Dominican College of Blauvelt Nursing Program Review

Dominican College (DC), also known as Dominican College of Blauvelt (DCB), is a liberal arts college that offers four-year degrees and Master’s Degrees in many areas. It is located only 17 miles from New York City (NYC). The suburban campus was once a women-only college that was started by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt. One of the greatest advantages of this college is the small classes and low student to faculty radio of fifteen to one. Students are admitted to the various nursing programs by the use of a selective process, and a series of prerequisite courses must be completed before an application is considered.

Nursing Programs

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Those who wish to enter the BSN program must first be admitted to the Dominican College. Freshmen then apply to the nursing program at the end of their first year at the school. They must have at least a 2.7 grade point average and a C+ or better in natural sciences. In addition, a score of at least 76 on the TEAS basic skills assessment rest is required. Placement tests for Math and English must also be completed. Courses that must be completed before acceptance into the nursing program are Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals, Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Freshman Seminar, General Psychology II, Speech, and Transitions to Nursing.

The BSN degree consists of 131 credits. Required nursing courses are Transitions I, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Principles of Health Assessment, Parent-Child Nursing, Professional Practice Concepts, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing II, and Community Health Nursing. Other required courses include Introduction to Professional Nursing II, Pharmacologic Agents, Adult Health Nursing I, Family Health Nursing, Nursing Research, Nursing Leadership/Management, and Nursing Seminar. In addition, clinical experience is completed at a variety of health care facilities.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

This program is designed for those who have a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline. It requires 58 credits that are completed in an accelerated trimester format. It is a full-time program that begins each May. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure. Applicants to the program must have completed Sociology, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology I & II, Chemistry I, Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and Statistics. In addition, Math and English placement tests are required. Students must have attained minimum grades of C+ in all science prerequisite classes.

The Accelerated BSN is also available in a 24 month weekend program. This option allows students to work while they earn their degree. The program consists of six trimesters and is open to those with a Baccalaureate degree in another discipline. Each trimester is made up of 12 weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Accelerated RN-BSN

This program is designed for RNs who have a Diploma in Nursing or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Nursing courses are held each Wednesday, and students must take a liberal arts class another night. The program can be completed in 18 months without summer courses. Applicants to the program are required to have a grade point average of 2.7 in their previous college level studies.

LPN-BSN Program

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to continue their education and earn their BSN may apply for this program if they graduated from an accredited school and are currently licensed LPNs. Applicants may take exams that allow up to 11 credits for their previous experience in the healthcare field. Applicants must also complete prerequisite science courses before they will be considered for nursing courses. These include Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. These must be completed with at least a 2.7 grade.

Graduate Program in Nursing Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner

This master’s program is designed to allow RNs who are BSN graduates to continue working while earning their master’s degree. They prepare to use their advanced nursing degree as Family Nurse Practitioners who may be primary healthcare providers in many settings. Students meet for class one or two evenings each week. Some of the coursework may be completed with online instruction as well. In addition to 42 credits in coursework, students must complete 750 clinical hours to graduate with this degree. Applicants are required to have at least one year’s experience as an RN to enter this program, and they must have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average in their undergraduate studies. Upon completion, graduates may sit for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Contact:
Dominican College of Blauvelt
493 Western Hwy.,
Orangeburg, NY 10962-1205
(845) 365-0486