ready to begin the LPN program.

Those that are already CNA/GNAs will be able to start their prerequisites for the LPN program right away.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

This program trains students to provide basic patient care under the supervision of an RN. Students that complete the course will be registered with the Maryland Board of Nursing as CNAs, and will be allowed to take the certification exam to become GNAs.

To apply, students must be at least 18, be a high school graduate or equivalent, have a social security card, be up to date on their immunizations, and have a background check. During the first class, students will be required to pass the Reading and Math exams. Those that do not pass the exams will not be allowed to continue in the program and will be issued a refund for the course.

Advanced Patient Care Skills

This class is for CNAs to expand their skills and be able to work in acute care settings. Students must show proof of CNA registry at the first class.

RN Case Manager: Delegating for Assisted Living

This class is for RNs who work and teach in assisted living facilities. Students must show proof of their RN license at the first class.

Nursing Assistant Instructor Training

This class trains RNs how to teach the Nursing Assistant courses and help students prepare for the GNA exam. This class fulfills the Train the Trainer requirement of the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Contact:
Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Columbia, MD 21044

Johns Hopkins University Nursing School Review

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was started in 1876, the result of an endowment from a wealthy railroad investor. The University enrolls nearly 7000 students each year and offers 50 major courses of study. Besides the main campus, the University has nine academic divisions and campuses located around the Baltimore area. The School of Nursing is located in east Baltimore, and shares a campus with The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Nursing Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Summer Entry Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

Students that already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject may apply to this program. Classes begin in May, and it takes 13 months to complete the nursing classes. After graduation, students are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students must submit an application, a signed Nursing Ethics Policy statement, three essays, three recommendations, official transcripts, and a resume. They must already have a bachelor’s degree, and must have completed the prerequisites for the program.

The prerequisite classes for this program are Human or Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan, and Statistics. These classes must be taken with a grade of B or higher.

Fall Entry Accelerated BS in Nursing

This program is for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and want a more flexible program than the Summer Entry program. This course of study starts in the fall and takes 17 months to complete.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Summer Entry program.

Accelerated BS to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, who want to become an RN and earn their Master’s degree. This is a four year program of study, involving one year of classes for the BS program, followed by a one year paid clinical residency at a partner facility. After the residency is over, students become full-time employees at that same hospital, and take their MSN classes part time. Students that take this program will earn their MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). If they wish to take a different specialty, they will need to enroll in a different MSN program.

This program has the same prerequisites as the other Accelerated BS in Nursing programs. In addition, students need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. It is recommended that students also have relevant healthcare experience. Applicants may be asked to interview before being admitted.

Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist.

BS to MSN

This program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing. This flexible program allows students to pick either the Summer or Fall entry BS program, and any one of the MSN programs for their course of study. This is an individualized, flexible program for students.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Summer or Fall entry BS programs.

Master’s Programs

Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This program trains students to diagnose and manage chronic and acute primary health problems in adult patients. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Adult Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Students will complete 43 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

To apply for this program, students must have a BS in Nursing degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, a demonstrated commitment to nursing, community service, a written statement of goals, letters of recommendation, a current nursing license, and have an interview.

In addition, student applying to this program should have direct acute care experiences, or they will be required to work as a staff nurse in a critical care unit their first year of studies.

Adult Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

This program is for nurses who work in acute care settings with adult patients. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Students will complete 36 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, including direct care experience.

Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In this program, nurses learn to provide care for the entire family. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Students will complete 53 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In this program, nurses will learn to be primary care providers for children. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Students will complete 43 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

In this program, nurses will expand their skills related to a specific population. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students will complete 36-38 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Health Systems Management

This program is for nurses who wish to supervise and manage the healthcare system. Students will complete 44 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time. Parts of this curriculum have an online option available.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Health Systems Management/Clinical Nurse Specialist

This program combines the Health Systems Management and Clinical Nurse Specialist curriculums. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students will complete 70-71 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

MSN/Master of Business Administration (MBA)

This is a joint program offered with the School of Business. Graduates of this program will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Students will complete 26 credits for the nursing part of this program and 30 credits for the business part.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. In addition, students need to submit GRE scores.

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

In this program, nurses will learn to improve healthcare through leadership and administration. Students will complete 32-34 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Public Health Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery Track

In this program, nurses will learn to provide care for women and infants. This program is offered in partnership with Shenandoah University. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Students will complete 63 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

MSN-PHN/Master’s of Public Health (MPH)

This program offers nurses the opportunity to practice in community settings. This joint degree is offered in partnership with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and students will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Program requirements vary, but students will complete at least 53 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. Students will also need to submit their GRE scores.

MSN-Nurse Practitioner (NP)/MPH

This program is for nurses who want the opportunity to practice advanced nursing in local and international settings. This joint degree is offered in partnership with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and students will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Program requirements vary, based on the courses chosen.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. Students will also need to submit their GRE scores.

MSN to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – MSN to PhD

This dual degree program allows nurses to study as Clinical Nurse Specialists and become nurse researchers. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. This program takes a minimum of eight semesters to complete.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nurses prepare to become healthcare policy influencers and leaders in this program. This program is has on-site and online components, and requires 38 credits to complete.

Students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are recommended to have a master’s in nursing, though a master’s in a related field may be considered. They will need to have a 3.0 GPA, a nursing license, and show a commitment to the profession. They will also need to submit official transcripts, three recommendations, a resume, goal statement, and they will have an interview.

PhD

This program is for nurses who wish to develop and conduct research in healthcare delivery. After completing a core curriculum, students work with their advisor to tailor their program to their goals.

Applicants must be graduates of a BS or MS in nursing program, with a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also submit their research goals, have research interests that match faculty interests, submit GRE scores and a writing sample, and have an interview. In addition, they will need a resume, application essay, letters of recommendation, school transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Post-Doctoral

Johns Hopkins University offers several Post-Doctoral programs for nurse researchers. Currently there are research programs in Health Disparities, Biobehavioral Pain, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Global Health and Gender-Based Violence, and Violence in the Family.

Online Options – MSN

The School of Nursing offers three MSN programs online, in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist – Forensic Focus, and Health Systems Management. The admission requirements for these programs are the same as the on-site programs.

Online Options – Certificates

The School of Nursing offers two certificate programs online:

• Online Applied Health Informatics Certificate program – this is a 12 credit certificate program available to students interested in improving healthcare with technology. Students must have a Bachelor of Science degree, one year of healthcare experience, college transcripts, a resume, statement of goals, two letters of recommendation, and have taken Introduction to Online Learning.
• Online Nurse Educator Certificate program – this is a 12 credit certificate program for nurses interested in teaching. Graduates are allowed to take the certification exam to become Certified Nurse Educators. Students that are already enrolled in a master’s-level program or higher need to submit a one page application. Post-Master’s nurses that are not currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins must submit the application, a goal statement, two recommendations, official transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Post-Degree Programs

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

This post-master’s program is for students who have a master’s in a specialty other than CNS, or who took the CNS program but did not complete the courses required to become certified. The requirements for this program vary based on the courses the student has already taken.

Students need to have a minimum of two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN degree. They must also submit a goal statement, two recommendations, official transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Forensic Nursing

This post-bachelor’s online certificate program teaches students to perform forensic nursing care and assessments. It takes 12 credits to complete this program. To apply, students must have a BS in nursing degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an RN license, a goal statement, two letters of recommendation, a background check, and a resume. Students may be asked to interview.

Nurse Practitioner

The post-master’s certificate program for nurse practitioner offers several options:

• Adult Primary Care – for nurses with two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN in a clinical nursing or other major. This program begins in the fall and can be completed in 15 months. Graduates may take the certification exam to become an Adult Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
• Family Primary Care for Certified Adult/Geriatric/Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – for nurses with an MSN degree, this program takes two semesters. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
• Family Primary Care for RNs with an MSN degree – for RNs with an MSN degree who are not certified nurse practitioners, this program takes four semesters, plus one summer to complete. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
• Pediatric Primary Care – for nurses with two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN in a clinical nursing or other major. This program begins in the fall and can be completed in four semesters. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
• Adult Acute/Critical Care – for nurses with at least one year of experience in acute/critical care. This program takes four semesters to complete. Graduates may take the exam for certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Accelerated Acute Care – for RNs who already hold certification as family, adult, or gerontologic nurse practitioners. Graduates may take the exam for certification as an Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner.

To apply for any of these certificate programs, students must have an MSN degree, an RN license, submit official transcripts, a goal statement, a resume, and two recommendations.

Continuing Education

Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of seminars, training programs and conferences for nurses who are interested in certification, clinical updates, and skill enhancement. Recent offerings include Guided Care Nursing and Bereavement Support Following Perinatal Loss or Infant Death.

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

This scholarship program is available for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who are enrolling in the Johns Hopkins BS in Nursing program. Fellows in the program agree to work at nurse-run clinic in underserved communities located in East Baltimore.

This program is highly competitive. Students interested must submit an application, and six essays. If accepted, students must enroll in Community Outreach to Underserved Communities in Baltimore, and participate in the community outreach program and other activities put on by the RPCV Coverdell Fellows Program.

Contact:
Johns Hopkins University
3400 North Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21218-2683

Montgomery College Nursing Program Review

Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS) is one of the campuses of Montgomery College (MC). There are also campuses in Germantown and Rockville.

Montgomery College was founded in 1946, and held its first classes in a local high school. The College now enrolls over 60,000 students each year. The Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus serves a vibrant urban neighborhood, has a newly opened Health Sciences Center, and offers many programs in health sciences.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing

This program is a two year course of study that trains students to be professional nurses. Graduates of this program are able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To be admitted to this program, students must first apply to the college and be admitted with a temporary major of pre-nursing, or they may enter as general admission, or any major with open admission. Students that are admitted to the nursing program will be assigned the nursing major. Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or GED, minimum 2.5 GPA and must take the TEAS exam.

Applicants will also need to complete the prerequisite classes of Techniques of Reading and Writing I and Principles of Biology to be able to apply. Students that want to qualify for priority admissions must also complete Techniques of Reading and Writing II or Writing for Technology and Business, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Survey of College Mathematics or higher.

To continue in the program, students must earn a C or higher in their math and biology courses, and in all nursing courses.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Military Medics/Corpsmen to RN

This program allows LPNs and military medics or corpsmen to enter the third semester of the AS in nursing program, after completing the prerequisites and the transition course in the summer semester before their nursing classes begin.

To apply to this program, students need to submit an application, transcripts, and a letter of reference, and take the TEAS exam. The prerequisites for this program are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Techniques of Reading and Writing I, Survey of College Mathematics or higher, and General Psychology. It is also recommended that students take the following courses before applying: Microbiology, Techniques of Reading and Writing II, Introduction to Sociology, and an Arts and a Humanities elective.

Foreign Nurse Graduates

Foreign nurse graduates applying to Montgomery College will need to submit a letter from the Maryland Board of Nursing that identifies what courses they need to take to become licensed in Maryland, as well as a copy of their Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools report. They will be required to take Basic Health Assessment with a C or higher, and will then be eligible for admission into the courses they need.

Nursing Refresher – Clinical and Classroom

This continuing education class is for RNs who have left the nursing profession and wish to return. Students need to show they once held an RN license to enroll.

Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA)

Students wishing to become CNAs must take the CNA Classroom and Clinical courses. Applicants need to be at least 18 and have a social security number, must pass the mandatory reading test, and take the orientation. After completing the program, students that want to work as GNAs are eligible to take the state certification exam.

Contact:
Montgomery College – Takoma Park/Silver Spring
7600 Takoma Avenue,
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Prince George’s Community College Nursing Program Review

Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has been educating students since 1958. The College enrolls over 37,000 students each year in over 60 programs of study. It has a main campus in Largo, and has extension centers at the University Town Center in Huntsville, at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, and the Laurel College Center in Laurel.

Nursing Programs

Registered Nurse (RN) Program

Students enroll in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program to begin their career in professional nursing. Graduates of this two year program will earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree and will be allowed to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).

Applicants to this program must be admitted to the College, submit their transcripts, and take the college placement tests, if required. Students will also need to take the prerequisites for the program with a grade of at least a C, and must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

The prerequisites for this program are English Composition I, Finite Mathematics or higher, Introduction to Nursing, General Psychology, General Biology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

If there are more applicants than spaces available in the ADN program, students will be ranked by their cumulative GPA in all general education courses, not just the program prerequisites. It is to an applicant’s advantage to take as many general education classes as possible before applying.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program

This entry-level nursing program is two semesters plus one summer long. Graduates of this program earn a certificate and are able to take the LPN licensing exam.

Applicants to this program must be admitted to the College, submit their transcripts, and take the college placement tests, if required. Students will also need to take the prerequisites for the program with a grade of at least a C, and must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

The prerequisites for the LPN program are English Composition I, Introduction to Practical Nursing, General Psychology, General Biology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

If there are more applicants than spaces available in the LPN program, students will be ranked by their cumulative GPA in all general education courses, not just the program prerequisites. It is recommended that students take as many general education classes as possible before applying.

LPN to RN Transition Option

This program allows LPNs to earn their AS degree and take the RN licensing exam. Students that meet the qualifications for this program will be able to enter the second year of the ADN program, after completing the LPN to RN Transition class with a grade of C or higher.

Applicants must have an LPN license and complete the prerequisites with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The prerequisites for this program are Finite Mathematics or higher, Introduction to Nursing, General Psychology, General Biology, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

Paramedic (EMT-P) to RN Transition Option

Students with an active EMT-P license and three years of paramedic experience may apply to this program. They will need to complete the prerequisites with a C or higher, and take the EMT-P to RN Transition class, which is only offered in the summer. After completing the transition class with a C grade or better, they will be allowed to enter the ADN program in the second year of classes.

The prerequisites for this program are Finite Mathematics or higher, General Psychology, General Biology, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This program trains students to provide basic patient care in long term care facilities and hospitals. Graduates are able to work as CNAs, and are allowed to take the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification exam.

This program offers 96 hours of classroom instruction and 52 hours of clinical practice, as well as 12 hours of test prep for the GNA exam.

Certified Medicine Aide (CMA)

GNAs with one to two years of experience may take this program. After completing the requirements, they may take the CMA exam. This program requires 38 hours of classroom time and 37 hours of clinical practice to complete.

Contact:
Prince George’s Community College
301 Largo Road,
Largo, MD 20774-2199

Salisbury University Nursing School Review

Salisbury University (SU) opened as a two year college in 1925. In 1935, it was given the authorization to award bachelor’s degrees, and it began awarding master’s degrees in 1962.

SU is a member of the University System of Maryland, and currently enrolls over 6200 students in 60 degree programs.

Nursing Programs

BS in Nursing

This program is for students who want to become professional nurses and do not already have a bachelor’s degree. Students are admitted into this program during the fall semester of their junior year. Graduates of the program are able to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Students interested in this program must first be admitted to SU and take their support courses with a grade of C or better. These classes may be taken at SU or at another school. Students may apply for admission to the nursing program in the spring semester of their sophomore year. They will need to take the A2 Admission Exam and submit any transcripts from other schools.

The support courses for this program are Chemistry I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Microbiology and Developmental Psychology.

Second Degree BS in Nursing

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing may apply for this program. This program takes three semesters of full time study to complete.

To apply, students must have a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also show mastery in microbiology, basic statistics, chemistry or physics, anatomy and physiology I and II, and pathophysiology. This is done by either having taken these courses, by taking a challenge exam, or by passing a standardized test on the subject. They will also need to submit an essay about their professional and educational goals, a resume, their transcripts, and two recommendation letters.

RN to BS in Nursing

Students with an RN license that have graduated from an accredited associate or diploma in nursing program may apply to this program.

Students will receive 30 credits for their active RN license, and may transfer up to 60 credits from their previous nursing studies. They will have to take at least 30 credits at SU to be able to graduate.

To apply, students must be accepted to the University, submit official transcripts, show proof of RN license, have a resume, a statement of professional and academic goals, two reference letters, and meet the CPR and health requirements of the department.

RN to Master of Science (MS) in Nursing

This program allows students with an RN license who graduated from an associate degree in nursing program to pursue both a BS and an MS in nursing. This program streamlines the process by allowing the student to skip 9 to 12 credits of classes taken in the traditional BS and MS programs. Students will choose one of the MS specialty tracks listed below.

Students admitted to this program may receive up to 60 credits transferred from their prior studies. They will also receive 30 credits for their RN license.

To apply, students must be accepted to the University, submit official transcripts, have a GPA of at least 3.0, show proof of RN license, have a resume, a statement of professional and academic goals, two reference letters, meet the CPR and health requirements of the department, and have an interview.

MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

Students who graduate from this program are eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. This program requires 45 credit hours and 600 clinical hours to complete. Students should note that not every course is taught every semester, and should plan their schedule accordingly.

To apply to this program, students must have graduated from an accredited BS in Nursing program, submit official transcripts, and have a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also show proof of RN license, have a resume, a statement of professional and academic goals, two reference letters, and have an interview.

MS in Nursing, Health Care Leadership

This program prepares nurses to assume leadership positions in health care settings. Graduates will complete 36 credits and be allowed to take the Advanced Nursing Administration certification exam. This program is only offered in the fall semester when there is a cohort of at least 10 students.

Classes for this specialty track are offered on a rotating basis and will not be available every semester.

Applicants to this program must have graduated from an accredited BS in Nursing program, submit official transcripts, and have a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also show proof of RN license, have a resume, a statement of professional and academic goals, two reference letters, and have an interview.

MS in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Educator

This program prepares nurses to become faculty at colleges or health care settings. To graduate, students will take 37 credits of classes. Graduates may take the certification exam for Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Because the classes for this program are not offered every semester, students will need to plan their schedules carefully.

Students applying to this program must have graduated from an accredited BS in Nursing program, submit official transcripts, and have a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also show proof of RN license, have a resume, a statement of professional and academic goals, two reference letters, and have an interview.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This program trains nurses with advanced practice skills to manage complex healthcare needs. This program requires 38 credits to complete. The program is designed for the working nurse, and generally takes three years to complete.

Applicants need to apply to the University, submit transcripts, have an MS in Nursing degree, hold a current RN license, have or be eligible for an Advanced Practice role, have a GPA of at least 3.5 in their graduate program, have a current CPR certification, a resume, three letters of recommendation, an essay about personal goals and why they are pursuing a DNP, be proficient in English, and have an interview. They will also need to have a B or better in the prerequisites of Statistics, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Health Assessment.

Eastern Shore Faculty Academy and Mentorship Initiative (ES-FAMI)

This program is dedicated to preparing RNs to become clinical nursing faculty. This program is for BS and MS degree holders, and is 30 contact hours. Students will participate in online and classroom sessions, mentoring workshops, and simulated classroom settings. This program is offered in partnership between SU, Chesapeake College, and Sojourner-Douglass College.

To apply, students must submit an application, resume, official transcripts, proof of their RN license, and two recommendation letters.

Contact:
Salisbury University
1101 Camden Avenue,
Salisbury, MD 21801

Stevenson University Nursing School Review

Stevenson University (SU) began as Villa Julie College, a medical-secretarial training school, in 1947. It was a Catholic institution, and remained affiliated with the Catholic Church until 1967, when it became an independent school. It became co-ed in 1972, and became a four-year school in 1984. In 2008, the name Stevenson University was chosen by the Board of Trustees.

SU enrolls 4000 students each year in undergraduate and graduate programs. There are two campuses, the Greenspring Campus in Stevenson and the Owings Mills Campus in Owings Mills. The University offers many student organizations to help students enjoy their time on campus. There are also a wide range of athletic teams to play on or cheer for.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

This program is for students beginning their nursing career, and is designed for students coming straight out of high school. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Students begin this program as freshmen, and will generally need four years to finish.

To apply to the BS program, students must apply to the University. They need to submit the application, a writing sample, high school transcript or GED, SAT or ACT scores, and a letter of recommendation.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). It has also been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Transfer and Second Bachelor’s Students

This program is designed for students transferring in from another school, or who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Students that have taken the required prerequisite classes are eligible to complete their BS in Nursing degree in two years.

To apply to this program, students must apply to the University, submit their official transcripts, write a statement of their nursing goals, submit a resume, and submit a plan of completion of the prerequisite courses for the program.

The prerequisites for this program are different, depending on whether or not students have a prior bachelor’s degree. For those that do, the required classes are General Biology with Lab, General Organic and Biochemistry with Lab, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Nutrition, Statistics, Growth and Development and Computer Technology in Nursing.

For transfer students without a prior bachelor’s degree, the required courses are General Biology with Lab, General Organic and Biochemistry with Lab, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Nutrition, Statistics, Growth and Development, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, English Composition, Writing about Literature, English Writing, Physical Education or Health, a Fine Arts elective, three Humanities electives, and Computer Technology in Nursing.

Students may take their prerequisites at any regionally accredited school.

RN to BS Option

This program is for RNs who wish to continue their education and earn their BS degree. The classroom portion of this program is available online, or is available in partnership with other area colleges and hospitals in an online/hybrid format.

Applicants must have a current RN license, complete the prerequisites with a GPA of at least 2.5, submit their official transcripts, have two letters of recommendation, and have an interview.

The prerequisites for this program are English Composition, Introduction to Literature, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Human Growth and Development, Statistics, English Writing (200 level or higher), Chemistry, Nutrition, Communication, Physical Education, four Humanities electives, and a Fine Arts elective.

Graduates of an accredited associate degree or diploma in nursing program will have taken most of their prerequisites in their previous studies and may transfer the credit.

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing

This program is offered part-time, and is an online, accelerated format. Classes start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students must complete 36 credits to complete this program.

Applicants must have a BS in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, official transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.

Students may choose to study one of two specialty tracks:

• Nursing Education – this program is for RNs interested in becoming nurse faculty. It includes a teaching practicum.
• Nursing Leadership/Management – this program trains RNs to be managers in healthcare, and features a leadership practicum.

RN to MS Option

This program is designed for students who don’t currently hold a bachelor’s degree, who want to pursue an MS in Nursing. This streamlined program allows students to take certain graduate courses to meet both their BS and MS requirements.

Applicants must have an RN license, a GPA of at least 3.0 from their previous nursing coursework, and two letters of recommendation. If they meet these criteria, they will be accepted into the RN to BS option, with provisional entry into the MS program. To progress to the MS program, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA, maintain their RN license, and finish all non-nursing courses.

Contact:
Stevenson University
1525 Greenspring Valley Road,
Stevenson, MD, 21153-0641

Towson University Nursing School Review

Towson University (TU) began in 1866 in Baltimore as the State Normal School. In 1915 the school moved to Towson, and the name was changed in 1935 to the State Teachers College at Towson. In 1963 it became Towson State College, then Towson State University in 1976, and Towson University in 1997.

TU enrolls over 21,000 students in over 100 undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs. The University is within walking distance of downtown Towson, eight miles from downtown Baltimore, and an hour’s drive from Washington, DC.

The TU Department of Nursing offers classes at the Towson campus, and also at the University System of Maryland (USM) Hagerstown Center.

Nursing Programs

Nursing Basic Program

This program trains students for a career in professional nursing. Students take prerequisites during their freshman and sophomore years, and enter the nursing program their junior year. Graduates of this program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, and will be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply to the nursing program, students must be admitted to the University, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have taken at least 42 units, including the prerequisite courses. They must also submit any transcripts from schools other than TU, and take the TEAS exam.

The prerequisites for this program are Writing for a Liberal Education, Basic Mathematics for the Sciences, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Biology for Health Professionals, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Medical Microbiology or Foundations of Microbiology, Allied Health Chemistry I with Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, and Nutrition for Health Professionals.

RN Completion Program

TU participates in the Maryland state RN articulation model, allowing RNs to continue their education and earn their BS degree. Students may transfer up to 60 units from prior education, and no nursing classes will be allowed to transfer. Students will also receive 30 units for having an active RN license.

Applicants to this program must have graduated from an approved associate degree or diploma program and have a current RN license. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and take the TEAS exam. In addition, students need to complete General Chemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, and Statistics, if they didn’t take these courses as part of their prior nursing studies.

Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Students who have a bachelor’s degree in another subject may apply to this program. Students will also need to apply separately to the Second Bachelor’s program.

Nursing Master’s Program

This is a flexible program offered mostly on weekday evenings, to allow busy RNs to balance work, school and home life. The Master of Science degree program may be taken part-time or full-time. Full-time students will participate in a cohort that takes classes together one day a week and progresses through the program together. This allows students to plan their work schedules, and develop relationships with their fellow students.

To apply, students need to have a BS in Nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0, a statement of professional goals, a current RN license, a resume, have taken an elementary statistics or nursing research course, and have completed a physical assessment course.

After completing the core program classes of 21-27 units, students may select the following concentrations:

• Nursing Education – for RNs interested in nursing education, and requires an additional 15 units to complete.
• Clinician-Administrator Transition – prepares RNs for a management role, and requires an additional 15 units to finish.

Associate to Master’s Degree in Nursing (ATM)

This is an accelerated program that takes RNs through a 35 month, 84 unit program. Students will finish with an MS in Nursing, with a concentration in Nursing Education.

Applicants will need to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0, and will take the TEAS exam. They will also need to submit a writing sample, complete the prerequisites, and have an interview.

The prerequisites are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Nutrition, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, College Composition I and II, Introduction to Statistical Methods, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, and Fundamentals of Communication.

Nursing Education Certificate

This is a post-baccalaureate certificate program for students interested in teaching. This program requires 15 units to complete. Students may enter the MS in Nursing program and apply these credits toward their degree.

To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, have taken an elementary statistics or nursing research course, and have completed a physical assessment course. They will also need a current RN license, a resume, and a personal statement discussing their professional goals.

Clinician Administrator Transition (CAT) Certificate

This is a post-baccalaureate certificate program for students interested in an administration or management career. This program requires 15 units to complete, and many courses are offered online, or in a hybrid format. Students may enter the MS in Nursing program and apply these credits toward their degree.

Applicants must have a BS or MS degree in a clinical field such as nursing, physical therapy, or dietetics, with a GPA of 3.0 or better. They must also be licensed in their field or have certification in a clinical area.

Contact:
Towson University
8000 York Road,
Towson, MD 21252-0001

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Nursing School Review

The Uniformed Services University (USU) of the Health Sciences has been referred to as the “West Point of Medicine.” The roots of the program began in World War II, but the idea didn’t become a reality until the 1970s when the military draft ended. Congress passed legislation that was signed into law in 1972, creating the school.

USU offers a multi-service environment, with students from all branches of the military and the Public Health Service. Students attend in exchange for seven years of service commitment after graduation.

Half of all students enrolled at USU have no prior military experience, so field exercises are part of the curriculum. The Graduate School of Nursing enrolls about 160 students each year.

Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Anesthesia Program

This program prepares nurse anesthetists to provide quality care. Graduates are allowed to take the certification exam. The program is 30 months long and takes 82 credit hours to complete.

To apply to any MSN program, students must be a commissioned officer in the military or a service sponsored civilian, and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. They also need to have competitive GRE scores, three recommendation letters, meet the writing requirement, have a nursing license, provide original transcripts, have Basic Life Support certification, and have a resume.

Students will also need to meet the Nurse Anesthesia program specific requirements of having taken Statistics and Biochemistry within the last five years with a B or better, have at least one year of acute care RN experience, be ACLS and PALS certified, and have an interview.

MSN – Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program

This program trains students for advanced practice in a perioperative setting. Graduates are able take the CNS certification exam. The program takes 24 months, and requires 64 credit hours and 500 clinical hours to complete.

To apply to this program, students must meet the MSN criteria listed above. In addition, they will need to have two years of perioperative nursing experience, have CNOR certification, and ACLS certification.

MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

For nurses training for advanced practice roles, this program takes 24 months and 64 credit hours to complete. Students will also complete a master’s thesis or scholarly project.

To apply to this program, students must meet the MSN criteria listed above. Also, they will need to have an interview, and it is preferred that they have two years of experience in psychiatric nursing.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program

This program readies nurses for an advanced practice role. This program is 24 months, and graduates will be able to take the national FNP certification exam. Students will complete 65 credit hours and over 900 hours of clinical practice.

To apply to this program, students must meet the MSN criteria listed above. It is also recommended that they have two years of experience in ambulatory or outpatient practice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This program offers the highest level of advanced practice training. Students will choose a specialty of Nurse Anesthesia, Perioperative CNS, Psychiatric NP, or Family NP.

To apply to this program, students must be a commissioned officer in the military or a service sponsored civilian, and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. They also need to have competitive GRE scores, three recommendation letters, meet the writing requirement, have a nursing license, provide original transcripts, have Basic Life Support certification, and have a resume. They may be asked to interview.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science

The PhD program is for the nurse researcher, and requires at least 91 credit hours to complete.

When applying to this program, nurses in the military have priority, and agency sponsored civilians will be considered as space is available. Applicants must have an MSN degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, a current nursing license or be eligible for one, a curriculum vitae, GRE scores, transcripts, a statement of their reason for pursuing a PhD, a match to current faculty research, computer literacy, three reference letters, and an interview.

Contact:
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814

University of Maryland at Baltimore Nursing School Review

The University of Maryland at Baltimore (UMB,UMAB) was founded in 1807. The University has seven schools that educate the majority of the state’s graduates in health care fields, such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and social work.

The University enrolls over 6000 students each year in one of 44 degree programs. The campus is located in West Baltimore close to the Inner Harbor, and is a leading partner in West Baltimore’s redevelopment plan.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for students seeking a career in professional nursing. Students must complete at least 59 credits before being admitted to the program, and must graduate within five years of matriculation. Graduates of this program may take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Applicants to this competitive program must submit official transcripts, Advanced Placement or CLEP scores, a resume, a statement of goals and objectives, two recommendation letters, take the entrance exam, and complete all prerequisite classes. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and also a science GPA of 3.0.

The prerequisites for the BSN program are English I and II, General Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Labs, Microbiology, Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology, Human Growth and Development, a Social Science elective, College Algebra or higher, Statistics, Nutrition, three Humanities electives, and two General electives.

RN to BSN

RNs who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree may apply for this program. This program is offered full or part-time.

To apply, students must have completed a minimum of 59 credits of prerequisites. The prerequisites are the same as for the traditional BSN program, as are the admission requirements. In addition, students will need to have a current RN license.

Most of the prerequisites will have been completed during prior nursing coursework. In addition, students will receive credit hours for having a nursing license.

RN to BSN Online

This program is offered as an alternative to the on-site RN to BSN program. It has the same requirements, and students will complete their classes online. They will work with a preceptor to do their clinical work in their local area.

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing

This program is for students interested in advanced practice nursing. The MS program has a variety of specialties available for study, listed below. All applicants must meet the same admission requirements of a BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, official transcripts, an active RN license, two recommendation letters, a resume, and a statement of goals.

MS – Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Graduates of this program are able to take the national certification exam for Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioners. This program takes a minimum of 46 credit hours and 800 clinical hours to complete.

MS – Community/Public Health Nursing

This specialty focuses on disease prevention and promoting health. It requires 36 credit hours to complete, and is available as a Post-Master’s option for RNs who already have an MS degree.

MS – Family Nurse Practitioner

Graduates of this program are able to take the national certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioners. This program takes a minimum of 48 credit hours and 720 clinical hours to complete, and there is a Post-Master’s option available.

MS – Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM)

This program requires 36 credit hours, and students may focus on HSLM or HSLM Education. This program is also available for the RN to MS option. There is also a Post-Master’s option available.

MS – Nurse Anesthesia

This is a full-time, 28 month course of study that requires 72 credit hours to complete. Graduates may take the certification exam to become Certified Nurse Anesthetists.

MS – Nursing Informatics

The Nursing Informatics program is only offered online, and requires 40 credit hours to complete. This program is also available as a Post-Master’s option, or as a doctoral program.

MS – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Students in this specialty will study either Acute Care or Primary Care. Graduates are allowed to take the certification exam for either Acute or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. This program requires a minimum of 47 credit hours and 720 clinical hours to complete. There is also a Post-Master’s option available.

MS – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Focus

This program takes 47 credit hours and 630 clinical hours to complete. It is also available as a Post-Master’s option. Graduates may take the certification exam for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Family).

MS – Trauma/Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

This specialty focuses on advanced practice acute care in a variety of settings. It is also available as a Post-Master’s option. Graduates may take the certification exams for both Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist.

MS in Nursing – Clinical Nursing Leader

This program is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. It takes between 16 and 23 months to complete. Graduates complete 64 credit hours of master’s level classes and become advanced generalists in clinical leadership and direct patient care. They will also be ready to take the RN licensing exam.

To apply, students must have taken General Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Human Growth and Development, Statistics, and Nutrition. They will also need to meet the entry requirements for the MS program, except they do not need to have a BSN degree or an RN license.

MS/Master of Public Health (MPH) Dual Degree

This program is available to all MS in Nursing students, and is offered in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Students must meet the requirements for the MS in Nursing degree specialty, as well as take 42 credit hours for the MPH degree. The MPH program requires specialization in either Epidemiology or Community and Population Health.

MS/Master of Business Administration

This program is offered with the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business and the University of Maryland, College Park School of Business. The program requires 66-72 credit hours to complete, and takes two to seven years to finish, depending on the student’s course load. The MS in Nursing degree will focus on the HSLM specialty.

RN-MS

This program allows students to earn both a BSN and an MS in Nursing degree. Some of the coursework is available online. Students must meet the BSN requirements to apply.

Coursework Only, Non-Degree Status

BSN graduates who plan on pursuing an MS degree at a later time may enroll in graduate-level courses by applying for non-degree status. However, no more than two classes taken in non-degree status may be applied toward an MS degree program. Students must have an active RN license and submit their official transcripts to enroll.

Post-MS, Non-Degree

Students may take courses in a Post-Master’s option for several of the MS specialties listed above. They will not earn a degree for these programs, and there are no notations made to their transcript beyond the course taken and grade earned. Students can take these programs when they need to meet educational requirements for specialty certifications.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This program is for nurse researchers. To apply, students must either have an MS in Nursing degree, or a BSN and be currently enrolled in an MS program. They will need a 3.0 GPA in all previous coursework, a statement of goals, a resume, three professional recommendations, an RN license, and GRE scores.

This program requires 63 credits to complete, and with continuous enrollment takes a minimum of two and a half years.

PhD/MBA

This program is offered with the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business. The program takes four years to complete, and requires 93 credit hours. Students may apply to both programs at once, or may enter the PhD program and apply to the MBA program later.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This doctorate program is practice-focused. Students may enroll full or part-time, and will complete 38-48 credit hours.

To apply, students must have an MS in Nursing degree or be enrolled in a master’s program, with a GPA of 3.0 or better. They will also need an RN license, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal goals statement, a resume, verification of masters practicum hours, and have an interview.

DNP/MBA

This program is offered with the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business and the University of Maryland, College Park School of Business. It allows students to earn both degrees in less time than it would take to earn them separately. The program requires 62-72 credit hours of classes, and takes three years if pursued full time.

Contact:
University of Maryland at Baltimore
620 W. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Washington Adventist University Nursing School Review

Washington Adventist University (WAU) was started in 1904 as the Washington Training Institute. Its name was changed to Washington Foreign Mission Seminary in 1907, and then Washington Missionary College in 1914. In 1933 the lower division of the College became Columbia Junior College but was reabsorbed in 1942. The school became Columbia Union College in 1961 and was renamed Washington Adventist University in 2009.

WAU continues to be a Christ-centered, Adventist university. The University enrolls over 1200 students in the School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Graduate & Professional Studies, and School of Health Profession, Science, and Wellness. The student to faculty ratio is 13 to 1.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students entering the Edyth T. James Department of Nursing will be trained as professional nurses. A maximum of 40 students is admitted to the program each fall and spring semester. Graduates of this program are allowed to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Students must apply to the WAU as a pre-nursing major and may apply to the nursing program for admission after their sophomore year. To be eligible to apply to the program, they must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, have an acceptable Nelson-Denny Reading test score, be certified in CPR for health care providers, be recommended for admission by the department, and complete the prerequisite courses with at least a C.

The prerequisite courses for this program are Composition, Research and Literature, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Survey of Chemistry, Principles of Organic and Physiological Chemistry, Introduction to Human Communication, Nutrition, Introduction to Psychology, Psychology of Development and Learning, Probability and Statistics, General Sociology, and Introduction to Computers.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN

LPNs that do not hold a two-year degree may apply to the traditional BSN program and will be awarded 20 credit hours for their prior nursing education.

Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed)

This master’s level program is designed to prepare RNs to become Nurse Administrators, Health Policy Experts, or Clinical Nurse Leaders. It has been structured to meet the needs of the working adult student. Students may take the program full time, attending class two nights per week, and finish in 18 months. If they choose to go part-time, they will attend class one night per week and finish in 24 months.

To apply to this program, students must have graduated from an accredited BSN program with a 2.75 GPA or better. They must also have a current RN license, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement of their goals and purpose for pursuing this degree program. They may be asked to interview.

Students may focus on one or more advanced nursing specialties, including acute care, adult or family care, neonatal, psychiatric, and others. This program requires 36 credits to graduate.

Master of Science in Nursing and Business Leadership (MSNBL)

This program provides nurses with advanced leadership skills to get ahead in the healthcare field. Classes are offered at night in the same format as the MSN-Ed program, and students may finish in 18 or 24 months.

To apply to this program, students must have graduated from an accredited BSN program with a 2.75 GPA or better. They will need to take the prerequisite courses of Principles of Accounting I and Economic Fundamentals for Managers, both with a grade of B or higher. They must also have a current RN license, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement of their goals and purpose for pursuing this degree program. They may be asked to interview.

This program takes 42 credit hours to graduate.

Contact:

Nursing Department
Office: 301-891-4546
Email: [email protected]
Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Central Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Central Maine Community College (CMCC) first opened as Androscoggin State Vocational Institute in 1964, in an old car dealership in Lewiston. It was renamed Central Main Vocational Institute in 1965 and relocated to its current spot in 1966. It became Central Maine Technical College in 1989, and gained its current name in 2003.

CMCC is located on 135 acres on the shore of Lake Auburn. It is in Maine’s second largest metropolitan area, and is located within driving distance of beaches, ski slopes, and wilderness. The College enrolls 3000 students each semester. CMCC has over 24 programs of study available.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Nursing

This program is a two year degree, designed to train students to be professional nurses. Graduates of the program will be able to work in hospitals and extended care facilities in a variety of specialties. Students that graduate will be allowed to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX), to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).

To apply for this program, students must have taken the high school courses of Algebra I, Chemistry with a Lab, and Biology with a Lab. Students will also need to take the Nurse Entrance Test, and demonstrate proficiency in reading and math.

In addition, students will need to submit the results of a visual acuity exam two months before taking their first nursing course, show proof of current immunizations two months before starting the program, and submit any other medical or educational documentation that may be required by the nursing department.

Once accepted into the program, students are required to be certified in CPR, carry college professional liability insurance, have personal health insurance, and have their own transportation to and from clinical settings. Students will also be required to earn at least a C in all nursing courses to be able to continue with the program, as well as maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.

Graduates of this program may consider transferring to the University of Southern Maine or the University of Maine at Fort Kent to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The AS in Nursing program has been approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing, and accredited by the National League fro Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Diploma in Nursing

The Diploma in Nursing program allows students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). After graduation, students will be able to take the National Council Licensing exam for Practical Nurses.

Students wishing to take this program will apply to and meet the entry requirements for the AS in Nursing program. Upon application to the AS program, students decide which program they want to take. Those that want to earn a Diploma in Nursing will take the same courses as the AS program, but will leave after the first year.

Continuing Education

CMCC offers many online Healthcare Certificates through their Continuing Education department. Some of the offerings include Certificates in Gerontology, End of Life Care, Perinatal Issues, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Growth and Development Throughout the Lifespan, and Pain Assessment and Management.

Students are also able to take Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II courses online.

Contact:
Central Maine Community College
1250 Turner Street,
Auburn ME 04210

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Central Maine Medical Center Nursing Program Review

The College was first established in 1891 as the Central Maine General Hospital Training School, a diploma granting school. The first male student was admitted to the program in 1953, and in 1976 the student residences became co-ed. Graduates of the program received diplomas until 1977, when the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing was approved by the Governor.

In 1978, the name was changed to Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing, and in 2007 it was changed again to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) College of Nursing and Health Professions, due to the increasing scope of the College’s mission. The College enrolls less than 200 students each year. On campus, students have access to a Technology and Computer Lab, as well as the Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library.

The College is located in the Lewiston/Auburn area, which is the second largest metropolitan area in Maine. It is close to shopping, theaters, and ski areas, and is not far from both the mountains and the beach.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Nursing

This program is for students with no prior patient care experience, wishing to become a professional nurse. This two year, 69 credit program results in the student earning an AAS degree. Graduates will also be able to take the Licensing Exam (NCLEX/RN) and become Registered Nurses (RNs).

The College has a selective admission procedure, and it is recommended all applicants submit their paperwork one year before they wish to enroll. Applicants must have taken high school or college Biology with a grade of C or better, have a high school diploma or equivalent, SAT or ACT scores or 12 college credits with a grade of C or higher, and take the entrance exam.

Students will also need to submit an essay with their application to the College.

Once accepted, students will be required to earn at least a C in all courses, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. If any courses have been taken elsewhere, students will need to have taken at least one year of classes at the College to be able to graduate. In addition, every student must pass the designated exit exam to receive their degree.

RN in the Evening

This program is for students who want an alternative to daytime classes. Enrollment in this program is limited, and all classes and clinical hours will be taken in the evening and on weekends. The admission and class requirements for this program are the same as for the traditional AAS program.

Advanced Placement

This program is offered to students who are already Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), as well as to Licensed Paramedics and students wishing to transfer from other nursing programs. Students accepted into this program will take the Advanced Bridge Course. Once they successfully complete it, they will be admitted to the program at the beginning of the second year of studies, starting with Nursing Care Across the Lifespan II.

RN Re-Entry to Practice

This program is geared toward RNs who have been away from acute care practice, and would like to return. It is designed to take into consideration the RN’s previous education and experience, and apply it to new knowledge and advancements in professional nursing. This program is also for graduates of the AAS in Nursing program who would like a refresher before taking the NCLEX/RN exam.

To apply, students must submit either a copy of their RN license, an official copy of their diploma, or an official transcript from an accredited nursing program. This self-paced course is completed online, and also requires 108 hours of clinical practice to be done in person. The course must be completed within a year of starting.

Contact:
Central Maine Medical Center
College of Nursing and Health Professions,
70 Middle Street,
Lewiston, ME 04240

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Eastern Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) began in 1966 as Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. It moved from downtown Bangor to its current location in 1968. The name became Eastern Maine Technical College in 1989, and was changed again to Eastern Maine Community College in 2003, to better represent its mission.

EMCC enrolls 2250 students each semester, and has over 30 options of one and two year programs. The average class size is 17 students, and no class has over 32 students in it.

The main campus is located just off of Interstate 95, and is just down the road from downtown Bangor and the Eastern Maine Medical Center. The campus was recently renovated to include a walking track and campus green. It has five classroom buildings, two residence halls, and a gym. EMCC also has the Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft, the Hancock County Higher Education Center in Ellsworth, and the Katahdin Region Higher Education Center in East Millinocket.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree

This program is for unlicensed students who wish to begin their career as professional nurses. This program takes two years to complete after finishing the prerequisite courses, and requires 67.5 credit hours to finish. Graduates of this program will earn an AS degree and be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

The nursing program has selective admission. Because of this, students are encouraged to apply early, and not wait until the February 1 deadline for fall entry into the program.

Students that wish to apply to this program must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have taken the prerequisite classes of Algebra I, Chemistry and Lab, Biology and Lab, and Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab at the college level. They must also have completed the HESI-A2 pre-admission exam, submit their SAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and submit a completed Student Disclosure of Criminal Convictions, Pending Criminal Charges, and Certain Disqualifications Form.

In order to continue with the program and graduate, students must earn a grade of at least a C in all nursing theory classes, and must pass all clinical courses. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical locations, and clinical hours may be scheduled for daytime, evenings, or weekends.

The AS program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Advanced Standing

Students who are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may apply to the AS in Nursing program and enter during the second year. Graduates will earn an AS degree and be able to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure.

To apply, students must have graduated from an approved practical nursing program. They must also meet the same admission standards as for the AS degree, and will need to have taken courses comparable to the ones required during the first two semesters of the AS program. LPN students also have the option to challenge courses by exam. If they pass the challenge exam, they will enter the program in the beginning of the second year, with Nursing Across the Lifespan II. If they do not pass the challenge exam, they will begin the program at the beginning of the second semester, with Nursing Across the Lifespan I.

Contact:
Eastern Maine Community College
354 Hogan Road,
Bangor, ME 04401

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Husson University Nursing School Review

Husson University (HU) is a private institution in Bangor, a town of about 30,000 people. In addition to the main campus, there are education centers in Presque Isle and in South Portland. The University has 2800 students enrolled each semester.

The University began in 1898 as a school to educate students in teaching, commerce, and telegraphy. The school was granted the ability to Bachelor of Science degrees in 1953. The University converted a former dairy farm to a beautiful 208 acre campus in the 1960s, and has been located there ever since. Husson formally became a University in 2008.

Nursing Programs

The Nursing Program at Husson University is offered in partnership with Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMCC).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program is for students beginning their nursing career. This program is four years long if taken full time, and requires a minimum of 127 credit hours to graduate. Those that graduate will be eligible to take the state licensing exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

Students enter the BSN program in their first year in college. To apply, they must meet the entry requirements for Husson University. In addition, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a high school GPA of at least 3.0, and a physical exam and immunization records. They must also have taken four years of English, two years of math, chemistry and one other science class, and a social science class, all with a grade of at least C+. In addition, they will to submit their SAT or ACT scores, references, and a biography.

Admission preference is given to students who graduated in the upper half of their class, and who have a combined 1350 score or better on the SAT. Once in the program, students will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.7, and earn at least a C+ in all core nursing program courses.

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

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students with a BSN degree may apply to the MSN program. Students must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 from their BSN program, official college transcripts, GRE or MAT scores, letters of recommendation, proof of immunizations, and proof of RN licensure. It is also required that students have at least one year of clinical nursing experience to apply, and it is recommended that they have more.

Students may choose from the following three specialty tracks for their MSN program:

• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing (APPN) – this two year program trains psychiatric nurses, and has clinical specialist concentrations in Child/Adolescent or Adult Psychiatric Mental Health. Graduates may take the ANCC certification exam.
• Family and Community Nurse Practitioner (FCNP) – graduates of this two year program are eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam. Courses are offered Friday afternoon and evenings, and on the weekends, or as distance learning.
• Nursing Education (NE) – this program is designed to prepare students to become nursing faculty. It requires 40 hours of coursework to complete. Graduates that complete the two year teaching requirement are allowed to take the NLN Nurse Educator Licensing Exam. This program may also be taken through distance learning.

Students that already hold an MSN degree may pursue any of the above options as a post-master’s certificate.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) to MSN

Students who have a post-BSN NP certificate may take this program to earn their MSN degree. Students are encouraged to meet with the Program Director to determine their course of study.

Contact:
Husson University
One College Circle,
Bangor, ME 04401

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Kennebec Valley Community College Nursing Program Review

Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is a member of the Maine Community College System. It was founded in 1970 with 166 students, and has grown to enroll over 2500 students each semester.

KVCC has credit transfer agreements with many four year institutions in the area, making it easy for students to transfer and continue their studies. On average, 96% of graduates of KVCC are either employed or enrolled in further educational programs. The college has a main campus in Fairfield, and the Buker campus in Augusta.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

The ADN program is designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing positions. This program is a combination of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences, and combines general education and nursing theory classes. Graduates of this program will earn an Associate in Science degree, and will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

Those that want to apply to the ADN program must first be admitted to KVCC as students. If applying from high school, students will need to have a GPA of at least 2.5, have taken Biology and a lab, Chemistry and a lab, and Algebra, all with a grade of C or higher.

Students who have graduated high school or who have a GED must take the college level courses of College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, and English Composition, all with a grade of C or better. If these courses were taken someplace other than KVCC, they will need a grade of 2.5 or higher to transfer.

All applicants will need to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Admission exam, provide proof of current immunizations, and complete CPR for Health Care Professionals.

Qualified applicants are admitted into the program in the order their applications are received, until the program is filled. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Once accepted into the program, students must maintain a grade of C or higher in all general education and nursing courses, and maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0.

This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing (MSBN).

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to ADN

This program allows LPNs to continue their education, earn their associate degree, and become a licensed RN.

LPNs must meet the same entrance requirements as for the ADN program. They must also submit proof of graduation from an approved practical nursing program, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. In order to be able to enter the ADN program during the second semester, they will also need to have completed English Composition, College Algebra, and Anatomy and Physiology I, all with a grade of at least a C, and a GPA of at least 2.5.

In addition, all applicants will need to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-Admission exam, provide proof of current immunizations, and take CPR for Health Care Professionals.

Other Health Related Programs

Health Information Technology (Online Program)

This Associate in Applied Science Degree program allows students to use cutting edge technology and become an expert on patient data. Graduates of this two year program may take the credentialing exam to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). This program is available completely online.

Health Science Certificate

This program is a certificate option that prepares students to transfer into a health degree program at a two year or four year institution. Students will complete 30 credit hours over a one year period, and must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0.

Contact:
Kennebec Valley Community College
92 Western Avenue,
Fairfield, ME 04937

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Northern Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) began educating students in 1963. With over 30 programs of study to choose from, NMCC enrolls over 2000 students each semester. The faculty to student ratio is 1 to 15. Ninety percent of NMCC graduates are either employed or enrolled in a baccalaureate program within six months of graduation.

NMCC is located in Presque Isle, a town with a population of 10,000. Presque Isle offers the convenience of a city combined with a small town atmosphere. The area offers recreational activities for each of the four seasons, giving students the opportunity to unwind after studying.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree

The AS Degree in Nursing program is designed as a multiple entry program. Students that are just beginning their nursing career will enter the program during the first year, while those that have a nursing background already may qualify to enter the program with advance standing. Graduates of this program will be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

To enter the program, students must be admitted to the College. Students will need to have completed high school or the equivalent, and have up to date immunizations per Maine law. Students are also required to provide recommendations.

The prerequisites for this program are high school level Biology and Chemistry with labs or Human Biology at the college level, high school Algebra, Pre-Admission Skills testing, and American Heart Association BCLS certification for health care providers.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) that are seeking advanced standing in the program will be required to take the Role Transition course before they may begin the second year of the program.

To progress in the program, students must earn a C or higher in all nursing major courses.

This program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Other Allied Health Programs

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Students that take the full two year EMS program graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and are prepared to take the National Registry Paramedic exam to become a licensed Paramedic.

This program has multiple entry and exit points. This allows students to complete the requirements for an EMT Basic or EMT Intermediate certificate and be able to take the licensing exams, without completing the full degree program.

Students that have an Intermediate EMT certificate may take the Paramedicine certificate program to become licensed as a paramedic, without completing the associate degree program.

To be admitted to the EMS AAS degree program, students must be admitted to the College, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit their ACT or SAT scores. They will also need to have taken high school level Biology and Chemistry with labs, high school Algebra, and American Heart Association BCLS certification for health care providers. It is recommended but not required to have an EMT-Basic certification.

Medical Assisting

Medical Assistants have both clinical and administrative duties. Graduates of this program earn an AAS degree, and are allowed to take the exams to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) or Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs).

Students applying to this degree program must meet the same entry requirements as for the nursing program. This program takes two years to complete.

Continuing Education

NMCC offers Health Care Certificates through their online Continuing Education department. Some of the certificates offered are Gerontology, Perinatal Issues, Pain Assessment and Management, and Growth and Development through the Lifespan. Students may enroll in these programs online.

Contact:
Northern Maine Community College
33 Edgemont Drive,
Presque Isle, ME 04769

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Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Nursing Program Review

Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) of Maine is a private, Roman Catholic college founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy. The College provides a liberal arts education and welcomes students of all faiths and ages. There are about 1000 students enrolled on campus, and another 2000 that reside throughout the United States and in other countries who are taking online graduate and professional studies programs. The College offers over 40 majors and minors, and the average class size is just 17 students.

The campus is located on the shore of Lake Sebago, about 18 miles away from Portland, Maine’s largest city, and just two hours away from Boston.

Saint Joseph’s is a member of International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), and students have the opportunity to study at 265 colleges in 37 different countries.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program prepares students to practice professional nursing. In this four year program, students start nursing courses during their first year of study and begin taking hands-on clinical courses in their second year. After graduation, they will earn a Bachelor of Science degree, and be able to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

The nursing program at Saint Joseph’s is competitive, and enrolls a limited number of students each year. Admission is based on a combination of the student’s high school curriculum, grades, SAT scores, and having grades of C or higher in high school Biology and Chemistry with labs. Students must also meet the entrance requirements for the College.

Students in this program must earn a C+ or better in all nursing courses, and a C- or higher in all science courses, to be able to continue. If they receive a grade below C+ in a nursing class, they will be required to retake the class before they may continue on in the program. If they do not earn a C+ the second time, they will be dismissed from the program.

The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has been approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Senior Nursing Internship

This is a senior level nursing internship course at Saint John’s. It provides an important step in the transition from nursing student to professional nurse.

This 150-hour intensive clinical program gives students a chance to gain experience in an area of practice that interests them. Students will work one on one with a preceptor to learn the role of the professional nurse.

Preceptors for this course will earn 10 continuing education credits.

Department of Nursing Professional Organizations

Students have the opportunity to join professional organizations to develop their nursing and leadership skills. Here are the organizations available to students:

• Sigma Theta Tau International – the Honor Society of Nursing, membership is by invitation only. The local chapter is Kappa Zeta-at-Large.
• American Nursing Association of Maine (ANA of Maine) – a member of national American Nursing Association, this organization has a national network of member nurses who are influential in the profession.
• Organization of Maine Nurse Executives (OMNE) – represents nurse leaders throughout the profession.

Contact:
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Road,
Standish, ME 04084

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Southern Maine Community College Nursing Program Review

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) began as a day school located in Augusta for returning World War II veterans in 1946. It was called Maine Vocational Technical Institute. It was moved from Augusta to South Portland in 1952, and was renamed Southern Maine Vocational Institute. The name changed again in 1989 to Southern Maine Technical College, and to its existing name in 1999.

The main campus is in Portland, Maine’s largest city, and has a view of Casco Bay. SMCC also has the Midcoast Campus in Brunswick, the Bath Campus, multiple off-campus locations, and offers courses online. Almost 7500 students enroll at SMCC each semester, and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. The College offers over 45 degree programs. Many programs have articulation agreements with area four-year institutions, making it easy for students to transfer after graduation.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Nursing

This program is for students who wish to begin their professional nursing career, and become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). This program is four semesters long after the completion of prerequisite classes. Graduates earn an associate degree and are then eligible to sit for the state licensing exam.

This program is highly competitive. Because of this, SMCC will only accept applications from Maine residents. Students wishing to apply to this program must take the Accuplacer tests for algebra, arithmetic, writing, and reading, or be exempt. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, attend a mandatory information session, and have a GPA of at least 2.5 in all prerequisite classes. They must also take the Nursing Pre-Admission Exam.

The prerequisites of this program are Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, English Composition, and Dosage Calculations.

Students in the nursing program must earn a grade of C or higher in all nursing classes to be able to progress to the next class. They are allowed to repeat one course if necessary to meet that grade requirement.

The AS in Nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

AS in Nursing, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Upgrade Option

This program is for LPNs who wish to continue their education and earn an AS degree. The LPN Upgrade option is open to out of state students.

Students in this program must meet the same entrance requirements as the AS degree program. When they do, they may get permission from the Nursing Department Chair to enroll in the Transition to the ADN Role course. Once they complete this course, they may enroll in Nursing II. Qualified LPN students are exempt from having to take Nursing I.

Continuing Studies

The Continuing Studies department at SMCC offers a variety of courses designed for healthcare workers at all levels of their careers. These courses have both a classroom and a clinical component, so students may gain the skills needed to provide high levels of patient care.

Some of the courses offered include Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Phlebotomy.

Students may register for these courses through the Continuing Studies office.

Contact:
Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road,
South Portland, ME 04106

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University of Maine at Augusta Nursing School Review

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) was started in 1965, and offered associate degrees as part of the University of Maine at Orono. It became its own school in 1971, and began offering baccalaureate degrees in 1975. UMA now offers 18 baccalaureate degrees. There are over 5000 students enrolled each semester.

The University has a main campus in Augusta, with a central green, auditorium, and a Student Center with a state of the art computer lab. UMA also has a satellite campus in Bangor, nine University College Centers, and 56 sites across the state for community learning.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Students who complete this program are awarded an Associate in Science (AS) in Nursing degree upon graduating. This nursing programprepares students for a career in healthcare. It requires a minimum of 70 credit hours to complete. Students that graduate will be eligible to take the state licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This program is highly competitive and has a waiting list. Students who are not selected may enroll in the Liberal Studies – Pre-Nursing program and complete the general admission courses and prerequisites for the nursing program.

To apply for this program, students must have completed a high school or college level Biology class with a lab and a high school or college level Chemistry course with a lab, both with a grade of C or higher. They must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in math, reading and writing. They will need to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, whether they are entering straight from high school or transferring from another institution.

The prerequisite classes for this program are high school Chemistry and Lab or Fundamentals of Chemistry, high school Biology with Lab or Introduction to Biology, Developmental Writing, Reading for Understanding, and Algebra I.

This program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Advanced Standing for Licensed Professional Nurses (LPNs)

This program is offered to students who wish to earn their AS in Nursing and become licensed RNs.

Students applying must have graduated from an accredited LPN program, and currently hold an LPN license. If they have current LPN work experience, they may have graduated at any time; otherwise, they must have graduated within the last three years from their LPN program. Students that meet these requirements will be granted 16 credit hours for their previous education and experience.

Students in this program will be required to complete the LPN Transition course.

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion

This RN to BSN program is for students who already have an AS degree in Nursing and hold an RN license. Graduates of this program will earn their Bachelor’s degree. Students will complete 120 credit hours for this degree program, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and a GPA in nursing of at least 2.0.

Students will need to complete UMA’s core classes required for bachelor’s degree. These classes may be taken at UMA, or transferred from another college. The required core classes are Communications, College Writing, a college-level Math course, Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, Introduction to Sociology, Fundamentals of Biology or equivalent, Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent, Microbiology or equivalent, and a Fine Arts or Humanities elective.

Contact:
University of Maine at Augusta
46 University Drive,
Augusta, ME 04330-9410

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University of Maine at Fort Kent Nursing School Review

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) began educating students in 1878 as the Madawaska Training School, a school for teachers. It became the Fort Kent Normal School in 1955, and began offering four year programs. The name of the institution changed again three more times, finally becoming UMFK in 1970.

UMFK currently enrolls over 1100 students. Located in northern Maine on the Canadian border, Fort Kent is a town of just over 4000 people, and is the place to be if you like winter sports. The area is perfect for kayaking, biking, hunting, and fishing. It hosts an annual qualifier for the Iditarod, the CanAm Crown Sled Dog race. The area also has 23 miles of Nordic skiing trails, and alpine skiing areas.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Traditional

This program is for students wishing to begin their careers as professional nurses. The BSN program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, generally takes four years to complete, and summer courses are not required. Graduates of this program will be able to take the licensing exam to qualify as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Students may enter the BSN program straight out of high school. Applicants are expected to have completed the college prep curriculum before graduating. They will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have taken Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology, with a grade of C or better in all classes. They will also need to have taken two years of high school Math, four years of English, two years of Social Sciences, and a foreign language.

In addition, students will need to submit their SAT or ACT scores and a letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher, or a letter documenting their community service. Students that don’t meet the above requirements will be considered on a case by case basis.

To continue in the program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Accelerated BSN

This four-semester program is designed for students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in another course of study. Students will take mostly nursing courses in a variety of formats, including classroom and distance learning. Students must be enrolled full time, and it is recommended that they be motivated, self-directed, and flexible.

To be eligible to apply to this program, students will need to hold a bachelor’s degree and have a GPA of at least 3.2 from their previous studies. They will need to have taken a college level Anatomy and Physiology class with a grade of at least a C, and have completed a college level Statistics course. They will also need to be enrolled at UMFK as a full time student, and be able to start classes in the summer semester.

In addition, though not required, it will be advantageous to take Microbiology with a lab, Human Nutrition, Chemistry with a lab, Growth and Development Across the Lifespan, and Transcultural Care in Nursing prior to starting the program.

RN to BSN

This program allows students that are already licensed RNs to earn their BSN degree. This program varies in length, depending on the amount of credit the applicant earns from transfer, skills testing, proficiency exams, and whether enrolled full or part time. Most students will require at least two years to finish this course of study.

Applicants will need to supply a copy of their current RN license and transcripts from their diploma or associate degree in nursing program. Students that provide transcripts or take the NLN Mobility II Profile exam to determine their nursing proficiency in a clinical setting will be eligible for 29 credits for prior nursing courses.

RN to BSN Online

This program is offered in a flexible format that allows students that are already licensed RNs to earn their BSN degree. All theory classes are offered online. The length of the program depends on how much of credit the applicant earns from transfer, skills testing, proficiency exams. Students are eligible to be awarded up to 29 credits based on their prior nursing education and skills. Most students will need at least two years to complete this program.

This program has the same admissions requirements as the traditional RN to BSN program.

Contact:
University of Maine at Fort Kent
23 University Dr.,
Fort Kent, ME 04743

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University of Maine at Orono Nursing School Review

The University of Maine at Orono (UMaine) is the flagship school of the University of Maine System. It was established as the Maine College of Agriculture in 1862, and was renamed the University of Maine in 1897. The school has been co-ed since 1872.

UMaine currently enrolls over 11,000 students each semester in one of 88 bachelor’s, 70 master’s, and 30 doctoral programs. The campus is located on the banks of the Stillwater River in Orono. The school has a friendly and safe atmosphere, and students have access to some of the best recreation sites in the country.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for students who are looking to enter a career in professional nursing. Students will take a minimum of 123 credit hours. Graduates will be eligible to take the state licensing exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

Students will take general education courses during their first two years at UMaine, and will begin nursing classes during the third year of studies.

To apply to the nursing program, students will need to have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 and have an ACT score of at least 23, or an SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1050 or better. They must also have taken a college prep curriculum, and have grades of A or B in English, Math, Chemistry, and Biology.

Students that do not meet the admissions requirements may enroll in Pre-Nursing. They will take the same courses as those in the main nursing program, but in a different order. Doing this adds one semester to the length of the overall nursing program, but no additional credits.

Once in the program, students need to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a science GPA of 2.75 or they won’t be allowed to continue.

RN Studies Program

This program is for students who hold a current RN license and who want to earn their BSN degree. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in their associate degree nursing program, a minimum 2.75 GPA in their science and math classes, and at least a 3.0 GPA in their nursing classes.

Students will be awarded at least 30 credit hours for prior education, based on demonstrated clinical competence.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program originally was designed to prepare RNs to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), but in recent years has been expanded to allow students to study as Nurse Educators, Nurse Administrators, and other professional roles. The program is flexible, and may be taken part-time or full-time.

BSN to MSN

Graduates of an accredited BSN program may apply to this program. Students will need to submit their GRE or MAT scores, and must have a grade of B in undergraduate-level Health Assessment and Statistics classes. They must also have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and a current RN license.

RN to MSN

This program is for students who have graduated from a diploma or associate degree in nursing program, and who hold a current RN license.

To apply, students must take an undergraduate-level Health Assessment and Statistics class, with a grade of at least B in both. They will also need to submit their GRE or MAT scores. Once accepted into the program, they will take nine credits of graduate courses to complete the requirements for undergraduate part of the program.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Graduates of this program will eligible to take the national FNP certification exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Students may take this program full or part-time. Classes are taught both online and in classrooms, and clinical hours are arranged around the student’s schedule. Students will meet with their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator to plan their course of study. This program requires 49 to 51 credit hours.

Individualized MSN (I-MSN)

Students that hold a BSN may create an individualized MSN program based on their current clinical knowledge, scope of practice, and credentials. Students must meet the MSN entry requirements, and it is preferred that they have national certification in a specialty area and two years of recent experience as a nurse practitioner.

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

This post-master’s program is for students who already hold an MSN degree. They must have an RN license and a graduate GPA of at least 3.25 to apply. This program requires students to complete at least 33 credit hours.

Contact:
University of Maine at Orono
5713 Chadbourne Hall,
Orono, ME 04469-5713

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University of New England Nursing School Review

The University of New England (UNE) was established in 1939 as College Séraphique, a high school and junior college started by the Franciscan Order in Montreal, Canada. In 1952 it became St. Francis College, a four-year, liberal arts college. The high school was phased out in the late 1950s, and by 1961 it was strictly a four-year, post-secondary school.

In the late 1960s, the Franciscans withdrew from the college and turned over the administration to lay people. The institution began to redefine itself, eventually becoming the University of New England in 1978 when it merged with the New England Osteopathic College. In 1996, it merged with Westbrook College in Portland, one of Maine’s oldest institutions of higher learning.

UNE enrolls over 7000 students each semester in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It has two campuses, one in Biddeford, and one in Portland.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for students beginning their career in nursing. The first four semesters of this program are taught at the Biddeford campus, and the last four semesters are at the Portland campus. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Students applying to this program will need to submit their official high school transcripts and their official ACT or SAT scores.

Once admitted into the program, students will need to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in the core classes during their first two years. They will also need to earn a C or higher in Statistics, Principles of Chemistry, General Biology, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pathophysiology, Applied Microbiology, Nutrition, and Introduction to Nursing.

During their last two years, students need to maintain a core GPA of 2.5, and earn a C+ or better in all nursing classes.

Accelerated Second Degree BSN

This program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field. This program is 17 months long, and is offered at the Portland campus.

To apply to this program, students will need to use the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS). They will need to have completed the prerequisite courses of Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Applied Microbiology with lab, Principles of Chemistry with lab, Statistics, Nutrition, and Growth and Development. They must also have a 3.0 GPA or better in their science courses.

RN to BSN

This program is offered for RNs that wish to earn their BSN degree. It is designed for the working nurse, with classes offered one or two days a week. Depending on the schedule, this program takes between one and four years to complete. Classes are offered at the Portland campus.

To be eligible to apply, students must have a current RN license, and have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program with a GPA of at least 2.5. They must also be CPR certified, have a completed health form, and be up to date on immunizations. Students will receive at least 60 credits for prior nursing coursework and experience.

Master’s of Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA)

This program allows nurses to earn their Masters degree and take the National Certifying Exam to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). This program is 27 months long and requires 50 credits of classes. It has two phases: the first phase is eight months of classroom study and research ending with a capstone project, and the second phase is a 19 month clinical based program.

To apply, students need to have a BSN degree, or have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree in nursing program and have a bachelor’s in another field. The will need to have a current RN license and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. They also need to have at least one year of experience in critical care, submit their GRE scores, have three references, and have current Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Students’ grades in Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, and Pharmacology will also be used by the Admissions Committee.

Contact:
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road,
Biddeford, ME 04005

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University of Southern Maine Nursing School Review

The University of Southern Maine (USM) was created when the Gorham Normal School was combined with the University of Maine at Portland in 1970. USM has campuses in Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston-Auburn. Forbes magazine named Portland as America’s Most Livable City in 2009.

There are over 9600 students enrolled at USM, and the University offers more than 115 undergraduate and graduate programs. The student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1, and the average class size is 25.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

This program is for students wishing to pursue a career in professional nursing. This four year program requires 122 to 130 credits to complete. Graduates will be able to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students need to submit their official transcript, official ACT or SAT scores, have a recommendation from their high school counselor, and submit a personal essay.

Students in the program are required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.75.

BS in Nursing – Accelerated

This 15 month program is designed for students that already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. This program begins once a year in May.

To apply, students must have a GPA of at least 3.3 in their prior baccalaureate program. They will also need to complete Anatomy and Physiology and a college level statistics course before the program starts. It is also recommended that students take Microbiology, Chemistry, and Growth and Development prior to starting the program.

RN to BS in Nursing

This program is open to students who have completed either a diploma or associate degree in nursing program. It starts in the fall and in the spring.

Students must be admitted to the University, show proof of a current RN license, and have a GPA of at least 2.5 in their previous coursework. Students that are accepted into the program will be allowed to transfer up to 30 credits from their prior nursing education.

Certificate in Foundations of Holistic Health

This certificate program is for students interested in an integrated approach to healthcare. Students who take this 12 credit certificate program are not required to be admitted to the University.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing

This is a post-master’s certificate program for nurses interested in becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) who have completed a master’s program that was not in an advanced practice specialty.

Students may specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMH/NP), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (AHCNS), Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (APMH/CNS), and Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APMH/NP).

To apply, students must have an MS in Nursing degree without an advanced practice specialty.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Nursing Education

This program prepares nurses to become nurse educators. They will be able to teach in entry and master’s level programs. This certificate program requires nine credits to complete.

Students must have a BS or MS in Nursing to apply.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This program provides the most advanced level of clinical nursing studies. It requires a minimum of 42 credits to complete, and may be taken full or part time. Students will need to complete at least 1000 clinical hours as well.

To be able to apply, students must have an MS in Nursing with a GPA of at least 3.25, a current RN license, and a copy of their advanced practice nursing certification. They also need to provide their GRE or MAT scores, and have taken a graduate level Statistics course with a grade of B or higher. In addition, they will need to submit their resume, an essay of their motivation for pursuing this course of study, and will need to attend an interview.

MS in Nursing – Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (AH/CNSP)

This program is available full or part time, and it takes 50 credit hours and 616 clinical hours to complete. Graduates are allowed to take the national certification exam for adult health clinical nurse specialists.

To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

This program requires 49 credits and 616 clinical hours to complete. It is available full or part time. Graduates may take the national certification exam for adult nurse practitioners.

Applicants to this program must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (APMH/CNS)

Graduates of this program may take the national certification exam for clinical nurse specialists in the field of adult psychiatric mental health. This program is 48 credits and over 600 clinical hours, and may be taken full or part time.

Students applying to this program must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APMH/NP)

This program requires 48 credit hours to complete. Students will also take over 600 clinical hours. Graduates may sit for the national certification exam for adult psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.

To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing –Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

This program is for generalists looking to become nurse leaders. Students must take 41 credit hours and 468 clinical hours to graduate. After graduation, they may take the clinical nurse leader national certification exam.

Applicants must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

Dual Degree MS in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (MBA)

This program requires 30 credit hours of MBA coursework and 21 credit hours of nursing coursework, with 336 clinical hours. Students will also need to take 15 credit hours of MBA foundation courses, or show equivalent undergraduate classes that have a grade of C or higher.

Students applying to this dual program must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Education

Students in the Clinical Nurse Educator track will take 43 credit hours and complete 224 clinical hours. After graduation, they are eligible for Nurse Educator Certification by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Applicants to the program will need to have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The FNP concentration requires 53 credit hours and over 600 clinical hours to complete. Graduates may take the FNP national certification exam.

Students that wish to apply must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMH/NP)

Students in this concentration must complete 740 clinical hours and 54 credit hours of courses. After graduation, they may take the national certification exam.

To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

The Options Program – MS in Nursing for Non-Nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree

This program allows students to begin their nursing studies at the master’s level and earn an MS in Nursing in three years. They will take upper level undergraduate nursing courses their first year, and graduate level nursing courses their second and third years. Students must complete Pathophysiology, Statistics, and Health Related Research prior to beginning the program.

Students may choose from the concentrations of ANP, FNP, APMH/CNS, APMH/NP, and FPMH/NP.

To apply for this program, students will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing – Management

Students may complete this concentration with 39 credit hours and 224 clinical hours. Graduates meet the education criteria for advanced certification as a Nurse Executive.

Applicants will need to have a BS in Nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA, have taken courses in Statistics and Total Health Assessment, acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license. They may also be asked to interview.

MS in Nursing for Certified FNP, ANP, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNP)

Certified FNP, ANP and WHNP nurses that do not hold either a BS or MS in nursing may take this program. The length of the program and number of credits required will vary, based on the background of the student. Those that do not have a BS degree will need to take additional undergraduate classes, as required in the RN to MS program.

Students must apply to this program online.

MS in Nursing – RN to MS in Nursing

RNs may enter the MS in Nursing program directly without a BS in Nursing degree. This program allows students to bypass the BS degree by taking one year of undergraduate courses, and then going straight to the MS level courses. Students will be awarded 30 credit hours for their associate degree studies, once they complete Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and Health Sciences.

Applicants will need to have a diploma or associate degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, have acceptable MAT or GRE scores, letters of reference, a resume, and proof of a current RN license.

Minor in Holistic Health

This minor program is recommended for those in the nursing program, but is open to all USM students. It requires 18 credits to complete.

Contact:
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street,
Portland, ME 04104

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Baton Rouge General Medical Center Nursing Program Review

The Baton Rouge General School of Nursing is located at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center. There are two locations of this hospital located in Baton Rouge at the Mid City main location and at Bluebonnet. The nursing program has a history of 100 percent of graduates passing the NCLEX-RN and ranked recently Number One out of 818 schools. The program also helps place graduates in jobs immediately after graduation. This two year program focuses on training students to become skilled nurses. They focus on the latest technologies and treatment techniques, as well as on holistic care.

Nursing Programs

RN Program

The School of Nursing at Baton Rouge General has admission requirements that applicants must meet to be accepted into the program. They must complete some prerequisite courses that total 25 credits, and a minimum grade of C in these is required. These 8 courses are Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, English Composition, College Algebra, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human nutrition, Microbiology and laboratory, one other course in general chemistry, and one other course in computer literacy. These courses must be completed at a college or university that the student chooses to attend, and official transcripts are required for admission to the program. If general chemistry and computer literacy were completed in high school, students are exempt from these courses.

Applicants must submit an application with their high school transcript or GED scores, along with a transcript of any college work completed. They must also submit two recommendations from recent employers or instructors that address the work performance of the applicant. There are also required test scores. Applicants may take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam that measures the candidate’s ability in content areas related to nursing courses. The test includes reading comprehension, math, science, and English and language usage. The test is offered on the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing campus. Applicants must also have a Louisiana State criminal background check.

Once a student is accepted into the program, the nonrefundable administrative fee must be submitted as well as two passport photographs. A health record that shows the student’s immunization status must also be submitted, along with evidence that a CPR course by the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Course has been completed. Drug testing is also required at the time of admission, and random drug testing may be required any time during the program.

Once a student has documented that they have completed the 8 prerequisite courses and have earned at least a C in each course, they may begin the nursing program. Seven of the courses must be completed by January of each year, and the remaining course must be completed later in the year. Students begin nursing courses in the spring semester and must also attend classes in the summer term. Two additional fall semesters and one final spring semester are required for a total of 87 credits that are required for graduation. This total equals 62 nursing hours and 25 general education courses. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their licensure as Registered Nurses (RNs).

LPN Mobility Program

Licensed Practical Nurses may apply for the Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Mobility Program. They must meet the admission and selection criteria to be admitted to the program. LPNs may challenge certain nursing courses, and after being granted these credits, LPNs can complete the program with only three semesters of study and clinical experience. Candidates must be currently licensed as an LPN in Louisiana and have a minimum of two years of experience in an acute care hospital. They must also achieve a decision score of 75 on the National League for Nursing’s Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam I, Foundations of Nursing. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Contact:
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
3600 Florida Boulevard,
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 387-7000

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Delgado Community College Nursing Program Review

Delgado Community College (DCC) is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The main campus, City Park Campus, is located in Navarre, a neighborhood next to New Orleans City Park. Other campuses are located in the East and West Banks of the city, the East Bank of Jefferson Parish, and on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Covington.

Another campus is in Slidell that is located in St. Tammany Parish. It is part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, along with eight other community colleges. There are around 19,000 students enrolled in this large college that was founded in 1921. Today, it is the oldest and largest community college in the state with seven locations.

Nursing Programs

The Charity School of Nursing has campus learning resources located at the main campus of the college. There is a Skills Lab that simulates a clinical setting. It is complete with 23 beds and full body manikins and realistic anatomical models. There are three separate labs that are used by students who are in the Registered Nursing program. Associate degree students also practice on the human patient simulator, which is a high-tech that breathes, has vital signs, heart and lung sounds, eyes that blink, pupils that respond to light, pulses in the body, and it responds to treatment in the same way that a human would. Nursing students also have access to a Media Services Department where they can create video programs, a computer lab with the latest technology, and a library with 33 computers. The Student Success Resource Center and Academic and Retention Counselor are also available to help students design study plans, to help them with time management, and it offers other support to nursing students.

Practical Nursing

Delgado Community College offers a Practical Nursing (PN) program for those who are interested in a career as a professional nurse. The Charity School of Nursing offers a Technical Diploma Program that leads to a diploma in Practical Nursing. Graduates qualify to take the exam for licensure as a Practical Nurse (PN). These professionals work under the supervision of doctors and Registered Nurses (RNs). This is a limited enrollment program, so not all applicants are accepted into the program. There are developmental courses in English, reading, and math that many students need to take before beginning the LPN curriculum.

Admission requirements are a high school diploma or GED and minimum scores on a pre-nursing entrance exam. Students may take a variety of tests, such as the ACT, TABE, COMPASS, or NET exams for admission to the Delgado Community College Practical Nursing program. ACT scores must be at least 19 in reading and 17 in language. A minimum score of 17 in math on the ACT is also required. Minimum TABE scores are grade 11 in reading and language and grade 10.5 in math. COMPASS scores must be at least 82 in reading, 60 in language, and 44 in math, and NET scores must be at least 56 in reading, 63 in language, and 57 in math.

Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 in previous college work. A candidate for the program must not have pled guilty or been found guilty of a felony. When a student is accepted into the program, fingerprinting, criminal background check and drug screen are mandatory. Students in the PN program must maintain a minimum grade of at least 80 percent in each nursing course that is taken and in Anatomy and Physiology and Laboratory. A total of 59 credits are required to complete the program.

Associate of Science

Delgado Community College’s Charity School of Nursing also offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in nursing. Those who complete the program qualify to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse. They may then begin working in many different healthcare facilities as an entry level nurse, or they may continue their studies to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students must meet the admission criteria for the college before applying to the nursing department. General admission requirements are a high school diploma or GED and a grade point average of at least 2.0 on any college work that has been completed. A grade point average of at least 2.5 is needed for any non-nursing courses.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are ready for non-remedial status in English and math, according to their pre-entrance assessment. The pre-nursing exam is also required. A drug test is administered upon admission and random drug checks may be given throughout the program. No one with a criminal history record is admitted to the nursing program. It takes five semesters plus one summer session to complete the AS nursing program. Admission is competitive and is decided by the School of Nursing Admissions Committee. Once admitted to the program, liberal arts and science courses plus nursing courses and clinical experience must be completed. A total of 67 credits are required for graduation.

LPN to RN

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to complete their AS in nursing to become Registered Nurses (RNs) may enter the program in several ways. They may enter as any other student who joins the AS program and complete the entire curriculum; they may try to obtain advance place into the second semester of the nursing curriculum if they meet the criteria; or, they may enroll in Transitions in Nursing: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN). The last option is an accelerated program that moves students through the upper level nursing courses quickly. Once students complete the LPN to RN course, they may receive advance place into the third semester of the nursing courses.

Nursing Success

This is a 1 credit nursing success course that allows prospective students to see what it is like to be a nursing student. It is a tool that helps high school students see if they really want to pursue a career as a professional nurse. During the course, test taking skills, stress management techniques, and other helpful skills are reviewed. Enrollment is open as long as seats are available.

RN Refresher Course

This course is designed for RNs who have been out of the workplace who want to update their skills and knowledge. There are two parts of the course, which are a theory component and a clinical component. The theory section consists of current legal and ethical issues, standards of care, and delegation. Other topics that are covered are infection control, pharmacology, intravenous therapy, and others. The clinical practice component takes place in an inpatient hospital setting where students are supervised as they practice the clinical care that they reviewed in the classroom. Admission requirements are that the applicant must have a current RN license or ability to obtain this license. A temporary RN permit may be obtained.

Applicants must also have completed a CPR course for healthcare providers, have liability insurance, medical insurance, and submit their health records showing proof of required immunizations. Drug screen and credential background checks are also required. Classes are held during the daytime on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and clinicals are each Thursday and Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM. Only 14 students are admitted to the program, and the first 14 applicants to submit all of the required admission documents are admitted.

Contact:
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Avenue,
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 671-5012

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