Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Nursing Program Review

Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High school formed the base of what today is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC). The high school was transformed into a junior college in 1962 following a vote by the residents of Mississippi and the counties supporting the junior college. Expansion of the programs, satellite centers and increase in the number of the supporting counties finally warranted the change of name from a junior college to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 1987.

Nursing Division- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

The nursing division at the college has three programs; one leading to a practical nursing certificate and two tracks leading to an associate degree in nursing. Nursing programs are offered in the four campuses of the college as will be explained later. All the programs have been accredited by the National League for nursing Accrediting Commission. In addition, the practical and associate programs are further accredited by the States Board for Community and Junior College and Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning respectively. Below is more information about the three nursing programs.

Nursing- Associate Degree

The four-semester, two year program is designed to prepare students to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The best candidates for this program are fresh, entry level students who want to get into professional nursing.  Students must take a total of 72 credits of both nursing and general education courses to be eligible to graduate and take the licensure exam.

Students can complete the freshman courses at George County Centre and later transfer for the final year in Perkinston, Jefferson Davis and Jackson Campuses or complete the first year in the three aforementioned campuses as a PN exit option. Hence, most courses can be completed at all the campuses of the college.

Nursing – LPN to RN Transition

The LPN to RN transition program is meant to help Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to make the transition into practical nursing and is only offered in Jefferson Davis Campus. The LPN Mobility Track students are expected to take a Transition Course the summer before the semester of enrollment.  Successful completion of the course awards 14 credit hours and students are allowed to by-pass the freshman courses. The advanced placement therefore enables the student to join the ADN program at the second year level and later become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nursing – Practical

This is a diploma program that is an exit option from the ADN program. The program takes three semesters to complete excluding an extra semester to complete the supporting courses. As a career ladder program, the first two years can be complete at any MGCCC campus along with the ADN program students. After completion of the first year semester at any of the campuses, students must then transfer to George County Centre Campus, where the third PN exit semester is completed. A total of 58 credit hours must be completed to allow students to graduate with the Practical Nursing Diploma besides being eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam to become LPNs.

Contact:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
2300 Highway 90, Gautier,
MS 39553

Mississippi University for Women Nursing School Review

At a time when women education was not valued or given much attention, Mississippi was on the contrary and hence the foundation of Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in 1884. In this view, the university became the first Women’s-only public and state-supported center of higher education in US. It remained as a state college for women until 1974 when it changed to Mississippi University for Women. However, the university started enrolling men from 1982 but women still hold the highest percentage of women.

Nursing at Mississippi University for Women

There are three departments that offer the nursing programs at Mississippi University for Women. The three departments are under the College of Nursing and Speech Language Pathology. From the level of associate nursing degrees to graduate nursing, the university has everything you would require as nurse student. The associate degree is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission while the degrees from the Baccalaureate level are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  All programs are also accredited at the state level by the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning.

Department of Associate Nursing

This department has two associate degree tracks as outlined below:

• ASN- Generic Option

The generic option of the associate degree admits fresh students who do not have prior nursing experience. The program requires 71 credit hours of nursing and non-nursing courses to complete. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two-years of intensive study involving college study, clinical experience and externship.  Students are awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and obtain eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.

• LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option

At Mississippi University for Women, LPNs have the chance of advancing to professional nursing through the fast-paced, nine-month program.  For advanced placement, students must complete three nursing transition courses after which, the students receive 21credits in advanced standing in place of the three.  This program forms a good base for students who want to complete a BSN at MUW at a later point.

Department of Baccalaureate Nursing

In this department, two degrees are also available as explained below:

• BSN Option

The program requires 128 credits; 62 and 66 general education and nursing major respectively. The first and sophomore years are specifically designed for general education courses while junior and senior years are dedicated to nursing major courses.  The program welcomes fresh entry level candidates who will complete the curriculum on a full time basis at Columbus Campus. Students are prepared to write their first NCLEX-RN exam.  Registered Nurses who wish to complete a BSN at Mississippi University for Women are advised to apply to the RN to BSN advanced placement.

• RN/ BSN Advanced Placement Option

This program is designed for adult learners who are already registered nurses. It helps RNs complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree through two flexible options. The first is a Partial Distance Option where students can take a hybrid of distance learning and classroom for curriculum coverage.  The hybrid includes one campus attendance day/week in the first semester and one campus day every three weeks in the subsequent two semesters.  The second is a Total Distance Option where all courses are delivered exclusively online and students are not required to come to campus for classes.

Department of Graduate Nursing

The department of graduate nursing at Mississippi University for Women includes master level degrees and post masters certificate programs.  All programs in the master’s level require 12 months and 39 credits to complete for all the three Masters of Science in Nursing tracks listed below:

• Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP),
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)

There are also three post masters MSN programs at the university; two of which are meant for masters prepared generalist graduates who do not have a Nurse Practitioner specialty while the other one is for MSN- Nurse Practitioner graduates.

Contact:
Mississippi University for Women
1100 College Street, Columbus,
MS 39701

Northeast Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review

The agricultural high school and junior college status of what was to become Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) was dropped in 1949 to form the fully pledged community college. The community college was established to bring higher education to the Northeast counties of Mississippi namely Union, Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah and Tishomingo. The college offers career entry, transfer, and technical programs at affordable fees; one of the mission of community colleges.

Nursing Programs- Northeast Mississippi Community College

Under the Division of Health Sciences in the college, there are five nursing programs. They range from a certificate program in practical nursing to a Pre-Nursing BSN program. The practical nursing program is accredited by the State Board of Community and Junior Colleges while the associate degree in nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the State Institution of Higher Learning. The college also has a phlebotomy certificate program, but it is only offered when there is adequate demand in a given semester.

Associate Degree Nursing

The ADN program at Northeast is offered at their Booneville Campus. The curriculum consists of 62 credit hours to be completed in four semesters and two summer sessions. The program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam besides awarding the student with an Associate of Applied Science in nursing degree-an occupation focused degree. For LPNs who want to get into professional nursing, the LPN to ADN program is their program of choice.

LPN to ADN Advanced Placement Program

The program takes in candidates who have proof of practical nursing licensure. The students are subjected to two nursing courses challenges to enable them to receive advanced standing.  Completion of the two nursing courses enables the student to join the ADN program at the sophomore year.  Admission into the program is competitive and preference is given for readmission, Fresh LPN-ADN challenge and transfer students from other colleges in that order. Successful completion of the LPN to ADN advanced placement enables students to write the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs.

Alternate Placement Practical Nursing Education

This program is specifically designed to allow students who failed in the first attempt LPN to ADN program. There are three options of study available depending on the choice of nursing courses taken by the student. Candidates eligible for this program must have completed the unsuccessful/ failed ADN program in a period of not more than one year.

Pre Nursing

The pre nursing program at Northeast Mississippi Community College allows students to complete general education courses required for the four-year BSN program. Completion of the two- year program awards the student an Associate of Arts degree that is transferable to major universities and colleges for the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Students can ask for specific courses required by their transferring university to ensure all courses will transfer successfully.

Practical Nursing Education

This is a one year nursing certificate program offered at Boonville and New Albany campuses of Northeast. The Practical Nursing Education (PNE) Program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses.

 Contact:
Northeast Mississippi Community College
101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville,
MS 38829

Northwest Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review

With roots from the Tate County Agricultural High School, Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) came to be. Quitman County joined in support of the agricultural high school leading to establishment of college-level education alongside the high school curriculum. In 1953, the college had an expanded curriculum hence, changed its name to Northwest Mississippi Community College. Currently, the college serves 11 counties in Northwest parts of Mississippi and has five campuses in Oxford, Ashland, Yalobusha, Senatobia and Southaven.

Nursing at Northwest Mississippi Community College

The Division of nursing has four programs to offer to qualified candidates looking forward to getting into the nursing profession.  Two of the programs are tracks leading to an associate degree in nursing, one is a certificate and one is a pre-nursing program for those who want to complete a bachelors of science in nursing. The programs have received accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States’ Institute of Higher Learning.

Division of Nursing- Associates Degree Program

At Northwest, the associate degree program requires 63 credits to complete. Students start taking nursing courses from the first semesters and both general education and nursing courses are offered concurrently throughout the program. The program prepares students to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses wishing to complete the associate degree to become professional registered nurses are advised to apply for the following:

Practical Nursing Program-PN Challenge

Northwest Community College Division of Nursing gives a chance to qualified LPN candidates to have advanced standing towards the associate degree. Students must be licensed to work in the state and must produce recommendation letters from their RN supervisors and a RN co-worker. Passing the PN challenge exam enables students receive advanced standing for all first-semester freshman courses hence, joining the associate degree program at level I second semester. Admission is open twice per year in fall and spring semesters. Students who successfully complete the program become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs.

Pre-Nursing

The pre-Nursing BSN program at Northwest Community College helps students to complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at the college. The pre-nursing program also allows students who want to become enrolled in the college associate nursing program to complete the first year before being enrolled.

However, most concentration is geared towards the pre-BSN students. As such, these students complete 65 non- nursing credit hours; all of which are required for transfer into junior year level at major universities. Students in this program can transfer to their university of choice or take advantage of the Northwest MCC to University of Mississippi Medical Center direct transition option.

The Practical Nursing (PN)

This program is offered at four of the five satellite centers of the college. After successful completion of 43 credit hours, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in Mississippi. The program is designed to be completed in three full-time semesters.

Contact:
Northwest Mississippi Community College
4975 Hwy 51N, Senatobia,
MS 38668

Pearl River community College Nursing Program Review

Pearl River Community College (PRCC) has a long history from its mother Agricultural High School of Pearl River. The community college prides itself in being the oldest public-funded two-year college in the state of Mississippi after the high school incorporated college level education in 1922. The college has three satellite campuses in Hancock, Forrest county and Woodall in addition to the main campus at Poplaville.

Nursing at Pearl River Community College

The department of nursing education at Pearl River Community college is mandated to offer the nursing programs at the college.  A total of three programs are available for qualified candidates; two of which lead to an associate degree and one practical nursing certificate program.  The associate degree tracks are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the States Institute of Higher Learning while the practical nursing program is accredited by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.

Associate Degree Nursing

The associate degree nursing (ADN) from Pearl River Community College is offered at their Poplarville Main Campus. Qualified candidates are welcome to apply for admission in their spring and fall intakes. The program takes four semesters to complete as students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. A total of 72 credits are required for students to be allowed to graduate; with general courses being offered along with the nursing courses throughout to the final year.

LPN to ADN Bridge Course

This program calls upon licensed practical nurses that hold active, unrestricted licensure in practical nursing. Candidates for this program are required to show proof of at least one year of working experience within the last three years. The experience is recommended to be from an acute care or long term care facility. Students are also asked to have a completed employer verification form to be allowed into the program.

The bridging course is given to candidates who meet all the requirements at the main campus in the summer session only.  Successful completion of the bridging course enables the students to be awarded 7 credit hours towards the associate degree nursing program. It also allows students to enter the ADN program at the level II, third semester. Students must note that waiver of the remaining level I courses is only done after the student passes some selected level II courses. After receiving the advanced placement to the ADN, students prepare for the NLCEX-RN exam to make the transition from practical to registered nursing.

Practical Nursing

The practical nursing program at Pearl River is offered in the main campus and Forrest County Center. The one-year program is only offered once annually in the fall semester. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in the state. There is also a Dual Enrollment option for high schools students who wish to become practical nurses. Students in this program attend college during their senior years to take nursing courses. Unlike the generic program which takes 12 months, this dual enrollment programs takes 18 months to complete.

Contact:
Pearl River Community College
5448 U.S. 49,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Southwest Mississippi Community College Nursing Program Review

Pike County Agricultural High School; established in 1918 was the school that was destined to become Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC) later in 1988. Between those years, the school became a junior college before it finally changed to a two-year college serving the residents in the Southwest region of Mississippi. The high school started offering college education 1929 and expanded the curriculum to  two-year college by 1932, hence transforming into a junior College and finally as a community college in 1988.

Nursing Programs at Southwest Mississippi Community College

There are five nursing programs offered in Southwest Mississippi Community College under the Division of Associate Degree Nursing. Two of them are associate degree tracks, certificate programs in practical nursing and health care assistant each and a pre nursing program. The education programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Mississippi Institute of higher education.

Associate Degree Nursing

The program prepares competent professional nurses through a curriculum of general education, nursing theory and clinical practice. Entry level nursing students are prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam after completion of a total of 72 nursing and general education credit hours. The program takes two-years of full time study for students who have completed prerequisites courses prior to admission.  Nursing and supporting courses are offered concurrently during the two years. Licensed Practice nurses wishing to become registered nurses can apply for the program below to facilitate their transition.

LPN to RN Bridge

The LPN Bridge program gives a chance to licensed practical nurses to enter professional nursing. As such, the students take a summer session LPN to RN transition course after which, they are given 6 credit hours in advanced standing. Students also receive advanced standing for most freshman prerequisites courses and therefore, join the Associate of Nursing degree program at the sophomore level. Two more semesters to make up 72 credits are required to complete the program and become eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Practical Nursing

This is a one- year program comprising of 45 semester credit hours leading to a certificate in practical nursing. It prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam so as to be licensed to work as practical nurses. Students must note that the school does not cater for expenses that result from traveling to clinical sites and health agencies; all expenses are met by the individuals.

Nursing Assistant/ Health Care Assistant

At Southwest Mississippi Community College, the health care assistant (HCA) is a one semester program comprising of 16 credit hours. Successful completion of the program awards the student a certificate of completion. Graduates can also apply for the National Nurse Aide Assessment exam and be entered in the Nursing Assistant Registry.

Pre-Nursing (BS)

With 65 general education credits, students are prepared to take a Bachelor of Science degree from other four-year colleges and universities. The program is meant to cover the freshman and sophomore years curriculum required for completion of a four-year BSN. The pre nursing program at Southwest Mississippi Community College is specifically designed to cover the 1^st and 2^nd year requirement of the traditional BSN program at University of Mississippi Medical Center or any other state approved four-year college. However, students willing to complete their junior and senior years at the University of Southern Mississippi have take a slightly different curriculum from the generic majority pre-nursing program.

Contact:
Southwest Mississippi Community College
1156 College Drive, Summit,
MS 39666

University of Mississippi Medical Center Nursing School Review

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the dedicated health academic center annex of the larger University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). The medical center opened to four year program is 1955 as a semi-autonomous subsidiary of University of Mississippi. It has nine well structured schools offering medical programs including pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and medicine. The University is located in the Capital of the state; Jackson, and it prides itself to be the only university with a teaching hospital in metro Mississippi.

School of Nursing- University of Mississippi Medical Center

The school of nursing is one of the six dedicated schools of the Jackson Based academic health science center. Initially, it was a department at the University of Mississippi –Oxford before being transferred to the Medical Center as a school. The school offers degrees from the baccalaureate level to the terminal nursing degrees. Nine programs are listed under the school, starting from early entry nursing programs for RNs. All the nursing programs under the school of nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Below is a broader view of all the programs at the medical center:

Undergraduate Programs

Under the undergraduate programs at the university are traditional, accelerated and early entry programs as explained below:

• Freshman Early Entry (BSN)

This early entry program gives a chance for students to enter the baccalaureate program as a freshman rather than a junior. This program allows students to complete the pre-nursing curriculum at the center hence; students avoid competitive selection process for during application for the Bachelor of Science in nursing. The advantage of this program is that students are assured of guaranteed admission to the BSN after completion.

• RN-MSN Early Entry Program

The RN-MSN Early Entry Program is as a collaborative effort between University of Mississippi Medical Center and two community colleges; Northwest Mississippi and Hinds Community Colleges. Students apply for the RN to MSN program during their first year’s associate studies in the mentioned community colleges.

It is a flexible program that has allows working RNS to finish their masters programs as a continued program of the ADN.  Part time and full time options are available for students in this track with seven and nine semesters being applicable for each option respectively.  This program incorporates the Bachelor of Science of nursing curriculum but students are only awarded the Master of Science in nursing after completion.

Just like the FEE mentioned earlier, the RN to MSN Early entry guarantees students a position in University of Mississippi Medical Center, hence avoiding the competitive selection into the generic RN to MSN program. Students are free to choose from the following advanced practice nursing options:

• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing and Health Care Administrator
• Traditional BSN Program

The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program from UMMC accepts fresh entry-level nursing students who wish to become professional nurses. This program prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses by taking the NCLEX-RN after completion. Students complete a total of 63 pre-nursing credits, which can be completed at the university or transferred from a pre-nursing program from a community college.

Another 62 nursing major credits at junior and senior level must be completed at UMMC on a full time basis in a period of five semesters. The traditional program admits students annually during the summer semester. Students from the university’s’ freshman early entry program are given preference during admission to transfer students from other colleges.

• Accelerated BSN Program

The accelerated Bachelor of Science program is specifically designed to cater for educational needs of career shifters wishing to come into the nursing profession. The program allows such students who already hold other non- nursing bachelor degrees from accredited universities to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam and become professional nurses in a short period.

Within 15 months of four- semester full time study, students engage in an accelerated curriculum completion program for professional nursing. Students are expected to complete 124 credit hours whereby, most of the lower division prerequisites courses are exempted in recognition of the former bachelor degree.

Graduate Nursing Programs

There are five graduate nursing programs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Three are of the master level and two of the terminal degrees in nursing.

• RN to MSN

This flexible nursing program is meant to help registered nurses earn an advanced practice nurses status without necessarily having to take a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Unlike the RN to MSN early entry program, students applying for this program are subject to competitive selection during admission. As a prerequisite, students must have active RN licenses and must have practiced as RNs.

This is the program that accepts RN transfers students from all other colleges and community colleges apart from Hinds and Northwest Mississippi community Colleges. Just like the RN-MSN early entry, students have the choice of taking full time study for seven semesters or part time study for nine semesters. All advanced practice nurse tracks in the RN –MSN early entry are applicable for this program in addition to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for RNs who have had experience in acute care settings.

• MSN

The Master of Science in nursing (MSN Program) is designed for BSN-prepared students. Students are welcome to choose from the following six masters tracks available:

• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing and Health Care Administrator
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

On a further note, the Nurse Educator, Gerontology, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks are offered online with only 4-1-1 time campuses visits respectively per semester. The Nursing and Health Care Administration is only available on a full time basis while all the remaining tracks are available on both full time and part time options. It is also good to note that the Gerontology and the Mental Health tracks are offered through a consortium: Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice.

• Post-MSN Programs

The post masters certificates are meant for MSN graduates who wish to advance their nursing skills. There are six post master certificate programs for all the aforementioned MSN tracks.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

This practice-based doctoral degree from University of Mississippi Medical Centre helps students learn the emphasis of health care delivery and application of credible research findings into nursing practice.

• PhD in Nursing

The PhD program welcomes both BSN and MSN prepare who wish to engage in scholarly research pursuit in the nursing health profession. It prepares nurse scholars and researchers who are able to develop theory an experiential foundation vital for advanced clinical practice.

Note

Students in all nursing programs at University of Mississippi Medical Center have the unique advantage of practicing clinical skills at their own University Hospital. The university prides to be only academic health science center with Missouri’s only children hospital and a level 1 Trauma center.

Contact:
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State St, Jackson,
MS 39216

University of Southern Mississippi Nursing School Review

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), commonly called Southern Miss,  dates back to 1910, when its mother school; Mississippi Normal College was founded. The school was transformed into a State teachers College after offering the first bachelor degrees in 1924. In 1940 and 1962, the college was underwent reorganization to become Mississippi Southern College and University of Southern Mississippi respectively. The university delivers higher education through its three campuses: Hattiesburg Main campus and Southern Miss Gulf Coast and Meridian.

College of Health- Nursing Programs

Nursing Programs at University of Southern Mississippi are offered in the college of health. There are quite a number of nursing programs starting from baccalaureate to the terminal nursing degrees. Nine degrees tracks are offered in the university in addition to a post master’s certificate program. The undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  The school of nursing offers programs in the main, meridian and Gulf Coast Campuses as explained below:

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

• Nursing B.S.N

The nursing BSN program at university of Southern Mississippi are offered in all three campuses mentioned above. The program requires students to take 62 non- nursing general education and science credit hours and 66 upper division nursing credit hours. It is an entry level baccalaureate program that takes in new nursing students who want to take the NCLEX-RN exam for the first time and become RNs.

• Nursing B.S.N (RN to BSN)

This program takes already registered nurses with active unrestricted Mississippi licenses who have a diploma or associate education. The RN to BSN at USM is a completely online program that allows students to complete their BSN without coming to campus. Students are usually allowed to complete prerequisites courses online or in other community colleges or university near them whereby; the courses will be recognized by University of Southern Mississippi. The program requires students to complete 36 upper division credit hours and 30 credit validation hours; 25% of which must be taken at Southern Miss to be allowed to graduate from this online nursing program.

Master’s Degree in Nursing Program (MSN)

At Southern Miss, students can choose from the four Master of Science programs available. Full time and part time mode of study are available.  Full time students can complete their degrees in about 15 to 24 months but the time is extended for part time students and depends on the number of credits taken per semester. Students must complete between 34-44 credits depending on the MSN chosen.

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Executive
• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

 The gerontological option is offered through a nursing consortium with Alcorn and Delta State Universities, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi University for Women. All students in the program get identical classes offered via a distance learning mode and complete the program in three semesters. The Nurse Executive track is offered as an online and web-enhanced program and students come to Southern Miss for classes only on weekends.

There are also post master certificates from the University of Southern Mississippi available for the three nurse practitioner Master of Science programs listed above.

RN-MSN

The RN-MSN program is designed for diploma and associate degree prepared students. Students enrolled for this program take 40 undergraduate nursing credits but student must take at least 17 credit hours so as to be allowed to start on the master level nursing courses.

Terminal Nursing Degrees at Southern Miss

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The doctor of nursing practice at USM calls upon masters-prepared students who have at least two years of professional working experience to apply to this program. The program is offered through a consortium by the above mentioned universities of the MSN gerontological program. However, only Southern Miss and University of Mississippi offers the DNP degree of all the members of the consortium.

• Nurse Anesthesia Program- (BSN-DNP)

The University of Southern Mississippi is in the process of developing a curriculum for the Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) following approval by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and Council of Accreditation (COA) on NAP. Currently the program is being evaluated by COA-NAP and once it is accredited, the first class is expected to be admitted soon after. Those who wish be pioneers of this class can place their application . The Program will utilize a Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing (BSN-DNP) approach giving emphasis to nurse anesthesia. 

• Doctor of Philosophy

The nursing PhD at the university is also a collaborative program between the university and the University of Mississippi Medical Center and courses can be completed in either of the universities. Just like the DNP, it requires masters-prepared nurses.

Contact:
University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg ,
MS 39406

William Carey University Nursing School Review

Named after the Father of Modern Missions, William Carey University (WCU) was initially a women’s college. It remained as a college educating women from 1906 until 1954 when it was transformed into a co-ed college hence, offering higher education to both men and women. The college became a fully pledged university with its current name in 2006. It is a church university of the Baptist Missionaries.

Joseph and Nancy Fail Nursing School Programs

The school offers nursing programs from three campuses of William Carey University; New Orleans, Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses. Joseph and Nancy Fail School of nursing has been approved to offer nursing degrees by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for the New Orleans campus and the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Programs on offer are also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The School has baccalaureate and graduate nursing tracks and a post master’s certificate program.

Baccalaureate Program

The entry level baccalaureate program is offered in the Hattiesburg and New Orleans Campuses. It is a four- year Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) track that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. The program requires 120 credit units to complete, 59 of which are of nursing majors and 61 for general education and liberal arts courses. A high percent of liberal arts and Christian domain courses is evident during the first two years at nursing school.

Completion of the program allows makes students eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam and receive initial licensure as registered nurses besides being awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

RN-BSN Program

The RN to BSN program at William Carey gives a chance to registered nurses to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree in 12 months. Students are required to have graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program in addition to having an unrestricted RN license.

In recognition of the RN license, students receive 31 credit hours towards the BSN degree and additionally complete 21 hours of upper division nursing credits. 79 prerequisite credits are required for RNs, most of which can be received transferred from the diploma or associate degree program as applicable. The 12 months period is meant for completion of the nursing upper division component but prerequisites courses can be completed in a period of up-to six years. Courses for the RN- BSN program are available in all campuses, Hattiesburg, New Orleans and Tradition and are offered in a web-enhanced online format to cater for working RNs.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

There is only one Masters of Science in nursing track at William Carey University. This program is offered in Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses only. Students wishing to study at the Tradition campus are admitted in spring while those for Hattiesburg Campus are admitted in fall. It has both full time and part time study options but all courses must be completed within six years. The nursing specialty available is the Nurse Educator track.

Post Masters Program

There is also has a post masters certificate program option for MSN prepared nurses. The graduate program is for those who want to have a post master’s certificate in nursing education.

Night/Saturday Program

It is important to note that nursing students can enroll for night/Saturday classes for all the nursing degree options in all campuses. However, the night/ Saturday nursing program is only offered during the spring trimester and courses can only be completed in the initially chosen campus for that specific semester.

Contact:
William Carey University
498 Tuscan Avenue, Hattiesburg,
MS 39401

Anoka Ramsey Community College Nursing Program Review

Located in Coon Rapids, Anoka County, the college has a history dating back to 1965. It started at an auxiliary wing of the Centennial High School until its relocation to the current main campus site in Coon Rapids. The college has undergone expansion in trying to reach the community by establishing a satellite campus at Cambridge.  As a community college, Anoka- Ramsey Community College (ARCC) offers certificate, diploma and two-year associate degree programs to over 10000 students annually

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Nursing Program

The nursing programs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College have been approved by the Minnesota Board of nursing and also fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. There are two options for the nursing programs that lead to the award of an associate in science with a concentration in nursing degree. The programs are explained below:

2-Year Nursing Program

This program has been specifically designed for students who have no prior nursing experience. Students enrolled in this program will be expected to take a total of 64 credits of which, 30 are general education and the remaining 34 are nursing credits. The learning mode is full time for both clinical and classroom instructions in a period of two years. Students can also take courses at both campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids. Basically, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after successful graduation with the associate of Science in nursing degree.

LPN Mobility Program

The program is designed for career advanced needs of licensed practical nurses certified in Minnesota State. It takes students three semesters to complete the program after receiving the 12 advanced placement standing from the LPN license. Starting on the nursing courses for the associate degree does not require students to sit for a transition/ bridging exam. Instead, the transition courses are offered along with the usual nursing courses during the three semesters of study.

 In total, student being enrolled for the LPN mobility take fewer credits than fresh entry level nursing students. After exemptions, 22 nursing credits are taken at Anoka Ramsey community college as opposed to the 34 for the 2-year program students. Just like the first option, the program makes the students eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.

ADN to BSN Opportunities

The college has made arrangement with other universities to allow ADN graduates to further their career by taking a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. On this note, students can finish a BSN right at the Cambridge campus of the college courtesy of the Bemidji State University or at Coon Rapids campus via direct articulation agreements between Anoka Ramsey and Metropolitan State University

On a further note, Anoka-Ramsey Community College has also formed articulation agreements with the following major universities and colleges to allow students transfer credits towards a BSN.

• Winona State University
• Augsburg College
• Minnesota State University- Moorhead
• Minnesota State University –Mankato
• College of St. Scholastica
• Bethel University

Contact:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
300 Spirit River Drive, South Cambridge,
MN 55008

Augsburg College Nursing Program Review

Augsburg College is a church college of the Lutheran church of America. As such, its history dates back to the 1870s when it served as a seminarian college in Wisconsin. The college later moved to its current city location but the needs of training personnel for a city necessitated the change of the seminary into a general education college alongside the seminary. At this period, the college started admitting female students and the seminary and the liberal arts college was separated. Since then, the college has grown tremendously to offering undergraduate, master and doctoral degrees in many academic fields.

Nursing at Augsburg College

The nursing programs of Augsburg College (AC) are offered at the main campus and the Rochester Lutheran church nursing division. The programs have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Minnesota board of Nursing. All programs are for advancement outlooks and do not take-in fresh nursing students but those seeking career advancing from registered nursing.

BSN Completion

Students are expected to take a total of seven nursing major courses which can be completed in either a part time of full time basis. Full time students can complete the program in about fifteen months if they have taken their liberal arts and general education course prior to admission into the program. The courses can also be taken during the weekends and evenings while clinical practicum must be taken during the day for part timers. The college has the sole mandate of deciding what courses from other colleges can be accepted towards completing the BSN at Augsburg.

Master of Arts in Nursing

This a unique master degree offered as an option for advanced nursing at Augsburg College. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is offered in both campuses of Augsburg College. Students are welcome to choose from two tracks of the MA namely:

• Master of Arts in nursing-Trans-cultural Nursing Community Track
• Master of Arts in Nursing-Transformational Leadership & Management Track

For both programs, students must take a total of 10 courses, five of which are directed to nursing tracks mentioned above. The programs are unique from the usual master of science in nursing in that it focuses on bringing nursing services to the population that are beyond the mainstream traditional care nursing . Students taking the Trans-cultural option will be eligible for certification as advanced community health nurses. On the other hand, students who choose the transformational leadership track receive classroom instruction from courses in master of business administration, Master of Arts in leader and from the nursing department.

Doctor on Nursing Practice

This terminal degree in nursing offers masters prepared students to undertake studies with a focus on trans-cultural nursing. The program is available as both a full time and part time commitment with a total of 10 courses. The part timers are expected to complete their program in three years while the full time basically runs for two academic years.

Contact:
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Avenue, South Minneapolis,
MN 55454

Bemidji State University Nursing School Review

In 1919, the history of a school that would become Bemidji State University started. It started off as a normal school training teachers but the scope was later re-organized to include diverse programs. The university has changed names thrice from its time of inception i.e. from a state teachers college to Bemidji State College and to the current name. The university’s name comes from its location; which is just at the shores of Lake Bemidji in Minnesota. It has a rich culture due to the large proportion of American Indian learners and the influence of urban life.

Bemidji State University Nursing- (BSU Nursing)

The department of nursing at Bemidji State University (BSU) is mandated to offer various nursing degrees. The two nursing programs offered by the university are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. They are also approved by the Minnesota Board of nursing and are follows:

Four year BSN Track Program

The 4-year Baccalaureate nursing track program at Bemidji State University focuses on molding professional nurses who are on their first nursing experience. The track requires students to take a minimum of 120 credits of both nursing and non nursing courses. Students start their freshmen year on general education credits and only take nursing courses starting from the sophomore year. Completion of the program awards the student a baccalaureate in nursing degree.

RN to BS Track

This track on nursing is older than the four year track at Bemidji. It specifically focuses on the advancement career needs of already registered nurses holding either diploma or associate degrees. Since the program is designed for working professionals, it is very flexible and includes both part time and full time study options.

The program is affiliated with Anoka-Ramsey Community College where some classes are offered in the colleges’ Cambridge campus.  The courses schedule is complex as senior and junior students never meet in the same campus at the same time. On this note, students only meet in campus as a whole for the first two weeks and consecutive classes are alternate- online and campus based.

Students at the junior level attend classes every 3-4 fours weeks on Mondays and Fridays at the Anoka Ramsey Community college Cambridge campus and the rest of the classes are offered online. Similarly, senior students attend classes every 3-4 four weeks at the department of nursing clinical resource centre in Bemidji State University with the rest of the classes being offered online.

The flexibility of the program also allows adult learners to choose their most convenient location for the clinical practicum mostly within their neighborhoods. The blended format of both online and campus instruction makes the program an attractive option for registered nurses seeking to complete a BSN. The program is very short and requires only 33 nursing credits to complete.

For students of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, this program from Bemidji State University guarantees them direct transition into completing the four year nursing BSN. Since the program is partially offered at their college, they are at a better chance to enroll for the program when starting off at Anoka.

Contact:
Bemidji State University
1500 Birchmont Drive, NE Bemidji,
MN 56601

Bethel University Nursing School Review

For students who want to learn in an environment with an evangelical perspective, Bethel University (BU) offers that. The university was established in 1871 and was then called Baptist Union Theological College. It remained a seminary center, training ministers and pastors until 1989 when the first non-theological programs were introduced. Shortly afterwards, adult-targeted bachelor degrees were introduced which saw the change of the name from the initial name to Bethel University; a world class private university. It still maintains its initial seminary as one of its colleges alongside the recently introduced colleges.

Bethel University-Department of Nursing

The department of nursing at Bethel University offers undergraduate and master level nursing degree programs. The department maintains the mission and vision of the founder of the university which was to bring a Christ-like presence in the nursing profession. Due the strong affiliation to the Converge Worldwide church, students must take a curriculum that integrates Christian faith into nursing profession.

The curriculum has a huge percentage of liberal arts courses that emphasizes spirituality, caring, integrity, value for life. Three programs have been approved and accredited by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education as outline below:

Pre-Licensure Undergraduate Degree (BS in Nursing)

The degree takes the form of the traditional four-year program of study. Students are expected to have full time commitment to the program for both the practical and classroom instructions. The program aims at preparing nurses who will be eligible to write the NLEX-RN as part of becoming registered nurses. It requires 125 credits to complete, with a good number having a Christian faith and liberal arts outlook.  The program also takes in transfer students from other colleges and universities who wish to complete their BSN.

BS in Nursing (RN to BS)

The program is meant for already registered nurses as it aims at building on prior nursing experience. Students are enrolled in a cohort and move on as so to the completion of the program. Students who hold associate and diplomas in nursing are the targets of the 12 courses program.  Since most of the admitted students are adults, the classes are designed to be flexible to cater for working RNs. In this case, students meet in either Arden Hills or Bloomington campuses or the North Hennepin Community College. Classes happen in the evenings only once for four hours per week for a duration of 20 months for which 37 credits are covered.

M.A. in Nursing

This program at Bethel University welcomes both BS in nursing students and other non-nursing baccalaureate holders. For the BS in nursing graduate, the curriculum is short and they graduate with a Master of Arts in Nursing with concentrations in either Nursing Education or Nursing Healthcare Leadership. The other group of students graduates with two parallel degrees, a BS in Nursing and a Master of Arts in nursing with options of the same specialties as above. The latter option, also known as a combined degree option takes 3 and 4 years to complete for the Education and Leadership concentrations respectively.

Contact:
Bethel University
3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul,
MN 55112

Century College Nursing Program Review

Century College came into existence after a bill was passed to merge two state colleges; Northeast Metro Tech College and Lakewood Community College. This happened in 1996 and resulted to the now Century College. The college is dedicated to offering affordable high quality education in the Ramsey and South Washington counties among others in Minnesota and beyond. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities System (MnSCU) system

Nursing Programs at Century Community and Technical College

Century Community college has four nursing programs under its health care careers division. Three of the four lead to an associate degree and one is a certificate program. The college has also a number of continuing education courses for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses who want to keep abreast with changing trends or for license renewal contact hours. All programs at Century are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing

Associate Degree Nursing Program

This program has three career pathways all leading to the award of an associate degree in nursing as outlined below:

• Traditional Track Nursing

The first option of the associate degree is the traditional track that takes four semesters to complete.  64 credits in the ratio of 34 to 3o are required for the nursing and general education course requirements. The candidates for this program are fresh nursing students who no prior nursing experience.  Completion of the program places the students in a position to sit for the NLCEX-RN to become registered nurses.

• LPN Mobility Track

This track is meant for candidates who hold licenses as practical nurses. The programs total number of credits is equivalent to those of the traditional track only that here, students receive advanced standing for their LPN licenses.  Students take 23 nursing credits at Century and receive 11 advanced standing credits after passing an assessment of LPN skills and Knowledge. An additional 30 general education units are needed to complete the 64 credit associate track. Completion is after three semesters; a summer for the LPN assessment and a fall and spring semester for the nursing courses.

• Paramedic Mobility Track

This enables licensed paramedics to make the transition to registered nursing. Just like the LPN mobility track, paramedics receive 11 advanced standing credits after assessment of their paramedic skill and knowledge. 23 credits are then taken at Century in three semesters, with the same mode as the LPN track. After completion of the 64 credits, paramedics are usually in a position to write the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses.

Note

The three tracks of the associate degree are delivered in either day or a hybrid of day and online modes for the nursing courses.  All general and prerequisites can be completed in day, evening or online modes on part time or full time basis. The traditional track starts at fall and spring semesters while the LPN and Paramedic Mobility start only in the summer semester.

Nursing Assistant

The nursing assistance certificate program is a 4-credit program that enables students to be entered in the States’ Registry of Nursing Assistants. The program has admission in all three semesters year round and is available in daytime or evening schedules.

Continuing Education

On this segment of Century Community & Technical College, nurses and LPNs have access to a number CEUs.  Courses are CPR training, nursing cont’ Ed, Nursing assistant, phlebotomy and other health related technician courses.

Contact:
Century College
3300 Century Avenue North,
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

College of Saint Benedicts & Saint John’s University Nursing School Review

A wonderful and unique partnership it is, the college of Saint Benedicts (CSB)- for Women and Saint Johns’ University (SJU)- for men, two distinct yet parallel colleges. The college and the university are deeply rooted into the catholic faith; the base of their foundation. The two schools offer liberal arts programs and are ranked among the top liberal colleges in the United States. Peculiar though, the two in one schools offers the same academic programs yet retain their individual identities in matters of campuses, traditions and other extra curriculum programs.

Department of Nursing at CSB/SJU

The department of nursing offers only one fully accredited and approved four-year baccalaureate program. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Minnesota Board of Nursing has accredited and approved the program and has been offered in the schools for about thirty years. The program is taken by female and male students from the respective schools hence, it is a co-ed program.

The Nursing Major

Is it the only nursing program from the CSB/SJU and runs for a period of four years. The program takes the form of a full time program and students are expected to take courses from both the College of St Benedicts and St Johns’ University. The curriculum of the program is highly inclined to nursing courses with a view of the catholic Benedictine setting. Each nursing course has this element and students are expected to base their nursing practice from those teachings.

The program takes a holistic approach to nursing and most of the liberal arts courses focus on training nurses who will cater for patients of all ages. During the freshman year, students take liberal arts and general education credits. These run for three consecutive semesters until the fall of the sophomore year.

Starting from the fall of second year, students start on the nursing majors which run for five consecutive semesters. 55 nursing major credits must be completed for eligibility to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.  The program prepares student for state licensure exam in their pursuit to become registered nurses.

As part of the program completion norm, students are sent- out on a short- study abroad experience. In this case, students can either travel to S. Africa, Ecuador or Mexico to complete the study abroad experience.

Transfer and Early Admission Information

Students from other colleges and universities are welcome to apply for the transfer of credits to college of St. Benedict / St. John University. However, the transfer policy decides the number of students to take on a competitive basis. Students wishing to transfer their credits to the nursing program should be aware that they will only be accepted if there is available space left. Priority to admission is given to students who have completed pre-requisite courses at the school.

There is also a chance for students to apply for an early admission into the nursing program using the most recent ACT or SAT scores at the time of application. Students who get enrolled via this route must pass exceptionally well to be allowed in the liberal and general education course at first-year level to be allowed to progress into the major.

Contact:
College of Saint Benedicts
37 South College Avenue,
St. Joseph, MN 56374

Or

Saint John’s University
2850 Abbey Plaza,
Collegeville, MN 56321

St. Catherine University Nursing School Review

St. Catherine University, previously known as College of Saint Catherine (CSC) is an school with a catholic identity whose history started back in early 1900s. The university was started under the leadership of Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet and named after an Egyptian martyr. By then, it had the name College of St. Catherine which was changed recently to Saint Catherine University (St. Kate’s, SCU).  Prior to the renaming, the college merged with St. Mary’s School of Nursing and as such, nursing in the university has a long history of excellence. It is located in the Twin cities and has one extended campus location.

Henrietta Schmoll School of Health

The Henrietta Schmoll School of Health leads the stewardship of nursing programs at Saint Catherine University. The school has numerous programs of study ranging from associate degrees to doctoral programs, all which have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.  The nursing programs available in an ascending order are:

Associate Programs

• Nursing: Associate of Nursing

The program is a co-ed program that trains pre-nursing students to become professional nurses. The curriculum is designed to run for two-three years of full time study upon which, students are in a position to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Students start off with liberal arts courses and then progress to nursing courses. Courses are offered only at the university’s Minneapolis campus.

• Nursing: LPN to RN Mobility Program

The program gives licensed practical nurses a chance to become registered nurses. LPNs receive advanced standings from the LPN certificate and complete the program in one academic year. Courses are offered at the Minneapolis campus on an evening/ weekend study mode. Students graduate with an associate of science in nursing degree and become ready to write the state RN licensure exam.

Baccalaureate Majors

• Nursing: Baccalaureate Day

The program is offered on a full time day schedule at the main campus at St. Paul. Basically, student nurses are prepared to sit for the NLCEX-RN exam for licensure as registered nurses in addition to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN).

• Nursing: RN to Bachelor’s

This program is also offered during weekends at St Paul’s campus and is designed for registered nurses stepping up to the bachelor’s level. It accepts transfer students and takes about two to three years to complete depending on the acceptable number credits accepted for transfer.

Master of Arts in Nursing (MA in Nursing)

The Master of Arts in nursing program is offered at the main campus with classes being scheduled in the evening and weekends only. Two concentrations: Nurse Educator and Nurse Practitioner are available for students to choose from. Further, students can choose from three functional roles under the Nurse Practitioner concentration i.e.

• Neonatal option
• Adult Gerontological option
• Pediatric option

Generally, students must complete 37 credits for the education track and up to 40 credits for the practitioner track depending on which option is chosen.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This terminal nursing program at Saint Catherine University is meant for Masters degree prepared students. It is an evidence based program where students are expected to cover 9 clinical credits and 19 theory credits.  The curriculum is delivered on a part time basis and students only come to campus to campus once monthly for face to face instructions.

Contact:
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul,
MN 55105

College of St. Scholastica Nursing Program Review

The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) was founded by a group of the catholic identity sisters; sisters of Benedictine. It was initially a women only university but later evolved to a co-ed centre offering courses to both men and women. The college is located in Duluth, Minnesota where its mains campus is but has other satellite campuses at Rochester, St. Paul, St Cloud and Brainerd. It neighbors the nearby Lake Superior and has a serene learning environment set on 186 acres of land.

School of Nursing

Twenty years after its founding, the College of Saint Scholastica started their first baccalaureate nursing programs which run for five years. Since then on, the colleges has designed and seek approval and accreditation of master and doctoral degrees in addition to variations of the Bachelor of Science in nursing. The programs have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

BS Nursing

This is a nursing program that leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science degree with a nursing major. The curriculum is delivered on a full time basis and students are expected to complete a minimum of 117 credits. It prepares nurse on holistic nursing practice approach and strictly adheres to the Catholic/Benedictine setting in curriculum delivery. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as registered nurses.

RN to BS online

The program is specially designed to cater for the advancing education needs of already registered nurses. In this case, it is a bachelor’s completion program that takes in associate or diploma prepared registered nurses. The most appealing aspect of this program is that it is offered exclusively online. This gives adult learners a chance for them to continue with their education without giving-up their jobs or families. Completion leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Post Baccalaureate Nursing

The College of St. Scholastica welcomes interested students who hold non nursing degrees to start their path into professional nursing.  There are two tracks which students can take towards their Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. On the first track, students take a full time day study from the main campus in Duluth and students must study in cohorts. On the second option, students can study on hybrid online and face to face instruction where the classroom instructions are taken at St. Clouds Campus grounds. Classes are accelerated and run to about 15 to 16 months for both tracks. On this note, students are advised to give-up their day jobs due to the fast pace

Master of Science in Nursing

The college of nursing has six nursing specialties at master level for students to choose from. They all require BSN-prepared nurses and mainly target students who are from underserved and rural areas on N. Minnesota.  All the programs have options of part time or full time study formats hence, are quite flexible. Most classes are offered during weekends, evenings or on a full day/per week format while some selected courses are taught online.  Students can take 2 to 7 seven years depending on the learning mode chosen. Tracks are:

·         Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program

·         Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Program

·         Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist

·         Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program

·         Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Family Program

·         Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Adult Program

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The program welcomes both BSN and Master prepared students who are intrested in evidence based advanced nursing practice in all the master level tracks above (for the BSN candidates). The program is offered online and students only visit campus on a few occasions. The BS to DNP is has more campsus visits as comapred to the Post-masters option.

Contact:
College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave, Duluth,
MN 55811

Concordia College Nursing Program Review

Concordia College, part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church was dedicated to providing higher education to the residents of Minnesota, N. Dakota and Montana from 1891. It was an idea conceived by Norwegian missionaries who were settling in Minnesota and started off with about 12 students offering English and Piano Classes. The college later advanced to offering liberal arts courses and a fully functional departmental system of the college was formed in 1913. Since then, it has been academic advancement all the way to the big College of the Lutheran Heritage.

Nursing at Concordia College

The department of nursing at Concordia College offers two programs; leading to the award of Bachelor of Arts in nursing degrees.  The two programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved to do so by the North Dakota and Minnesota Boards of Nursing.

Degree in Nursing

The program aims at training nurses at entry level wishing to become professional nurses. Students are expected to take four years of study to complete the program just like the usual Bachelor of Science degree program. Students take prerequisite courses for the first year after admission in Concordia. Students who have completed the prerequisites are expected to apply for the competitive selection criteria in the nursing major.

All nursing major courses start off during the spring semester of each year. Unlike most church affiliated colleges that offer Christian courses as part of the prerequisites courses, Concordia College does not follow that tradition. Usually, the prerequisites are general education courses ranging from Science, biology, anatomy among others. Successful completion of a total of 86 to 90 credits lead to the award of the Bachelor of Arts in nursing degree in addition to the eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Accelerated Nursing

Admission to the accelerated program at Concordia College requires students who have already completed a baccalaureate program from another non-nursing field from a recognized school. It takes 18 months to complete the nursing majors inclusive of one semester to fulfill prerequisites courses. Intake is in May every year running through to December of the next year. A total of 48 nursing credits are needed for the award of the second major in nursing and eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

Parish Nursing Certification

This program is meant for those who wish to serve in their congregation as nurses. The program aims at shaping nurse educators, counselors, volunteers and integrators of faith at the church level. It is in this program where Christian teachings are incorporated into the nursing curriculum. Students wishing to graduate with this certificate apply for additional credits related to religion and Christian teachings. It is not a distinct program but one which the regular second majors or the traditional Bachelor of Arts students apply for during their final year.  Completion of the additional certificate credits leads to students graduating with the arts baccalaureate degree and parish nurse certificate.

Contact:
Concordia College- Moorhead
901 8^th St, S. Moorhead,
MN 56562

Crown College Nursing Program Review

Established in 1912 as ministerial school, Crown College has outgrown that small name into a big regional college it is today. St Paul’s Bible Institute it was but expanded its curriculum to include other non theological majors. This expansion led to the change of the name and the outlook of the college to Crown College, offering degree programs beyond its initial capacity on all major academic fields. The private co-ed higher education center is dedicated to serve and bring education that follows the teachings of Christ to residents of West Minneapolis and Minnesota at large.

Nursing at Crown College

Nursing programs at Crown College (CC) are offered under the department of nursing. The department together with the two nursing programs has been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The two nursing programs lead to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Bachelor of Science Nursing Pre-licensure

The department of nursing offers this program for new students who have never had any prior nursing experience. The curriculum of this program consists of Christian studies as one of the core courses to provide biblically based nursing education. The program also incorporates a strong aspect of missionary nursing hence, takes a cross cultural perspective. The curriculum also incorporates a hybrid format of study where some selected courses are offered online.

A total of 66 credits are taken during the freshman and sophomore years. Christian studies and doctrines including intensive study of the New and Old Testament comprise of 18 credits out of the 66. At the junior and senior years, students start on the nursing and some few biblical courses which total up to 56 credits. Out of these, 9 are directly based on the bible and Christian teachings. The program prepares students for the first licensure into registered nursing by taking the NCLEX-RN exam. Precisely, it is inevitable to get transformed into Christianity after taking their nursing program.

Nursing, Bachelor of Science Completion

This program from Crown College aims at building on prior nursing experience by admitting already registered nurses or those who have completed a two-year or a nursing diploma. Just like the earlier nursing program, courses integrate faith into evidence based nursing practice. The program is excellent for those who do not wish to lose their day jobs during the period of study. This is because the curriculum is delivered in flexible online and classroom instructions. Most of the courses required for completion of the program are offered online.

Unlike the traditional BSN, this nursing program targets adult students and is offered by the department of nursing with collaboration with the adult and Graduate Studies section of the college. The program does not demand a lot of commitment from students to campus visits. It is also the program that accepts transfer students from community colleges or other universities. Crown College boasts to have one of the top ten online nursing programs among Christian universities and colleges.

Contact:
Crown College
8700 College View Drive, Saint Bonifacius,
MN 55375

Inver Hills Community College Nursing Program Review

Dating back to 1970, Inver Hills Community College (IHCC) offers a serene learning environment in the 90-acre wooded-hill campus. As a community college, Inver Hills is dedicated to offering its education services to the locals but also welcomes students  from nearby states.

One fascinating old fact about Inver Hills is that close to half of its students, in any given time, are part-time or adult learners who attend college for evening, weekend or part time classes. It is therefore an excellent college for working professionals who wish to work and study at the same time.

Nursing Programs at Inver Hills Community College

IHCC offers a number of nursing programs all of which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The nursing programs focus on a philosophy of holism, healing and health as the core points of practical nursing. Top on the list of the programs offered is the traditional 2-year Associate of Science degree in Nursing (AS in Nursing). Also offered are mobility/ advanced placement options for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) & Paramedics and a short Certificate in Nursing Assistant (CNA) course. Together with Metropolitan State University and 6 other community colleges, IHCC offers its nursing programs under a consortium. This consortium; the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) allows students to complete the Associate degree and later on, complete the curriculum for the baccalaureate nursing degree.

Associate of Science in Nursing

The AS in nursing is a 75-credit program designed to take two years; 1 semester of a sequence of liberal arts courses and 3 semesters of nursing coursework. A Certificate as a Nurse Aide is a prerequisite for admission to this track. Upon completion of the 4 semesters of required coursework, students become eligible to write the NCLEX exam to become Registered Nurses.  This track falls under the MANE program and as such, offers interested students Dual Enrollment with Metropolitan State University. The dual enrollment option: rolled out in the fall of 2013/2014 academic year, enables a student to complete the associate degree, earn the RN license and continue to take additional courses for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This program forms the objective of the MANE program which is to make baccalaureate nursing education accessible to all across the state.

Licensed Practical Nurse/ Paramedic Mobility Track

These advanced placement programs are designed for those interested in becoming registered nurses. Candidates must have an active LPN status from any state in the US or a Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician for the case of paramedics. Additionally, applicants of these accelerated tracks must meet other nursing admission requirements which include state registration as a Nursing Assistant and completion of the NLN Pre-Admission Exam. Classes for these two tracks start in the summer semester where students take the Transition to Professional nursing course prior to starting the AS in Nursing Curriculum. In addition to courses waivered in lieu of former qualification, students must complete a total of 75 credits to be eligible for graduation. Graduates are also welcome to take the MANE option and complete the baccalaureate in nursing degree.

Nursing Assistant Certificate

Besides being a prerequisite requirement for admission to the Associate degree in nursing program, the CNA course is designed to offer employability skills to entry-level learners. It is a short 5-credit curriculum inclusive of 24-hour supervised practical experience in long term care facilities. Upon completion, graduate become eligible to apply entry in the State’s CNA Registry.

Contact:
Inver Hills Community College
2500 East 80^th St, Inver Grove Heights
MN 55076

Globe University/ Minnesota School of Business Nursing School Review

As the name suggests, Globe University/ Minnesota School of Business is truly a global university. The university has a very diverse local and international network. With over 11 satellite campuses in Minnesota alone and additional campuses in Wisconsin and South Dakota, the university has actually strived to have a global outreach. The university started as Minnesota business School, one of the oldest business schools in the state. Back in 1885, a German scholar conceived the idea of the business college which later evolved to the current Globe University; offering an array of bachelors, master and associate degree programs besides business.

Globe University Nursing

Approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the only nursing program at Globe University lead to a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The Program is offered at the auxiliary section of the university: Minnesota School of Business at its Richfield campus.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Globe University is a pre-licensure program, open to new students entering the nursing profession. The curriculum is delivered from the Minnesota School of Business at Richfield campus. The program takes a holistic approach to nursing practice in molding nurses who are able to serve beyond the hospital walls.

The curriculum focuses on major nursing courses in addition to the underserved nursing concepts, philosophies and end of life nursing skills.  Usually, the program takes the form of an accelerated study mode where, the four year curriculum is covered in three academic years or thirty six months. The relatively short period is attributed to the fact that the courses are offered all year round in three semesters.

Admission to the program requires all applicants to show prove of having attended a nursing assistant class within the last five years. As such, the program allows students to start on experiential and co-operative in health agencies around the twin cities from as early as the last quarter of the freshman year. Admission to the program is on two occasions annually; semesters starting January and July.

Successful completion leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

Important Notes

Globe University was offering an online program of an RN to BSN completion program. The program was offering a chance to already registered nurses to advance to a bachelor’s degree in a flexible and convenient way. However, the university has suspended offering that program and the reason for halting admissions into the program is review of the curriculum. This was the program that used to accept transfer students and on this note, Globe University is not currently accepting nursing transfer credits. Students willing to get into this program are advised check regularly with the university’s academic register on the possible re-instatement dates for this program. But the university does not guarantee the re-instatement of the said program.

Contact:
Globe University/ Minnesota School of Business
80 South, Minneapolis,
MN 55402

Gustavus Adolphus College Nursing Program Review

Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) is a church college deeply rooted and maintaining the values of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Its history started unfolding in 1862, hence has a decade and a half of higher education services to the people. It is a Christian, private co-ed institution which is guided by the Swedish and Lutheran heritages.

Nursing at Gustavus Adolphus College

Nursing at Gustavus Adolphus College is through a consortium with other colleges in Minnesota. It is a baccalaureate program that takes a minimum of four years to complete. Accreditation is through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Nursing Program Structure

The nursing program is offered by two colleges; Gustavus Adolphus and St. Olaf College. The Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium ensures students receive the experience of learning in two distinct campuses towards the same goal. Students take nursing and general education courses on a predetermined sequence from Olaf and Gustavus.

During the first year, student nurses take prerequisites courses and general education courses. These courses also continue for the whole of the sophomore year. At the junior and senior year, students start on nursing courses together with liberal arts courses. The program takes a holistic approach to nursing and liberal arts make-up a substantial percent of the junior and senior year’s courses.

Twenty courses must be completed for students to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelors degree from the college. The breakdown of the courses results to 11 upper division nursing and liberal arts courses, 8 prerequisite courses and 1 supporting course.  Even though the program is via a consortium, students must first apply to the program from their mother college ie Gustavus Adolphus College and the rest follow smoothly.

It is also important to note that, the college does not accept transfer students coming out of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium. Transfer students can only be taken from either Gustavus or Saint Olaf College and  students who have completed prerequisites courses outside these two are advised not to apply. Most students in the nursing program complete an interim- study abroad program. For students who choose international programs, nursing courses may not be completed in the set four years and additional time maybe required to complete the program

Concurrent Majors

Students may also apply for special consideration to earn another major program alongside the nursing major. This consideration is for highly performing students and leads to graduation with two bachelor degrees.  In this case too, students must be ready to commit about five to six years in college.

Similarly, students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from another major from Gustavus may also apply for a Second Major in Nursing. It is easier to get the second major in nursing at Gustavus Adolphus since the almost all prerequisites courses of the earlier major will be recognized by the admissions office of the nursing department. This plan in both cases is referred to as double majors; only applicable to students of Gustavus and not those of St. Olaf College.

Contact:
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue, St Peter,
MN 56082

Metropolitan State University Nursing School Review

Metropolitan State University (Metro State) does not have a very long history; as it was started in early 1970s. The need to bring higher education to the communities led to the legislature of the State to vote towards its founding. The university, set in the urban area of the Twin cities, started off serving communities from many areas including other colleges as a university without walls until it got its own grounds. Currently, the university has four campuses in St Paul, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis and Midway in Minnesota. It is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) .

Nursing Programs at Metropolitan University

Nursing programs at Metro State University are under the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. They range from completion baccalaureate to doctoral nursing programs. They have been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and the baccalaureate accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Nursing (RN-BSN)

This program is meant to build on prior nursing experience for RNs who already hold a diploma or associate degree. The same curriculum is delivered in the main campus at St Paul and in other five locations in community colleges.  Students can therefore take classes at North Hennepin CC, Anoka Ramsey CC, Normandale CC, and Inver Hills CC or at Century CC. All nursing courses are taken on a part time format in all locations for five semesters. Learning is through cohorts that meet once weekly for all semesters.

 Master of Science in Nursing

The college of nursing and health sciences at Metro State University offers BSN prepared nurses a path to become advanced practice nurses. There are two tracks from which students can choose i.e. Nurse Educator or Nurse Leadership & Management tracks. Both programs can be completed in either full time or part time study modes. For full times students, the programs can be completed in two years and additional summer semester. On the other hand, part times students are expected to complete the programs in about three academic years and two summer semesters.

Curriculum delivery of a hybrid nature, including web enhanced courses, online instructions and face to face classroom instructions. The master programs have been accredited separately by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

MnSCU Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice

The university, together with other four state universities in Minnesota has come together to offer this consortium of DNP. The participating universities are Metropolitan state university and Minnesota State universities- Moorhead & Mankato and Winona State University. This collaborative program is specifically meant for masters prepared students.

On a further note, the university has plans underway to introduce an independent DNP program within its mandate. As such, the program will have two routes towards the DNP. On the first option, a curriculum that helps BSN students to get a Doctor of nursing practice has been developed. Students will have to take the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration as a master level nurse specialty.  The second route will be for the usual MSN prepared students who took specialties in nurse leadership concentrations.  In view of this, the first cohort of students at the independent Metro State University DNP program kicked off in the fall 2012.

Contact:
Metropolitan State University
1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis,
MN 55403

Minneapolis Community and Technical College Nursing Program Review

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) is a metropolitan based college right in the heart of Minneapolis. It is a relatively young public two-year community college founded in 1996. The coming to life of the college was a result of mergers between an open enrollment college and a technical vocational institute. The college is dedicated to providing career entry programs as well as transfer programs for those aspiring to proceed to four year universities. Continuing Education courses and lifelong learning also make a good part of the college commitment to bring higher education closer to the community.

Nursing at Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Despite the recent founding of the college, there are quite a number of nursing programs that have been developed. Two of the programs lead to the award of an associate degree, one diploma and one certificate program. The five nursing programs have been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Program offerings are fully expounded below:

Nursing Mobility Program

i)        Practical Nursing Diploma

As the name suggests, this is a career mobility program that has two distinct portions. This mobility program carries three of the nursing programs offered at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. To start with, students enroll for the nursing mobility and are expected to finish one year of 25 nursing and 11 general education credits. After successful completion of this section of the program, students can exit and by so doing, earn a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Students who wish to exit at the first year level are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses in Minnesota.

ii)      Option A: Nursing Mobility A.S Degree

Progression into the second year leads to the second portion of the program, which basically lead to the award of an associate of Science in nursing. During the second year of progression, first year LPN students (unlicensed) of MCTC take an additional 37 credits to complete the requirement for the associate degree. Completion of the whole mobility program makes the students eligible to write the NCLEX-RN and (or) PN exam for double licensure.

iii)    Option B: Nursing Mobility A.S. Degree

The second option of the mobility program enables licensed practical nurses from any other college to complete the curriculum towards becoming registered nurses. In this option, students receive 22 advanced standing nursing credits and up to 11 general education credits from the PN diploma. Students get into the program at the second year level and take the remaining nursing and general education credits needed for the AS degree at MCTC. Two LPN to RN transition courses must be taken prior to starting on the nursing courses at MCTC.

Nursing Assistant/ Home Health Aide

Minneapolis Community and Technical College also trains students who wish to get into nursing as nurse aides/ nursing assistants.  Three options of the nursing aide certificate exist namely:

• Nurse assistant certificate requiring one course of five credits
• Nursing Assistant Extended Hour Certificate requiring one course of six credits
• Nursing Assistant- Acute care option requiring three credits

Continuing Education Course for Nurses

The college also offers four continuing education courses for nurses including a nursing refresher for RNS and LPNS.

Contact:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis,
MN 55403

Minnesota State University – Mankato Nursing School Review

From the humble begging as a Normal School, Minnesota State University (MSU) has come a long way to its current state. 1868 was when the history of this state university starting unfolding. Two and three year programs were introduced to the Mankato Normal School which warranted the change of name to Mankato State Teachers College.  Further in 1956, the school started offering four-year degrees changing name again to Mankato State College. By the year 1999, the school finally settled to the current name. The university is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU).

College of Allied Health and Nursing- Minnesota State University Mankato

The college of Allied health and Nursing is mother to the school of nursing at Minnesota State University Mankato (MSU, MSU-M, Minnesota State Mankato).  Programs under this school range from undergraduate to the terminal doctorate degree in nursing. Accreditation for the program is by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing education and they are also approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. A full description of the nursing programs offered in the university is given below.

Basic Nursing Program

This program leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science with a nursing major degree. The Curriculum is designed to meet the needs of pre-licensure students who do not have any nursing experience. Students take a total of 120 credits 59 of which are for the nursing major portion while the remaining are prerequisites and general education bracket. 

The curriculum for the program requires four traditional academic years of full time study. During the first and sophomore year, students take the general education courses while nursing major course are only offered at the sophomore 2^nd semester onwards. Transfer students from community colleges and other smaller colleges are also welcome to apply for the program. For them, only two years are required to complete the program on a full time basis. Students have a great experience of preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam in their journey to becoming registered nurses.

RN Baccalaureate Completion Program

The Bachelors degree in nursing for RNs targets RNs who consider completing a Bachelors degree. Although the program is designed for full time study, students wishing to take part time classes must apply to the school of nursing for consideration, although the school does not guarantee part time classes. Students from other BS or BA programs can also progress into a second nursing degree under this program.

Master of Science in Nursing

Under the graduate nursing programs, there are two tracks for those who want to get into advanced practical nursing. The two tracks are Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator tracks. The Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum consists of 53 nursing credits while the Nurse Educator option require 52 credits for completion. Both programs take 9 semester of year round study i.e. fall, spring and summer semesters. However, the Nurse Educator students have the option of completing the program in eight semesters although the 9 Semester plan is the basic plan of study. Two post-masters Certificate programs are also available for each of the two concentrations

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Under the terminal nursing degree program, students have two entry options. On the first option, Master prepared students who have nursing specialties as Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetist and Nurse practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialists are welcome to enroll. On the Second option, BSN prepared students can enroll to undertake the DNP but the completion period is prolonged. It is a distance learning program and courses are delivered using online and web based modalities.

Contact:
Minnesota State University – Mankato
122 Taylor Centre, Mankato,
MN 56001

Minnesota State University – Moorhead Nursing School Review

Minnesota State University- Moorhead (MSUM) started as a normal school training teachers in Red River County. That was back in 1988 after a bill was passed by the legislature of Minnesota to establish an institution of higher education in Red River. The college started awarding bachelor degrees in education and hence became Moorhead State Teachers College. Expansion of the catalog led to dropping of the name “teachers” to Moorhead State College. The name changed again to Moorhead State University and finally to Minnesota State University- Moorhead in the year 2000.

Nursing at Minnesota State University- Moorhead

Nursing at the university is under the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership. The school offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs which are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. They are also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students should note that the nursing programs at the university are completion degrees hence do not take in fresh/ pre licensure students.

RN to BSN Track

This program is a completion program that admits only registered nurses who wish to complete a baccalaureate program in nursing. Students must have completed a total of 21 liberal arts credits from another school to be eligible for admission. After transfer courses are taken into account, the remaining 30 nursing majors must be completed in Moorhead. A total of 120 credits are required to complete the program hence, 80 of them are of the Minnesota Transfer curriculum, and prerequisites courses.

It is good to note that the RN to BSN program from Minnesota State University- Moorhead is an exclusive online program and all courses are delivered in an online version.

Master of Science in Nursing

A master of science with a major in nursing is available at Minnesota State University- Moorhead. This graduate program takes in BSN or BAN prepared nurses from programs that have been accredited by either CCNE or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and prepares RNs to become advanced practice nurses. Applicants must also show prove of an active registered nurses licenses and proof of recent working experience. There are two tracks for which students can choose towards getting the Master of Science in nursing namely:

• Master of Science in Nursing- Nurse Educator
• Master of Science in Nursing- Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

The program, just like the RN completion program is offered online and can be completed in either a full time and part time basis. Usually, the full time program takes 2 years to complete while the part timers can proceed for a maximum of seven years. As an online program, the students can chose their location for the clinical sessions at locations near their neighborhoods.

Minnesota State University- Moorhead Master of Science in nursing accepts transfers students for as long as the transfer credits are for the two nursing specialties offered. A maximum of 12 MSN credits can be accepted from other accredited universities towards the two nursing programs. The applicable credits must however have a minimum of a grade B.

Contact:
Minnesota State University- Moorhead
1104 7^th Ave South, Moorhead,
MN 56563

Normandale Community College Nursing Program Review

Normandale Community College (NCC) was established in 1968 to bring the mission of community colleges. It is a two- year college that serves the communities around the southwest parts of the Minneapolis and St. Paul’s twin cities. As a community college, Normandale offers career entry programs and transferable programs to four years universities.  It also fosters the mission of community colleges of offering continuing education and lifelong non-credit courses to the community it serves.

Normandale Community College Nursing

The nursing department at Normandale offers two nursing tracks leading to the award of associate degree in nursing as well as certificate program in nurse assistant. The three programs have been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and also have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

AS- Nursing

The AS- nursing at Normandale Community College is designed to meet the educational needs of students as an entry level in nursing. Students who do not have prior nursing experience are the candidates for this program. Students are admitted in cohorts each fall semester. A total of 61 credits, which are designed to be covered in four semesters of two academic years, must be completed. Precisely, students take 32 credits of nursing courses and 31 credits of general education courses on a full time basis. Completion of the program makes the students eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure to become a registered nurse besides graduating with an Associate of Science in nursing degree.

AS- Nursing PN Mobility

The requirement for this program is different from the traditional AS nursing program. Unlike the AS program, students get admission in the summer semester preceding the fall semesters of the traditional AS. During this period, students take 12 credits of a PN mobility Transition course. After completion of this transition course, students join the other traditional class at the fall semester. The merge is at the second year class of the associate program and the program continues for another one year to completion.

The candidates for the program are Licensed Practical nurses who hold active Minnesota LPN licenses. There is advanced standing of up-to 25 credits in recognition of the LPN license. Completion of this mobility program awards the student an associate of science in nursing degree in addition to having eligibility to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Certificate-Nursing Assistant

This certificate program trains nurses to work in long term care facilities and other health care agencies as a nurse aide. One nursing course is required to complete the program whereby, students are placed on the nursing assistant registry after passing the National Nursing Assistant Training and Competency Test.

Metropolitan State University RN to BS Partnership Program

Normandale Community college has a partnership with Metropolitan State University to allow students take the RN-BSN nursing program. The program is a direct transition from Normandale to Metro University- St Paul’s Campus. The partnership allows students to take nursing major courses towards the completion of a BSN from their College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Contact:
Normandale Community College
9700 France Ave South, Bloomington,
MN 55431

North Hennepin Community College Nursing Program Review

North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) is a Co-ed two year college that serves the people of the North Hennepin and Minnesota at large. It opened its doors for higher education in 1966 as a junior state college. After starting on two years degree programs, the college changed its name to the current name to reflect the community college it is today. The college has undergone tremendous development in terms of programs offered, college locations and infrastructural development.

Nursing- North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College has nursing programs that lead to the award of an associate degree in nursing. The Associate degree is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The programs details are explained below:

Nursing – Two Year Option (AS)

This standard nursing program leading to an associate degree in nursing is one of the two nursing programs at North Hennepin Community College. It is specially designed for students who have never had any nursing experience. It trains students to become professional nurses by preparing them to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

The curriculum for this program includes a total of 64 credits which have a 50-50 share between liberal arts courses and nursing courses. The good news is that this program is available in both day and evening/weekends options. For the day option, students attend nursing courses classes throughout the week Monday through Friday full day. Clinical classes are not predictable and may be scheduled outside the normal day hours.

On the other hand, the weekend-evening program is designed for the working or busy students. All courses are offered for two days in a week during the evening hours. For the clinical experience, students go to health agencies only on weekends i.e. Saturday and Sunday. Students must note that it is not possible to change between the two options and the student should follow the option they choose from the beginning to the end.

The weekend-evening attendance option students can also take their nursing courses from St Cloud Hospital in an online version. Clinical sessions are held on Saturday and Sunday at the hospital premises 9 hour per day.

Nursing Program- Mobility Option (AS)

The mobility program takes in licensed practical nurses from Minnesota and all other LPNS from other states as long they hold active licensure from their states. Prior to admission to the program, students must take a five weeks transition course from North Hennepin Community College during the summer preceding the start date.

Following admission to the program, students will take 32 liberal arts courses and 20 credits for nursing courses. Just like the standard associate degree program, students have three options of completing the program; the day option at Brooklyn Park campus, the evening-weekend option at Brooklyn Campus and the St Cloud’s Hospital online option for theory and hospital attendance for clinical sessions.

RN-BSN Completion Programs

Graduates of the North Hennepin Community College have the chance to transfer to a four year nursing baccalaureate program, thanks to articulation agreement with the following 7 universities:

• Bethel University
• Minnesota State University- Bemidji
• Minnesota State University- Moorhead
• Minnesota State University- Mankato
• Metropolitan University
• University of Wisconsin- Green Bay
• Winona State University

Contact:
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85^th Avenue, North Brooklyn Park,
MN 55445

Ridgewater College Nursing Program Review

Ridgewater College has experienced many twists from 1961 when it was founded. The college has had numerous changes in name, quite a number of mergers, growth of programs, methods of education delivery and many more. Ridgewater College serves the community in Hutchinson and Willmar in the capacity of a technical and community college. It has many higher education opportunities from career entry programs to transfers options and technical training opportunities.

Nursing at Ridgewater College

Nursing programs at Ridgewater College (RC, or RWC) have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The three nursing programs have also been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Two of the programs are certificate awarding programs and one lead to an associate degree in nursing. The associate degree is a mobility degree and allows students to transfer to any Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

Nursing- Associate Degree

The program is an occupational degree that welcomes first time nursing students and trains them to become registered nurses and practice professional nursing immediately. The curriculum prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This career entry program requires 64 credits to complete and is offered in both Willmar and Hutchinson campuses of Ridgewater College.

Nursing Mobility- AS Degree

The nursing mobility is meant for licensed practical nurses who wish to advance their nursing to bachelors’ level.  It allows LPNS to receive 22 credits as advanced standing for the LPNs licenses.  To be eligible for transfer, students must complete two courses comprising of 6 credits for the states transfer curriculum. After admission to the nursing program, students complete 46 nursing credits to complete the associate degree requirement. In total, students take 73 credits inclusive of the advanced and bridging courses to earn the ADN via the mobility program.

Pre-Nursing

At Ridgewater College, students can take an exclusive transfer curriculum to enable them transfer to a four year nursing program within Minnesota. The Program takes two years to complete and includes pre nursing courses required for a Four year nursing degree. Students taking this program from Ridgewater must be aware that there are no nursing courses offered at this point. Courses included here are psychology, biology, philosophy, chemistry and math and are offered only in Willmar campus. A student is not able undertake any nursing activity after completion of the 64 credit program; it is just a way of completing the first two years of baccalaureate nursing program.

Nursing – Practical Nursing

Completion of this 37 credits program makes students eligible to write the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nursing. The program awards a diploma in practical nursing and courses are offered in Hutchinson and Willmar campuses.  Students who complete the program can choose to go directly into nursing practice and there is a chance for Ridgewater College LPN graduates to continue to the Nursing Mobility Program. Special and smooth transition consideration is given to graduates of Ridgewater during selection of the entrants to the nursing mobility program.

Nursing Assistant

This program trains students to become home health aides by taking one nursing assisting course which focuses on nursing assistance in long term nursing care facilities.

Contact:
Ridgewater College
2 Century Avenue, SE Hutchinson,
MN 55350

Riverland Community College Nursing Program Review

Riverland Community College (RCC), founded in 1996 was born by a merger of numerous older colleges and vocational institutes including South Central Technical and Riverland Technical Colleges. Since establishment of the community college, it has acquired three campuses in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna in its mission to bring higher education to the community. Riverland Community College offers two year programs as occupational entry programs and transfer programs. Diploma and Certificate programs are also offered in addition to lifelong learning and continuing education opportunities.

Nursing at Riverland Community College

A total of five nursing programs are available at Riverland Community College under the department of nursing. One program is a mobility program that encompasses two nursing programs i.e. a one year diploma and a progression option for the same to an associate degree. An entry level program for new students leading to an associate program is also available in addition to two certificate nursing programs.

Professional Nursing

This program at Riverland Community college is a two in one upwards nursing mobility program. This means that the program has two exit points; one for a diploma and a progression to an associate degree as outlined below:

• Practical Nursing

This is the starting point of the upward mobility program. During the first year of this two-year program, students take 38 credits and have three options. First, they can decide to exit the program and sit for the NLCEX-PN exam for licensure to practice as practical nurses. Secondly, students may take the NCLEX-PN exam and still continue with a second year of the upward mobility program. Thirdly, students may decline to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and continue directly and flawlessly into the second year.

• Associate Nursing

The program is a continuous program from the practical nursing. It takes only graduates of the first year portion who wish to progress into professional nursing. To fulfill the requirements for the associate degree, students take extra 32 credits to reach the 72 required for the Associate. Upon successful completion of the second year, the student will be in a position to write the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.

PN Mobility

Licensed practice nurses who are not graduates of Riverland Community College may enroll for the PN mobility program to become registered nurses. Candidates for the program must have active and current practical nursing licenses for the state of Minnesota. LPNs receive advanced standing in recognition of their LPN licenses and must have completed 30 general education credits before starting on the nursing courses of the associate degree. A total of 72 credits including the advanced standing credits must be completed within one year to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nursing Assistant/ Home Health Aide

This program consists of 2 lecture and 2 lab sessions of 4 nursing assisting credits. Focus is on nurse assisting in long term care facilities and home health care. Upon completion, a certificate is awarded and eligibility to take the Nurse Aide Competency exam, hence being placed on the States nursing Assistant Registry.

Note

All nursing programs at Riverland Community College are offered in a hybrid format of web-based, online and at Austin Campus.

Contact:
Riverland Community College
2200 Riverland Dr, Albert Lea,
MN 56007

Rochester Community and Technical College Nursing Program Review

Following a merge of a number of state community colleges and technical colleges, Rochester Community College came into being. The college has been offering two year programs from 1996 under its new name and status as a community and technical college. It serves higher education needs for students in Minnesota but more so to Rochester; the third largest metro city of Minnesota. Areas of study include credit and non credit programs, which are can be used for career entry, transfer or career development purposes.

Nursing Programs at Rochester Community College

Three nursing programs are available at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC); an associate program, a diploma and a certificate program. The three programs have been accredited by the National Leagues for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Details of the programs are given below:

Nursing- Associate Degree Program

The program admits cohorts every spring and fall semesters. Candidates must complete a total of 64 credits in a four-semester plan spanning two years of full time study. Of these, 30 credits are general education courses required for transfer by the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. The remaining 34 are nursing courses taken during the second year of the program.

Completion of the 64 credits leads to the award of the Associate of Science in nursing and eligibly to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Rochester Community and Technical College has a unique articulation agreement with Winona State University for the nursing program to allow students transfer into their BSN program. This program is known as the “Path to Purple “and ensures the smoothest transition into a four-year BSN.

Nursing- Practical Nursing Program

The practical nursing diploma program from Rochester comprises of 39 credits; 12 general education and 27 practical nursing credits. The general education courses can be completed on a full time or part time basis. Basically, the program is designed to be completed in one year if students take all the 39 credits on a full time basis. Completion of the program leads to a diploma in practical nursing besides attaining eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse.

Nursing- Nursing Assistant Program

The college offers this program to help entry students start their journey into nursing. The program accepts several admissions of student to this certificate program including summers offered several times hence, there are always no waiting lists. Courses include nursing assisting theory and clinical and home health aide nursing assistant credits.

Additional Program/ Degree Options for Nursing

Rochester Community and Technical College has an option for students to take all the nursing programs in an upward career mobility mode. On this note, students can take a career path that starts at the Nursing Assistant program. Students completing the nursing assistant program may exit or continue with the practical nursing diploma. A choice of exiting is also available or a progression to finish the 64 credits for the associate program and finally, students can get into the ‘Path to Purple’ program to complete a BSN at Winona State University.

Contact:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Avenue SE, Rochester,
MN 55904

St. Olaf College Nursing Program Review

Saint Olaf College (SOC) is a church college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America founded in 1874. It has programs grounded in a vibrant faith tradition which fosters development of a holistic person in terms of mind, body and spirit alongside academics. Despite is affiliation to the church; the college accepts students from all walks of life without discrimination in regards to religion and creed.  The college offers four- year degree programs with each curriculum having a substantial number of liberal arts as lower division credits.

Saint Olaf College Nursing Program

Nursing at Saint Olaf College is offered as a collaborative effort between St. Olaf and Gustavus Adolphus College. Programs are delivered in both colleges and students have great learning opportunities by interacting with students from another college. Students attend classes offered by faculty professors of the two colleges; blending to one goal of nurse training. The nursing program is under the Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

The Nursing program

The program leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is offered by both Gustavus and St. Olaf Colleges of the Lutheran church. Before progression into the nursing majors, students must complete prerequisite and general education course during the freshman and sophomore year.

Nursing courses are taken starting from the junior year. As church colleges, liberal arts courses take a good portion of the upper division courses. In this case, students take the liberal arts courses alongside the nursing major courses in the junior and senior years. For clarification, the lower division courses are offered in respective colleges while the upper division courses are delivered by faculty of both colleges.

Registered nurses holding diplomas or associate nursing degrees are also welcome to apply to this program and as such, must complete at least eight general education one supporting course at St. Olaf. Credits eligible for transfer to St Olaf will be evaluated by the nursing department recognized towards the Bachelor of Science degree.

Special Nursing Programs

• Study Abroad

Study abroad semesters are available for willing students of both colleges. The semesters are taken during the junior or senior years and may delay the usual program time needed for completion. In this case, students must add additional time to cover-up for the time spent abroad for the nursing majors.

• Second Majors in Nursing

A second majors program is also available for students wishing to graduate with double majors. Students from another major program can apply for consideration for the double majors program after approval by both the incoming department and the nursing department.  Earning a second major mean that student will need extra time to cover the majors for both programs.

The second major in nursing is also open for already graduated students of St. Olaf College. These students can come back to college, take a few prerequisite courses prior to being enrolled for the nursing major. Enrollment chances will depend on performance from the prior major.

Contact:
Saint Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield,
MN 55057

Saint Paul College Nursing Program Review

Saint Paul College (SPC) opened its doors as a small Boys Vocational training centre in 1910. Fifty six years down the line, the college expanded its mission and academic programs and this followed the change of name to Saint Paul college; a two year college offering associate of science and arts degrees as a way of getting into professional careers and also a starting point for the transfer to four year baccalaureate degree programs. Certificate and diploma programs are also part of the program catalog at St. Paul College; a community and technical college.

Nursing at Saint Paul College

The Health and Services division offers the nursing programs at Saint Paul College. The programs have been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. There are two nursing certificate programs and one practical nursing program that has both a diploma and an associate in applied science in practical nursing component.

Practical Nursing AAS Degree

The rather unusual program leading to an associate applied in science degree in practical nursing requires 63 credits to complete. Students take about 25 general education credits and 38 practical nursing and health core credits. The program is aims to cover most of the general education credits usually required in a nursing mobility program, hence the unusually high number of credits as compared to the usual practical nursing diploma.

Courses can be offered in a full time day option and a flexible part time option which is done during the evening. However, students must note that a number of courses for the evening program can be offered during the day. On completion, students are eligible to write the NCLEX-PN exam and become practical nurses.

Practical Nursing Diploma

The diploma takes the same number of practical nursing credits like the practical nursing AAS degree. The only variation between the two is the number of general education credits needed. The practical nursing AAS is geared to offset the general education workload needed for a nursing mobility transfer but this option is meant to career entry. On this track, students take 13 general education credits as compared to 25 of the former program.  The mode of study is similar ie full time and part time with completion leading to eligibility to write the NCLEX-PN exam besides awarding the Diploma in practical nursing.

Nursing Assistant/ Home Health Aide Certificate

This is a certificate program that meets the educational needs of students who wish to have an entry point in nursing. The program comprises of two courses; nurse assistance course in home health aiding carrying four credits and a nursing assistance for clinical experience equivalent to one credit. Completion of the five credits makes the student eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment program and be entered in the state’s Nursing Assistant Registry.

Nursing Station Technician Certificate

This certificate program is a kind of advanced program that includes all the five nursing assisting credits and an additional 19 credits including three general education credits. The outcome of the program is to prepare a nurse technician who can work as a nurse aide, health unit coordinator, one who can process physician’s orders and one who understands diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Contact:
Saint Paul College
235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul,
MN 55102

St. Cloud State University Nursing School Review

St. Cloud State University (SCSU), located along the Mississippi river in Minnesota is a public institution of higher learning serving Minnesota and US as a whole. It has an intriguing history from when it started in1869 as a small normal school giving training to teachers. The university received its current status in 1975 and journey of numerous academic opportunities for its students. It boasts to be the second largest university in the state and one among the top universities with the highest number of international students.

Nursing Programs- St. Cloud State University

The nursing department at Saint Cloud University has two programs for offer to interested candidates. Both programs lead to the award of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing. The department is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is worth noting that St Cloud does not have a master or doctoral program in the nursing department. However, there is a master of science in gerontology offered by a different department of the university. A detailed view of the nursing programs is given below:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Generic / Traditional Program

The traditional baccalaureate in nursing program at St Cloud is a four year program that admits both new and transfer students from other colleges. New students must have applied to St Cloud and completed the set of general education and prerequisites courses. There is double admission each year in spring and fall semester. After successful completion of this portion, students can apply to be admitted into the nursing major program.

The nursing major portion requires 71 credits to complete for students to graduate with a BSN degree. Completion of the nursing major program takes about two and half academic years. The first portion of 41 liberal arts credits takes about three to five semesters bringing it to a total of about 4 to 5 years.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Accelerated Nursing Program

This program is designed for students with non nursing degrees from recognized universities and colleges. It is an intense- highly paced program that takes only 16 months to complete with admission a single admission annually. The curriculum includes a rigorous combination of theory and clinical experience. Curriculum delivery is via a blended mode of both online and classroom instructions.

Students graduating from this program are awarded a second degree bachelor of science in nursing degree. Graduates are also well prepared and eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. It is a great fast track opportunity for career shifters from other fields to get into professional nursing.

Master of Science in Gerontology

Although the program is not offered through the department of nursing, it is a common master specialty in the nursing field. The department of Gerontology delivers the curriculum in full time and part time study formats. Students are expected to work in health agencies or any other facilities working with the elder populations. It is therefore recommended that students who would wish to get a Master of Science in Nursing-Gerontology from St Cloud to consider taking the MS- Gerontology.

Contact:
St. Cloud State University
720 4^th Avenue South St. Cloud,
MN 56301

University of Minnesota Nursing School Review

The University of Minnesota (U of M) is set in a completely urban area of the twin Cities and has four satellite campuses located within St Paul and Minneapolis.  The University has a long history and has offered higher education and professional workforce in metro Minnesota from 1851. It is a public co-ed university heavily involved in research within an environment rich in culture, diversity and experiential learning. University of Minnesota Duluth, Morris, Rochester and Crookston are the other major campuses of the flagship university in Twin Cities.

Nursing Programs in University of Minnesota

The school of nursing offers the nursing programs in University of Minnesota. The programs have full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Programs offered are bachelor, master and PhD programs and classes held are in both University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Rochester campuses.

BSN Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is meant for first time nursing students who to get into professional nursing. The program prepares students to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. It is a full time day program delivered in the main and Rochester campuses. Students start with prerequisite courses in the freshman year and progression from the sophomore year with nursing majors. A minimum of 120 credits of general education and nursing credits and extensive clinical practicum at Mayo Clinic and the university based medical centre are required for students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

MN Program

The Master of Nursing degree is a rather peculiar one as it only takes in non-nursing Bachelor of Science graduates. Unlike most common master of nursing programs, University of Minnesota does not take BSN prepared candidates. On this note, the curriculum includes the essentials of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree in addition to graduate studies.

The program is taken on a full time mode incorporating web based, online and classroom instructions curriculum delivery methods. It is an accelerated direct entry program with a curriculum completion time of 16 months of four semesters. A total of 54 credits are required to graduate and the number is increased by the incorporation of the BSN essentials into the curriculum. As part of achieving the advanced practice nurse status, students take Public Health Nursing as a master’s level concentration.

PhD Program

The PhD program is the highest nursing program at University of Minnesota. It is available in both full time; taking three years and a part time option taking a maximum of six years. Candidates for the program can either be BSN or MSN prepared.

Continuing Professional Development

As part of lifelong learning, the university offers a number of nursing professional development courses. These courses are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Centre and can be used towards fulfilling contact hours required for license renewal. Some of the courses include:

Minnesota Emergency readiness education and training

Leaders in nursing

Tele-health nurses presenter

Nursing informatics

Children with special healthcare needs

Contact:
University of Minnesota
231 Pillsbury Drive, S.E. Minneapolis,
MN 55455

Walden University Nursing School Review

Walden University is one of the universities in the world which has a global outreach. It has excelled exceptionally well to become the best online university globally. Walden University has evolved from a one program university in 1970 to the respected virtual university it is today.  It has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer undergraduate, master, and doctoral programs; most of which are delivered online.

Nursing at Walden University

The School of nursing at Walden is under the College of Health Sciences. Nursing programs under the school range from bachelor to doctoral degrees and post-masters certificates.  Because the programs are offered in an online version, the best candidates for the nursing programs are those who already have some nursing experience, hence registered nurses.  Accreditation is by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program

Completion of the RN to BSN program requires 180 quarter credits and students can apply up to 50 credits in recognition of their associate or diploma in nursing. Candidates for this program must also have active RN licenses and relevant current experience. Of the 180 quarter credits, students can be allowed up to 135 from general education, elective and lower-division courses. However, it is mandatory to finish the last 45 nursing major courses at Walden University.

Due to the flexibility of this online program, students can finish the curriculum after a minimum of two years but the exact completion time depends on the number of credits transferred from the Associate or Diploma.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University (WU) is Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) -accredited. All the programs are offered online and as such, students receive flexible curriculum schedules. They are best suited for working nurses who wish to keep their day jobs as they study. The master’s program features two tracks depending on the student’s prior experience as follows:

• BSN to MSN

This track is specifically designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses who want to gain advanced practice nursing.

• RN to MSN

This, on the other hand, is meant for registered nurses who hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing. It is also the track that allows students with other bachelor’s degrees other than the BSN to become advanced practice nurses and get a master of science in nursing. For BSN-prepared nurses, 35 credits are needed while the RNs and non- BSN candidates take 59 credits. Regardless of the track, students pick one of the three areas of concentrations below:

• MSN Nursing Informatics
• MSN Education
• MSN Leadership and Management

Postmasters certificates are also available for each of the MSN concentrations listed above.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This online terminal nursing degree is meant for advanced practice nurses who hold any nursing specialty. It takes 47 to 53 credits with each practical nursing credit carrying an equivalent of 72 practicum hours. Practicum hours can be completed at the students’ location of choice with supervision by the university’s appointed supervision/ preceptor. The same case (for clinical locations)  applies to all the other nursing programs.

Contact:
Walden University
100 Washington Avenue South
Suite 1210
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

Winona State University Nursing School Review

An evolution from Winona Normal school to a State teachers College, a state College and finally to Winona State University is what makes-up the university history. Back in 1958, the university opened its doors to the first small group of students who wanted to become teachers. A long history in between resulted to the highly diverse state university with five distinct colleges and three campuses namely Winona, Rochester and Winona West Campuses.

Nursing and Health Sciences College- Winona State University

The college of Nursing and Health sciences is one of the five well structured colleges in Winona State University (WSU). Programs are offered at both the main campus in Winona and its large graduate campus at Rochester.  Two tracks that lead to a bachelor of science in nursing are offered, six master level nursing tracks and one Doctorate program. Accreditation of the programs has been granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  The baccalaureate programs have also been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science With a Major in Nursing- Generic Option

The program admits fresh nursing candidates who want to have an entry point into professional nursing. Students are admitted in two semesters per year; the fall admission takes students to study in both Winona and Rochester campuses. The spring group is only admitted to the main campus at Winona. General education courses kick off in the freshman and sophomore years while nursing major courses start at the junior year. 59 nursing major credits must be completed during the 3^rd and 4^th years to be eligible for graduation and to write the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. All courses are offered full time within a period of four years.

• RN to BS Completion Program

This program requires candidates who hold active licenses from any of the US states. The Program is available in part time and full time options only in Winona State University- Rochester.  Following admission to the program, students receive 24 credits in recognition of their RN diplomas or associate degrees.  For nurse graduates from non- accredited schools, a nursing competency test must be passed before admission. Inclusive of the transferred credits, nurse must take the total number of credits equal to those of the generic option.

Graduate Programs

Graduate nursing programs at Winona State University are offered at Rochester campus only. Six areas of master level advanced practice nursing are offered namely:

• Nurse Educator Program -48 credits
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program-54 credits
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program- 52 credits
• Nursing and Organizational Leadership Program- 43 credits
• Adult-Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner Program-56 credits

Two plans of study can be followed full time option taking two years and a part time option taking three years. In addition, post-master nursing certificates at available for all the six master tracks listed above.

RN to MS Pathway

RNs can complete a Masters degree without necessary having a BSN during admission. Students who opt for this pathway must complete a total of 128 credits, some of which will be transferred from the RN status. An additional 40 to 49 credits must be completed for the advanced practice nursing package.  Part time and full time options can be chosen to complete this RN to MS pathway program.

Important Note- Doctor of Nursing Practice

Winona State University had been offering the DNP program under a consortium of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in Rochester campus. However, the program was suspended in late 2011 for reasons of developing a Winona State University independent program that will have both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways. This is a promising program and interested students should keep checking on when the program will start being offered exclusively at the university.

Contact:
Winona State University
175 West Mark Street, Winona,
MN 55987

Andrews University Nursing School Review

Andrews University is deeply rooted Christian university of the seventh day Adventist denomination. It derives its name from one of the most prominent seventh day Adventist thinkers of the 19^th century Nevins Andrews.  Its learning programs are entwined in the mission of affirming faith to transform the world. Andrews University (AU) claims to be the best Adventist University of higher learning in the world over. It is very obvious that students who wish to study in Andrews must be ready to go parallel in terms of learning and spiritual development along the way.

Andrews University-Department of Nursing

The department of nursing at this strong Christian university has nursing programs ranging from undergraduate to graduates programs. The university is fully accredited and approved to offer nursing programs by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The department offers two degrees at undergraduate level and two graduate level programs; a degree and a certificate program.

Undergraduate Nursing

At undergraduates, two degree routes lead to the Bachelor of Science in nursing and they are presented as:

• BSN-Pre licensure

The pre licensure program is designed for entry level students who are getting into nursing for the first time. The focus on this route is to prepare the student to sit for their first NCLEX-RN exam. The curriculum includes general education, nursing and liberal arts courses. The program requires a minimum of eight semesters to complete with a full time study basis. The outcome is the award of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and eligibility towards the NCLEX-RN exam.

• BSN-Completion for RNs

This as the name suggests is directed to registered nurses who already hold nursing licensure. For this program, international registered nurses students are not allowed as the licensure is strictly considered for US RNs only. The program builds upon prior nursing knowledge and practicing experience leading to the award of the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

It is also important to note that the program does not accept RNs who have gained their licensure via a nursing diploma. It takes two years of full time study and clinical experience to complete the curriculum for this program.

Master of Science in Nursing

At Andrews University, the Master of Science program is designed for RNs who have a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Unlike the BSN, this program accepts international students who have gained RN licensure via an accrediting authority equivalent to the NLNAC or CCNE.  For five semesters students engage in graduate nursing courses that lead to the award of the Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Education. It is also important to note that this is a distance education degree program taken under distance and online learning modes.

Post-Masters: Nursing Certificate

The focus of this graduate certificate program is on nursing education, just like the MSN. It only requires 6 credits to complete the certificate program and the study mode is as well distance and online. Current licensure and a MSN from US or the country of residence is required for admission eligibility.

Contact:
Andrews University
8975 Old-US 31, Berrien Springs,
MI 49104

Bay de Noc Community College Nursing Program Review

Bay de Noc Community College (BayCC), commonly known as Bay College is situated at the heart of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its history dates back to 1962 where it started off as a very small college with a very small curriculum too. During its founding years, it suffered a lot in offering technical programs especially nursing. Later on, donations from well-wishers enabled the university to have infrastructural developments to become the community college it is today. It has since developed well structured associate degrees that enable students advance from two-year program to four year transfer programs into major colleges and universities.

Nursing Division-Bay College

The nursing division is one of the seven academic divisions at Bay College. The division offers two part-hierarchy nursing programs. The programs curriculum is designed to prepare the students to transfer to four –year programs in other universities with which it has articulation agreements with. For accreditation and program approval, the nursing division has been accredited approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Michigan Board of Nursing respectively.  The mobility program is if offered in two parts as explained below:

Part I Licensed Practical Nurse

This is a 43 credit- certificate program under Bay college. The program is part I is designed such that students earn a certificate as a Licensed practical Nurse in the state of Michigan. The certificate program is offered in two options, a full time program at Dickson and Delta Campuses of Bay College and a part time option offered only at Delta campus. Ultimately, the student practical nursing students are expected to sit for the NCLEX-LPN exam for which they will receive a LPN license.

Part II-Associate of Nursing Degree

The part two nursing program at Bay College enables students to gain licensure as registered nurses. The program is designed to stand on its own by having the capacity to train entrance level students who wish to become registered nurses. On the other hand, the program can take in the Bay college graduates of the Part I and help them get an associate degree in nursing. The latter students receive credit transfer from their LPN licensure and hence take a shorter time to complete the program than fresh entrants.

The program is offered as a part time plan for students taking classes at Delta and West campuses of Bay College and a part time option is also available at Delta Campus.

Health Careers Certificate

Still under the division of nursing at Bay de Noc Community College, the health career certificate is not a specific certificate program. As such, it offers nursing foundation courses and other healthcare related courses. The health careers certificate requires that students take a total of 25 credit hours as a requirement for the award. At Bay College, the certificate credits can be used towards the enrollment in the licensed practical nurse certificate or towards the Associate degree in nursing. It is an advantage to take these courses as they will form part of the ADN prerequisites requirement in addition to getting a certificate from them only at Bay de Noc Community College.

Contact:
Bay de Noc Community College
2001 North Lincoln, Escanaba,
MI 49829

Calvin College Nursing Program Review

The Calvin College is a part of the Christian Reformed Church denomination of United States. It is deeply rooted into the teachings of the holy bible hence it is inevitable for students attending the college to miss out on being transformed into Christianity. The college was first founded as a seminary; offering theological teachings only back in the mid 1850s. Since then, Calvin College (CC) operated as a seminary center until 1900 when the college started to offer its fist pre-professional degrees.  The College then moved to Burton at Knollcrest campus where it stands today.

Nursing Department- Calvin College

The goal of the nursing department at Calvin College is to mould nurses who will uphold the Christian Reformed Church vision of serving God; which is serving the community. It trains nurses to be compassionate, faithful, just and having empathy. The teaching takes a holistic approach with the curriculum having a very high percent of liberal arts courses. There is only one undergraduate nursing program at Calvin College which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The program is divided in a complex manner as explained below

The Nursing Program Details

The nursing program at Calvin College is a two-part training hierarchy whereby, students take foundational nursing courses and later furthering to the upper part to finish a four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. On the first part of the nursing program, the nursing students take a total of nine nursing courses and 12 liberal arts core courses. It is also mandatory for the students to have a foreign language from as part of their high school transcripts.

The second part of the program requires students who have taken the first nursing courses and the liberal arts courses in the first program. The upper division is a sequential continuation of the first program. It is at this point where students engage in nursing courses and practicum lessons.  A total of thirteen nursing courses are required for the completion of the program. At this point students take only nursing major courses unlike the trend observed in other BSN programs.

The program takes a full time study mode for about four additional semesters totaling to 8 semesters for the two segments. Graduates of the program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and will consecutively be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Transfer Students Information

Transfer students at Calvin College must receive two semesters of liberal arts courses before being eligible to join the rest of the students at the second segment level. However, students who are wishing to transfer to the program are only accepted if there is available space after Calvin College segment one students are all enrolled.

As complex as it seems, the nursing program at Calvin College is determined to bring out the most competent nurses who will serve their communities and highly participating in holistic nursing and giving Christian teachings in the process.

Contact:
Calvin College
3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids,
MI 49546

Davenport University Nursing School Review

The history of Davenport University is really fascinating. It dates back to 1866 when it was operating as a business college under the name Grand Rapids Business College. Since then, that pioneer college changed names countless times until 1910 when it was on the verge of closing due to mismanagement. A teacher at the school; Michael Davenport took over the school and named it after his name and that is what we have as Davenport University today. It is one of the largest not-for-profit private universities in Michigan with a total of 15 satellites campuses. One of its colleges offers nursing under the department of nursing.

College of Health Professionals

The department of nursing at Davenport University (DU) is under the college of Health Professionals. The department offers two undergraduate and two diploma nursing programs. For all the nursing programs at Davenport University, accreditation and approval is granted by NLNAC and the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees

The Bachelor of Science in nursing at Davenport University takes two courses: a pre-licensure track and a completion program.

Bachelor of Science-Pre-licensure RN

The BSN program is meant for first time nursing students who want to get the skills of professional nursing. The program takes four years to complete and students are awarded the BSN degree after successfully completing a minimum of 126 credits

Bachelor of Science-Completion for RNs

The program is specially designed for registered nurses who hold a diploma of an associate of science degree for licensure. Students are expected to cover a minimum of 120 credits in a period of two years. Because the program builds on prior nursing experience and knowledge, students receive credit transfer for their RN licensure hence reducing the number of courses to be taken. For eligibility, students must show prove of their current RN licensure which must be unencumbered and unrestricted.

Practical Nursing Diploma

Unlike the trend in many colleges and universities to offer a certificate in practical nursing, Davenport University offers a Diploma. The diploma focuses on training on caring of patients of all age groups, ie infants, children and adult nursing care. With completion of 47 credits, students will be in a position to sit for the NCLEX-LPN exam for licensure in Michigan. As much as it is unique, in terms of offering a diploma in place of a certificate, the program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Phlebotomy Diploma

Just like the licensed practical nurse diploma, Davenport also offers the relatively rare Diploma in Phlebotomy. The diploma is geared towards competent training entry level nursing students in blood drawing techniques. With a total of 3 credits and extensive clinical experience in blood drawing and venipunctures, students are usually eligible to sit for many phlebotomy certification exams including the phlebotomy Technician Certification exam.

Pre- Health Professional Courses

The college of Health professions at Davenport also offers some short courses in the nursing field. The courses are meant for undecided future nursing students and can be used towards fulfilling the admission requirements of the other major nursing programs at Davenport university Department of nursing.

Contact:
Davenport University
6191 Kraft Avenue S.E, Grand Rapids,
MI 49512

Delta College Nursing Program Review

As a community college, Delta College is committed to bringing higher education close to the community as part of the mission of all community colleges. The future of Delta College started in late 1961 whereby, it started offering its first higher education programs. The target for this community college is giving higher education to the residents of Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties. From high school leavers, adult learners and in between, Delta College (DC) has programs for everyone via its three campuses in Saginaw, Midland and Bay.

Nursing Programs at Delta College

The nursing programs at Delta College are fully approved and accredited by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission respectively. There are a total of three nursing programs at Delta College; all of which lead to the award of the Associate of Science in nursing degree. The breakdown of those nursing programs is:

Nursing ADN- Associate in Applied Science

This program is designed for entry level first-time nursing students. It equips the students with all the skills of professional nursing required in the modern day nursing. The program takes two years to complete and the curriculum is delivered in two options ie part time and full time.

For full time students, classes are taken consecutively for the 2 major semesters ie fall and winter to total of four semesters while on the other hand, part time students take classes in fall, winter and summer.

However, the department reserves the right to assign part time clinical classes to students who have enrolled for the full time track in demanding circumstances. The part time students also complete in two years given that they are in session all year round. For future students, it is important to note that admission occurs in fall and winter for the full time and only in fall for the part time track.

Associate in Applied Science-Paramedic to RN Transition

This is a special ADN track that enables paramedics to get into professional nursing. The program takes currently licensed paramedics who have been licensed in Michigan. In addition to the license, the program requires the paramedic candidate to show prove of a minimum of one year working experience. In total, paramedics ought to take a total of 65 credits most some of which can be waivered from the paramedic license and completed within a period of three years-part time basis.

Associate in Applied Science-LPN to RN Transition

Just like the Paramedic to RN transition, the LPN to RN transition at Delta College takes three years on a part time basis. Students planning to be enrolled for this program must be holders of unrestricted licensed practical nurse licenses for Michigan. One year working experience is also required for this program as part of admission eligibility. Both the Paramedic to RN transition and the LPN to RN transition will lead to the award of an Associate degree in nursing with eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Contact:
Delta College
1961 Delta Road, University Center,
MI 48710

Eastern Michigan University Nursing School Review

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) can be traced back to Michigan State Normal School, offering teaching programs in 1849. Over the years, the school merged with other schools while changing names at the same time. In 1956, it became a college and finally in 1959, it became Eastern Michigan University. The school offers good interaction of school life, recreation, research and cultural diversity due to it proximal location to the Detroit metropolitan area. Since becoming a university, the university expanded its academic outreach to include other programs besides the education route. The College of Health and Human Services at Eastern Michigan University was part of that expansion program.

Eastern Michigan University-School of Nursing

The school of nursing is under the larger college of Health and Human Services and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Under the school, there are three undergraduate programs and one graduate level degree. Below is detailed and expounded information pertinent to those nursing programs:

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Students enrolling for this program ought to complete 124 credits to be allowed to graduate. The credits cover general education courses, sciences and nursing major courses.  It is designed for entry level students who wish to get into the nursing profession. Students are awarded the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree upon completion and are hence eligible to sit for the NCLEX_RN exam.

Bachelor of Science-RN to BS Completion

This program is offered to registered nurses who come to Eastern Michigan University as a result of articulation agreement with other community colleges. The program does hesitate from admitting students in this program who are not part of the articulated colleges while giving preference to the latter lot. If one is planning to enroll to this program, they must check that their former school; which awarded the associate in nursing degree, has articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan.

Second Degree-BSN

This is a degree program that allows students with non nursing baccalaureates to take a second degree in the field of nursing.  It takes the form of a highly paced nursing program with students earning their bachelor of science in nursing degree within 16 months of full time study. Upon graduation, students are able to sit for the NCLEX_RN exam to become licensed as registered nurses. All other requirements for this program mirror those of the traditional BSN including credits, prerequisites and clinical experience.

Graduate programs

Master of Science in Nursing

The masters program at Eastern Michigan University prepares advanced practice nurses who will serve the community by choosing one of the following nursing specialties:

• Master of Science in Nursing-Adult health Clinical nurse specialist
• Master of Science in Nursing-Adult health and concentration
• Master of Science in Nursing-Adult health clinical nurse specialist and concentration

Students can choose individualized study, gerontology, teaching in health care systems and quality improvement in healthcare systems as part of the concentration.  For any of the concentration options, students need extra hours to complete the courses involved.

Contact:
Eastern Michigan University
1000 College Place, Ypsilanti,
MI 48197

Ferris State University Nursing School Review

Ferris State University (FSU) is named after the governor who served in Michigan State for two years, Nathan Ferris. It history dates back to 1884 and was initially started off as  private institution of higher learning known as the Big Rapids Industrial school. By the year 1950, Ferris was changed to become a state owned college and later on upgraded to a state university in 1987. Since then, Ferris state has been a fast growing public university with a great network of 19 satellite campuses all over Michigan in addition to the main campus at Big Rapids. For this expansion, the university is often referred to as the “Statewide University”

Nursing at Ferris State University

In the college of Allied Health Sciences is the school of nursing at Ferris state university. The school offers five of the over 180 programs in the university. The school of nursing aims to prepare professional nurses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Formerly, there was an Associate in nursing degree but was later replaced to become the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A concise breakdown of nursing programs at Ferris state University will take the form of:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Pre-licensure Program

The program takes-in fresh students who are entering nursing most preferably for the first time. The program has a very intensive curriculum that aims at molding competent nurses in a period of two years. It is a full time commitment that enrolls every fall and spring and a part time option if available for students who will be taking nursing as a second degree.

The latter second degree in nursing is an extremely high paced option with admission taking place every summer. The curriculum for the second degree option takes one calendar year to finish, which is one of the fastest such degrees in Michigan. The short duration for completion is attributed to the all year round classes for both programs. Students are then able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after successful completion of the required nursing and general education credits at Ferris University.

RN to BSN Completion Program

The completion program is highly dynamic to meet the needs of working nurses, hence alleviating the need of giving up their day work. The program is also offered in almost all the 16 campuses of Ferris state university to ensure accessibility to class. In addition, the program is ideally delivered in a 50-50 basis for both online and site based instructions.

The site based classes are offered only in the evening and require one attendance/ week. There is an exclusive online option that is open to all students or those who cannot reach the site based locations. This program accepts transfer students from about 8 colleges and community colleges in Michigan.

RN to MSN Accelerated Program

The program is designed for RNs who do not hold a BSN degree and would like to get to the MSN level. The application must first be started at the above RN to BSN level at Ferris with an indication to progress to the MSN level. The student is then expected to complete a RN to MSN bridgework of 59 credits after which they will enter the MSN level. In addition to the bridging, students applying for this accelerated track must show prove of two years full time working experience.

Master of Science in Nursing

The MSN program at Ferris State University is adult learners-oriented meaning they are designed to cover the curriculum in an online mode. Almost all the nursing courses required to cover the requirements for graduation are offered in an online option. Only a few exceptions of the courses require site based instruction; for the MSN-nurse informatics specialty, which are also quite flexibly offered on Saturdays. The MSN students at Ferris are free to choose from:

• MSN –Nursing Informatics
• MSN-Nursing Administration and
• MSN-Nursing Education

Contact:
Ferris State University
1201 S. Street, Big Rapids,
MI 49307

Finlandia University Nursing School Review

Finlandia University was founded in 1986 first as a college and later on advancing into a university. It is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Hancock. The university has two campuses; the main one at Hancock and the satellite one just at close proximity to the main and is known as the Jutila Campus. With the opening of the Jutila Campus, the college was renamed to Finlandia University (FU). In terms of academics, the university has four colleges among them the college of health sciences that hosts the school of nursing.

College of Health Sciences

The college has the vision of delivering high quality university education to the rural areas of Michigan. Under the nursing school at Finlandia university are two nursing programs; which have been accredited and approved by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Michigan Board of Nursing in that order. The two programs are of undergraduate level. At the moment, the university does not offer graduate level nursing programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

This program at Finlandia University is relatively new dating back to 2007 when it received the first accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Despite the age, the program is very popular and is specifically designed to cater for educational needs of students getting their first nursing education experience. The program takes the form of the traditional four year curriculum upon which, students are expected to graduate.

The successful completion of the programs leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree together with eligibility to it for the NCLEX-RN exam.  In total, a minimum of 126 credits are required to graduate from this program; 70 nursing and 56 general education courses. However, students can add on to this mandatory courses hence taking-up to five years to complete the program.

RN to BSN –Completion Program

The program is carefully designed to meet the needs of career advance for already practicing registered nurses. It calls for enrollment for nurses who already have a diploma or two-year degree in nursing. This is because the curriculum only builds on prior nursing experience from the start.

The program is designed to ensure learners do not; at the most cases drop their day jobs. It therefore, has incorporated both face to face classroom instructions with online teaching technologies to ensure the delivery of the curriculum. The university has high enrolment of adult learners, hence, adopted a faculty- independent-study design to meet the needs of every individual students.

Students also have options to take the curriculum on a part time or full time basis depending on their daily commitments. Due to credit transfer from the RN license, the full time students can fulfill the 126 credits towards a BSN in three to four semesters while the part time period depends on courses taken by the student. Students can choose to take the program in any desired amount of time but not exceeding seven years. For this program too, the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree is awarded upon successful completion of the degree requirements stipulated by Finlandia University.

Contact:
Finlandia University
601 Quincy Street, Hancock,
MI 49930

Grand Rapids Community College Nursing Program Review

The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is one of the Michigan community colleges dedicated to delivering higher education right at the community level. The college has its history back in 1914 when the University of Michigan proposed the need to have a junior college to train residents at the community level. Later on in 1991, taxpayers of Kent County passed a vote to change the college from a junior college to Grand Rapids Community College. Since then, the college has been offering many liberal arts and professional programs.

Nursing at Grand Rapids Community College

As a community college, the nursing programs offered at Grand Rapids are a maximum of two-year degrees. The programs are fully approved and accredited by Michigan Board of Nursing and NLNAC. Two associate of nursing routes exist and one nursing certificate program as follows:

Associate Degree in Nursing

The associate degree is a five and a half semester program which leads to the award of an associate degree in nursing. Students must take a pre-admission semester whereby they take prerequisite and general education courses. The five remaining semesters are exclusively geared towards nursing courses.

 Grand Rapids nursing department starts off its nursing students on nursing courses from the first semester hence, students receive intensive and dedicated nurse training throughout the period of study with the exemption of the pre- nursing semester. Students must take a minimum of 72 credits to be eligible for graduation and the NCLEX-RN exam and passing the state NCLEX-RN exam gives the students a chance to practice as a registered nurse.

Advanced Standing LPN to RN

Grand Rapids Community College offers interested licensed practical nurses a chance to become registered nurses via the advanced placement for RNs. The program allows the LPN student to use their licenses to earn credits required towards the associate of science in nursing degree. After the bridging coursework is taken, LPNs are able to progress into the ADN and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exams for RNs licensure.

For admission into this program, students must provide proof of LPN licensure in Michigan and official transcripts sent from the school that conferred the LPN certificate.  The LPN license should also be clean and unencumbered but students do not necessarily need to have working experience. After transfer credits are added, the total number of credits is similar to those of the traditional ADN.

Practical Nursing Certificate

Department of nursing at Grand Rapids offers the Certificate Program to enable students prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam. The certificate in practical nursing trains students to offer basic and bedside care to patients under the supervision of RNs. It takes students twice a year at fall and winter semesters whereby, students start-up on a pre nursing semester. After the pre-nursing semester, students must attend full time classes for an additional three semesters to enable completion of the clinical and theory segments of the program.

Career advancement opportunities also exist for Grand Rapids Community College graduates of the LPN program. As such, LPNs are allowed to enroll for the advanced placement LPN to RN program to enhance their quick transition to becoming registered nurses. The college also has articulation agreements via the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registers and Admission officers to allow transfer of the 2-year GRCC to 4-year BSN programs.

Contact:
Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Avenue, Grand Rapids,
MI 49503

Grand Valley State University Nursing School Review

Grand Rapids State University (GVSU) was founded in response to the need of establishing a four-year university at Allendale, one of the largest metropolitan areas in Michigan. To that need, the university opened its door to students in 1960, at an ample location of 1300 acres of land. The university has expanded to be among the largest in terms of academic space and number of degree programs (over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs), among them nursing.

Grand Rapids State University- Nursing Programs Overview

Nursing at Grand Rapids State University consist of an appreciable number of programs all under the Kirkhof College of Nursing. There are three distinct nursing programs at the university: one at undergraduate and two beyond the undergraduate level. The three programs are fully accredited by NLNAC and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Below is a breakdown of all the respective nursing programs offer:

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

At this level, the Kirkhof College of Nursing has three options for students to choose from. All the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree options lead to the award of the BSN and eligibility for the students to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as registered nurses.

Traditional route

This is the traditional four year bachelor’s degree in nursing that welcomes new entrants into the nursing profession. The program requires students to cover a total of 126 general education and nursing credits. For this program, admission is strictly limited to high school graduates and hence, adult and transfer students are required to enroll for other options of the BSN.

Second Degree in Nursing

At the university, this program is offered as part time and full time study plans. It is specially designed for persons with a first baccalaureate degree from a non nursing field. It is the best fit for adult learners who want to have some time off for work. It takes the form of an accelerated study plan that allows students to complete their BSN requirements in very short time, usually below two years. Students are able to use their former degree transcripts to request credits transfer.

RN to BSN Completion

This option of the BSN allows registered nurses who hold diploma or associate degrees to progress to the BSN level. In this option, most students are transfer students who are admitted from articulated colleges and community colleges. RNs are able to use their licenses in receiving advanced standing towards the BSN. Just like the 2^nd degree option, this route is also available in part time and full time study plans. RNs who are interested in getting a master level degree should consider enrolling for the RN to MSN program over the RN to BSN.

Graduate and Doctorate Nursing Degrees

Grand Rapids State University has two graduate level nursing programs:

Master of Science

At this level, the Kirkhof College of nursing trains registered nurses to become competent advanced practice nurses. The program does not have any nurse specialties to choose from and takes the form of a generalist advanced practice approach. It s both BSN and RN to MSN students who are willing to go into a general approach to advanced practice but on a slight incline to clinical nurse  leadership. It is also important to note that all MSN courses at Grand Rapids are taken via a blended online and face to face format.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This post BSN program is taken in a blended web enhanced format to allow enrollment of distance students. At this level, students are able to choose from three tracks of concentration:

• Advanced practice adult specialty
• Advanced practice adolescent specialty
• Nursing administration and health care systems

For the two advanced practice tracks, students take 94 credits for twelve semesters while the administration option requires 79 credits covered in about 10 semesters. It is rare for Grand Rapids State University to take MSN students for this program but those who wish to do so, get individualized plans different from those of the post BSN. This dictates different number of credits and completion time.

Contact:
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive, Allendale,
MI 49401

Henry Ford Community College Nursing Program Review

Since Henry Ford was named a community College in 1949, it has strived to offer higher learning to residents of Southeastern Michigan, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. It offers entry level two-year accredited programs which are fully transferable to four year colleges. With about 100 associate and certificate programs to choose from, Henry Ford Community College is the place to kick-start your higher education dreams; either for immediate employment prospects or for future career outlook.

Nursing at Henry Ford Community College

The nursing program at Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Two Associate in Applied Science lead to the two-year nursing degree.

Associate in Applied Science- Nursing

This is a two year program which leads to the awards of an Associate degree in nursing. The program is offered in Henry Ford’s East campus on a full time basis. Students are expected to complete the 65 credits required for graduation and eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam.  All students are expected to complete all their general education and nursing courses in a maximum of three year beyond which, dismissal is possible.

Students interested in the program must also be ready to take non-consistent clinical placements at either early mornings or evening classes. The school of nursing registry advises students who cannot meet these inconsistent clinical classes’ variations not to apply to the program.

Advanced Placement LPN to RN

Licensed practical nurses who wish to pursue their associate degree in nursing are welcome for the advanced placement program at Henry Ford’s community college school of nursing. The program takes-in licensed practical nurses that are accredited in Michigan State and have current-active such licenses. Just like the normal associate degree in nursing, the school of nursing requires that students finish the program within three years from time of admission.

Students are able to earn credit transfers from their LPN licenses from the total 66 credits needed for the completion of the program. Successful completion lead to the awards of an associate of nursing degree from Henry Ford Community College and eligibly to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam towards becoming a registered nurse.

Nursing Aide Certificate

The program is designed to be competed in five weeks after which, the student is able to become a certified nurse aide/ certified nurse assistant. The program is a combination of extensive 40 hours of classroom nursing theory and 50 hours of clinical practice.  For those interested, it is good to know that classes are offered full time from 9 to 3 pm-four days in a week.

Henry Ford Community College Transfer Information

Nursing students from Henry Ford are welcome to take advantage of transfer opportunities to four-year degree programs. The university has established articulation agreements for nursing students with the following universities:

• Wayne State University
• Oakland University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Michigan State University
• Madonna University
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• University Of Detroit Mercy

Contact:
Henry Ford Community College
5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn,
MI 48128

Hope College Nursing Program Review

Hope College is located in the great lakes region of Holland; around Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. It is right in the heart of Holland’s central business district, hence an excellent composition of diverse student cultures. Hope College is a church institution of higher learning; strongly affiliated and part of the Reformed Church in America. The college offers about 80 programs leading to several BA and BS degrees among them the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Hope College Nursing

The only nursing program in Hope College (HC) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. The hope college-nursing program is encompassed in Christian faith and has a curriculum that incorporates a balanced liberal arts and nursing courses. The faculty of nursing train professional nurses who are strongly inclined to believe of nursing an altruistic vocation that should give Christ-like care. The Godly providence of health care and care to the people is what drives the Hope College nursing program.

The Nursing Degree

The nursing department offers this program and it takes the form of a full time mode. The curriculum is broad and encompasses general education credits, which must be completed in the first and sophomore year. The number of both general education and pre and co-requites courses taken during the first year must total to a minimum of 76 courses and take up the better part of the program.

During the second semester of the sophomore year, students start off with the nursing theory and practicum classes. In total, 48 nursing credits are required which include a large component of clinical experience. It is also good to note that classes are only offered during spring and fall and only a few courses are offered in summer in special circumstances only. The final outcome is the award of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN exam.  Besides the preparation on the core duties of registered nurses, Hope College is known to produce nurses who are excellent in offering nursing practices in a holistic and in a Christian approach.

Admission Into The Program and Transfer Information

The nursing program at Hope College generally invites high school graduates who will usually have a direct entry admission to the program if they meet the requirements for admission. For transfer students of Associate and Diploma nursing programs, direct transfer is not accepted. The college does not have articulation agreements with other colleges and as such, no direct transfers are made.

However, the said students can still apply to the program but be ready to take 12 credits in Hope College before being accepted into the Bachelor of Science with a concentration in nursing. It is important to note that Hope College department of nursing only accepts 10% of the total sitting capacity during any one semester as transfer students. The excess is always rejected and selection is based on passing the required 12 credits. Guarantee is not given for all students who pass the 12 credits required for application.

Contact:
Hope College
69 E 10th St,
Holland, MI 49423

Lake Michigan College Nursing Program Review

Lake Michigan Community College became a community college in mid 1963 following a vote by the residents of Berrien County. It had been operating as a technical institute and junior college since 1946 before then. The college sits on serene, 50 acre land where the main campus; Napier Avenue Campus is located. It is a two-year college which has well structured certificate and associate degree programs to meet the educational needs of the Berrien County residents and beyond.

Nursing Programs at Lake Michigan College

There are only two nursing programs offered by the nursing department of this college. They are both approved and accredited by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. They are an associate degree in nursing and a ladder-practical nursing certificate program.

Associate Degree in Nursing

At Lake Michigan College (LMC), this program is offered on a two-year full time basis. However, this is only possible when students follow the stipulated sequence of taking course starting each fall semester. However, students can be allowed to choose their own sequence of handling their courses which often, extends the period of study from two to three years. Nursing classes for the associate program are held in two semesters; fall and winter including practical experience classes. 

The college has a nursing education centre at the main campus (Napier Avenue), where all practical and nursing course instructions are held. But for other general education and prerequisites courses, students are free to take lessons from other satellite campuses including South Haven and Bertrand Crossing campuses. Having completed the required 65 credits outlined by the department of nursing at Lake Michigan College, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to facilitate their licensures are registered nurses. Students also graduate with an associate in applied Science degree in nursing.

Practical Nursing Certificate

The practical nursing program is a rigorous program that trains entry level students who want to get into the nursing profession. The program is meant to be completed in one academic year running for four semesters; summer, spring, winter and fall. Students are however welcome to ease the rushed program by taking two years of completing the courses if they follow their own sequence of taking prerequisites and nursing credits. The program needs 45 credits to complete leading to eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure in Michigan.

On a further note, Lake Michigan College PN trainees attend the same lectures with those who have enrolled for the associate in applied science nursing program. For a whole year, the PNs and RN students meet for the same classes at winter and fall. It is basically a ladder program which calls for students who wish to continue into the associate program.

Transfer Options at Lake Michigan College

As part of encouraging and supporting career mobility, Lake Michigan’s College department of nursing has formed articulation agreements to facilitate the transfer of both the LPN and Associate degrees into four year universities. Such schools in this streamline of LPN to RN and RN to BSN with Lake Michigan are:

• Andrews University
• Western Michigan University
• Ferris State University and
• Grand Valley State University

Contact:
Lake Michigan College
2755 E. Napier Ave, Benton Harbor,
MI 49022

Lansing Community College Nursing Program Review

Lansing Community College (LCC) was founded as part of the need to reach the community in providing higher education. As a Community College, Lansing spreads its services to the Lansing community by giving affordable yet quality industrial workforce training. Since 1957, it has been doing the noble profession of offering certificate and associate degree programs that help students kick start their career ladder; for employment or for career advancement prospects.

Nursing at Lansing Community College

Nursing at Lansing is quite complex in terms of how the programs are designed. There are three distinct nursing programs; all accredited and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and NLNAC. The complexity of the programs comes in where, they are offered in different tracks for each program. There are two certificates and one associate program which is quite complex.

The Associate of Nursing Options

The degree is offered in what the nursing department call a career ladder option. It has the usual traditional and nontraditional modalities of delivering the curriculum as follows:

Traditional track

This is the usual two year associate of nursing degree track. At Lansing, the program is offered in fall and winter semesters and is completed on a full time mode.

Non-traditional tracks

In the first track, the program is designed to take three years to complete with students taking only taking classes 2 days a week.

The second option is for LPNs who want have been considered for advanced placement. It is also open for paramedics who are interested to become registered nurses. For the cases, candidates must show certification from the previous programs and have active Michigan licenses for respective fields.

On the third choice of the associate, students with baccalaureates other than nursing have the ability to go back to school and earn a lesser degree. The track is meant for career changers who want to get into nursing within a period of one year.

All program choices use both online and classroom instruction for curriculum delivery.  All the programs lead to the awards of an associate of science in nursing degree and eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN exam for licensures are a registered nurse.

Certificate of Achievement- Practical Nursing

A practical nursing certificate is offered at Lansing community college. The LPN certification allows nurses to complete 44 credit hours for which they are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Just like the associate degree, it is taken in three tracks, 1-year and a 2 year or 3-year option for part time students. A choice is available for those who want to take a 2^nd degree accelerated PN certificate which takes 6 months to complete. All the courses are also offered in online and site-based classroom methods graduates are eligible for advanced placement mentioned above.

Nurse Aide Certificate

The last program on the list of nursing programs at Lansing Community College is the nursing assistant/ nurse aide. The program is relatively short and requires only 6 credits to complete.  Successful completion the 6 credits enable the student to be eligible for the State Competency Evaluation Nurse Aide Exam where, passing labels the nurse as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Contact:
Lansing Community College
419 North Washington Square, Lansing,
MI 48901

Lake Superior State University Nursing School Review

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is located between the two Sault twin cities of Michigan and Ontario. Starting as a military camp, Lake Superior state university has come a long way to its current status.  From 1946, the school operated as a state college and was granted the charter to become a fully pledged university in 1987. As a former military fort, the campus; sitting on 115 acres has great historic landmarks hailing from the war era. Currently, the university has a wide range of programs to choose from, from liberal arts to technical programs like nursing.

School of Nursing- Lake Superior State University

The school of nursing at Lake Superior State University offers two and four year undergraduate nursing programs. All the programs are approved and accredited by the Michigan Board of nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission respectively. In total, there are five nursing programs falling within certificate, associate and bachelor degree categories. However, there are various routes through which students can enroll to be awarded the bachelor of nursing degree. A breakdown is provided below:

Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Science- Pre Licensure

The program is designed to meet the needs of fresh nursing entrants; preferably high school graduates and prepares them to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as RNs. Students are expected to complete prerequisite courses from the university for to be eligible for admission. In this route, students take a total of 125 nursing and general education credits.  Usually, it takes four years to complete the work study curriculum to be eligible for graduation with a Bachelor of Science nursing.

• RN to BSN-Completion Program

This program is meant to build on prior nursing experience for registered nurses wishing to take a bachelors degree in nursing at Lake Superior from other colleges. Students are expected to have active RN licenses to be eligible for credit transfers into the nursing school.

Just like the traditional BSN, students will be required to complete a total of 125 credits for eligibility to graduate including those credits that will be applicable for transfer. All the courses for this BSN route are available in various forms of study and students can choose to take the program in either an online, traditional classroom or as an interactive TV mode of study. The program takes two years and two summers to complete.

RPN to BSN Program

At Lake Superior State University, registered practical nurses can apply to this program. This program is open to Canadian students only and requires a total of 90 credits to complete.  After three years, students are usually eligible to sit for the registered nurses exam.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

This is a two-year degree with a concentration in nursing which the school of nursing offers to students who wish to get into the nursing field fast. With only four semesters on nurse training comprising of at least 74 credits, students are able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs. This is a great program for students seeking articulation to a four-year BSN at a future date. The special aspect of this program is that students are awarded a Practical nursing certificate besides the Associate degree.

Certificate in Practical Nursing

This certificate nursing program at Lake Superior State University aims at training practical nurses that are able to provide bedside and basic patient care. At the end of the program, students are in a position to write the NCLEX-PN exam. Students have the choice of taking the program on a two-year part time program or a full time option with four semesters including one summer.

Contact:
Lake Superior State University
650 W. Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste Marie,
MI 49783

Madonna University Nursing School Review

Madonna University (MU) was founded in 1937 under the common goal of Felician Sisters of Livonia to offer higher education to residents of Livonia and Michigan at large. That goes without saying that the university is strongly rooted to the Catholic Church faith. The college had started off as a small college offering liberal arts and later developed to the large university it is today. Currently, the university offers numerous degree programs; from undergraduate, graduate to doctoral program in a wide area of careers.

College of Nursing and Health

The college of Nursing and Health is currently accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Under the school, there are various tracks of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The pool of nursing programs is:

Undergraduate Nursing Programs                                       

The Madonna university college of nursing and health offers two programs which lead to the awards of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The BSN program at Madonna University takes the form of the traditional 4-year program.  The curriculum is set on a strong covenant of caring which stresses spirituality. Prior to admission to the BSN, students must complete 12 mandatory credits at Madonna.  Completion of all required courses enables the students to be eligible for NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurses.

RN to BSN Completion Program

Designed for RNs who hold a diplomas or an associate nursing degree, the program enables career advancement of RNs to bachelor level. The college readily admits transfers students from two-year colleges and takes them through nurse training that builds on their prior RN experience. Since the program is a career mobility ladder, it is offered through a combination online and face to face site based instruction. A total of 8 nursing courses are required for students to graduate and be awarded the BSN degree.

Graduate Programs

RN to MSN Accelerated Track

The RN to MSN track at Madonna is unique in that, it allows RNs who have a diploma or associate to earn two degrees after completion. Unlike many RN to MSN programs, theirs awards the students a bachelor and master degree at the same time. The format of curriculum delivery is by both online and site-based classroom instruction, hence excellent for working RNs. Via the accelerated RN to MSN track, RNs can choose from the nursing specialties listed below:

• Nursing Administration
• Adult Health
• Nursing Administration/ MBA

Master of Science

The masters level nursing programs at Madonna University are designed to prepare advanced practice nurses in the following nurse specialties:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Dual MBA/MSN
• Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Hospice and Palliative care
• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner- Hospice and Palliative

It is interesting to note that students taking the RN to MSN track can end up with three degrees if they took the MBA/MSN option during their MSN specialty. Madonna university also offers a second MSN for advanced practice nurses who already have another MSN; a very rare phenomenon.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The program combines online and site based teaching modalities to deliver the two-year terminal degree in nursing curriculum. It takes advanced practice nurses who are willing to specialize in health policy, nursing administration or leadership.

Post-Masters Certificates

At Madonna University, MSN nurses are offered the chance for career enrichment with the following graduate certificate programs:

• Adult advanced palliative care certificate
• Adult primary care certificate
• Adult acute care certificate
• Business strategies for Advanced practice nurses certificate

Contact:
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia,
MI 48150

Macomb Community College Nursing Program Review

Macomb Community College has its history dating back to 1953, when it was founded after the Public Instruction Superintendent of Michigan approval. The college was then known as South Macomb Community College. Later on, several larger universities in Michigan helped come-up with a comprehensive curriculum for a number of programs. In 1962, the legislature of Macomb County passed a vote to transform the college into a community college of the county. Macomb community college (MCC) as it is known today took form from that vote.

Nursing at Macomb Community College

The department of nursing at Macomb community college is mandated in offering the fully accredited and approved nursing degree. With only one nursing program, it is accredited and approved by the NLNAC and Michigan Board of Nursing.

Associate Degree in Nursing

It is the only program offered by the department of nursing hence, it receives full attention and commitment from all faculty members. The program is offered at Macomb’s main campus also known as the centre campus. It is an entry level nursing program that strives to provide learners with all the essentials of making a professional nurse.

Students must take a minimum of 69 credits to be allowed to graduate from the program. Upon successful completion of the above credits, an associate of applied science in nursing degree  is awarded.  The completion also gives the students eligibility to apply and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after which they become licensed nurses in Michigan.  Normally, two consecutive academic years are required to finish the program as outlined in the curriculum on a full time basis at the center campus

Clinical Affiliations

Macomb’s department of nursing arranges clinical classes for the nursing students with many clinical agencies all over Macomb county and Michigan at large.  However, students must be aware that they are expected to cover expenses that culminate from the clinical experience visits. Such includes transportation to and from the clinical sites. Such include healthcare facilities like Henry Ford Group of hospitals, William Beaumont hospital group and the children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Transfer Information

Students are encouraged to enroll for the Associate of nursing degree at Macomb community college since articulation agreements exist with a number of major universities. The articulation enables the students to transfer their two-year nursing courses to a four-year program.  The articulation needs for each university are different and as such, students must contact the office responsible for transfers to ensure they take the required courses to facilitate the transfer .This ensures smooth and easy career ladder mobility towards earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. The mobility agreements are between Macomb and:

• Saginaw Valley State University
• University of Detroit-Mercy
• Drexel University
• Kaplan University

Students applying for transfer credits to Kaplan and Drexel universities must be aware that the BSN will be offered in an online option only.

The college has a strong and effective non-discrimination policy and therefore, it welcomes students from all walks of life to apply to the nursing program.

Contact:
Macomb Community College
16000 Hill Road, Clinton Township,
MI 48038

Michigan State University Nursing School Review

Michigan State University (MSU) is a land- grant institution founded as an agricultural college back in 1855. The university has had numerous change of name as an Agriculture College over the 1.5 century period. The current name was coined in 1964 and up-to date, the college stopped being an exclusive agricultural college to a university offering over 200 undergraduate and post graduate programs. It is one of the largest universities in the US with over 5200 acres of land and an additional 15000 acres dedicated to the initial line of programs; agriculture.

Michigan State University- College of Nursing

The College of nursing at Michigan State University is one of the 19 colleges of the university. The college offers degrees ranging from undergraduate to graduate and doctorate degrees. It is approved to offer the above mentioned programs by the Michigan State Board of Nursing and is further accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

In addition to degree awarding programs, Michigan States University College of Nursing is also renowned to offer continuing education courses to RNs. These are meant for providing RNs with contact hours for licensure or keeping nurses abreast of the changing nursing trends. Below are the programs under the college of nursing at the university:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

At Michigan State University, students can enroll for any of the three routes towards earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree:

• Traditional BSN

This program is designed for new nursing students who want to prepare to become registered nurses by taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is offered full time for a period of four years or in four semesters for students who have already completed 56 prerequisite credits from the college of nursing.

• Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing

This option is specially designed for students who already hold recognized bachelor degrees in other art or science programs.  As the name suggests, the program takes an accelerated full time study mode in preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Within a period of 14 months, students in this route for their BSN are ready to sit for the licensure exam and be awarded the BSN as a second degree.

• BSN for Registered Nurses

At Michigan State University, active registered nurses have the chance of advancing their career through this flexible, exclusively part time BSN route. RNs receive 30 credits for their associate degrees and work the remaining credits for the BSN in a maximum of five semesters. It is also worth noting that students are expected to take the classes online and plan for their own clinical practical sessions at places of their convenience; preferably at their places of work.

Master of Science in Nursing Programs

Three tracks of advanced practice nursing programs are available and are accredited by the Center for Credentialing Nursing Education and Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education. Options include:

• MSN- Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner and Gerontology Nurse)
• MSN-Clinical Nurse Specialist (Nurse Educator)
• MSN- Nurse Anesthesia

While the NP and CNS tracks are offered in a hybrid of online and site based instructions, the nurse anesthesia program is exclusively offered as a full time program.

PhD in Nursing

The nursing PhD program at Michigan State University has two routes for which students can assume studies. In the first option, BSN students can apply for the PhD in nursing program during their BSN period and hence get what they call a fast-Track PhD option. Here, students will not need to have MSN degree.

The second option takes the form of the traditional PhD in nursing; admitting MSN students only. For any PhD route chosen, students must be ready to take scholarly direction in gerontology, cancer or obesity.

Continuing Education Courses

In addition to the degree courses, Michigan State University also offers about 11 continuing education courses for RNs. This also includes RN refresher and RN to Community Based Practice Transition certificates.

Contact:
Michigan State University
101 Angell Bldg, East Lansing,
MI 48824

Monroe County Community College Nursing Program Review

In pursuit of fulfilling the higher education needs of the residents of Monroe County, the Monroe County Community College came into being. From 1964, the community college has been offering two-year degree programs for the residents of Monroe and Detroit.  The college has great expansion on educational infrastructure on its 215 acre land on Raisinville Road and a satellite campus at Temperance, Michigan.

Health Sciences Division

At Monroe County Community College, the division of health sciences has one two-year nursing degree program and three certificate nursing programs. The programs have been approved and accredited and by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission respectively. Detailed information about the nursing programs at the community college is as follows:

Registered Nursing Two-Year Associate Degree

This program aims at training professional nurses on a full time basis as part of their preparation in taking the NCLEX-RN exams. Students are expected to complete a total of 72 credits including general education courses. During the course of the study, students are expected to participate in clinical practicum sessions held in health agencies in Michigan and Ohio.

 It is important to note that since the college does not have onsite nursing labs, students are expected to undertake all their practical sessions outside the college at designated sites. In this case, students must cover the costs of their clinical sessions in terms of commuting to and from clinical facilities. The college also accepts LPN transfer students who wish to have advanced placement for this associate of Science in nursing degree.

Practical Nursing Certificate

The program prepares students to work under registered nurses by offering basic patient and bedside care training. It requires 38 credits to complete so that students can be eligible for NCLEX-PN exam and licensure in Michigan. For nurses who are coming-in as certified nursing assistants, two credits are exempted in recognition of the CNA certificate.

Nurse Aide Certificate

At Monroe County Community College, students have the chance to take one course; entailing 5 credits to become nurse assistants. Completion of the credits and 48 clinical hours place the students in a position to sit for certification exams to become certified nurse aides.

Phlebotomy Certificate

The program aims at providing training to students wishing to get fast entrance into nursing. Students are trained on blood drawing techniques including venipunctures, specimen transportation and storage. Students must be aware that the program may be offered during the day and evening for the practical sessions depending on health agencies schedule. The practical sessions takes 40 hours per week while the classroom theory portion is 20 hours per week. A total of nine credits must be completed for students to be eligible for the phlebotomy technician exam.

Just like the registered nurses program, certificate programs students must cater for their own transportation to health care agencies in Ohio and within Michigan. The costs of this are not included in the fees for the programs.

Contact:
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe,
MI 48161

Mott Community College Nursing Program Review

Mott Community College (MCC) is named after the donor who donated towards its establishment back in 1950. The college was then known as Flint Junior college and remained so until a vote by the residents of Genesee County decided to change it into a community college in 1973. The college offers higher education programs to residents of Genesee County at a minimal cost envisaging the vision of community colleges. It is also strongly affiliated to university of Michigan- Flint in offering some of the academic programs and offering articulation agreements.

Mott Community College- Health Sciences Division

The health sciences division at the college offers five nursing programs: two of which are associate degrees in nursing tracks and three certificate programs. The programs are accredited and approved by NLNAC and Michigan Board of Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing

The program prepares students who wish to get into professional nursing by becoming registered nurses. Students undertake 67 credits distributed between general education and nursing courses. The program goes on for a maximum of two years with four semesters all year round. Upon completion, students are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and are also awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree-Nursing.

LPN to ADN Articulation

This route of getting the associate in applied science degree is open to active, licensed practical nurses that have unrestricted Michigan LPN certification. The program also requires LPNs who can show prove of at least 1 year working experience in a health agency. Students complete a transition clinical course and afterwards given an advanced standing towards the traditional associate program at the second year level.

The program accepts both Mott Community College LPN graduates and transfer students from other nursing institutions. Completion leads to the awards of the associate of applied science degree in nursing and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Practical Nursing Certificate

The program is a rather unique one because all the courses required for eligibility into the NCLEX-PN exam are those taken in Associate in applied Science- nursing degree. This precisely means that the practical nursing and the registered nurses students receive the same training and attend the same classes but exit after the first year. This place Mott Community College LPN graduates at a better chance for the ADN articulation program from the previous ladder.

Nurse Aide Preparation

This is a non- certificate program that prepares students to work as nursing assistants in health care centers. The program is relatively short and requires only 4 credit hours and 6 contact hours. Students must be fully aware that there is no certificate awarded for this program as it is an alternative training nursing program. The program is approved by the Michigan department of community health and places students at a better chance in enrolling for Certificate in Nurse Aide training.

Phlebotomy

Just like the nurse aide preparation program, the phlebotomy program does not award a certificate of completion. Instead, the program is a preparatory alternative training program that helps student perform very basic blood drawing tasks.

Transfer Information

Nursing students from Mott Community College have the advantage of direct transition into four-year BSN programs. Transfer options are available in University of Michigan at Flint and Oakland University.  Students only require a single admission from Mott and the transition to the two universities is direct.

Contact:
Mott Community College
1401 East court St, Flint,
MI 48503

Muskegon Community College Nursing Program Review

From Muskegon Junior College, a legislative vote by the residents of Muskegon County formed Muskegon Community College. The college dates back in 1951 with the three changes of names from the junior college to Muskegon County Community College to the current name it has today. The college upholds the mission of community colleges by bringing higher education to the people at affordable costs. It offers academic programs that help students get into employment or transfer into four-year degree programs.

Department of Nursing at Muskegon Community College

The department of nursing at Muskegon Community College (MCC) offers three nursing programs which form a career advancement ladder. Due to the curriculum ladder design of the nursing programs, students can choose to exit at some point and earn a certificate of complete the entire ladder to earn an associate of science in nursing degree. The three exit programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission has accredited the programs.

The Nursing Program

It takes the form of a career ladder where all prospective nursing students start at the same point. Students enrolled into the nursing program take similar courses and students wishing to exit the program after the first year are awarded a diploma in practical nursing. The first year exit students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as practical nurses in Michigan.

As part of the continuation ladder, students who continue to take a total of six semesters of nurse training are also free to exit from the program; hence being awarded the Associate in applied science degree in nursing as an occupational oriented degree. These students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.  Students who exit at this point are those who wish to get into practice fast. On the third level, students who have achieved the six semesters can add on one semester in pursuit of transfer options to a four year BSN program.

Students who add the extra semester to a total of seven semesters are awarded the Associate in Science and arts degree and are also eligible for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. Because the last part is primarily a transfer degree, Muskegon Community College therefore only provides articulation agreements for the ASA degree and not the Associate in applied Science degree.

For the breakdown of the nursing ladder, students can take up to 84 credits. In this case, students exiting at the diploma in practical nursing level take a total of 40 credits. For the associate in applied science exit, 72 credits are required and an extra 14 credits giving the maximum number of 84 credits for the associate of science in nursing degree.

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Muskegon Community College also welcomes licensed practical nurses from the state of Michigan for advanced placement into the either of the two associate degrees exits. To be eligible for this enrollment, students must have an unencumbered licenses with prove of at least six months working experience as a practical nurse.

Contact:
Muskegon Community College
221 S. Quarterline Road, Muskegon,
MI 49442

Northern Michigan University Nursing School Review

Northern Michigan University is located in the southern region of Lake Superior and serves the residents of Marquette and the state as a whole. The university started as a small Normal school in 1899 training teachers but was later granted a university status in 1963. The university is also privileged to be a university that serves the role of a community college in Marquette as well as public four-year coed center. With 180 degree programs and counting, Northern Michigan University is a one stop higher education center.

Nursing Programs in Northern Michigan University

Like stated earlier, the university serves the role of a community college and a university. This therefore translates to the availability of certificate nursing programs all the way to masters of Science in nursing programs. The university nursing programs including the practical nursing certificate have has been approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing. In addition, the bachelors and masters programs have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is a full time traditional nursing baccalaureate program designed for fresh entrants of professional nursing. The program requires completion of 129 credits and runs full time on fall and winter but students can choose to take selected courses during summer. The program takes a relatively short period to complete: five semesters to cater for students with other non- nursing bachelor degrees. For practical sessions, the university has a site based simulation nursing lab that caters for clinical practicum. Students are awarded a bachelor of science in nursing degree and are thereafter eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.

LPN to BSN program

At Northern Michigan University, licensed practical nurses are given the chance of advanced standing in recognition of their practical nursing certificate. In this case, students are expected to take all the credits of the traditional BSN but receive advanced standing with exemption of up to 12 credits towards the BSN. As a prerequisite, students are expected to have an active and unrestricted LPN licenses from Michigan State. Just like the traditional BSN, the courses start full time on fall and winter with few selected courses being offered in summer.

RN to BSN

This program is specially meant to build on prior nursing skills and therefore, most suitable for adult students. It takes in transfer students from community colleges that are in pursuit of higher nursing education. It is offered both as a full time and part time program and has no set period of completion. The completion of the program depends on the number of transfer credits accepted from the two-year RN training and the workload the student wishes to take for the part timers.

It is also a great program for RNs looking for work as the university strives to place the students in paid employment in affiliated health agencies around Marquette. This initiative makes this particular program an attractive one for RN to BSN students.

It is also important to note that the Northern Michigan University used to offer a fast track BSN meant for non- nursing students. However, from the fall of 2011, the department of nursing has discontinued that program and redesigned it to the traditional BSN.

Master of Science in Nursing

The masters program at Northern Michigan University is designed to train advanced practice nurses who wish to take Family Nurse Practitioner as their area of clinical specialty. The program has a three year timeline with courses being taught on three semesters per academic year. It is a flexible program that uses a hybrid curriculum delivery format with both online and classroom instructions being used. For the site based classes, students are expected to go to campus once per week while the 720 clinical hours can be completed at student’s convenient locations.

Certificate Programs

In the role of a community college, northern Michigan University has been offering two certificate programs in nursing. The clinical assistant nursing certificate program is still on but the practical nursing certificate had been temporarily suspended as of fall 2011. Any students interested should frequently check on the program for a date of re-instatement.

Contact:
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette,
MI 49855

Oakland Community College Nursing Program Review

By the vote of the electorate of Oakland County, this community college came into being. The College opened its doors for two-year programs in 1965 serving the residents of Oakland County and beyond. Oakland community college (OCC) prides itself in being the largest community college in the state offering close to a 100 two-year degree programs and about 50 certificate programs.  With five campuses all over Oakland, the college promises to deliver higher education right at the neighborhoods of Oakland.

Department of Nursing- Oakland Community College

The department of nursing is located in the Highland lakes campus; one of the satellite campuses of Oakland Community college. The department has four nursing programs approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and also accredited by the NLNAC. Three of the programs lead to an associate in applied science degree while one is a certificate program.

Associate in Applied Science- Nursing

This is an occupation-oriented nursing program that prepares students to get into the nursing field. It trains students to be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. For completion, students must take and pass 72 credits distributed between practical nursing and classroom instruction. The program takes a full time study mode but students who have completed all prerequisites courses before admission are allowed to take part time classes.

Transitional LPN to AND Track

The program takes in licensed practical nurses that have active unrestricted Michigan licenses. Prior to admission, students must complete a bridging transition course. Just like the ADN, students can choose the full time or the part time mode if they have completed the general education units prior to admission.  Classes for this particular program commence only in summer semesters. The program leads to eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and an award of an Associate in applied Science degree.

Practical Nurse Education Modified Career Ladder

This program is a form of a career ladder that basis its foundation from the usual associate degree. Students enrolled for this program take the same classes with the ADN track students. The only difference is that students can choose to exit after the first year of study having completed 42 credits. At this level, the students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and be awarded a certificate of completion.

Second Year Nursing Completion

For Oakland Community college graduates of the practical nursing education, they have the chance to apply for this program. The program picks from the exit point of the above named ladder program i.e. first year of the ADN and students continue to complete their 31 credits required for the usual ADN track. Since this program is only available for former Oakland graduates, the program may not be available in all academic years due to lack of quorum. The kick-off of the program entirely depends on the number of students who are interested in coming back to Oakland for the ADN. The mode of study is similar to that of the other nursing programs; full time or part time for those who have completed general education courses.

There is also a phlebotomy certificate program; not specifically designed for nurses, but for any health- field students who wish to take a medical assisting program.

Contact:
Oakland Community College
2480 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills,
MI 48304