Northern Illinois University Nursing School Review

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a four-year public university based in the small suburb of DeKalb, Illinois. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Established in 1895 as a teacher education college, today the university educates over 22,000 students annually. In addition to the main campus in DeKalb, there is also a Lorado Taft Field Campus, NIU Rockford, NIU Hoffman Estates and NIU Naperville.

Nursing Degree Programs

The School of Nursing and Health Studies (NUHS) educates future nurses and health professionals at Northern Illinois University. Nursing, public health and health education programs are offered in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Nursing programs at Northern Illinois University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Northern Illinois University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Nursing (BS)

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program at Northern Illinois University prepares students to become nurses in healthcare settings by providing nursing education and clinical experience and programs to assist students in passing the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon completion of the BSN program, students earn a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Admission criteria for the program include an ACT reading score, GPA in nursing course pre-requisites (transfer students), and SAT/ACT scores (freshman students).

Nursing (RN to BS)

RNs (Registered Nurses) may pursue a BSN to complete their nursing education at the undergraduate level. Students in the RN program complete courses with other RNs only. The RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is delivered online, and on-campus at all three Northern Illinois University campuses and other higher education institutions in the area. The RN to BS completion program may normally be completed in 2 years. Students are admitted to the RN-BS program in all three semesters-fall, spring and summer.

Northern Illinois University Graduate Nursing Programs

Nursing (MS)

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) programs at Northern Illinois University train BSN qualified nurses to become advanced practice nurses and nurse educators. The MSN program offers the following three advanced practice nursing specializations:

Specialization in Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Specialization in Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

In addition to receiving the MSN, nurses in the specialization options may take the corresponding certification exam upon completion of the program.

Nurses can also choose the MSN Nurse Educator option which will prepare nurses to teach in healthcare settings and post-secondary undergraduate nursing programs. Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 credit hours of a NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE accredited nursing program, and a current RN license. No GRE scores are required.

Northern Illinois University Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-Master’s Nursing Certificates

Nurses with an MSN can choose from two post-master’s nursing certificate specialization options at Northern Illinois University. The post-master’s nursing education certificate program involves 3 courses and 1required internship. The post-master’s FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) program involves 6 classes and 3 required internships (one for each stage of the lifespan).

Contact:
Northern Illinois University
231 North Annie Glidden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115

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