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