College of Saint Mary Nursing Program Review
The College of Saint Mary (CSM) was first envisioned by Catherine McAuley, the founder of Sisters of Mercy Tradition. When she passed on, Mary Gallagher took-up the dream and established the college of Saint Mary in 1923. The college was dedicated at educating the girl child and so is its vision to date. The college started-off as a two-year liberal arts college but later added other fields of study in its curriculum list. By 1958, the college of Saint Mary had established more campus buildings and better infrastructure and was then accredited as four-year women’s College under the Sisters of Mercy tradition; a status it maintains to date.
Nursing Education at College of Saint Mary
The college has various nursing programs which were started back in 1969. The college offers qualified candidates entry level nursing opportunities with programs ranging from practical nursing to a masters level nursing degree. Four degree programs are offered in the undergraduate category and one in the graduate level. The programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the Practical nursing program is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Program
This is a day program designed to meet the education needs of entry-level nursing students. The program takes one year to complete with classes commencing on the summer session each year. Upon completion of the required 42 credits, students become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) besides being awarded a Certificate in Practical Nursing from the college.
Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN-ASN)
This too is a full time day program that can be completed in one academic year. Candidates must have an active LPN licenses from the state and an Advanced Challenge Exam scores. Classes commence in a summer session whereby, students take the Bridging LPN to ASN course. After completing this 3-credit hour course, students receive advanced standing into the ASN program and progress for another 3 semesters to complete the nursing courses alongside core courses required by the college. Students are awarded an Associate of Science in nursing degree and become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses (RN).
Associate Degree Program (ASN)
The associate of science in nursing at the College of Saint Mary welcomes female candidates interested in an entry level professional nursing program. This traditional program can be completed through two study plans. Plan One is a Nursing 2 Track Program that enables students to complete the requirements of the associate of science degree in two years. Upon completion of this program, students must apply for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RNs). After the two years, the curriculum is designed in such a way that students can choose to progress for another two years and complete the junior and senior years of a Bachelor of Science degree, but only if they passed the NCLEX-RN at plan one.
Plan two is a Nursing 3 Track Program where students take courses that meet the requirements of the ASN degree together with selected baccalaureate courses in 3 years. During the 2nd and 3rd summers of study, students are required to take selected courses that count towards a bachelor’s degree. Such courses are also taken alongside the sophomore and third year courses of the ASN program. After completion of the third year, students must apply for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. After passing the NLCEX-RN exam, students can flawlessly continue for another year to complete senior year courses of the baccalaureate program to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
Bachelor Degree (RN to BSN Program)
This completion program is designed for registered nurses apart from those from College of Saint Mary. Transfer students entering this program can complete the coursework in one academic year provided all core courses have been met. Completion period is also dependent on the number of credits validated from the earlier program. A total of 128 credit hours must be completed on either a full time and part time basis which may take longer. RNs can complete their courses in a hybrid format of online and onsite classes. Onsite classes are scheduled on a one day/week basis.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in nursing (MSN) with a concentration in nursing education is the only graduate nursing program at College of Saint Mary. It is a hybrid program consisting of web-enhanced and onsite curriculum delivery modes. The program takes exactly two years to complete with an equal course load of 9 credit semesters in 4 semesters. Candidates for this program must be BSN-prepared.
Contact:
College of Saint Mary
7000 Mercy Road, Omaha,
NE 68106
