Mercer University Nursing School Review

Although no longer affiliated with the Baptist church, Mercer University draws on its roots as a Baptist school by emphasizing community service, both on its three campuses in Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah, and in the surrounding communities. It remains committed to its liberal arts foundation, while also focusing on giving students the professional knowledge they need for careers in a technologically advancing world.

One area of professional study at Mercer University is nursing. The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in nursing, and is approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing has two options for students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The pre-licensure track is available for students who do not yet have certification as Registered Nurses (RN). This track includes a substantial time commitment to general core classes (fifty-seven credit hours) in addition to sixty-four credits of nursing classes. At the end of the curriculum, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN) and become RNs. An RN who holds an associate degree or diploma can go back to school to earn a full BSN degree through Georgia Baptist College of Nursing RN-BSN program. The program requires thirty-two credit hours, in addition to any required general education courses. The classes are typically arranged to accommodate a work schedule.

Master of Science in Nursing

After earning a BSN and working in the nursing field, a nurse may wish to expand her career options by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Georgia Baptist College of Nursing offers an MSN program with three different areas of specialization. Nurses can specialize in nursing education, in acute care (leading to certification as an Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist), or in family medicine (leading to certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner). Becoming a Nurse Educator requires thirty-eight credit hours; becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist requires thirty-seven credit hours. To become a Family Nurse Practitioner requires forty-nine hours.

Nurse Educator Certificate Program

A nurse who has already earned an MSN can receive certification as a Nurse Educator. This is not a degree program. It requires fifteen credit hours in total, six of which are a teaching practicum.

Doctorate in Nursing Program

There are two available options for nurses to earn a doctoral degree. A nurse can earn a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. He would choose the PhD program if he wishes to prepare for expanding his career in the areas of education, research, and leadership. This program typically takes six semesters to complete. Completing it on a part-time basis is an option, although the college gives preference to full-time applicants. A nurse who wishes to focus on practical healthcare management strategies and leadership skills should opt for the DNP program. It can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. On a full-time basis, the program requires five semesters. Part-time, it requires eight semesters. Both doctoral programs are only open to nurses with MSN degrees.

Contact:
Mercer University
1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, GA 312007

[wpgmza id=”259″]

 

Mercer University – Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus
3001 Mercer University Drive
Atlanta, GA 30341

[wpgmza id=”290″]

 

Mercer UniversitySavannah Campus
4700 Waters Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404

[wpgmza id=”291″]