Clarke University Nursing School Review

Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa traces its roots back to St. Mary’s Academy, established in 1843. It serves just over 1000 students, most of whom are undergraduates. In addition to its undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, fine arts, and nursing, Clarke University (CU) offers several graduate programs in education, nursing, and physical therapy.

For prospective nurses and nurses who want to continue their education, Clarke University offers a bachelors program in nursing, a masters program in nursing, and a doctoral program in nursing. It holds accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes four years to complete, on a full-time basis. Before beginning nursing courses, a student must complete at least thirty credits of general education requirements, including classes in chemistry, sociology, and psychology. He can begin the nursing coursework once he has completed these; in total he must complete sixty-one credits of nursing coursework. At the end of four years, he is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If he passes this national exam, he may seek work as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

Clarke University’s RN to BSN program (also called the Timesaver Nursing Program) is designed for RNs who have completed an associate-degree program or a diploma program. On a full-time basis, an RN could complete her BSN degree in just two years. Part-time study is also an option. Clarke University will award the RN thirty-one advanced placement credits on the basis of her previous nursing coursework; she must complete an additional twenty-four credits of nursing coursework as well as any missing general education/nursing support classes. Students can choose to attend classes on Saturdays, or they may attend classes on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator

A nurse with a BSN degree can enroll in Clarke University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Educator program. This curriculum requires thirteen credits of core graduate nursing courses as well as twenty-four credits of nursing education classes. On a full-time basis, a nurse can complete the program in just eighteen months. As the classes are online, the nurse should have the flexibility to continue working while studying.

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

After completing the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, a nurse will be able to provide primary care to patients of all ages. In order to complete the FNP program, he must commit to twenty-four months of full-time study. Over the course of these months, he will earn forty-five credits and complete 600 hours of clinical practice. Clarke University offers the classes in a hybrid format (partly online and partly on-site).

Master of Science in Nursing – ARNP Completion Option

An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) can complete her MSN degree through Clarke University. She must take at least sixteen credits of graduate-level nursing courses, which includes the thirteen credits of core graduate nursing classes as well as at least one additional elective.

Post-master’s Certification – FNP

A nurse who has already earned an MSN degree can complete the coursework necessary for certification as an FNP through Clarke University. He does not need to complete the core graduate nursing courses; he only needs to complete thirty-two credits of coursework for the FNP area of concentration.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP Bridge Program

Clarke University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Bridge Program (also called the MSN to DNP program) is designed for nurses who hold an MSN degree and advanced practice certification as a nurse practitioner (NP). These nurses can complete the DNP Bridge program in just eighteen months. The program begins in the fall, and continues without a break through the next year and a half. Classes are offered in a hybrid format, in order to accommodate working nurses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP

A graduate of a BSN program can earn a DNP degree in three years of full-time study, through Clarke University’s BSN to DNP program. The program requires eighty-one credits. It begins in the fall, and continues without a break for three years (including three summer semesters). A graduate of the BSN to DNP program is eligible to take the national FNP certification exam, and to exercise the highest level of clinical responsibility. Clarke University offers the BSN to DNP classes in a hybrid format.

Contact:
Clarke University
1550 Clarke Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001

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