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Middle Tennessee State University Nursing School Review

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) was founded in 1911 as a two year teachers school. It became a University and gained its current name in 1965. The campus now covers over 500 acres and the University enrolls 26,000 students each year.

Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing is located under the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This four year degree program starts with three semesters of Pre-Nursing courses, including Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II. To apply to the program, students need to maintain at least a 2.8 GPA and must earn at least a C grade in all nursing courses. Students will also need to take a standardized admission test and have an interview.

All applicants to the program will be ranked by a score based on their GPA, interview, standardized admission test score, and prior healthcare work experience, if any.

Students that graduate the program receive a BSN degree and are allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

The BSN program at MTSU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National League for Nursing, Accrediting Commission. It is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

RN to BSN

Students who already hold an RN license may apply to the BSN program to continue their education. They will receive advanced standing credit for prior nursing coursework, which will be determined after meeting with a nursing advisor. The credit given will be posted to their transcript during their last semester, before graduation.

Students need to have a minimum 2.8 GPA to apply, and must have earned at least a C grade in all nursing courses. They must also hold a current RN license.

All RN to BSN courses may be taken online, and traditional courses are also available. Clinical courses will still be done in person.

LPN to BSN

LPNs who hold a current, valid license may apply to this program. They will need to forward all transcripts to the School of Nursing, will have to have at least a 2.8 GPA, and must not have a grade lower than a C in any prior nursing course.

Advanced standing credit will be given for the courses Introduction to Nursing Practice/Clinical and a Nursing Elective, for a total of 12 credit hours.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program at MTSU is offered online through the Regent’s Online Degree Program (RODP). This program has been approved by the participating universities and by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

To apply, students must be licensed RNs and have either a BSN degree or a bachelor’s in another field with a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also submit transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Students may study the specialty tracks of Nursing Administration, Advanced Practice, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Health Informatics.

Master of Science in Professional Science (MSPS)

This program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in sciences, business, math, or engineering. This degree has focus tracks of Health Care Informatics, Actuarial Sciences, Biotechnology, and Biostatistics. Students must complete 15 hours of core courses for the master’s program, then will take courses related to their concentration.

Contact:
Middle Tennessee State University
1301 East Main Street
,
Murfreesboro
, TN 37132-0001

Milligan College Nursing Program Review

Milligan College (MC) is a Christian liberal arts institution. Founded in 1866, it is located in the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee. The school enrolls 1200 students and classes are usually around 10 to 15 students. Milligan has 30 majors to offer, and four master’s degree programs.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students in the four year BSN program at Milligan will learn how to examine and treat patients, and educate them about health maintenance. They will have the opportunity to gain real world experience in major medical centers, smaller hospitals and clinics, and community health centers.

Students who successfully finish this program graduate with a BSN and are then eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam (NCLEX). Students from Milligan have a near 100% pass rate on the exam.

To apply, students must first complete the Pre-Nursing courses, which include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and Immunology for Health Sciences, Speech Communication, Statistics, English Composition, and Developmental Psychology. Students will need to have a GPA of at least 2.5 overall, with at least a C in all science and nursing courses.

All students are required to be certified in the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider course. Documentation of their certification must be kept on file with the Nursing Department.

The Milligan College BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Mobility Plan

This program is designed for LPNs who wish to advance their education, earn a BSN degree, and become an RN.

LPNs must meet the college admission criteria, show documentation of graduation from an accredited nursing program, have a current LPN license, and show proof of clinical nursing practice in the prior three years. Without the work experience, students will have to follow the traditional BSN program above.

Once the student has completed the Nursing Systems and Process: LPN Transition Course, they will be awarded credit for the Fundamentals of Nursing classes.

RN Mobility Plan

RNs that want to advance their education and earn a BSN degree may enroll in this program.

RNs must meet the college admission criteria, show documentation of graduation from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program, have a current RN license, and show proof of clinical nursing practice in the prior three years.

Students that have documented work experience as an RN will receive credit for up to 43 credit hours of upper level nursing courses upon completion of the course Professional Nursing Systems: RN Transition Course and Clinical.

Students that don’t have documented work experience must take standardized tests to document nursing proficiency before they will be allowed to enroll in the course Professional Nursing Systems: RN Transition Course and Clinical. If they are unable to pass the tests, they will have to take the nursing courses associated with them.

Scholarships

The Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) Scholarship Program provides full tuition scholarships to qualified nursing students. This award is available during the junior and senior year of college. MSHA serves a four state area, and has 13 hospitals and 21 primary/preventive care centers.

Other Healthcare Related Programs

For interested students, Milligan College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Sciences, which will prepare students to apply to a pharmacy college. The college also offers Pre-Professional programs to prepare students in Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, and Pre-Optometry.

Contact:
Milligan College
PO Box
500,
Milligan College
, TN 37682

Motlow State Community College Nursing Program Review

The main campus of Motlow State Community College (MSCC) sits on 187 acres of land donated by the Motlow family. Founded in 1969, this public Tennessee college offers flexible learning pathways, degrees, and certificates to an 11 county service area.

In addition to the main campus, Motlow has three learning centers in Smyrna, McMinnville, and Fayetteville. The school provides dual enrollment to area high school students. Motlow enrolls over 2000 students each semester, and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

This two year program is for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing. Students will learn to use the concepts and principles of knowledge to provide care to patients. Students will complete a minimum of 66 credit hours to graduate.

Students must apply to both the college and the nursing program, and submit their ACT/SAT or COMPASS test scores. Students must take Anatomy and Physiology I and II prior to entering the nursing program, and it is recommended that they take Dosage Calculation, as well as any non-nursing courses prior to starting the program.

Students must also take the HESI entrance exam and have a 2.3 GPA or better.

Applicants will be ranked by points awarded based on their GPA and their entrance exam scores. The top ranked students will be selected for the program. Students that are not selected must reapply during the next enrollment cycle.

Those who successfully complete this program will be eligible to sit for the licensing exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RNs).

The AAS nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC) and is fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Mobility Transition

LPNs that currently hold a valid nursing license may continue their education and apply to the AAS nursing program via the Career Mobility Transition curriculum.

This course of study recognizes the skills and knowledge that LPNs have already acquired, and adapts the first year of the AAS degree program to fit into a ten week summer term. If students complete this transition curriculum and earn a grade of C or higher, they will begin the second year of the program in the Fall semester.

Students will also receive 20 credit hours toward their nursing degree after completing the Career Mobility Transition course.

To apply, students must be graduates of an accredited nursing program, hold a current nursing license, have taken the HESI entrance exam, and have a GPA of 2.3 or better.

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA)

The NSNA is a pre-professional organization for student nurses designed to organize and mentor students, promote skill development, contribute to advances in nursing care and education, and develop leaders in the profession.

At MSCC, student nurses may join the local chapter of this organization that boasts over 53,000 members nationwide.

Nursing Scholarships

MSCC offers a variety of scholarships for nursing students currently enrolled in the program. Students submit scholarship applications to the Director of Nursing, who distributes them to the appropriate scholarship committees.

Any nursing student may apply for scholarships. Some of the scholarships that may be available at MSCC include:

  • Henry Davis Memorial Scholarship
  • Lisa Laughlin McCord Nursing Scholarship
  • Rhonda & Max Jarrell Nursing Scholarship
  • Harton Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship
  • Veronica Olanreewaju Omitowoju Nursing Scholarship
  • Middle Tennessee Home Health Nursing Scholarship
  • Southern Tennessee Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship
  • Smyrna Rotary/Stone Crest Medical Center Nursing Scholarship
  • Nancy Wilson Wagner Nursing Scholarship
  • Jewell and Wilson Tucker Endowed Nursing Scholarship
  • Arthur Davis LPN to RN Scholarship Program

Contact:
Motlow State Community College
5002 Motlow College Blvd.,
Smyrna, TN 37167

Roane State Community College Nursing Program Review

Roane State Community College (RSCC) in Tennessee was founded in 1969, and moved into its first permanent building on the main campus in 1973.

Roane State now enrolls over 6800 students, and has nine campus locations in nine different counties. The school offers dual enrollment for area high school students, and has wireless internet access on all campuses.

Nursing Programs

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

This program is designed to train students to be highly skilled healthcare providers to patients and families in a variety of situations. Students will have both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Students that successfully graduate from this program will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

Students are able to take courses at the Roane County main campus, the Knoxville Health Sciences Center, or the Oak Ridge Branch Campus.

In order to apply to the nursing program, students must first apply to Roane State and submit their official high school or college transcripts. They must also complete Statistics or College Algebra with a grade of C or better, have a GPA of 2.75 or better on their general education courses, complete at least 12 of the 27 credit hours of general education classes, and complete the nursing pre-admission exam (HESI).

The general education requirements for the program are English Composition, Speech, Statistics or College Algebra, Lifespan Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and a Humanities elective. Students are only required to complete at least 12 credit hours of these course to apply to the nursing program, but it is strongly recommended that they take as many as they can before beginning their nursing courses.

Admission to the program is through a point system based on the student’s GPA in the general education courses, their grades on Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Math, as well as how many general education courses they have completed prior to applying.

Once accepted into the program, students must meet health requirements, have background check and drug screenings, and be CPR certified. They will be informed of the specific requirements at their orientation for the nursing program.

The nursing program at Roane State has been approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Mobility

This program is for LPNs who wish to advance their education and become licensed RNs. This program is either offered during the daytime, or during the evenings and on Saturdays. Entrance into the program is dependent on available space for the applicants.

Students must have an active LPN license to be eligible for this program, and must meet the same requirements listed for the AAS program above. They will also need to achieve a passing score on the Challenge by Proficiency exam.

Students that are accepted into the program will begin studies either in January during the second semester of the traditional AAS program, or in the fall if taking the evening and weekend program.

Continuing Healthcare Education

Roane State Community College offers many different programs for license renewal for the healthcare professional. Students interested in these courses may register online with Roane State. Some of the courses offered are Advanced Medical Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Emergency Medical Technician Extended Skills, Phlebotomy for the Healthcare Professional, and First Responder.

Contact:
Roane State Community College
276 Patton Lane
,
Harriman, TN 37748-5011

South College Nursing Program Review

South College in Tennessee, formerly known as Knoxville Business College (KBC), was founded in 1882. Aside from the main campus on Lonas Drive, South College has a facility on Goody’s Lane in west Knoxville. The College is a smoke-free area, and smoking is only allowed inside of student’s personal vehicles.

The College is private and coed, and has almost 1000 students enrolled.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for the student just beginning their career in nursing. After completion of the program, they will earn a BSN degree and be able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

The BSN program begins with two years of general education classes. Once these are complete, students will take six quarters of nursing classes, which usually average at least twenty hours per week of in-class time. Students should anticipate spending approximately three hours outside of class prepping for each hour of class.

To apply to the nursing program, students must finish all general education courses, have an interview, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants are ranked based upon a score made up of their GPA for all classes, GPA for science classes, and their interview.

The general education classes required to enter the nursing program include Introduction to Computers, Mathematics, Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Nutrition in Health and Disease, English Composition, Effective Speaking, College Management, Career Management, Interpersonal Communications, and a Humanities and a Philosophy elective. The nursing curriculum is made up of 100 quarter hours of general electives, and 88 quarter hours of nursing major courses.

This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

RN to BSN

This program is for nurses who have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate nursing program. Students must also be licensed as an RN in Tennessee or be eligible for a TN license, and must have worked as an RN since graduation from their prior nursing education, or in the past three years.

They must have a 2.5 GPA or better in their previous college experience, as well as a 2.5 GPA or higher in all nursing courses. They will also be interviewed.

RN to BSN students are required to complete the general education courses listed above, if they haven’t already done so.

The upper division nursing courses may be taken over the course of four quarters. Students are expected to take 100 credits of general education classes and 37 credits of nursing major courses. They will receive 45 credits for their prior nursing education.

Other Healthcare Related Programs

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

This program provides a comprehensive health sciences education, and is a path to graduate studies in health professions such as medicine, nursing, or pharmacy. Students may also choose to go into professions such as Biological Scientist, Chemist, and Food Scientist.

This four year degree program requires 196 quarter hours to graduate.

In addition, students may study a concentration in either Radiography or Nuclear Medicine. This will prepare students for leadership positions in the field of Imaging Sciences.

Associate of Science Degrees

South College offers two year Associate of Science degrees in Medical Assisting, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiography.

Graduates of the Medical Assisting program are allowed to take the certification exam for the American Association of Medical Assistants. Physical Therapist Assistant graduates are required to become licensed by taking the National Physical Therapy Examination before they can practice. Radiography graduates may take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam to become licensed.

Nuclear Medicine Certificate

This one year, four quarter program prepares students to work as entry-level nuclear medicine technologists. After completing the program, graduates will be eligible to take the certification exam for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine.

Contact:
South College
3904 Lonas Drive,
Knoxville,
TN 37909

 

Southern Adventist University Nursing School Review

Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Tennessee began as Graysville Academy in 1892. It moved to its current location in Collegedale in 1916, and gained its current name in 1996. It is a Seventh-Day Adventist school, and currently enrolls over 3000 students each semester.

Nursing Programs

Associate Degree (AS) in Nursing

Students interested in the AS in Nursing are encouraged to enroll in the BS in nursing program. After four semesters plus a summer semester, they may exit the BS program with an AS in nursing degree, and be eligible to take the RN licensing exam (NCLEX).

This program has limited enrollment and is highly competitive. To apply to the program, students must be high school graduates or equivalent and be accepted into Southern Adventist University.

Students will also need to take Survey of Chemistry I and Anatomy and Physiology I with a C grade or higher, have ACT scores of at least 16 in Math and 18 in English, and have a current GPA of at least 2.8. They may be asked to take a standardized nursing admission test.

In addition, students that have completed the Associate Nurse Perspectives course may go directly into the second semester of the nursing program and receive eight credit hours.

For LPNs transferring into the program, the ACT-PEP exams for Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology will be accepted in lieu of taking the courses at Southern Adventist, provided they are already on the student’s transcript from their prior nursing program.

Once selected, students will need to have and maintain an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, a background check, drug screening, and a health verification form.

Baccalaureate Degree (BS) in Nursing

This program is a four year degree program for students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Students will complete the first two years of study and be eligible for an AS in nursing degree. At that point, they may take the degree and leave the program, or continue on to the BS in nursing program.

To apply, students will need to have a current RN license, at least a 2.5 GPA, and a recommendation from nursing faculty or employer. They will also need documentation of their clinical experience.

Students that are transferring from an approved diploma or associate nursing program will earn 37 credit hours after they complete ten hours of the BS in nursing program.

To remain in the program, students will need to maintain a GPA of 2.5, and earn at least a C in all nursing courses.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program offers the following specialties: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult/Gerontology), Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator. The Nurse Educator specialty is available online, as well as in the classroom.

In addition, the School of Nursing offers a joint Masters of Science in Nursing/Masters in Business Administration (Dual MSN/MBA) degree program with the School of Business and Management. This program is available online or in the classroom.

To apply to the MSN program, students need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. They also need to be a licensed RN, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, have taken at least three credits of statistics, have an interview, submit references, and have at least one year of full time nursing experience.

Southern Adventist University School of Nursing also offers post-master’s certificates in the same specialties as the MSN program.

Accelerated RN to MSN Degree

The Accelerated RN to MSN program allows students with an RN license and an associate degree to complete their MSN degree at a faster pace. Students will not earn a BS degree in this course of study. They must meet the same criteria as the regular MSN program, except they will need to have a 3.25 GPA.

This program offers the same specialties and joint MSN/MBA degree as the regular MSN program.

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Update

This is a program offered by the School of Nursing to allow RNs and LPNs with inactive nursing licenses to reactivate their licenses and return to nursing. This program consists of 40 hours of class time and 40 hours of clinical experience. It is offered in the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters.

Contact:
Southern Adventist University
4881 Taylor Circle,
Collegedale
, TN 37315

 

Southwest Tennessee Community College Nursing Program Review

Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) was founded in 2000 when Shelby State Community College and State Technical Institute in Memphis were combined. Southwest enrolls 13,000 students, and prepares students for the workplace or transfer to a four-year institution with a variety of Associate Degree, Technical, and Academic Certificate programs.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

This two year program is designed to give students the knowledge they need to become licensed and employed immediately upon graduation. Students who complete the program will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam offered by the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

To enroll in this two year program, students must first enroll in Southwest, and then apply to the nursing program. They need to have a high school GPA of at least 3.0, or a college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students that were enrolled in an accredited nursing program at another school must have documentation from the director of the nursing program that they were in good academic standing there.

Students must also be able to enroll in English and Statistics, earn the minimum score or higher on the Nursing Pre-Admission exam, and submit a letter explaining why they want to become an RN. Though it is not required, it is highly recommended that students take Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology prior to applying to the nursing program.

Applicants are selected based on an admission index score, which is made up of their college GPA, grades on Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology courses, and their Pre-Admission Exam score. Admission to the program is limited, and meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a spot.

The nursing program at Southwest is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Mobility Track

LPNs may apply for the AAS in nursing program. They will need to have a current LPN license, CPR certification, and must have completed Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology I and II in the last five years with a grade of C or better. They must also meet the qualifications listed above for the AAS degree, but they do not have to take the Nursing Pre-Admission Exam.

Students in the LPN Mobility Track will earn seven credit hours, based on their prior nursing education, in place of taking the Foundation of Nursing Theory classroom and clinical courses.

Online Continuing Education

Southwest offers online continuing education courses for those looking to pick up new skills, reinforce existing ones, or for personal enrichment.

Some of the healthcare related offerings include six week training programs in Introduction to Natural Health and Healing, Medical Terminology, Medical Coding, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Transcription, Handling Medical Emergencies, Spanish for Medical Professionals, Certificate in Integrative Mental Health, and Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health.

Southwest has also partnered with online service provider ed2go to offer certificate programs in various healthcare related fields, such as Administrative Medical Specialist, Medical Transcription, and Physical Therapy Aide. Depending on the program, these courses can take up to 400 hours to complete.

Students apply to these courses through the Southwest Tennessee Community College Corporate Training & Continuing Education office.

Contact:
Southwest Tennessee Community
5983 Macon Cove,
Memphis
, TN 38134

Tennessee Board of Regents Nursing Program Review

Made up of 46 educational institutions and enrolling over 200,000 students, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) is the country’s sixth largest public higher education system. The TBR was formed in 2001 and uses its network of schools to offer programs in 90 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. With six state universities, 13 community colleges, and 27 technical centers, the TBR offers something for everyone.

With the TBR, students must choose a home campus. This is the school where they will apply to for admission, register for courses, and be awarded degrees and certificates.

Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program curriculum is offered through the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) at all six of the TBR universities: East Tennessee State University, Austin Peay State University, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, and University of Memphis.

Students may choose to study one of the following concentrations for their MSN degree: Nursing Informatics, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner.

To apply to the MSN program, students must submit an application to the RODP, and become enrolled in one of the six member universities. They will also need to have a current Registered Nurse (RN) license, have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, a resume and explanation of professional experience, career goals, and desire for pursuing graduate studies, and at least three recommendations.

The MSN program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

RN to MSN Bridge Option

This program is for RNs who have a bachelor degree in a field other than nursing. They will need to meet the requirements for the MSN program listed above, and complete 12 credit hours of bridge courses, before they can begin their MSN program.

Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

This program is the intermediate step between an MSN and a doctorate. It is also designed for students who already have an MSN degree in a different concentration.

To apply, students must have an MSN degree, a 3.0 GPA or better, a current RN license, a resume and explanation of professional experience, career goals, and desire for pursuing graduate studies, and at least three recommendations. They must also successfully complete the courses of Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology at the master’s level.

Pre-Nursing Tennessee Transfer Pathway

This is a first year pre-nursing curriculum for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It was developed to allow students to take their first year of nursing studies at a community college, and then be able to transfer to a four year institution.

Students will take a prescribed set of courses including English Composition I and II, Fundamentals of Communication, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Probability and Statistics, and two History electives, for a total of 32 credit hours.

The curriculum ensures that they will be on par with students who take their first year of studies at the four year college. Students should be aware, however, that taking the pre-nursing curriculum does not guarantee they will be admitted to a BSN program.

Contact:
Tennessee Board of Regents
1415 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 350
Nashville
, TN 37217-2833

Tennessee State University Nursing School Review

Tennessee State University (TSU) was founded in 1912 as an agricultural and industrial school, and became a university in 1951. TSU has two campuses, the main one along the Cumberland River, and the Avon Williams downtown campus in the heart of Nashville.

One of the nation’s most prestigious historically black universities, TSU has nine colleges and schools, and offers 45 baccalaureate programs and 24 master’s programs, as well as several doctoral programs.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)

This program is designed to prepare students to provide entry level patient care. It is offered at the main campus and also at the Volunteer State Community College campus. Students that successfully complete this program are allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students will need to be a high school graduate or equivalent, with a GPA of 2.5 or above. They also need to have taken high school Chemistry (or the college equivalent) and complete the pre-nursing admission exam. They will also need to take Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Microbiology/Bacteriology, before being admitted to the program.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to AASN

This program is for the LPN who wishes to become an RN. The requirements are the same as for the traditional AASN program, plus the student will need to prove they have a current LPN license. Students will receive credit for 8 hours of prior nursing education.

This program is offered at the Avon Williams campus.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program leads to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students who finish will be able to take the RN licensing exam.

Students may apply to the BSN program after they’ve completed 61 credit hours of general education and University requirements. They will need to have a grade of at least a C in each class, at least a 2.8 GPA, and have completed all science classes. They will also need to take the BSN A2 Admission Assessment Exam.

LPN to BSN

Students with an LPN license may apply for this program. They must complete the BSN core classes of Nursing Assessment, Pharmacology, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology/Bacteriology, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and a Humanities elective.

They must also have a GPA of at least 2.5, taken Chemistry with a grade of C or better, taken the pre-admission nursing exam, and worked as an LPN for a year.

After taking the LPN Transition course, students will have a chance to challenge Adult Health Nursing. If successful, they will get credit for Fundamentals of Nursing and receive 6 credit hours.

RN to BSN

Currently licensed RNs who have at least a 2.5 GPA, have at least a C grade in all courses, and have completed at least 60 credits of core classes may apply for the BSN program.

Students will receive 30 credit hours for their knowledge and nursing experience, which will be added to their transcript after they successfully complete the first two semesters of the program.

RN to BSN courses may be offered in a traditional classroom format, online, web enhanced, or in real time video.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN degree is offered either as a land-based program, or through the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP).

The MSN program offers concentrations in the areas of Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Holistic Nurse Practitioner. Graduates of these programs are eligible to become certified in their field of study. These same concentrations are also offered as post-master’s certificates.

Students taking the MSN program through the RODP have the choice of the following concentrations for their MSN degree: Nursing Informatics, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner.

To apply for the MSN program, students need to have a BSN degree, an active RN license, current RN work experience, and at least a 3.0 GPA. The post-master’s programs require students to hold an MSN degree to apply.

Contact:
Tennessee State University
3500 John a Merritt Blvd.,
Nashville
TN 37209

Tennessee Technological University Nursing School Review

Tennessee Technological University (TTU) began educating students in 1912 as the University of Dixie, a two year private school. The school began to grow and evolve, eventually becoming a four year public university and gaining its current name, Tennessee Tech, in 1965. The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing began in 1980.

Tennessee Tech enrolls over 11,500 students each year in over 40 bachelor’s degree and 23 graduate degree programs. The school is located in a town of about 25,000 people, and is near several scenic state parks, yet is only an hour away from three of the state’s largest metropolitan areas.

Tennessee Tech has been named one of the country’s “Best Value” public institutions, as well as one of the nation’s Best College Buys and one of the Top Public Schools in the South.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This four year program prepares students to practice nursing in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Graduates of the program will earn a BSN degree and be eligible to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by taking the state licensing exam (NCLEX).

The program is designed for students to spend their first two years in Lower Division Nursing, completing general education courses for the degree. Students that have completed the Lower Division Nursing program may apply for Upper Division Nursing. They will be chosen for the program based on their GPAs.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will not receive credit for prior education if they apply to Tennessee Tech. They may, however, complete an LPN to RN program and earn their Associate Degree at another school, and then apply for the RN-BSN program (see below).

RN-BSN

RNs may apply to the RN to BSN program to earn their bachelor’s degree. To be eligible to apply, students must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program. They must also hold a current RN license or be eligible to be licensed. In addition, they need to have earned a grade of C or higher in all previous nursing classes, and must have three years of nursing experience, or have graduated in the last three years.

Students who meet these requirements will be admitted to the RN to BSN program as an Upper Division Nursing student. Once they successfully complete 12 credit hours of Upper Division classes, they will be granted 33 credit hours for prior nursing experience.

The RN to BSN program is offered in a traditional classroom setting, or as an online program.

Master of Science in Nursing

Tennessee Tech has partnered with the Tennessee Board of Regents to offer an online MSN program through the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP).

Students who follow this program will earn an MSN degree with a concentration in Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner.

To be eligible to apply to this program, students must have a current RN license, a BSN degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, letters of reference, a resume, and a written document with their professional experience, career goals, and the reason they are pursuing a graduate degree.

For students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, there is a bridge program. Students must still be a licensed RN, and must complete four bridge courses in nursing theory before they can start their MSN program.

The RODP also offers a Post-Master’s certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner. This program is for students who already have an MSN in a different concentration.

Contact:
Tennessee Technological University
1 William L Jones Drive
,
Cookeville
, TN 38505

Tennessee Wesleyan College Nursing Program Review

Tennessee Wesleyan College (TWC) began in 1857 as Athens Female College. The college experienced many name changes before the current name was adopted in 1954. The College is affiliated with the Holsten Conference of the United Methodist Church, and is dedicated to serving traditional and non-traditional students. With just over 1100 students enrolled and a 15 to 1 student to faculty ratio, personalized attention is guaranteed.

The campus is located in the heart of Sweetwater Valley, in between Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program gives students a broad educational foundation in science and humanities, preparing them to practice as Registered Nurses (RNs). Students that graduate from this program will receive a BSN and be eligible to sit for the state Board of Nursing exam (NCLEX-RN).

The BSN program is an eight semester course of study. The first four semesters cover general education requirements, and the last four concentrate on nursing major courses. Students are required to take at least 128 credit hours to graduate the program.

To be eligible to apply to the nursing program, students must have completed at least 58 of the 64 credit hours of required general education classes, and must complete all science and math classes before they may begin the upper division nursing courses. They must also have a GPA of at least 2.7, and must have earned at least a C grade in all prerequisites.

The general education requirements are English Composition, Literature, Religion, Chemistry, Statistics, a Math elective, Microbiology, Sociology, Psychology, Speech, Philosophy, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Fine Arts, and Physical Education.

Applicants will be judged based on their GPAs, number of repeated classes and withdrawals, grade improvement, written essay, pre-entrance exam, a personal interview, and references.

Once in the program, students must earn at least a C grade in all nursing classes to be able to continue. Any grade below a C in a nursing class is considered a failure. If a student fails a class, they may retake the class, but are not allowed to take any more nursing classes until they earn a C in the repeated class. If a student fails a second class, they will not be allowed to continue in the program.

The Fort Sanders Nursing Department is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

RN to BSN

This program is for students who already have an RN license, and wish to return to school to earn their BSN degree. If taken full time, this program can be completed in two semesters plus one summer semester. There are also part time options available.

To apply to the program, students must have taken the 64 credits of general education classes required for the degree, show proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program, proof of licensure, and submit clinical references.

The RN to BSN program begins in the summer semester. After successfully completing Transition to Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment, students will receive 31 credit hours for past nursing experience.

Center for Faith Community Nursing

This Center provides continuing education workshops for nurses in the Faith Community Nursing specialty, a program newly recognized by the American Nurses Association. This specialty focuses on the entire patient, including body, mind and spirit. The complete training program for Faith Community Nursing is offered when there is demand for it, usually once or twice a year.

Contact:
Tennessee Wesleyan College
204 E College Street

Athens, TN 37303

Trevecca Nazarene University Nursing School Review

Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) in Tennessee can trace its roots back to a Christian workers’ training class begun in 1901. What began as a small group grew until it became the Literary and Bible Training School for Christian Workers later that same year. In the next decade the school grew into Trevecca College, named after a school in Wales.

Trevecca moved to its present location in 1935, graduated its first four year class in 1942, and gained its present name in 1995. An official school of the Church of the Nazarene, Trevecca enrolls almost 2500 students each year and offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Trevecca belongs to the Partners of Nursing Consortium, located at Belmont University in Nashville. The Partners of Nursing Consortium was created to prepare nursing students to be able to provide care for patients in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Students wishing to earn their BSN degree will enroll in Trevecca, take their general education prerequisites, and apply to the nursing program. Those in the program take the curriculum outlined by Belmont’s Nursing Program, but graduate with a BSN from Trevecca.  Students will be required to complete a minimum of 131 semester hours to graduate, and will have to pass a comprehensive nursing exam during their last semester.

To be eligible to apply to the nursing program, students must first complete two semesters at Trevecca, or one if they are a transfer student. They must have an ACT score of at least 22, and have a GPA of at least 2.75 during their first two semesters of study. Students will also be interviewed.

Entry into the nursing program is highly competitive. Only 16 to 24 students are admitted each fall. Admittance to the University does not guarantee admittance to the nursing program.

The general education courses that must be completed before applying to the nursing program are Life Calling and Purpose, English Composition, Introduction to Biblical Faith, Principles of Biology, General Psychology, Introduction to Health and Wellness, Speech Communication, Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Social Work, Human Growth and Development, and Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking.

The Belmont University Partners in Nursing Consortium program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Other Healthcare Related Programs

Medical Technology

This program is a four year, Bachelor of Science degree that allows graduates to obtain National Certification as a registered Medical Technologist. Students will complete a three year course of study at Trevecca, take a 12 month internship at Vanderbilt, the affiliated school of Medical Technology, and then qualify for the National Registry.

This program requires a minimum of 135 semester hours to graduate, including the 36 semester hour internship during the final year of studies.

Health Information Technology

Trevecca offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Technology, through the Adult Degree-Completion program. This program is designed for working adults that already have at least 60 semester hours of University credit, and who are interested in a degree in the growing Health Information Technology field.

This program requires 40 semester hours to complete, and takes 15 months. It requires a combination of classroom, online, and project work.

Students that intend to take the RHIA certification exam will need to take additional training from other schools. The HIT program at Trevecca does not cover the area of coding and classification of data for reimbursement sufficiently for the exam.

Contact:
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road
,
Nashville, TN 37210

 

Union University of Tennessee Nursing School Review

Union University (UU) of Tennessee is a private, four year institution that was founded in 1823. It is the oldest Southern Baptist college in the nation. There are more than 4200 students enrolled, and the student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1.

Union has a main campus in Jackson, and extension campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. The campus has had over $120 million in renovations in the last decade, including on-campus housing that features private bedrooms for all residents. All housing also has internet and cable connections, and wireless internet access is available in the common areas and the Student Union.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is only available on the main campus in Jackson. The BSN curriculum trains students to care for patients in a variety of healthcare situations. Students complete 64 credit hours of core classes, and then 64 credit hours of nursing classes. The traditional BSN program takes eight semesters to complete.

To be eligible for the program, students meet two of the following three criteria: graduated in the top 50% of their high school class, scored a 22 on the ACT or a 1020 on the SAT, and have at least a 2.5 GPA in their core classes.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN

This program typically takes two years (four semesters) to complete. Students will be given college credit for previous nursing education and experience.

To be eligible to apply, students that still need to take general education courses will need to have a GPA of at least 2.3 and an ACT score of at least 20. Students that have already completed their general education requirements will need to have a cumulative GPA of 2.8, a science GPA of 2.8, and an ACT score of 20 or an SAT of 1030.

RN to BSN Completion

This program is specifically for Registered Nurses (RNs) who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma in nursing program. Students can take traditional classes at the Germantown campus, take all of the classes online, or take a hybrid version with some classes online and some in the classroom. This program usually takes 18 months to complete.

To be eligible, students must have a current RN license, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8, and must supply their college transcripts. Students will receive up to 72 credit hours for previous nursing education and experience. They will need to take at least 32 credit hours at Union University to be able to graduate with a BSN degree.

Accelerated BSN

This program is designed for students who have no nursing experience, but have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, or who previously completed the general education requirements but didn’t finish their degree program. The program takes about 15 months to complete. It is available at all campuses, and starts in the Fall at Jackson and Germantown, and in the Fall and in the Spring at Hendersonville.

Students that have a bachelor’s degree must complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and General Psychology. Students that don’t have a bachelor’s degree must complete all general education courses, be at least 24 years old, have an ACT score of at least 20, and have completed Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and General Psychology. All applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 for their last 60 credit hours of classes, supply official transcripts, have a grade of C or better for Social Science, Natural Science, English and Math classes, and take the TEAS exam during the interview process.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program provides specialty tracks in Administration, Education, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Nurse Practitioner.

To apply, students need to provide proof of RN licensure, BSN degree completion, and completion of Undergraduate Statistics. They will also need a personal statement about career goals and interest in nursing, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

There are Post Master’s Certificates available for the above specialties, except for Nurse Anesthesia. To be eligible, students need to have an MSN degree.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program offers specialty tracks in Executive Leadership, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with DNP.

To be eligible, students must have a master’s degree, but an MSN is preferred. They must also have a 3.0 GPA or better, an RN license or be eligible for one, complete an interview, have letters of professional or academic reference, and a statement outlining past work experience and community service that supports their goal of earning a DPN.

Blue Mountain/Union Dual Degree Program

Union University has an agreement with Blue Mountain College to offer a dual degree nursing program. This program lets students spend three years at Blue Mountain College earning a degree, and then transfer to Union University to the BSN program. They will finish their BSN degree in two years. During this time, selected courses at Union are transferred back to Blue Mountain, to allow them to finish their bachelor’s degree program there.

At the end of five years of study, students will earn a bachelor’s degree from each university.

Contact:
Union University
1050 Union University Drive
,
Jackson
, TN 38305

University of Memphis Nursing School Review

The University of Memphis (U of M) was founded as the West Tennessee State Normal School in 1912. The school changed names several times over the years, and finally became University of Memphis in 1994. University of Memphis enrolls over 22,000 students each year, offers over 50 majors and 95 concentrations, and awards over 3000 degrees to students annually.

In addition to the Main Campus and the Park Avenue Campus in Memphis, the University offers a variety of programs at its Lambuth Campus in Jackson, TN, to accommodate students in West Tennessee.

The Loewenberg School of Nursing began in 1967 with an Associate Degree in Nursing program. LSON now offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students may enter the University of Memphis and be placed directly into the nursing major as freshmen if they meet the qualifications. This guarantees entrance into the nursing program during the spring semester of their sophomore year, provided they have met the BSN admission requirements and are students in good standing at the University.

The freshman qualifications for entering the nursing program are completion of high school Algebra I and II, Geometry, Biology and Chemistry. Students must also have a minimum ACT score of 21, and a GPA of at least 3.0. They will be ranked based on their high school quality point average and ACT or SAT scores.

Students that don’t meet the freshman entrance qualifications may apply to the program as sophomores.

All students, regardless of whether they were admitted as freshmen or sophomores, must complete the TEAS V test, and have a minimum college GPA of 2.7, with a 2.66 GPA in their science courses. They must also complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher before they may enter the nursing program: English Composition I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Introductory Sociology or General Psychology, Nutrition for Healthcare, and a Math elective.

Students that successfully complete this program will earn their BSN degree and will be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

Accelerated Second Degree BSN Option

This program is for students who already have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. They must meet the same requirements for the BSN degree listed above.

Once they are accepted into the program, students will start in the fall semester and continue through the following fall semester, for a total of 16 months. This program is only available at the Main Campus in Memphis.

RN to BSN

This program is available to nurses who already hold a valid RN license. Students currently enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing program at a school with an articulation agreement with the University of Memphis may also apply. This is an online program, and students will complete their clinical work at a location near their home.

To be eligible to apply, students must complete the TEAS V test, and have a minimum college GPA of 2.7, with a 2.66 GPA in their science courses. They must also complete the prerequisite classes listed above for the BSN degree, plus Humanities or Fine Arts electives, History, and Statistics.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students interested in the MSN program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school, and hold an RN license. They must also have a GPA of at least 2.8, have letters of recommendation, and complete an interview to be able to apply.

The MSN program has concentrations available in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, and Advanced Practice Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner).

There is also a Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate program, and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Informatics Leadership.

Executive MSN

This unique master’s program is the first of its kind in the nation. The students in this program come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, from staff nurses to chief nursing officers. This program’s curriculum is based on principles such as the 14 Forces of Magnetism, the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows Program, and the American Organization of Nurse Executive Competencies.

Admission to the Executive MSN program is competitive. Students must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing, or take 4 bridge courses if their baccalaureate is in another field. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.8, a letter of interest detailing their professional experience, career goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate studies, a resume, recommendations, and have an interview if requested.

RN to MSN

This program is open to RNs that have a baccalaureate that is not a nursing degree. They will have to complete 15 credit hours of bridge courses before they may begin their MSN studies. All other application criteria are the same.

MSN-Regents Online Degree Program (RODP)

This is a program offered through the University of Memphis and the Tennessee Board of Regents to allow students to earn their MSN degree online.

To apply, students must have a current RN license, a minimum GPA of 3.0, a Bachelors degree, letters of recommendation, and a written statement including their resume, their professional experience, career goals, and reason for pursuing a graduate degree.

Students will apply to the RODP and the University of Memphis.

Contact:
University of Memphis
101 Wilder Tower,
Memphis TN 38152-3520

 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Nursing School Review

Begun as Chattanooga University in 1886, the school spent 83 years as a private college. But when it merged with Chattanooga City College and the University of Tennessee in 1969, it became University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), part of a four campus, statewide public University system. UTC has almost 11,500 students enrolled each semester, and offers over 70 degree programs.

The university is located in Chattanooga, with a population of over 160,000. This thriving city is located at the base of Lookout and Signal Mountains, an area rich in history and natural beauty.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students may enter the BSN program as freshmen when they apply to UTC. To be eligible to apply, they must have a high school GPA of at least 3.5, an ACT score of 23, and write an essay based on an interview with a BSN or higher Registered Nurse (RN).

After completing 32 credit hours at UTC, students will be evaluated to see if they may remain in the program. At this time, they must have a 2.75 GPA or better, at least a C grade in all nursing classes, and be full time students.

Students that aren’t accepted into the nursing program as freshmen may apply after completing the nursing prerequisites of Chemistry, English Composition I and II, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, General Psychology, Pathophysiology, and Statistics.

After completing the program and graduating with a BSN degree, students are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

Gateway RN to BSN Program

This program is designed for the working nurse, this program is available either in an online format, where classes are taken completely online, or in a hybrid format, where some classes are taken online, and some classroom time is required.

To apply, students must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree program, be a currently licensed RN, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program offers the following concentrations:

  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner – this program takes six to seven semesters to complete. Students who graduate may take the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam.
  • MSN Nurse Anesthesia – this 27 month, intensive program prepares students to take the Nurse Anesthetist national certification exam. UTC students from Mississippi may take advantage of UTC’s partnership with North Mississippi Medical Center and attend courses there while they do their clinical rotation.

To be eligible to apply, students must have a BSN degree and at least a 2.5 GPA. They must also have a current RN license and at least one year of patient care experience. In addition, they will have to provide their GRE scores, recommendations, and a written statement that includes their resume, prior professional experience, and why they are interested in a graduate degree.

UTC also offers Post Master’s Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia. After completing a Post Master’s Certificate, Nurse Practitioner students will be eligible to take the national certification exam from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Nurse Anesthesia students will be eligible for the national certification exam from the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This post master’s program is to prepare advanced practice nurses to improve healthcare through leadership.

To apply, students must have an MSN degree and a 3.0 GPA. They must also have a current RN license, and complete an interview.

In order to graduate, students will be required to complete a minimum of 34 credit hours, and complete and defend a DNP Translational Project. They will also complete 1000 hours of clinical training.

DREAMWork Nursing Diversity Program

This program is dedicated to increasing diversity in nursing with educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as ethnic and racial minorities. Funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this program strives to build awareness of the nursing profession in middle schools and high schools, increase education opportunities for underrepresented minorities interested in nursing, and boost the number of minority applicants to the BSN program.

This program gives support in the way of information, mentoring, tutoring, college transition courses, and help with applying for financial aid. Students accepted into the program will also receive a monthly stipend.

Pre-nursing students may apply to the program through the DREAMWork Project Manager at the UTC School of Nursing.

Contact:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue,
Chattanooga, TN 37403

 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center Nursing Program Review

When the University of Tennessee began in 1911 in Memphis, it was dedicated to health science education and research. It began to add new programs in health sciences. Today the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is made up of six colleges, and enrolls nearly 2700 students.

UTHSC has a main campus in Memphis, satellite campuses in Knoxville and Chattanooga, and healthcare related facilities scattered throughout Tennessee.

Nursing Programs

The schedule of the College of Nursing is based on terms that are 20 weeks long. The Summer/Fall term runs July through December, and the Winter/Spring term goes from January through May.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is a full time, 3 to 5 term course of study to prepare nurses for advanced practice. Students will choose a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia, Acute Critical Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

MSN – Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

This program is designed for students that have a bachelor degree in a field other than nursing. It is designed to train students to become certified as CNLs and to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). This program is mostly taught face to face in the classroom, and takes two years to complete when taken full time.

Applicants will be judged based on prior scholastic preparation and achievement, interview results, professional recommendations, a personal statement, and standard test scores.

In order to be eligible to apply, students must have completed the prerequisite courses of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and Statistics. It is also recommended that students take Lifespan Development/Psychology, a Humanities elective, Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN

Students that have a BSN degree and are already licensed as an RN can pursue an MSN degree with a CNL concentration. This is offered as a full time, one year option, or a two year, part time option. Classes are either online or in a traditional classroom. Students will need to have completed a Statistics course before they may take the graduate level Quality Management course.

RN to MSN

This program is for students that are graduates of an associate or degree nursing program, and hold a current RN license. Students that complete this program will earn an MSN with a CNL concentration. Before entering the program, students must have taken 60 credits of general education courses.

This program is taught face to face or online. Students who take it full time will finish in two years, and part time students will take three years. Students must complete a Statistics course before they may take the graduate level Quality Management course.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program is taught online. Students will need to come to campus four times a year, for 5 to 7 days each time. Students may focus on concentrations in Acute Critical Care, Primary Care, Gerontology, Forensic Nursing, Psychiatric/Family Nurse Practitioner, and Public Health Nursing.

Students must have a BSN degree or an MSN degree to be able to apply to the program. They must also have an RN license, a GPA of over 3.0, transcripts, and recommendations.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

This program for nursing scientists is offered through the College of Graduate Health Sciences. This allows students to work not only with nursing faculty, but also with students and faculty from other medical disciplines during their studies.

This program is offered either full or part time. To be eligible to apply, students must have an RN license, a baccalaureate degree, and either an MSN or be eligible to enroll in an MSN program. Students may begin their PhD courses after receiving an MSN degree. They must also have a 3.0 GPA, a GRE combined score of at least 1000, and letters of recommendation.

Research Programs

The faculty of the College of Nursing has secured funding from NIH, public and private sources, foundations, and corporations for extensive research projects.

There are numerous research opportunities at UTHSC. Some of the recent faculty projects include investigating gene-environment interactions leading to obesity in first year kidney transplant recipients, predicting glucose intolerance and cardiac risk in minority youth, and investigating the efficacy of newly developed assays in diagnosing preeclampsia.

Continuing Education (CE)

The Continuing Education unit at the College of Nursing has been accredited to provide CE programs by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). CE is available not only in traditional, face-to-face classes, seminars and conferences; but also online, via CD-ROM, video, and interactive television. This allows health care professionals to maintain their educational requirements with educational opportunities of the highest quality.

Contact:
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
920 Madison Avenue
,
Memphis, TN 38163

University of Tennessee at Martin Nursing School Review

The University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin, UTM) was founded in 1900. It currently enrolls 8000 students. The school is home to UT Online, a program through the University of Tennessee that allows students to earn certain undergraduate and graduate degrees online.

UT Martin has several offsite locations that offer classes, including the Jackson, Parsons, Ripley and Selma Centers. It also has agreements with 12 universities in 7 countries, making it easy for interested students to participate in travel-study programs.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for students wishing to enter the field of nursing. The BSN program is designed to take four years to complete. Students will spend their freshman year taking general education courses, and will begin nursing classes during their sophomore year.

Applicants that have completed all BSN freshman courses, or at least 33 credits, will be given priority for entrance into the program over other students. The freshman courses include Chemistry, College Algebra, General Bacteriology, General Psychology, English Composition, Communications, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. Students will also need to complete a nursing pre-entrance exam, be certified in First Aid and CPR for Healthcare Providers, have at least a C in all required courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, have a negative drug screen, no felony record, and be up to date with immunizations.

Students that successfully finish this program graduate with a BSN degree, and are allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam (NCLEX).

This program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

RN to BSN Option

This is online program is for students who have a current RN license and wish to complete their BSN degree. They must meet all admission requirements for UT Martin and for the Department of Nursing and submit documentation verifying their previous nursing education. Students will be asked to take skill evaluations and written exams to determine their level of nursing competency, so they may be placed in the program.

RNs must also complete the Transitions to Professional Nursing course, in place of the Acute and Chronic Care course. After completing the Transitions course and any challenge exams, students will be given credit for previous nursing coursework.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN Option

This is for students who have a current LPN license and wish to complete their BSN degree. They must meet all admission requirements for UT Martin and for the Department of Nursing and submit documentation verifying their previous nursing education. Students will be asked to take skills evaluations and written exams to determine their level of nursing competency, so they may be placed in the program.

LPNs must successfully pass the challenge exams for Nursing Fundamentals I and II to enter the program with advanced placement.

Pi Tau Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau

This is the UT Martin Nursing Honor Society, which is part of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. It recognizes superior achievement, leadership, professionalism, creative work, and commitment to the profession.

The Society votes on membership. Students become candidates for membership after they have completed half of the nursing classes in the BSN curriculum, demonstrated their nursing ability, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and rank in the top 35% of the class.

Contact:
University of Tennessee – Martin
554 University Street,
Martin, TN 38237

University of Tennessee at Knoxville Nursing School Review

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT, UTK) is one of the oldest public universities in the nation. It was founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became a state, as Blount College. It moved to its current location in 1826, and became the University of Tennessee in 1879.

UT is located in Knoxville, which is Tennessee’s third largest city and has a population of over 180,000. UT has the benefits of being in a city, but is also close to nature. The Knoxville area has over 80 parks, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just an hour away.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program allows students to earn their BSN degree and become eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Students may be admitted directly into the program as freshmen. Admission is based on high school GPA, ACT or SAT scores, personal statements, interest and commitment to nursing, and other factors such as the applicant’s high school curriculum, leadership and extracurricular activities, and difficulty of senior level courses.

If admitted to the program as freshmen, students will be eligible for upper level nursing courses when they are full time students, finish their general education courses, have a 3.2 GPA, and have at least a C grade in all classes.

Accelerated BSN

This program is for students with a baccalaureate degree in a subject other than nursing. Students will be able to complete their BSN degree in 12 months with this intense, accelerated program. After graduation, they will be allowed to take the RN licensing exam.

Students are selected for the program based on their cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, course withdrawals and repetitions, grade improvement, interest and commitment to nursing, probability of completing prerequisites before the beginning of the program, and space availability.

The prerequisites for this program are Chemistry I and II, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Human Development or Psychology, Nutrition, Bioethics/Medical Ethics, and Introduction to Nursing.

RN to BSN

RNs that graduated from a diploma or associate degree program in nursing may enroll in this program to earn their BSN. The classes for this program are offered online, so that working RNs can continue their career while they further their education. Students can complete the program full time in three semesters, or they can take it part time.

Students will receive credit for their nursing proficiency, and for prior nursing courses, provided they are equivalent to UT courses.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program offers concentrations in Administration, Adult Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Global Disaster Nursing, Mental Health, Nurse Anesthesia, and Women and Children. Students may opt for thesis or non-thesis program.

To be eligible for admission, students must submit their GRE scores, have a BSN degree or other bachelor’s degree, and have at least a 3.0 GPA. If students don’t have a BSN, they must take the prerequisites of Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Social Science, General Psychology, undergraduate Research, and Statistics.

RN to MSN

Students with a diploma or associate degree in nursing, an RN license, a 3.0 GPA, letters of reference, a personal statement, and completed prerequisites may apply to the MSN program. Once the student completes all 300 and 400 level courses, they will be awarded a BSN degree.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program is for students who want a clinical doctorate degree in nursing. Students need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, submit their GRE scores, submit an essay, rating forms from instructors or supervising nurses, and schedule an interview.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing program is for nurses who specialize in research or education. Students must have an MSN degree, or have a BSN and be an outstanding applicant. They must also have at least a 3.3 GPA, an RN license, complete a basic statistics course and graduate nursing theory, submit their GRE scores, a sample of scholarly writing, an essay about personal and professional goals, and have an interview.

Students that are interested in becoming nursing faculty may pursue the certificate in Nursing Education option.

Contact:
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
320 Student Services Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-0230

Vanderbilt University Nursing School Review

Vanderbilt University (VU, Vandy) in Tennessee is a private research university that was created with an endowment from Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, and opened its doors to students in 1875. The University has always been coed, and is dedicated to providing liberal arts and sciences education.

Today, the campus covers 330 acres, and has ten schools, a distinguished medical center, and a public policy institute. Vanderbilt enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year.

Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is open to students with a diploma or associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), or a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Students that are in the final year of their BSN program may also apply.

Students must submit a statement of goals, official transcripts for all post high school education, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and have an interview.

In addition, BSN students must have taken a statistics course and have a current Registered Nurse (RN) license. RNs with an associate or diploma in nursing must have earned at least 78 credit hours and have taken Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Social Sciences, Humanities, English, Statistics, Nutrition, and Developmental Psychology. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing must also have taken Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Nutrition, and Developmental Psychology.

The MSN program offers specialties in the following areas:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) – this program is for nurses who want to specialize in care of adults with critical, acute, or chronic conditions. This program is offered in a modified learning block format. That means that RNs that have at least two years of work experience may continue working and do not have to relocate to Nashville. They will earn their degree without having to spend extended amounts of time at campus. Courses are offered online, through distributed learning, and on campus for short blocks of time, including weekends. Clinical requirements can usually be met where the student lives. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Nurses in this specialty provide care, disease prevention, and health promotion to patients over the age of 12. This program is offered in modified learning block format. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through the ANCC.
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Intensivist – Nurses in this specialty gives care to adult patients in intensive care settings. It is a subspecialty of ACNP, focusing on patients that need critical care. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the ANCP certification exam, and are allowed to write prescriptions, in accordance with state law.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – This specialty focuses on primary care for all ages. FNPs may practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Students in this program will experience over 700 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates of the FNP program are eligible for certification through the ANCC.
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner (FNP/ACNP) – This specialty of working in emergency care is fast paced and requires the ability to treat a variety of patients and ailments. This program is one of the first of its kind in the nation, and is offered in modified learning block format. The fifth semester of the program involves immersion in an emergency care setting. Graduates of this program are prepared to take both the ACNP and FNP certification exams, and will be able to have prescriptive authority, according to state law.
  • Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) – this in-demand specialty provides care to mental health patients of all ages. This program is one of several with a modified learning block format. Graduates of this program are allowed to take the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam in Adult or Family. After passing that exam, they may apply for prescriptive privileges, and take the Certified Specialist in Adult or Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing exam.
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) – Students that have two years of experience caring for high risk newborns are eligible for this program. If they don’t already have the required experience, students may continue working while they take pre-clinical courses. Students will have the chance to practice in Level I (Newborn), Level II (Intermediate Care) and Level III (Neonatal Intensive Care) neonatal centers. This program is one of the modified learning block formats. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through National Certification Corp (NCC).
  • Health Systems Management (HSM) – This program is for nurses who wish to take a leadership or management role in healthcare. The HSM program is offered through Vanderbilt’s e-learning system, and students will do their clinical practicum in their local area. Students that graduate from this program are allowed to take the national board certification exam from the ANCC.
  • Nurse-Midwifery (NMW) – Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide primary health care to women at all stages of life, emphasizing health education, promotion, and disease prevention. Prior to graduation, students must take a cumulative comprehensive exam. After graduation, they may take the American Midwifery Certification Board exam and become CNMs.
  • Nursing Informatics – This program is for nurses who are interested in managing data and improving health care by using the latest information management technologies. This program is aligned with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Biomedical Informatics, a national leader in the field. This is one of the modified learning block format programs. Upon graduation, students are eligible for the national board certification exam from the ANCC.
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) – This specialty focuses on the needs of women from adolescence through the later stages of life, and concentrates on reproduction and gynecology. This program is one of the modified learning block format programs. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through NCC.
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Nurses in this specialty provide primary care for children up to age 21, in a variety of healthcare settings. The PNP program is one of the modified learning block format programs. The only exception to this is for students that do not have a nursing background. They will have to take their first three semesters on campus, but may finish the program as a distance format. Graduates of this program are allowed to take the national board certification exams from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) and the ANCC.
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP) – This program is for nurses who wish to provide care to children up until age 21, in a variety of pediatric acute care settings. Vanderbilt was one of the first schools to establish this program. This is one of the modified learning block format programs. Graduates of this program are allowed to take the national board certification exam from the PNCB.
  • Dual Focus Nurse-Midwifery/FNP – This program expands the scope of the CNM to encompass men and children, allowing them to care for the entire family at all stages of life. This program can be finished in five semesters, if taken full time by a student who already has a BSN and is an RN.
  • Dual Focus Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)/Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – This program gives nurses the knowledge of a WHNP, but also teaches them the skills to care for the whole family. This is one of the modified learning block format programs. This program requires five semesters to complete if taken full time.
  • Urogynecology – This specialty involves caring for female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. This is a Post-Master’s program to be completed after the WHNP program. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through NCC.

Dual MSN Degrees

The School of Nursing has a program for earning an MSN degree in combination with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, or a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. Students must apply to and be accepted by both the School of Nursing and the Divinity School. These programs are available on campus only.

The dual MSN/MDiv program takes four years if the student already has a BSN. Students will complete their first year of Divinity studies, then a year of Nursing studies, and finish with two years of Divinity studies. RNs without a BSN degree will need to begin their program with the School of Nursing Pre-Specialty Year, and will take five years to finish the program.

BSN graduates in the MSN/MTS program can finish in three years, with a year of Divinity classes, a year of Nursing studies, and the final year of Divinity classes. For RNs without a BSN, a Nursing Pre-Specialty year is required and the program will take four years.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Students with a BSN degree may enter the DNP program and earn their MSN degree, or they may enter with an MSN degree. The program offers on-campus classes and online/distance learning options, allowing nursing professionals to continue working.

To apply, students must submit transcripts, proof of their RN license and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification, letters of recommendation, a resume, professional statement, and have an interview.

Students may study an Advanced Practice Nursing specialty and earn a Post Master’s certificate, along with their DNP degree. This will lengthen the time it takes to finish the program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science

The PhD in Nursing program is an online/distance course of study. Students may apply if they have a BSN or MSN and at least a B GPA. They will need to provide transcripts, GRE scores, recommendations from PhDs, curriculum vitae, an essay about career goals, and have interviews with faculty.

Post-Master’s Certificates

This program is for students wishing to change or expand their advanced nursing specialty. A Post-Master’s certificate allows students to study another specialty without earning another complete MSN degree. Students will need to submit transcripts, resume, and national nursing certifications to apply.

Post-Master’s certificates are available in the following specialties:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Health Systems Management
  • Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Informatics
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Urogynecology

Postdoctoral Program

The Postdoctoral program at Vanderbilt is a two-year program that lets students who have completed a doctoral program in the last five years continue their research and enhance their writing and communication skills. Students must be located in Nashville for this program. The program offers an annual salary, plus a stipend to cover research and travel expenses.

Students will be selected based on a match between the faculty advisor and the candidate.

Special Students (Non-Degree Seeking)

Students may enroll in graduate level non-clinical courses without being accepted into the MSN program. Students will need to submit a registration form along with transcripts. Admission into the classes will be based upon availability of space after degree-program students have registered.

Admission requires approval of the Registrar, and does not guarantee future admission to the School of Nursing MSN or DNP programs.

Contact:
Vanderbilt University
2305 West End Avenue
,
Nashville
, TN 37203

 

Walters State Community College Nursing Program Review

Serving the residents of East Tennessee, Walters State Community College (WSCC, WS) was founded in 1970 as an affordable higher education opportunity. WSCC has campuses in Morristown, Greeneville, Sevierville, and Tazewell. There are over 11,000 students enrolled, and the College offers over 100 associate degree and technical certificate options.

WSCC is one of the most technically savvy community colleges in the country. The campus is ranked as the safest in Tennessee, and the 12th safest in the nation. WSCC is also part of the Tennessee Board of Regents program.

Nursing Programs

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

This program is for entry level nurses to begin their education and career. Upon graduation, students will be awarded an AAS degree and will be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students must be enrolled at WSCC, complete all prerequisites, and the computer competency requirement. They must have a 2.5 GPA in their science courses. Students are admitted to the program during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Students will be ranked for admission into the program based on their Anatomy and Physiology grades, number of courses completed, and GPA in prerequisite courses. Additional ranking points may come from the student’s ACT score and pre-nursing entrance exam score. Students might also be asked to interview.

The prerequisites for the nursing program are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II. After completing those courses, students are encouraged to complete the general education courses before starting the nursing program. These include English Composition, General Psychology, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, Introduction to Microbiology, and Probability and Statistics.

Once in the program, students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, and must earn at least a C grade in every Nursing and Biology course.

This program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and is annually approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN Career Mobility Program

This program allows LPNs to continue their education and earn their AAS degree. Students will have to meet the same admission requirements for the AAS in nursing program as those listed above. Students are admitted to the Career Mobility Program in the Summer semester.

LPNs must have either graduated from a nursing program in the past year, or have at least one year of nursing work experience in the past three years. Once they complete Transition to Nursing with a grade of C or higher, students will be given credit for Nursing Process, and will be placed in the second year of the AAS program.

Pre-Nursing Pathway

Students that are interested in transferring to a four year institution to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are encouraged to follow the Pre-Nursing Pathway curriculum. This course of study is identical to what any freshman nursing student in any public university in Tennessee is studying.

After studying at WSCC for a year, students are guaranteed to be on par with other students when they transfer. This program does not, however, guarantee entrance into a BSN program.

This program is made up of 32 credit hours of courses, including English Composition I and II, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Probability and Statistics, and History.

Articulation Agreements

WSCC has articulation agreements with many universities in the state, including an AAS in Nursing to BSN degree program in partnership with Lincoln Memorial University. Students will earn an AAS degree at WSCC, and transfer to Lincoln Memorial University to complete the BSN degree program. Students will need to apply separately to Lincoln Memorial University.

Contact:
Walters State Community College
500 South Davy Crockett Parkway,
Morristown, TN 37813-6899

Augustana College of South Dakota Nursing Program Review

Augustana College (Augie, AC) of South Dakota traces its history back to Hillsboro Academy, which was founded in 1835. After changing names and locations several times, the college eventually settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 650 miles away from its original site, in 1918. The college, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, focuses on the liberal arts.

All students, regardless of major, must complete a rigorous core curriculum. Besides majors in the humanities, Augustana College offers programs for prospective educators, engineers scientists, business leaders, and healthcare professionals. Aspiring nurses can complete Augustana College’s Bachelor of Arts in Nursing program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Program (B.A. with a Major in Nursing)

Like all students at Augustana College, students in the nursing program must complete a lengthy liberal arts course sequence in addition to the classes in their chosen field of study. Nursing students are required to complete sixty credits in the liberal arts, in addition to twenty-two credits of nursing prerequisites and forty-eight credits of nursing classes. In total, the degree requires 130 credits, and takes four years to complete on a full-time basis. Students in the lower division of the program (the first two years) have the option of studying part-time, but the upper division courses must be completed on a full-time basis. Upon graduation, the student will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in nursing. This is unusual, as most colleges award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Having earned this, he may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If he passes this exam, he may pursue work opportunities as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Program – RN Transition (ADN to BSN/RN to BSN)

Augustana College welcomes graduates of associate degree nursing (ADN) programs or diploma programs to apply to the baccalaureate program. These applications are considered on an individual basis. If accepted, an RN will meet with an advisor to plan out an appropriate course of study, working around an employment schedule, if necessary. Typically, an RN must complete a four-credit bridge course before transitioning into upper-division nursing coursework. An RN must complete all the general education requirements in addition to the upper-level nursing coursework.

Continuing Education – The Parish Nurse Preparation Course

In keeping with its mission as a Christian college, Augustana College offers a special training course for RNs who wish to provide nursing care within the context of their faith. The Department of Nursing hosts the Augustana Parish Nursing Center, through which RNs can complete a Parish Nurse (Faith Community Nurse) Preparation Course. This training course gives RNs the tools and knowledge they need to set up and run a nursing ministry in their own parish. The curriculum for the course is based on the curriculum developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. The course is offered in a hybrid format, partly online and partly on campus. RNs have eight weeks to complete the initial, online component. After this, they attend an intense two-day session on the campus of Augustana College. 

Contact:
Augustana College
2001 S. Summit Avenue,
Sioux Falls, SD 57197

Dakota Wesleyan University Nursing School Review

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), a small university founded in 1885 which is affiliated with the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, enrolls less than 1000 students each year. The majority of these students are undergraduates, although the university does offer a few graduate programs in education as well.

Among the undergraduate students, the most popular major is nursing, offered through the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing, which is a part of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness, and Science. DWU’s nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing; DWU itself is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. 

Associate of Arts in Nursing

Either on the main campus in Mitchell, South Dakota, or on the satellite campus in Huron, prospective Registered Nurses (RN) can complete a course sequence leading to an Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a major in nursing. This program starts in the fall, and takes two full years (including two summer semesters) to complete. After completing all six semesters and earning seventy-one credit hours, a graduate is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The curriculum of the AA in Nursing program includes both general education courses and nursing courses, and has a strong emphasis on clinical practice; students begin clinical rotations in the very first semester of the program. Before beginning the program, students must complete a nurse assistant training course. This can be done at DWU, or through another college or healthcare facility.

Associate of Arts in Nursing – LPN to RN

Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls hosts the DWU AA in Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN program; the LPN to RN program is not available on the main campus in Mitchell or in Huron. In order to accommodate LPNs who are working, classes are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and some classes are offered online. Before beginning the LPN to RN curriculum, an LPN must complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, English composition, and sociology. After these prerequisites are complete, the LPN to RN curriculum takes one year (two semesters) to complete. It begins in the fall. Graduates may take the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing – RN to BAN Completion Program

The RN to Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (BAN) program is offered online, in order to accommodate working RNs. An incoming RN must complete twenty credits of nursing courses via the distance learning format. In addition to these nursing courses, she may need to complete additional general education classes, depending on her transcript. DWU does not offer the non-nursing courses in an online format; students must either travel to campus to complete these or take them online through another university and transfer the credits. The RN to BAN program includes a clinical component, which can be completed in a location convenient for the student. In total, a student in the RN to BAN program must earn 127 credits to graduate. The length of the program will vary depending on how many general education courses an RN needs to complete.

Nurse Aide Training Course

DWU offers a Nurse Aide Training Course every August. This course is required for students who are planning to start the AA in Nursing degree in the fall. However, the short program can also provide a direct entry into the nursing profession. Graduates of the training course are eligible to take the state certification exam and, if successful, pursue careers as Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA).

Contact:
Dakota Wesleyan University
1200 W. University Avenue,
Mitchell, SD 57301

Lake Area Technical Institute Nursing Program Review

When it was established in 1965, Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI) was the first technical school in the state of South Dakota. Since its foundation, the school has grown rapidly, expanding its enrollment capacity and adding new programs. It offers a variety of professional programs in agriculture, business, computer information systems, healthcare, and many other fields.

Approximately 1500 students take classes at LATI, both on the campus in Watertown and via distance learning technology. Among those students are prospective nurses. LATI’s program in nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Program

LATI accepts fifty students each year into its on-campus Practical Nursing Program. The program is intense, requiring eleven months of full-time study and forty-eight-and-a-half credits total. Students in the on-campus program do not have the option of studying part-time. In the fall semester, practical nursing students take general education/nursing support classes, including medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, introduction to computers, algebra, and English composition. In addition to these, they take the first two nursing classes in the fall semester. As this is a very heavy course load (twenty-four credits in one semester), LATI highly recommends that students who are interested in the Practical Nursing Program take at least a few of the general education classes before beginning. The spring and summer semesters are devoted mainly to nursing courses. At the end of the summer semester, a graduate receives a diploma in practical nursing, and may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing this exam, she has the title of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Practical Nursing E-Degree Program

Each fall, LATI accepts twenty students into its online Practical Nursing E-Degree Program. The program is open to residents of South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska, and can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. A student who wishes to study full-time must complete the following prerequisites before beginning: CPR, anatomy, introduction to computers, English composition, applied general math, intermediate algebra, college algebra, medical terminology, and general psychology. While a part-time student is not required to complete these before starting, LATI highly recommends that he take at least some of them.  Once enrolled in the program, it takes eleven months to complete on a full-time basis, and twenty-three months on a part-time basis. All the coursework, except for English composition, math, anatomy, and psychology, is available online; students may complete the coursework that is not available online either on the LATI campus or at another college. Students must travel to Watertown for clinical rotations. The clinical sessions are compressed into a short time period, to allow greater flexibility for students. Graduates of the Practical Nursing E-Degree program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.

Associate Degree in Nursing

While LATI itself does not offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), it does cooperate with the University of South Dakota to allow its practical nursing graduates to transition smoothly into an ADN program. The University of South Dakota makes the second-year ADN classes available on the LATI campus. After finishing the three semesters of the LATI practical nursing program and taking additional general education classes in chemistry, college algebra, English, physiology, oral communications, and microbiology (twenty-one credits in total), a student can complete upper-level nursing classes leading to an associate of applied science degree from the University of South Dakota. This degree will prepare him to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Certified Nursing Assistant Online Program

Through its Corporate Education division, LATI offers an online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. The program includes forty hours of classroom instruction (completed online) and thirty-five hours of clinical practice at a long-term care facility. Students have the option of finding a facility in a location convenient to them, or traveling to Watertown. The CNA online program is offered four times a year: in January, April, July, and October. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam for nurse assistants.

Contact:
Lake Area Technical Institute
230 11th St. NE.,
Watertown, SD 57201

Mount Marty College Nursing Program Review

Since 1936, Mount Marty College (MMC) has focused on providing students with a liberal arts education and professional training, within the context of the Roman Catholic faith. It enrolls about 1100 students each year; most students study on the residential campus in Yankton, South Dakota. In addition to its main campus, Mount Marty College offers undergraduate classes in Watertown on the campus of Lake Area Technical Institute, and graduate classes in Sioux Falls.

Through Mount Marty College, students can pursue a career in nursing. The college offers a certificate program, a baccalaureate program, and a graduate program for nurses.  Mount Marty College has accreditation for its nursing programs from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Practical Nursing Program

In just four semesters, a student can complete Mount Marty College’s Practical Nursing Program and begin a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Over the course of the four semesters, he must earn fifty-three credits. The curriculum includes nursing support classes and clinical rotations. The program is available on the main campus in Yankton. After completing the four semesters of full-time study, a student receives a certificate in practical nursing, and is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

On the main campus in Yankton, Mount Marty College prepares students for careers as Registered Nurses (RN) through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN curriculum consists of general education classes and nursing classes, and is worth 128 credits total. Studying full-time, a student needs four years to complete it. She spends the first year focusing on general education classes, taking her first nursing class in the fall of her second year. Clinical rotations also begin in the second year of the program. After graduating, a student may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN/LPN to BSN

On the campus of Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, Mount Marty College provides a bridge program for RNs who are graduates of an associate-degree program or a diploma program and for LPNs. Mount Marty College tailors the bridge program to accommodate non-traditional students, including those who are working full-time. Classes generally meet once a week, either in the morning, early afternoon, or evening. Like the traditional BSN program, the RN/LPN to BSN bridge program requires 128 credits, and includes general education classes and nursing courses. Depending on the incoming nurse’s level of education, the program length can vary considerably. An incoming nurse must meet with an advisor who will evaluate his transcript and must complete competency testing. After this, an individualized course of study will be planned out.

Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Nurse

On its campus in Sioux Falls, Mount Marty College offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program to RNs who hold a baccalaureate degree. Through nursing theory classes, clinical rotations, and classes in a chosen area of specialization, RNs can prepare for advanced practice certification in one of three different areas:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

An RN who wishes to provide primary care to children can complete classes and clinical rotations in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner area of specialization. This will prepare him to take the certification exam for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

To provide primary care to adults, an RN can complete the classes and clinical rotations in the Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner area of focus. This leads to certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner or Gerontological Nurse Practitioner.

Advanced Public Health Nurse Leader

In order to focus on providing care to communities, particularly vulnerable communities and rural communities, a nurse may opt to specialize as an Advanced Public Health Nurse Leader. After completing this area of focus, she may take the Clinical Specialist in Public Community Health Nursing certification exam offered by the ANCC.

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia

The intense Nurse Anesthesia MSN program, which is offered in Sioux Falls, takes thirty months to complete. It begins in the fall and the first part of the program (lasting eleven months) is devoted to classroom instruction. The remaining nineteen months are focused on clinical practice.  Students must study on a full-time basis. Mount Marty College’s nurse anesthesia program has accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Contact:
Mount Marty College
1105 West 8th Street,
Yankton, SD 57078

Presentation College in South Dakota Nursing Program Review

Presentation College (PC), founded in 1951, specializes in providing education in the healthcare field, within the context of the Catholic-Christian tradition. On its main campus in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as well as on its campuses in Eagle Butte, South Dakota and Fairmont, Minnesota, Presentation College prepares students for careers in many of the allied health professions, nursing, business, education, and social work. Nursing is one of the college’s main areas of focus; it offers an associate degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in nursing, with special tracks to accommodate incoming students with different levels of education.

The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Associate Degree in Nursing

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is offered on the Aberdeen campus and the Eagle Butte campus. It starts each fall, and requires five semesters of full-time study to complete (including one summer semester). Students must earn at least sixty-nine credits, and complete general education classes, nursing classes, and clinical rotations. After completing the ADN program, a graduate will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. This makes her eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCELX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares a student for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN), and also gives him the background he needs for further, graduate-level nursing education. Presentation College’s BSN program takes four years to complete, on a full-time basis. Students can complete the BSN program in Aberdeen or in Fairmont, Minnesota. They must start in the fall, and earn at least 127 credits in order to graduate. Completing the BSN program prepares a student for the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Completion

As part of the Presentation College Virtual Online division, a graduate of an associate degree in nursing program can complete the BSN curriculum. To do so, she needs to earn a total of 121 credits. Presentation College will accept up to sixty-nine credits from her associate degree, allowing her to complete the remaining credits and earn her BSN in as little as four consecutive semesters (sixteen months).  The classes are offered completely online, and a student in the RN to BSN completion program can schedule clinical rotations in a facility that is in her area (South Dakota, North Dakota, or Minnesota).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – LPN to BSN Completion

Also through the Virtual Online division, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can complete the BSN curriculum. He can complete all the coursework online, but must travel to one of the Presentation College virtual sites for clinical practice; he can go to Aberdeen, South Dakota; Fairmont, Minnesota; or Fargo, North Dakota. Depending on the LPN’s previous education, the length of the program can vary. An LPN who is a graduate of a one-year certificate program will typically need at least six semesters to complete the BSN program. An LPN who has completed a two-year associate degree program may be able to complete it in four semesters. In total, he must earn 127 credits in order to graduate.

Contact:
Presentation College
1500 North Main Street,
Aberdeen, SD 57401

South Dakota State University Nursing School Review

While South Dakota State University (SDSU) has been in existence since 1881, it started educating nurses in 1935. It has expanded from offering just a four-year baccalaureate nursing program to offering graduate-level nursing programs in a variety of specializations, upward mobility programs for nurses who want to earn a full baccalaureate degree, and continuing education refresher courses for nurses who wish to brush up on their nursing skills.

For prospective nurses and nurses who want to continue their education, South Dakota State University has one of the most comprehensive lists of programs in the state. Depending on the program, classes are offered on the main campus in Brookings, as well as in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Aberdeen. Currently, the School of Nursing at SDSU enrolls about 800 undergraduate students and about 200 graduate students. The nursing programs at SDSU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Standard Option

The Standard Option of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing) program takes four years to complete, on a full-time basis. Students in this program spend the first three semesters as pre-nursing students, completing general education requirements and nursing prerequisites. After these are complete, they transition into five semesters of nursing coursework. In total, BS in Nursing students must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. The five-semester nursing course sequence starts each fall and each spring on the main campus in Brookings and on the satellite site in Rapid City. In Sioux Falls, SDSU offers the nursing course sequence starting in the spring only. After graduating from the BS in Nursing program, students may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated Option

The Accelerated Option of the BS in Nursing program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The program is intense; like the Standard Option of the BSN program, the Accelerated Option requires five semesters of nursing courses. In the Accelerated Option, however, the semesters are compressed to ten weeks. A student on the accelerated track can complete all five terms in just twelve months of intense, full-time study. SDSU offers this BS in Nursing program option in two different locations: Sioux Falls and Aberdeen. The course sequence starts in August in Sioux Falls and January in Aberdeen.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BS

As part of its RN Upward Mobility initiative, which is designed to accommodate working RNs who want to advance in the field of nursing, SDSU offers an online RN to BS in Nursing program. Through this program, a graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program can earn a full baccalaureate degree, in preparation for graduate-level nursing education and advanced certification. Before beginning the nursing course sequence, an RN must complete most of her missing general education requirements and nursing support classes. When she starts the nursing course sequence, she can have no more than seven credits of non-nursing courses to complete. SDSU will accept up to twenty credits of nursing coursework from the RN’s associate degree or diploma program. In total, she must earn 120 credits in order to graduate. The length of the program will vary, depending on how many classes she needs to complete and how many classes she takes per semester. Clinical rotations are included as part of the RN to BS program; an RN may schedule these at a location in her area.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing – RN to MS

An RN who knows that he wishes to proceed directly from undergraduate study to graduate-level nursing classes can enroll in the RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MS in Nursing) program. Like the students in the RN to BS in Nursing program, he will complete all the requirements for the BS in Nursing degree online. The only difference is that he can substitute two graduate-level nursing classes for two of the undergraduate-level nursing classes. He must also complete a statistics course. In the last semester of his undergraduate program, he will formally apply to the graduate program in his chosen area of specialization. He then transitions into the MS in Nursing program in the next semester.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice – RN to DNP

Like the RN to MS program, the RN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program allows an RN to transition smoothly from undergraduate study to DNP classes. She can substitute two graduate nursing courses for two undergraduate nursing courses, and must complete a statistics course as part of her BS in Nursing degree. In the last semester of her BS in Nursing classes, she can apply for admission to the DNP program, on the Bachelor’s to DNP track.

Master of Science in Nursing

After completing a baccalaureate degree and working for at least 1500 hours as an RN, a nurse can return to school to complete an MS in Nursing degree. SDSU enrolls an MS in Nursing class each fall. Students in the program can complete most of the coursework online, traveling to campus occasionally for intense, short sessions. In addition to classes, all students in the MS in Nursing program must complete clinical hours. The required number of clinical hours, as well as the number of credits, varies according to the RN’s chosen specialty. SDSU offers several different areas of specialization within the MS in Nursing program. The following are the available specializations:

Clinical Nursing Leadership Specialization with Nurse Administrator Emphasis

If an RN chooses the Clinical Nursing Leadership Specialization with Nurse Administrator Emphasis, he must earn thirty-seven credits total, and complete 180 clinical hours. At the conclusion of the program, he can take the Nurse Executive – Board Certified or Nurse Executive – Advanced Board Certified exam, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader exam or the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice exam offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

Clinical Nursing Leadership Specialization Clinical Nurse Leader Emphasis

The Clinical Nurse Leader Emphasis requires forty-three credits total, and includes 480 clinical hours. Graduates of this track in the MS in Nursing program can take the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam offered by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC).

Nurse Educator Specialization

A student on the Nurse Educator Specialization track must earn forty-four credits total, and complete 300 hours of hands-on teaching practice. After completing the program and teaching for at least two years, a graduate can take the Certified Nurse Educator exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate

The Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate program is open to nurses who already have an MS in Nursing degree. Students on this track do not have to complete the core nursing graduate classes, although they do have to complete all the classes in the nurse educator area of focus, as well as complete a teaching practicum. After completing the program and teaching for at least two years, graduates of the certificate program can take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Bachelor’s to DNP

An RN with a bachelor’s degree and at least 1500 hours of work experience as a nurse may apply to the Bachelor’s to DNP program. This program requires a substantial time commitment of four-and-a-half to six years of study, depending on the area of specialization. Through this track of the DNP program, an RN can earn advanced practice certification in one of several areas of specialization, and obtain the skills and knowledge he needs to assume the highest level of clinical responsibility.  SDSU offers the program each fall in Brookings/Sioux Falls, and in Rapid City starting in even years. Students must travel to campus for at least some of the classes; the program is not available entirely online although some classes are offered via distance technology.  SDSU offers the following specializations within the Bachelor’s to DNP program:

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track requires eighty credits total, and includes 1560 clinical hours. Students may complete the course sequence in as little as four-and-a-half years, or they may take five-and-a-half years.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

On the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) track, an RN must earn sixty-eight credits total and complete 1260 clinical hours. As SDSU cooperates with the University of Missouri-Kansas City to offer this track, students must also commit to two short sessions in Kansas City.

Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

In cooperation with the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia, SDSU offers a Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track. Students on this track must complete eighty-three credit hours, and 1020 clinical hours. They will travel to Columbia for short sessions several times throughout the program.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

By earning eighty-and-a-half credits and completing 1020 clinical hours, students can complete the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track of the Bachelor’s to DNP program. As this track is offered in cooperation with the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia, students must plan on traveling several times to Columbia throughout the course of the program.

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

With the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia, SDSU offers a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist track. This requires seventy-seven credits and includes 1110 clinical hours. Students must travel to Columbia several times throughout the program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Master’s (Advanced Practice Certification) to DNP

A nurse with advanced practice certification (as a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse midwife) can complete SDSU’s DNP program in just three years. The program requires thirty-one credits hours and includes 540 clinical hours. Some courses are offered in Sioux Falls and others are offered online. The program begins in the fall, in odd years only.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Master’s (without Advanced Practice Certification) to DNP

An RN who has a master’s degree but does not have advanced practice certification can complete the DNP program in three to five years, depending on how many classes he takes per semester and how many classes he needs to complete. Depending on his previous education, he needs to earn between fifty-six and sixty-eight credits hours. As part of the DNP program, he will complete the coursework specific to the FNP area of specialization, and take the FNP certification exam. While SDSU offers other tracks in the Bachelor’s to DNP program, students on the Master’s to DNP track can only complete the FNP courses.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program prepares nurse educators and nurse researchers; it is only open to nurses who have already earned a master’s degree. The program requires sixty credit hours, which takes three years on a full-time basis. Students also have the option of taking four or five years to complete the PhD in Nursing course sequence. In order to accommodate work schedules, SDSU offers classes that meet one weekend a month, in Sioux Falls. Some coursework is also available online.

Continuing Education – LPN Refresher Course

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who has been out of the work force may complete the SDSU LPN Refresher Course in order to brush up her nursing skills and bring herself up to date with advances in the nursing field. The course consists of eighty hours of classroom instruction, which is offered online, and eighty hours of clinical practice, which can be completed in a location that is convenient for the student. The LPN can start at any time, and must complete the entire course within a year.

Continuing Education – RN Refresher Course

After leaving the nursing profession for a time, an RN can bring his skills up to date through the RN Refresher Course. He will complete 120 hours of classroom instruction and eighty hours of clinical practice. The classroom portion of the course is offered online, and the clinical practice can be completed in a location that is convenient for the student. An RN may enroll at any time; he has one year to complete the course.

Contact:
South Dakota State University-College of Nursing,
Brookings, SD 57007

University of South Dakota Nursing School Review

Established in 1862, the University of South Dakota (USD) was the first university in the state. The school provides undergraduate and graduate education, in a wide range of fields. Areas of study include liberal arts, business, education, fine arts, health sciences, law, and medicine. Among undergraduate students, nursing is the most popular major.

USD offers nursing programs on its main campus in Vermillion (in the southeast corner of South Dakota), as well as at its satellite sites in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, Watertown, and through distance learning technology. USD’s nursing programs have approval from the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The associate-degree nursing program has accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and the bachelor’s-degree nursing program has applicant status with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree

USD offers the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Degree program at its sites in Vermillion, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre. In order to earn an ASN degree, a student must earn sixty-five credits total. The sixty-five credits include thirty non-nursing credits, which a student may complete before entering the nursing course sequence, if he wishes. The course format is hybrid; students attend classes on campus and complete coursework online. A clinical component is included in the curriculum. After earning the ASN degree, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree – LPN to RN Upward Mobility

USD encourages Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to become Registered Nurses (RN) through the LPN to RN Upward Mobility program. This program is offered on the campuses in Vermillion, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, and Watertown. The LPN will receive seventeen advanced placement credits toward the nursing course sequence; she must earn eighteen additional nursing credits in order to finish the ASN program. The LPN must also complete the thirty-credit general education requirement. 

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree – Online

USD does offer an online ASN option, but it is not open to all students. In order to be eligible, a student must work for a healthcare employer who signs a contract with USD. Students in this program must continue to work for their employer. At the same time, they will complete nursing coursework online and hands-on clinical rotations at healthcare facilities in their area. They may study part-time, taking up to four years to complete the ASN program. While students in the ASN online program can take general education courses during any semester, they must start the nursing course sequence in the fall. LPNs may participate in the LPN to RN Upward Mobility program, which allows them to skip the first two nursing courses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

USD’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is offered online. Working RNs can complete the coursework at their convenience, and schedule clinical rotations in a facility that is close to them. RNs in the RN to BSN program must earn 120 credits in total. USD will award them thirty-five credits toward the 120 on the basis of their previous nursing coursework; they must complete the remainder of the nursing courses and all the university’s general education requirements in order to earn the BSN degree.  The RN to BSN program begins each fall.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

USD’s newest program (started in 2012) is a four-year BSN program, which is available in Vermillion, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City. The curriculum requires 120 credits total. Students in the program spend the first two years as pre-nursing students, focusing on nursing support classes and general education classes, applying to the BSN program at the end of the second year. The remaining two years of the program include nursing classes and clinical rotations. Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Contact:

University of South Dakota
414 E Clark Street,
Vermillion, SD 57069

York Technical College Nursing Program Review

Prospective nurses in the northern portion of South Carolina have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a program. Depending on their desired level of education (certificate, diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree), students in the area can choose between studying at York Technical College (YTC, York Tech) in Rock Hill or at the University of South Carolina Lancaster (USC Lancaster, USCL). 

York Technical College, founded in 1964, offers a certificate program for nurse assistants, a diploma program for practical nurses, and cooperating with the University of South Carolina Lancaster, also offers an associate degree in nursing. Besides the associate degree program for nursing, the University of South Carolina Lancaster (founded in 1959) hosts a bachelor’s program, in cooperation with the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Piedmont Medical Center.

York Technical College Nurse Assistant Course

In a variety of different formats, York Technical College offers a training course for prospective certified nurse assistants (CNA). Students may enroll in a daytime course, an evening course, a weekend course, or an online blend course. The training program includes in-class instruction (which can be completed online, if the student opts for the online blend version of the course) and clinical instruction, which is scheduled at a local long-term care facility. The course can be completed in as little as five weeks, and leads to a certificate. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam for CNAs. York Technical College offers the program several times a semester, through its Corporate and Continuing Education Division.

York Technical College Nurse Assistant Refresher Course

Also through its Corporate and Continuing Education Division, York Technical College offers a refresher course for graduates of a nurse assistant course who wish to prepare for the state certification exam. This course has a lab component, a clinical component, and culminates in a written exam. The course is offered regularly; dates and times vary.

York Technical College Practical Nursing Program

Graduates of the Practical Nursing program earn a diploma in applied science, and may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). In order to earn the diploma, a student must complete forty-one credit hours, which includes credits for background courses (English, biology, psychology) as well as nursing courses and clinical rotations. The program, which starts in the fall, takes three semesters to complete, and prepares students for work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). York Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster Cooperative Nursing Program – Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Either at York Technical College in Rock Hill or at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, students may complete the five-semester Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This leads to an associate in applied science degree with a major in nursing (AAS in Nursing), prepares the graduate for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and prepares the graduate for work as a Registered Nurse (RN). Over the course of the program’s five semesters, students must earn a total of sixty-eight credits. This includes general education courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, college algebra, and psychology. The course sequence begins in the fall, and includes one summer semester. The ADN program at York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the NLNAC.

York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster Cooperative Nursing Program – Associate Degree in Nursing Program – LPN/ADN Transition

A graduate of a practical nursing program can complete her associate degree in nursing through the LPN/ADN Transition option. If she enrolls in this program, she will receive fifteen advanced placement credits, which allow her to skip the first three semesters of nursing courses. She must take a transition nursing course (unless she is a graduate of the York Technical College Practical Nursing program). This transition course is offered in the summer and fall semester. After completing this, she can begin the upper-level nursing coursework along with the traditional ADN students in the fall, and graduate in the spring. 

University of South Carolina Lancaster/University of South Carolina/Piedmont Medical Center – Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Although the University of South Carolina Lancaster is a two-year school, it cooperates with the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Piedmont Medical Center to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students in the BSN program can complete all their coursework on the campus in Lancaster, via a combination of classroom instruction and distance learning. The program takes four years to complete, and requires 122 credits in total. A graduate of the BSN program is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.

Contact:

York Technical College
452 South Anderson Road,
Rock Hill, SC 29730

University of South Carolina Lancaster
476 Hubbard Drive,
Lancaster, SC 29720

 

University of South Carolina Upstate Nursing School Review

The University of South Carolina Upstate (USCU, USC Upstate), originally the Spartanburg Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina, was founded in 1967 in response to the closing of the nursing diploma program at Spartanburg General Hospital. Anticipating a nursing shortage, the college was founded to train nurses for the Spartanburg, South Carolina area. It expanded, added additional programs, and became its own university, although still part of the South Carolina higher education system.

Nursing remains a focus of the University of South Carolina Upstate, although the university also offers degrees in the arts and sciences, business, and education. Through the Mary Black School of Nursing, the University of South Carolina Upstate offers an undergraduate nursing program with different entry points for students with different levels of education. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Four-Year Track

Each spring and each fall, the Mary Black School of Nursing accepts 112 students into the four-year track of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Before admission to the BSN program, however, students must complete two years of prerequisites and general education courses. If accepted to the BSN program, they will spend the remaining two years taking nursing classes and completing clinical rotations. Students must take prerequisite classes on the university’s campus in Spartanburg, but they have the option of taking the nursing classes either on campus in Spartanburg or through the University Center of Greenville. Two of the nursing courses are offered online. While the suggested course sequence takes four years to complete, part-time students are also welcome to apply. After completing the prerequisites, part-time students may take up to eight semesters to complete the nursing courses. In total, a student in the BSN program must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. After graduating, he may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and start working as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Track

Through the RN to BSN track of the BSN program, a graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program may earn a full BSN degree. Before applying for admission to the RN to BSN program, however, the RN must complete the required sixty-one credits of general education classes. He may do this either through the University of South Carolina Upstate, or at another college. The University of South Carolina Upstate will award him thirty-five advanced placement credits for the lower-level nursing courses. Once all the prerequisites are completed, the RN must earn thirty-two credits of nursing courses at the University of South Carolina Upstate. He can do this in three semesters (including one summer semester) on a full-time basis, but he may also study on a part-time basis. The RN to BSN program starts in the fall only, and the university accepts 100 to 200 students each year. The University of South Carolina Upstate offers the RN to BSN program online and through its center in Greenville.

Contact:
University of South Carolina Upstate
800 University Way,
Spartanburg, SC 29303

University of South Carolina Aiken Nursing School Review

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken, USCA), a member of the South Carolina higher education system, traces its roots back to 1961. The college caters mainly to undergraduate students, offering thirty-five different undergraduate majors. The majority of students are commuters (almost 80 percent), and residents of South Carolina (over 90 percent).

Approximately 3000 students are enrolled in the University of South Carolina Aiken’s educational programs, including its program in nursing. The undergraduate nursing program, which offers different tracks for incoming students with different levels of education, is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Council (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Track

The Generic Track of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for incoming freshman. It takes four years of full-time study to complete. The program consists of 125 credits in total, which includes credits for nursing coursework and clinical rotations as well as nursing prerequisites and general education classes required by the University of South Carolina Aiken. A student on the BSN Generic Track will spend the first three semesters focusing solely on the nursing prerequisites and the general education requirements. In the second semester of her second year, she will transition into her first nursing courses, and will spend the remaining five semesters of her time at the University of South Carolina Aiken focusing on nursing coursework. The suggested course sequence is for full-time students, but students do have the option of studying part-time. After completing the general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, a part-time nursing student may take up to three-and-a-half years (seven semesters) to complete the nursing coursework. After she earns her BSN degree, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and may begin her nursing career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Advanced Placement

A graduate of a practical nursing program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) may test out of the very first nursing course: Fundamental Skills. This course is worth five credits, and is usually taken in the second semester of the second year of the BSN program. Other than this, the LPN or LVN must complete the BSN program along the Generic Track.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Completion Track

The University of South Carolina offers a special track for graduates of an associate-degree or diploma program who wish to earn a BSN degree. Before beginning the nursing coursework, an RN must complete most of the general education requirements (at least forty-six credits out of the required fifty-five credits). He may do this as a student at the University of South Carolina Aiken, or he may transfer these credits from another school. He will be awarded thirty-three advanced placement credits on the basis of his prior nursing education, and must complete an additional thirty-two credits of nursing coursework at the University of South Carolina Aiken. After earning 120 credits in total, he will receive a BSN degree. Usually, this will take three semesters (not including the forty-six credits of general education classes) on a full-time basis. The RN to BSN curriculum is offered online and on campus, and starts in the fall.

Contact:
University of South Carolina Aiken
471 University Parkway,
Aiken, SC 29801

University of South Carolina Nursing School Review

The University of South Carolina (USC), located in Columbia, is the flagship university of the South Carolina higher education system. The university has a long history of academic excellence, dating back to 1805, and currently serves over 30,000 students in over 300 different degree programs. Among those degree programs are several in the field of nursing, at the undergraduate and graduate level.  All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a prospective Registered Nurse (RN) will receive a background in the liberal arts as well as the nursing training that she needs to pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). During the first two years, students complete lower division coursework, which consists of forty-five credits of general education courses and introductory nursing courses. After completing lower division coursework, a student can apply to the upper division BSN program, which begins in the fall only.

Approximately 200 students are accepted each year, and about sixty students at the University of South Carolina – Lancaster and the University of South Carolina – Salkehatchie may also participate in the upper division nursing coursework.  If accepted into the upper division, a student will focus completely on nursing for the next two years, taking classes and completing clinical rotations. In total, a BSN student must earn 122 credits to graduate.

Master of Science in Nursing – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

After completing a BSN program, an RN may prepare to provide primary care to adults with serious health problems through the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This program will prepare him to take the certification exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). The course sequence starts in the fall, and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. In total, a student must earn at least forty credits and complete clinical hours. He also has the option of taking two elective classes that cover acute care nursing for children. Most courses for the MSN program are offered online.

Master of Science in Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In order to function as a primary caregiver for both adults and children, a BSN-prepared nurse can complete the MSN program, working toward certification as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP) with an emphasis on family care.  The courses are offered online, for the most part, although students will have to come to campus occasionally. The program requires forty-five credits total (including clinical hours), and takes six semesters to complete on a full-time basis. Students also have the option of studying part-time. The course sequence begins in the fall only.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Advanced Practice Nursing

An MSN-prepared nurse can become an advanced practice nurse more quickly than a BSN-prepared nurse. In order to take an advanced practice certification exam, she only needs to complete three core graduate nursing classes, and four or five classes in her chosen area of specialization. The University of South Carolina offers two specializations: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner. In total, a student must earn twenty-four to twenty-seven credits in order to receive a certificate of graduate study in advanced practice nursing. Classes are available online, and a student must begin the course sequence in the fall.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Advanced Practice Nursing for Certified Nurse Practitioners

A nurse who has earned an MSN degree and already has advanced practice certification can earn certification as an ACNP or PCNP/FNP even more quickly than a nurse who has an MSN degree but no advanced practice certification. He does not need to complete the core graduate nursing classes; he only needs to complete eighteen credits in his chosen area of specialization. The course sequence begins in the fall, and classes are available online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN Entry (Online BSN to DNP Program)

A BSN-prepared nurse can enter the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and prepare himself to take on the highest level of clinical responsibility as an advanced practice nurse. The curriculum is intense, as a nurse with a BSN degree must complete coursework leading to advanced practice certification in addition to the DNP coursework. This requires seventy-five credits, if he wishes to specialize as a PCNP/FNP, and sixty-eight credits if he wishes to specialize as an ACNP. On a full-time basis, this requires ten semesters. He also has the option of studying part-time. Over the course of the program, he will complete at least 1000 clinical hours. The course sequence starts in the fall only, and classes are offered online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Master’s Entry (Clinical): (Online MSN to DNP Program)

A nurse with an MSN degree and advanced practice certification can earn a DNP degree online in just five semesters of full-time study. In total, she must earn thirty-three credits and complete at least 500 clinical hours. The course sequence begins in the fall only, and courses are available online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – non-BSN Entry

The DNP program is also open to students who hold a degree in a field other than nursing and are not yet RNs. From this entry point, a student can expect to study on a full-time basis for six to eight years, including summers. The course of study includes any necessary prerequisites for the undergraduate nursing classes, upper division BSN coursework, MSN coursework leading to advanced practice certification as an ACNP or PCNP/FNP, and finally the thirty-three credits of DNP coursework.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Degree (Online Nursing PhD Program)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program prepares nurse scholars, researchers, and educators. The University of South Carolina accepts students who have an MSN degree, a BSN degree, or a master’s degree in a field other than nursing. Credit requirements for this doctoral program vary, depending on the incoming student’s education level. An MSN-prepared nurse or nurse with a master’s degree in a field other than nursing needs to earn sixty credits. A BSN-prepared nurse must plan on earning at least eighty-seven credits. Courses are offered online, and the course sequence starts each fall.

Center for Nursing Leadership

There is also a nursing leadership development program for experienced nurses, nurse executives and academics in the healthcare field. The center has the “The Amy V. Cockcroft Nursing Leadership Development Program” which is targeted towards nurse executive leaders and healtcare managers. Training involves enhancing the nurse leaders communication skills, conflict resolution ability, understanding of modern management theory and healthcare systems. The program lasts for one year and takes place in 5 sessions that are each 3 days long.

The Center for Nursing Leadership also offers continuing education credit classes and 6 hours of graduate credit through the University of South Carolina. You will need to have at least a BSN to be elligible for any of the centers classes.

Nursing Scholarships

Each year there are several nursing scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students that you can apply for. Examples are the:

– Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Fund

– Carol R. Collison-Alpha Xi Scholarship 

– Bobbi Rossi Memorial Scholarship

– Brenda F. Weaver Memorial Scholarship

– Alpha Xi Nursing Scholarship

Contact:
University of South Carolina – College of Nursing
1601 Greene Street,
Columbia, SC 29208

Trident Technical College Nursing Program Review

Residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties in South Carolina can take advantage of educational opportunities offered by Trident Technical College (TTC, Trident Tech). The college serves about 17,000 students on multiple campus locations, including North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Summerville, St. George, Charleston, Hollywood, and Mount Pleasant. TTC offers over 150 different programs of study, including several in the field of nursing. The nursing program at TTC is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Practical Nursing Diploma

A prospective Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) should enroll in the Practical Nursing Diploma program, which is offered in both the fall and the spring. The curriculum consists of forty-six credits, and includes general education classes, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. A student must commit to three-and-a-half semesters of full-time study in order to earn the diploma. After earning the diploma, a student may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Practical Nursing Diploma – CNA to LPN

A certified nurse assistant (CNA) can earn four advanced placement credits when he enrolls in the practical nursing diploma program. In order to earn these, he must successfully complete Nursing Care Management I. After passing this, he will be awarded four credits for the first nursing class, called Basic Nursing Care Skills. He must complete the remainder of the Practical Nursing Diploma program along the traditional track.

Associate Degree Nursing – Generic Option

After completing the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, a graduate earns an associate in applied science degree with a major in nursing. This makes her eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In order to prepare for this exam, a student must commit to five consecutive semesters of full-time study. The program begins in either the spring or the fall, and the curriculum (sixty-eight credits in total) includes general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. After graduating from the ADN program and passing the NCLEX-RN, a graduate is awarded the title Registered Nurse (RN).

Associate Degree Nursing – CNA to ADN

TTC will award a CNA with four advanced placement credits when he enrolls in the CNA to ADN track of the ADN program. In order to earn these, he must successfully complete Nursing Care Management I. After passing this, he will be awarded four credits for Basic Nursing Care Skills. He must complete the remainder of the ADN program along the generic track.

Associate Degree Nursing – LPN to ADN

A graduate of a practical nursing diploma program who is an LPN can also enter the ADN program with advanced placement standing. She must complete a nursing transition course (only available in the summer), after which she will be awarded credit for the first two semesters of nursing courses. She can then start with the upper-level nursing courses and complete the program in three semesters.

Associate Degree Nursing – Accelerated Option

A student who already holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, or who scores above the 80th percentile on the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX-RN), is eligible to enroll in the Accelerated Option of the ADN program. A student on this track must complete the general education requirements before beginning the intense, fifteen-month clinical component. If the incoming student does not have any general education classes to transfer, it may take up to two semesters to complete these. If he has already completed the general education courses at a different college, he may proceed directly to the nursing course sequence. The course sequence starts in the summer only; students graduate the following summer. 

Pre-Nursing Certificate

Admission to the nursing programs is competitive. So, in order to improve her chances of being accepted, a student has the option of completing a pre-nursing certificate program. This takes two semesters, and consists of twenty-six credits. The classes are general education classes, and they fulfill the general education requirements in the practical nursing and ADN programs. While completing the pre-nursing certificate improves a student’s chances of being accepted into one of the nursing programs, it does not guarantee admission.

Nurse Aide Training Program/Nurse Assistant Certificate in Applied Science

Prospective Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) have two program options at TTC. Through the nursing department, a student can complete the eight-credit Nurse Assistant certificate in applied science. This includes a CPR class, a general psychology class, and a basic nursing skills care class. Through the Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, a student can complete the Nurse Aide Training Program. This requires fifty hours of classroom instruction and seventy hours of clinical experience at a local healthcare facility. After completing either program, a student is eligible to take the Nurse Aide Certification exam, which is offered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact:

Trident Technical College
7000 Rivers Avenue,
 North Charleston, SC 29406

 

Tri-County Technical College Nursing Program Review

As the name suggests, Tri-County Technical College (TCTC, Tric-County Tech) serves residents in three South Carolina counties: Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens. The college has four different locations, in Pendleton, Anderson, Easley, and Seneca, and offers over seventy programs of study. Approximately 13,000 students take advantage of the college’s educational opportunities, many of which are in the rapidly expanding health science field, including nursing. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Practical Nursing Diploma

In order to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a student can complete Tri-County Technical College’s practical nursing diploma program. This takes three semesters (including one summer semester) to complete. Before beginning, however, a student must take a nurse assistant training course, which can be done at the college. Students can start in the fall in Easley, taking classes during the day, or they can start in the spring at the Oconee campus in Seneca, taking classes in the evening. In order to earn the practical nursing diploma, students must earn forty-three credits. This includes twelve credits of general education classes and thirty-one credits of nursing classes and clinical rotations. After earning the practical nursing diploma, a graduate may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Associate Degree Nursing

A prospective Registered Nurse (RN) can enroll in the Tri-County Technical College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and earn an associate of applied science degree with a major in nursing. This requires a total of sixty-eight credits, and includes both general education courses and nursing courses. Before beginning the program, however, a student must take a nurse assistant training course, which can also be done at Tri-County Technical College. The ADN program is offered in both the spring and the fall and students can opt to take classes during the day or in the evening. The curriculum takes five semesters (including one summer semester) to complete. (As of the summer 2013, students can also complete the ADN program in an accelerated format.) After completing it, a student is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate Degree Nursing – LPN Transition to RN

A graduate of a practical nursing diploma program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can earn up to fourteen advanced placement credits for the ADN program. To do so, the LPN must take a nursing transition class. If he is successful in this class, he will receive the fourteen credits, which allow him to skip the first three nursing classes. He must complete the remainder of the nursing classes and the general education classes in order to graduate and take the NCLEX-RN.

Further Education Options – Health Science Certificate

Tri-County Technical College makes it easy for a student in the ADN program to easily complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing (BS in Nursing) through Clemson University. While the student is taking the classes for the ADN program, she simultaneously completes the Health Science Certificate program. This program consists of thirty-six credits, and includes all the classes that the student needs in order to transfer directly from the ADN program into Clemson University’s RN to BSN program. Once she graduates from the ADN program and becomes an RN, she only needs to complete three semesters at Clemson in order to receive a full BS in Nursing degree.

Pre-Nursing Certificate

Admission to the ADN program is competitive, so a student can improve his chances of being accepted by completing the Pre-Nursing Certificate. This consists of thirty-four credits of general education classes (all the general education classes required in the ADN program). Studying full-time, he will need three semesters to complete these classes.

Nursing Prep Certificate

Before enrolling in the ADN program, a student also has the option of completing a ten-credit Nursing Prep certificate. This includes two introductory nursing classes, a class that fulfills the nurse assistant training requirement, and a medical vocabulary class.

Nurse Aide Certificate

Through the Corporate and Community Education department, the college offers a nurse aide training course. The course, which takes four weeks to complete, consists of fifty-two hours of classroom instruction and forty hours of clinical practice. After completing the program, a graduate is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The class is offered in all three counties, in both the day and the evening.

Contact:
Tri-County Technical College
7900 Highway 76,
Pendleton, SC 29670

Technical College of the Lowcountry Nursing Program Review

The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL, Lowcountry Tech) has a unique history, dating back to the Mather School for the daughters of freed slaves (founded in 1864). Since that foundation, the school gradually shifted focus from elementary education to industrial training, and opened up to boys. In 1988, the school was officially named the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Now, the college enrolls over 10,000 students of all races in its associate-degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Students can take classes on the main campus in Beaufort, or on one of the satellite campuses in Varnville, Bluffton, and Walterboro. TCL also offers classes on the Merritt Field and Parris Island military bases. Among the college’s many programs are two for prospective nurses, and one for aspiring nurse assistants. Here is a review of the available programs:

Practical Nursing Diploma Program

TCL’s Practical Nursing (PN) program has a three-semester curriculum that prepares students to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The practical nursing program is offered on two different campuses: the main campus in Beaufort and the New River campus in Bluffton. Students on the New River campus may occasionally have to travel to Beaufort, as not all nursing classes are always offered on the New River campus. Students must begin in the fall, and must earn forty-two credits total. The practical nursing diploma program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing Program

Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program earn an associate of applied science degree with a major in nursing. They are prepared to work as Registered Nurses (RN), after successfully completing the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). TCL prepares students for this exam through a five-semester curriculum, which is offered on both the New River and Beaufort campuses. (Students at the New River campus may have to travel occasionally to Beaufort). The curriculum includes general education classes, nursing classes, and clinical rotations, which will take place at healthcare facilities within sixty miles of Beaufort or New River. In total, an ADN student must earn sixty-eight credits. Students may begin the ADN program in either the fall or the spring. TCL’s ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN Advanced Placement

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who is a graduate of a practical nursing diploma program may apply for advanced placement in the ADN program. While she needs to complete all the general education requirements and most of the nursing classes, she can place out of the first few nursing classes on the basis of her diploma and work experience. An LPN should be able to complete the ADN program in four semesters.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program

TCL regularly offers a training program for prospective certified nurse assistants (CNA) through its department of continuing education. The class takes six to eight weeks to complete, and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice at a healthcare facility. Classes are offered in Beaufort, on the Hampton campus in Varnville, and on the New River campus.

Contact:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road,
Beaufort, SC 29902

Spartanburg Community College Nursing Program Review

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) was founded in 1963, as part of the South Carolina Legislature’s decision to actively support and encourage technical education in the state. While the enrollment at Spartanburg Community College was small at first, the school rapidly expanded, opening up satellite campuses and adding new programs in a wide variety of fields.

Now, the college operates out of four locations (Spartanburg, Gaffney, Duncan, and Union), serves over 5000 students, and offers over 100 different associate-degree, certificate, and diploma programs. Among those programs is one program for prospective nurses and one program for prospective certified nurse assistants. Here is a review of the available programs:

Associate Degree Nursing

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Spartanburg Community College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing. Over the course of five semesters, the ADN program prepares students for careers as Registered Nurses (RN). An ADN student must earn at least sixty-seven credits in order to graduate, and this includes both general education classes and nursing classes. While there are no prerequisites for the program, Spartanburg Community College highly recommends that students complete anatomy and physiology I and II and microbiology before beginning.

The ADN program is only available on a full-time basis during the day; there is no evening or weekend option. Students may begin in either the fall or the spring. Spartanburg Community College welcomes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) into the ADN program but, unlike most other colleges, does not award advanced placement credits. LPNs must begin at the beginning of the ADN program. Likewise, Spartanburg Community College does not accept transfer credits for any of the nursing classes; a transfer student must retake all nursing classes. Spartanburg Community College awards graduates with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with a major in nursing. This makes a student eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Certified Nursing Assistant

The quickest way into the nursing field is through a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, such as the one at Spartanburg Community College. Through the eight-credit CNA-Basic training program, students learn the fundamentals of nursing care, including helping patients with their personal care, controlling infections, and feeding and transporting patients. The program takes one semester to complete, and is offered in the fall, spring, and summer. There are no prerequisites.

The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and a clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. Students in the CNA program focus solely on nursing skills; they do not need to complete any general education classes. A graduate of the program will receive a certificate, and is eligible to take the Nurse Assistant Certification exam. If he successfully passes this exam, he will be listed as a CNA on the CNA registry maintained by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing. He is then eligible to seek entry-level employment in the nursing field. 

Contact:
Spartanburg Community College
800 Brisack Road,
Spartanburg, SC 29303

South Carolina State University Nursing School Review

South Carolina State University (SC State, SCSU) in Orangeburg, founded in 1896, is a historically black college and has a rich history of civil rights activism. As of 1966, the university has accepted students of all races. Now, over 5000 students are enrolled in its programs, mostly at the undergraduate level, although the university does offer a few graduate programs as well.

SC State, through its College of Business and Applied Professional Sciences, offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with three different tracks. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure

A freshman at SC State University may enroll in pre-nursing classes. Pre-nursing classes include classes in the humanities and sciences. If she successfully completes these classes, maintaining a GPA of at least 2.8, she may apply for admission to the nursing program. Admission is competitive, so applicants with the highest GPA will receive preference. Once enrolled in the nursing program, she will spend the next three years completing nursing classes, clinical rotations, and additional general education classes. In total, she must earn at least 127 credits in order to graduate. After she graduates, she may seek work as a Registered Nurse (RN), as long as she passes the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – LPN to BSN

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who is a graduate of a practical nursing diploma program may enroll in South Carolina State University’s BSN program, on a special LPN to BSN track. Like a student in the pre-licensure BSN track, a student on the LPN to BSN track must complete 127 credits in order to graduate. However, an LPN has the option of transferring in up to seventy-two credits of general education classes. Alternatively, if he wishes, he may complete these courses at South Carolina State University. South Carolina State University also offers the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows the LPN to test out of some of the general education courses (up to fifteen credits). Through the American College Testing – Proficiency Evaluation Program (ACT/PEP), the LPN can also earn advanced placement credits for nutrition, nursing science I, professional nursing development, fundamentals I, fundamentals II, and pharmacology  (twelve credits maximum). Based on how many general education credits the LPN must earn and his performance on the ACT/PEP, the length of the LPN to BSN program can vary considerably.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

A graduate of an associate-degree or diploma program will receive advanced standing in the BSN program. On the basis of her work experience and nursing coursework, she will receive thirty-three advanced placement credits toward the first two years of nursing coursework. In addition to these advanced placement credits, she can transfer in credits from any general education classes she has completed. To earn the BSN degree, she must complete any missing general education classes, and must take sixteen credits of upper-level nursing courses.

Contact:
South Carolina State University
300 College St. NE,
Orangeburg, SC 29117

Piedmont Technical College Nursing Program Review

From its main campus in Greenwood, as well as through its other six campuses in the surrounding area, Piedmont Technical College (founded in 1966) offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a wide variety of fields. In response to a growing need for trained healthcare professionals, the college opened its health sciences department in 1981.

As part of this development, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) started two programs in the nursing field: one at the associate-degree level and one at the diploma level. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Diploma Program

A student who wishes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can begin the Practical Nursing Diploma program in either the fall or the spring. The fall program takes place on the main campus in Greenwood; the spring program is offered on the Laurens campus. A student in the program must commit to full-time study, taking classes during the day and completing the clinical rotations during the day, night, evening, and weekend. Before beginning the program, a student must complete thirteen credits of prerequisite classes, including anatomy and physiology, contemporary math, English composition, and general psychology. After completing these, she may begin the three-semester course sequence, earning thirty-two additional credits. Upon graduation, she will receive a diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing. After this, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN).

Associate Degree Nursing Program

Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program receive an associate in applied science (AAS) degree with a major in nursing. In order to earn this degree, a student must complete a five-semester course sequence. Before beginning, however, he must take anatomy and physiology I and II, English composition, intermediate algebra or probability and statistics, general psychology, and a humanities elective. With these finished, he can start the nursing courses and clinical rotations, earning a total of sixty-eight credits. The program is offered only on the Greenwood campus, during the day. Piedmont Technical College accepts thirty-two students for the ADN program in the both the fall and the spring. Graduates of the ADN program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NLCEX-RN).

Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN to ADN Nursing Program

A graduate of a practical nursing program can earn fifteen advanced placement credits for the ADN program, and complete the AAS degree with a major in nursing in just three semesters. Before starting the three-semester course sequence, the LPN must take anatomy and physiology I and II, English composition, intermediate algebra or probability and statistics, general psychology, a humanities elective, and a nursing transition course. LPNs may only begin the three-course nursing sequence in the fall, on the Greenwood campus.

Associate of Arts with Nursing Transfer Track

Piedmont Technical College cooperates with Lander University to provide a track for students who wish to earn a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students on this track will take sixty credits of general education courses at Piedmont Technical College before beginning the ADN course sequence, and while completing the ADN course sequence. Once a student on this track completes both the Associate of Arts (AA) degree with Nursing Transfer Track and the ADN program, he can transfer to Lander University to complete his BSN through the RN to BSN program. He only needs to earn thirty-two additional credits at Lander University. The AA with Nursing Transfer Track program is only offered on the Greenwood campus.

Contact:
Piedmont Technical College
620 N. Emerald Road,
Greenwood, SC 29648

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Nursing Program Review

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech, OCTC) opened in 1968, under the name Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Education Center. Its mission was, and still is, to provide technical training to residents of the surrounding area, in order to keep industry alive and thriving in South Carolina. Seeing the rapid expansion of the healthcare field, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College opened its health sciences department in 1988. As part of this department, the college offers training programs for prospective nurses and nurse assistants. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Diploma in Applied Science, Major in Practical Nursing

By earning forty-eight credits, a student can complete a diploma in applied science with a major in nursing. This diploma makes him eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program begins in the fall, and takes three consecutive semesters to complete. A student in the program takes seventeen credits of general education/nursing support classes; the rest of the curriculum consists of nursing coursework and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.

Associate in Applied Science, Major in Nursing

A student who is willing to commit to five consecutive semesters of full-time study can earn an associate in applied science with a major in nursing through the college’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. This degree makes her eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). The course of study requires sixty-eight credits in total: thirty credits of general education coursework and thirty-eight credits of nursing coursework and clinical rotations. The program begins in the fall only, and includes one summer semester.

Associate in Applied Science, Major in Nursing – LPN Advanced Placement Option

A graduate of a practical nursing program can enter the ADN program with advanced standing. If the LPN completes anatomy and physiology I and II, contemporary math, general psychology, human growth and development, and English composition (the general education classes that are required in the first year of the traditional ADN program), and successfully completes a nursing transition course, he can skip the ADN program’s first year of nursing courses. He will receive fifteen advanced placement credits, and will begin with the upper-level coursework of the ADN program. The nursing transition class is offered in the spring only, so he must begin then. After completing this class, he then transitions into the summer semester of the ADN program and graduates the following spring.

Certificate in Health Science, Major in Nursing Assistant

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers the Certificate in Health Science, Major in Nursing Assistant program each spring and each fall. The class includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a long-term care facility. The curriculum consists of three classes, worth eight credits all together. Upon graduation, a student will receive a certificate and be eligible to take the competency exam for state certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

Contact:
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
3250 St. Matthews Road,
Orangeburg, SC 29118

Midlands Technical College Nursing Program Review

With seven campuses in the Columbia area, Midlands Technical College (MTC) serves the residents of Richland and Lexington counties. It was founded in 1974, as the result of a merger of three career-training schools. Now it enrolls over 18,000 students. From Midlands Technical College, students can move directly into careers or can transition to four-year colleges and universities.

Through its Department of Nursing on its Airport Campus in West Columbia, Midlands Technical College prepares students for careers in the field of nursing. The school’s nursing programs are approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Practical Nursing Diploma Program

After three semesters of study, a student in the Practical Nursing Diploma program (PN) is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). To complete the program, a student must earn forty-four credits over the course of the three semesters. The first semester is devoted to background courses in nutrition, pharmacology, algebra, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and nursing fundamentals. Once these are completed, a student can move on to nursing courses and clinical rotations. Upon finishing the three semesters, a graduate will receive a diploma in practical nursing. The Practical Nursing Diploma Program begins each fall and each spring.

Associate Degree Nursing

A graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program receives an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in nursing. This makes him eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). In order to earn the degree, he must first complete the three-semester practical nursing curriculum, alongside the practical nursing students. At the end of the third semester, when the practical nursing students graduate, a student in the ADN program continues on to two additional semesters of advanced nursing coursework. In total, he must earn sixty-eight credits to complete the program. The ADN program, like the PN program, begins each fall and spring.

Associate Degree Nursing – LPN Advanced Placement (LPN to RN Program)

A graduate of a practical nursing program can become an RN by completing the ADN program through the LPN Advanced Placement track. Before beginning the LPN Advanced Placement track, however, she must take English composition, psychology, and anatomy and physiology. Once these prerequisites are completed, she can complete the remaining co-requisite coursework (a nursing transition class, a second semester of anatomy and physiology, and probability and statistics) and the last two semesters of the ADN nursing coursework. This requires two or three semesters of study. If the LPN has completed the Midlands Technical College Practical Nursing Diploma program, graduated later than 2002, and has been out of school for less than thirteen months, the nursing transition course will be waived. After completing the ADN program, an LPN will receive an associate in applied science with a major in nursing, and may take the NCLEX-RN.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program

Through its Department of Continuing Education, Midlands Technical College offers a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. The class takes 102 hours to complete, and includes classroom instruction and a clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. Graduates are eligible to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Services Exam.

Contact:
Midlands Technical College
Airport Campus
1260 Lexington Drive,
West Columbia, SC 29170

Medical University of South Carolina Nursing School Review

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), founded in 1824, was the first medical school in the Deep South, and only the tenth medical school in the United States. While the university still focuses on training physicians, it has branched out since its foundation to include training programs for many other types of healthcare professionals, including dentists, biomedical research scientists, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and nurses.

Through its College of Nursing, the Medical University of South Carolina offers programs for nurses at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level. All nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Accelerated

Approximately 80 percent of students who enter the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ACC BSN) program already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. If an incoming student does not have a full bachelor’s degree, she does need to earn at least sixty credits of general education classes and nursing prerequisites at another college before beginning the ACC BSN program. The program begins twice a year, in the fall and the spring, and sixty students are accepted each semester. Once a student begins the program, she studies full-time for sixteen consecutive months. In total, she earns sixty-one credits at the Medical University of South Carolina, and is awarded a BSN degree. After graduation, she can take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

In order to provide primary care to patients, an RN can complete the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the Medical College of South Carolina. The incoming RN must hold a BSN degree. The program is hybrid in format; students can complete most of the coursework online but they do have to visit campus for several sessions over the course of the program. Students may opt to study full-time or part-time. In total, a student in the program must earn sixty credits, and complete clinical hours. Depending on the specialty chosen, the clinical hours required can vary. An MSN student can work toward certification as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (ANP), which requires 480 clinical hours, as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), which requires 810 clinical hours, or as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), which requires 540 clinical hours.

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia

Through the College of Health Professions (rather than the College of Nursing), the Medical University of South Carolina offers an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia program. This program has accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Applicants must be RNs, with a full bachelor’s degree, and must have at least one year of work experience. The program takes seven consecutive semesters, including two summer semesters, to complete. Students spend the first year in the classroom, and the remaining sixteen months completing clinical rotations.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP Program)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program trains nurses to take on the highest level of clinical responsibility.  The program is offered mostly online, although students will have to travel occasionally to campus. Students may study either full-time or part-time; the time required to complete the program depends on the incoming nurse’s level of education. There are two tracks for the DNP program:

Post-MSN Track

A nurse who has already completed an MSN program and has advanced practice certification as nurse practitioner can complete the DNP program in just two years on a full-time basis. In total, he has to earn thirty-six credits to receive the DNP degree. A nurse who is a Clinical Nurse Specialist or has an MSN in nursing administration may be able to enroll in the post-MSN track, depending on his coursework and experience. A nurse with an MSN in nursing education is not eligible for the post-MSN track.

Post-BSN Track

An RN who does not have an MSN degree has to complete the master’s-level coursework before beginning the DNP coursework. At the master’s-level, she can choose to specialize in adult-gerontology, family medicine, or pediatrics, working toward certification as an ANP, FNP, or PNP. After completing the master’s-level coursework and earning certification, she can transition into the DNP coursework. In total, she must earn seventy-one credits. She can do this in just three years, if she chooses to study full-time.

Nurse Educator Certificate

A nurse who is enrolled in the MSN or DNP program may complete a course sequence that leads to a nurse educator certificate. This is not a dual major, and it is not open to nurses who are not in the MSN or DNP program. Students are required to take three classes, worth ten credits. The College of Nursing highly recommends that students complete an additional three-credit teaching practicum.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Online PhD in Nursing Program)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program trains nurse researchers and scientists. The Medical University of South Carolina offers this program completely online. The program includes residency hours, and culminates with a dissertation. Depending on the incoming student’s level of education, the time required to complete the program can vary. There are two tracks for the PhD in Nursing program:

Post-MSN Track

If the incoming nurse has already earned an MSN degree, he needs to earn sixty-two credits in order to complete the online PhD in Nursing program. This will take three to four years of full-time study.

Post-BSN Track

A nurse who has a BSN degree must earn at least seventy-eight credits in order to complete the online PhD in Nursing Program. This includes both MSN-level and PhD-level coursework. However, the MSN-level coursework will not prepare her for advanced practice certification. If she wishes to purse advanced practice certification, she must complete additional coursework on top of the seventy-eight credits. Studying on a full-time basis, a student on the Post-BSN track can complete the PhD program in four years.

Post-Doctoral – Health Services Research/Academic Generalist Fellowship

In collaboration with the Divisions of General Pediatrics and General Internal Medicine and the College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing offers a post-doctoral fellowship that provides nurses (as well as other healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees) with the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and hone professional/management skills. Coursework is based on the Master of Science in Clinical Research curriculum, which is offered through the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology. The fellowship is for two to three years.

Contact:
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue,
Charleston, SC 29425

Marion County Technical Education Center Nursing Program Review

Marion County Technical Education Center (MCTEC), which was founded in 1968, provides high school students from Marion County, South Carolina with the opportunity to learn a professional skill while, at the same time, earning a high school diploma from a traditional high school. MCTEC offers eight different training programs, each of which takes two years to complete. Students can use the skills they learn through these programs to enter the work force directly from high school, or they can transfer college credits (eight credits per program) toward a college-level work-training program.

For students who are considering a career in the rapidly expanding healthcare field, MCTEC offers a health sciences program, which can serve as a transition into entry-level work in the healthcare field, or as a stepping stone to a college program. In addition to its introductory health sciences program, MCTEC is the host of the Marion County School of Practical Nursing, which provides training for students who wish to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Here is a review of the two available programs of study in the health services field:

Practical Nursing Program

Students in the practical nursing program must complete two phases, each of which is nine months long. Phase I, which begins in August and wraps up in May, is part-time. Students take classes in the morning. Phase I focuses on background courses in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, and nutrition. After taking the summer off, students return for Phase II. Phase II runs from August to May, and is full-time. Three days a week, students receive in-class instruction, and two days a week, students complete clinical rotations. In total, a student in Phase II will spend nearly 450 hours getting hands-on practice. After completing the program, a student receives a diploma in practical nursing, and may take the NCLEX-PN. If he passes the test, he will be able to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). If, at some point in his career, he decides to return to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN), he will receive fifteen advanced placement credits toward the nursing coursework at another South Carolina school. The program at Marion County School of Practical Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Health Science I and II

Juniors and seniors at high schools in Marion County (both public and private) are eligible to enroll in MCTEC’s Health Science I and II program. While this program does not prepare students for any specific licensing exam, it does give students an introduction to a wide range of careers in the health sciences field, from nursing to lab work to radiology. Students receive hands-on instruction in CPR and first aid as well as academic instruction in subjects such anatomy and physiology. A graduate of the Health Science I and II program will have all the information she needs to make an informed decision about her career path in the healthcare field.

Contact:
Marion County Technical Education Center
2697 U.S. 76,
Marion, SC. 29571

Lander University Nursing School Review

Lander University (LU) in western South Carolina, originally named Williamston Female College, was founded in 1872. It is now a public, co-educational school, offering undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing, as well as graduate programs in education. Lander University prides itself on the small-school atmosphere; the student population is relatively small (around 3000 students) and the ratio of students to faculty is seventeen to one.

As part of its College of Science and Mathematics, the Lander University Department of Nursing offers undergraduate programs for prospective nurses and for Registered Nurses (RN) who wish to continue their education. It does not offer any graduate-level nursing programs. Lander University’s nursing programs are accredited by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and approved by the State Board for Nursing for South Carolina. Here is a review of the available programs:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure Track

An incoming freshman can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the pre-licensure track. This requires four years of full-time study. A student will spend the first year completing general education requirements. At the end of the first year, she is eligible to apply to the Department of Nursing for admission to the BSN program. Through the next three years, then, she will take general education courses and nursing courses.  Clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities begin in the third year of the BSN program. In total, over the course of four years, she will earn 126 credits. After graduating, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Lander University boasts a high rate of success for its BSN graduates; 95 percent of BSN graduates pass the NCLEX-RN on the first try. Those who are successful with the licensing exam earn the title of RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Honors Program

By invitation only, some students in the BSN pre-licensure track may participate in Lander University’s honor program. The honors program grooms nursing students to transition to graduate-level research and advanced clinical practice by providing opportunities for research, presentations, and publication.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Online RN to BSN Degree Option

An RN who wishes to pursue graduate-level nursing education and advanced certification will need to earn a full BSN. Lander University offers an online option for RNs who are graduates of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs or diploma programs to earn the full BSN degree. Before enrolling in the RN to BSN program, an RN must complete courses in English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Like the traditional BSN students, students in the RN to BSN program must earn a total of 126 credits to graduate. However, an incoming RN can earn up to thirty-nine advanced placement credits toward the first nursing courses.  He can complete the remainder of the nursing courses and the general education courses online, and he can arrange to complete clinical rotations in a location that is convenient for him. RNs may begin the RN to BSN program at any time, and can study on a full-time basis or on a part-time basis.

Contact:
Lander University
320 Stanley Avenue,
Greenwood, SC 29649

Horry Georgetown Technical College Nursing Program Review

On its three campuses in Conway, Georgetown, and Myrtle Beach, Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The college was founded in 1966 to serve the residents of Horry and Georgetown counties, and now over 10,000 students enroll in the college’s for-credit courses. In addition to degree-seeking students, HGTC serves about 18,000 students in its non-credit, continuing education classes.

As a professional training school, one of HGTC’s main areas of focus is the health sciences field. It offers a variety of programs in this rapidly expanding field, including several in the field of nursing. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Program

HGTC’s Practical Nursing program begins in the fall semester, and takes three consecutive semesters of full-time study to complete. Students in the program take a combination of nursing courses and general education courses, including anatomy and physiology, English composition, psychology, and math. In total, a student must earn forty-eight credits over the course of the three semesters. After successfully completing the course of study, a student will be awarded a diploma in practical nursing. After this, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). If she passes the exam, she will earn the title of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Associate Degree Nursing Program

Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program receive an associate in applied science degree. In order to earn this, a student in the ADN program must complete five semesters of full-time study. The ADN program begins three times a year, in the fall, spring, and summer. In addition to nursing classes and clinical rotations, the ADN course of study includes nine core courses (two semesters of anatomy and physiology, two semesters of English composition, college algebra or statistics, psychology, public speaking, and a humanities elective). In total, an ADN student must earn sixty-eight credits in order to graduate. Once he finishes the program, he can take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If he passes the exam, he may begin his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Associate Degree Nursing Program – Advanced Placement for LPNs

An LPN has the option of applying for advanced placement standing in the ADN program, which will allow her to complete the ADN program in three or four semesters. On the basis of her practical nursing diploma, HGTC will award her thirteen credits toward the fundamental nursing courses (the nursing courses which a traditional ADN student would complete in the first two semesters). The LPN must complete the remainder of the program requirements, both upper-level nursing courses and general education courses, in order to graduate. LPNs can enter the ADN program in either the fall or the spring; summer admission is not available.

Contact:
Horry Georgetown Technical College
2050 U.S. 501,
Conway, SC 29528

Horry Georgetown Technical College – Georgetown Campus
4003 South Fraser Street,
Georgetown, SC 29440

Horry Georgetown Technical College – Conway Campus
743 Hemlock Avenue,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Francis Marion University Nursing School Review

Located just outside Florence, South Carolina, Francis Marion University (founded in 1970) serves the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. About 95 percent of the students at this state school are from South Carolina. They can pursue undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, business, education, and nursing, and graduate degrees in business, education, and psychology.

While Francis Marion University (FMU) has hosted nursing students since 1998, it didn’t found its own Department of Nursing until 2004. Prior to that, Francis Marion University hosted students from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Nursing. Francis Marion University acted as a satellite campus of the Medical University of South Carolina. Now, Francis Marion University itself offers several different degree paths for prospective nurses and Registered Nurses (RN) who wish to continue their education. All nursing programs (which are offered through the College of Liberal Arts) are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

In order to earn Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Francis Marion University, a student must spend two years completing general education courses in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and math. In total, he must earn fifty-nine credits in his first two years. After this, he can focus on nursing coursework. The next two semesters include sixty-one credits of nursing coursework. A student can expect to spend nearly 1000 hours completing clinical rotations during these two years. He may begin the two-year sequence of nursing courses in either the fall or the spring. After four years, he earns his BSN degree and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second-Degree Students

Francis Marion University’s BSN program is well suited for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. As the traditional BSN program is neatly divided into two parts, one for general education courses and the other for nursing courses, a second-degree student can skip the first part and begin immediately with the two-year sequence of nursing courses. However, if she is missing any prerequisites (which include several science classes, psychology, and statistics), she will need to complete these before beginning the nursing sequence of courses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Track

Through Francis Marion University’s Department of Nursing, an RN who is a graduate of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a diploma in nursing program can earn a full BSN. Before enrolling in the program, he will meet with a program advisor who will evaluate his transcript. The advisor will determine how many (if any) general education courses the RN needs to complete and, working with a committee, will determine how many advanced placement credits the incoming RN should receive for his previous nursing coursework and his work experience. Based on this evaluation of his transcript, the advisor will map out an appropriate course of study. The length of the RN to BSN program will vary, then, depending on this evaluation.  

Contact:
Francis Marion University
4822 E Palmetto Street, 
Florence, SC 29502

Florence-Darlington Technical College Nursing Program Review

Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC), founded in 1963, offers professional training programs to residents of Florence, Darlington, and Marion counties. Over 5000 students take advantage of the opportunities provided, taking classes at the main campus in Florence, as well as at the satellite campuses in Hartsville, Lake City, Mullins, and at the health sciences campus in downtown Florence. At the downtown Florence health sciences campus, Florence-Darlington Technical College offers several nursing programs, which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing Program is a three-semester course sequence that prepares students to successfully take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN) and find entry-level work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The three-course sequence begins in the fall, and wraps up in the summer. Students in the Practical Nursing Program take a combination of nursing support classes (in anatomy and physiology, math, English composition, and psychology) and nursing courses. They also complete clinical rotations. In total, over the three semesters, students must earn forty-eight credits.

Associate Degree Nursing Program

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and careers as Registered Nurses (RN). Before beginning the program, a prospective RN must take prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, psychology, English composition, and college algebra. With these completed, he may begin the ADN course sequence. Over the course of the next five semesters, he will take nursing classes and additional general education/nursing support classes, and complete clinical rotations. In total, he must earn sixty-eight credit hours to graduate. An ADN student has the option of beginning the nursing sequence of courses in either the fall or the spring. Upon graduation, he will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree with a major in nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN to ADN Transition Program

An LPN’s career potential will increase drastically if she earns an ADN degree and becomes an RN, so Florence-Darlington Technical College provides an easy path for her to do so. Like the traditional ADN students, she must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, psychology, English composition, and college algebra. The incoming LPN will receive advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. So with the prerequisites completed, the LPN only needs three semesters on a full-time basis to complete the ADN program. In total, she must earn thirty-two credit hours. Special approval is necessary if the LPN wishes to study on a part-time basis.

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Through Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Continuing Education department, a student can complete the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. While the other nursing programs are offered on the health sciences campus in downtown Florence, this program is offered on the main campus in Florence. The program includes forty-four hours of classroom instruction and forty-four hours of clinical practice in a long-term care facility. After completing the program, a student is eligible to take the state exam for CNAs and seek entry-level work in a healthcare facility.

Contact:
Florence-Darlington Technical College
2715 W. Lucas Street,
Florence, SC 29502

Charleston Southern University Nursing School Review

Charleston Southern University (CSU), a Christian university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, serves just over 3000 students. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees; the university does not offer any doctoral programs. Although the university was founded in 1964, its nursing school is a more recent addition. The Derry Patterson Wingo School of Nursing was founded in 1994, and the first nursing students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 1998. The nursing programs that it offers are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing) program takes four years of full-time study to complete. During the first year, a student takes pre-nursing courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and math. She begins studying nursing in her second year, and continues taking general education courses at the same time. In total, she must earn at least 128 credits over the course of four years in order to graduate. Sixty-one of these credits are for nursing classes; sixty-seven are for general education classes. After graduating from the program, a student is ready for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN), as long as she successfully passes the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Online RN to BSN Option

CSU provides an opportunity for RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma to complete a full BS in Nursing degree. Like the students in the traditional BS in Nursing program, RNs must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. However, incoming RNs will receive thirty-four advanced placement credits toward some of the nursing courses, in consideration of their nursing education and experience. In addition to these advanced placement credits, if they have completed any classes that fulfill CSU’s general education requirements, they may transfer these as well. An RN can complete the nursing classes needed to finish the BS in Nursing degree in as little as one year, studying full-time. He may also choose to study part-time, which will lengthen the time required to complete the program. The length of the program can also vary depending on how many of the required sixty-seven general education classes he needs to complete. All classes are offered online, in order to accommodate a full-time work schedule. An incoming RN can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Master of Science in Nursing , Nurse Educator Track – BSN to MSN

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program began in 2009. Students in the MSN program work toward certification as Nurse Educators. For incoming students who already have bachelor’s degrees, the program consists of thirty-nine credit hours, and includes a teaching practicum. Students begin in the fall semester, and study through the spring, summer, and following fall semesters. They graduate sixteen months after beginning the program. After graduation, they may take the National League for Nursing exam for Nurse Educators.

Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Track – ADN to MSN

The MSN program is also open to RNs who are graduates of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. These students need nineteen months to complete the program. They start in the summer semester, taking three courses at the undergraduate-level to prepare them for the graduate-level coursework. These courses can be completed online. They enter the MSN program in the fall along with the rest of the students, and complete the MSN coursework over the course of the following sixteen months. In total, an RN who holds only an associate degree must earn forty-nine credits in order to graduate and take the certification exam.

Contact:
Charleston Southern University
9200 University Blvd.,
North Charleston, SC 29406

Central Carolina Technical College Nursing Program Review

Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC), originally named Sumter Area Technical Education Center, was founded in 1962 in order to offer technical training to residents of Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee Counties. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, as well as non-credit and continuing education classes. From Central Carolina Technical College, students can go directly into careers, or they may transfer into four-year schools.

As part of its Health Sciences Division, Central Carolina Technical College prepares students for direct entry into the nursing field. The college offers two nursing programs, both of which have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLCAC) and approval from the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Board of Nursing.

Practical Nursing Diploma in Applied Science Program (Major in Nursing (PN)(NDIP))

Central Carolina Technical College awards a diploma in applied science to graduates of the practical nursing program. In order to complete the program, a student must earn a total of forty-eight credits. This includes both general education classes as well as nursing courses. Most of the general education classes must be completed before entering the three-semester nursing sequence; students may take these during any semester. The nursing classes, however, only begin in the fall. Students in the LPN program graduate the following summer. The practical nursing program prepares graduates for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), after they have passed the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN).

Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing

A student who wishes to enter the nursing field as a Registered Nurse (RN) should complete the Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing (ADN) program. This requires sixty-eight credit hours in total. Before beginning the nursing courses, a student must take anatomy and physiology, English composition, and a math course; these can be taken during any semester. Once he has completed these, he is ready to start the five-semester course sequence for the ADN program. He can start the course sequence in the fall or the spring. The five semesters include additional general education classes, as well as nursing classes and clinical rotations. After earning the necessary sixty-eight credits, an ADN student may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing – LPN to ADN

Central Carolina Technical College offers a special track for LPNs who wish to become RNs. They can complete the LPN to ADN bridge program. The LPN to ADN program begins in both the fall and the spring. Before applying, however, an LPN must fulfill the prerequisite requirements. These include anatomy and physiology, beginning algebra or probability and statistics, English composition, introduction to computers, and psychology. Once these are complete, she may take an online, three-credit course called Transition Nursing. If she is successful in this course, she will receive eighteen advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. Including these eighteen credits and the prerequisite credits, she must earn sixty-eight credits total in order to receive the associate in applied science degree. This should take three semesters (including one summer semester) if she begins in the fall and four semesters (including one summer semester) if she begins in the spring.

Contact:
Central Carolina Technical College
506 N. Guignard Drive,
Sumter, SC 29150

Aiken Technical College Nursing Program Review

Aiken Technical College (ATC), founded in 1972, is one of the sixteen members of the South Carolina Technical College System. Over 3000 students take classes at the college each year for credit and over 10,000 students each year participate in the non-credit, continuing education courses. From Aiken Technical College, students can enter the workforce directly, or transfer into a four-year school. Among its professional training programs, Aiken Technical College offers several in the health sciences field, including nursing. Students can train to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN). Both programs have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Practical Nursing Diploma in Applied Science

The Practical Nursing program awards graduates with a diploma in applied science, which allows them to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN) and start their careers as LPNs. As LPNs, they will be able to perform entry-level nursing duties, under the direct supervision of RNs and doctors. The practical nursing diploma program trains students for this career through a combination of general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical instruction. Before beginning the nursing program, a practical nursing student must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, college algebra, English composition, and psychology. Once these are completed, he starts the nursing component of the program, which requires three semesters. In total (including prerequisites), he must earn forty-seven credits in order to graduate. The practical nursing program begins in the spring semester.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Aiken Technical College awards graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with an Associate Degree in Health Science with a Major in Nursing. In order to earn this, a student must complete a total of sixty-eight credits. First, she must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. She can then enroll in the ADN program, which takes five consecutive semesters to complete (excluding prerequisites). The curriculum consists of a combination of general education and nursing courses. After completing the five semesters, a graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). An ADN student can start the prerequisites at any time; the nursing sequence starts only in the fall and the spring semesters.

Associate Degree in Nursing – LPN to ADN

On the basis of his practical nursing diploma and his work experience, an LPN can enter the ADN program with advanced standing. Before he starts the nursing sequence of classes, though, he must complete any missing prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. Once these are completed, he can start the nursing sequence. With his advanced standing in the ADN program, he only needs three semesters to complete the nursing courses. In total, he needs fifty-three credit hours in order to earn the ADN. Once he is finished with the program, he may take the NCLEX-RN. An incoming LPN can take the prerequisites in any semester, but he must enter the LPN to ADN nursing sequence in either the summer or the fall.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program

Through the Training and Business Development Division, Aiken Technical College offers a training program for prospective Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA). The class consists of fifty-two hours of classroom instruction (which can be completed either online or on campus) and 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. After completing the program, a graduate receives a certificate, and is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered through the state.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program – Further Education Options

After completing the CNA program, a student may opt to complete a short, three-hour training class that focuses specifically on skills that will be tested on the NNAAP exam. This is offered on campus only. If, after earning certification as a CNA, a student wishes to specialize in caring for patients with dementia, she can complete the Advanced CNA: Dementia Specialist class. This requires twenty-four hours, and is offered on campus.

Contact:
Aiken Technical College
2276 J. Davis Highway,
Graniteville, SC 29829

University of Rhode Island Nursing School Review

The University of Rhode Island (URI), founded in 1888, is the flagship school in the Rhode Island higher education system. It has four campuses: the main campus is located in Kingston, the Center for Continuing Education is located in Providence, the renowned School of Oceanography is located in Narragansett, and the National Center for Environmental Education is located in West Greenwich. Over 16,000 students take classes at URI, and among these students, the most popular major is nursing. URI’s College of Nursing offers baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The College of Nursing accepts about 850 students each year in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing) program. Incoming students do not need any prior nursing experience. To complete the program, a student must earn 121 credits. Of these, sixty credits are for nursing classes and the rest are for general education requirements, electives, and nursing prerequisites. Students in the program spend most of the first year taking general education courses and prerequisites, starting their first nursing class in the spring of their first year. Clinical rotations start in the second year. After completing 121 credits and earning the BS in Nursing degree, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If successful, he may begin working as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BS

An RN who has completed an associate-degree program or a diploma program may opt to complete a bachelor’s degree through the RN to BS accelerated program. The incoming RN will receive thirty-two credits toward the lower level nursing courses, in recognition of her previous nursing education and her nursing experience. If she has completed any college-level courses that fulfill URI’s general education requirements, she may transfer in those credits as well. In total, including the advanced placement credits for the lower-level nursing courses and the transferred credits for the general education courses, she must earn 120 credits to graduate. This includes eighteen credits of upper-level nursing courses.  The length of the program will vary, depending on the incoming RN’s transcript.

Master of Science in Nursing

A bachelor’s-prepared RN who wishes to continue his education can do so through the Master of Science in Nursing (MS in Nursing) program. This program can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis, and students may begin in either the fall or the spring. The majority of the classes are offered on the Kingston campus, although some may also be available at the Center for Continuing Education in Providence. Students in the MS in Nursing program take fourteen credits of core graduate nursing classes, and an additional twenty-seven or twenty-eight credits in a chosen area of specialization. URI’s MS in Nursing program offers the following areas of specialization: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Post-master’s Certificate

A nurse who has already earned a master’s degree in one area of specialization may work toward certification in an additional area of specialization without completing core graduate nursing courses. Students on the post-master’s certificate track need to complete between twelve credits and twenty-eight credits, depending on the chosen certification. URI offers post-master’s certificates in four different areas: Psychiatric Mental Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

A master’s-prepared nurse who wishes to specialize in research may complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) degree through URI. This will take two years on a full-time basis or up to five years on a part-time basis. The curriculum consists of forty-three credits of graduate nursing classes and eighteen credits toward a dissertation.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for nurses who have already earned a master’s degree and have earned advanced practice certification. Students may opt to complete the program on a full-time basis, which will take two-and-a-half years, or on a part-time basis, which can take up to five years. The program consists of forty-two credits, and includes 510 clinical hours. 

Thanatology (Loss, Death, and Grief)

Training in thanatological issues is included as part of the post-graduate and undergraduate curriculums. Those nursing students who want a more detailed study of thanatology may opt to take more intensive classes on the subject. A student can choose either to take an interdisciplinary minor in thanatology or the  post-baccalaureate Thanatolgy Certificate Program (currently suspended and under review). This second option alows one to pursue a professional career as a thanatologist while preparing the student for national certification in thanatology if desired.

Contact:
The University of Rhode Island
45 Upper College Road,
Kingston, RI 02881

Salve Regina University Nursing School Review

Salve Regina University (SRU), founded in 1947, is justifiably famous for its scenic campus. The university occupies several of the historic Newport Mansions, along the scenic Cliff Walk, overlooking the Sakonnet River. In addition to its unique campus, Salve Regina University is respected in Rhode Island and the surrounding area for its academic programs, at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. Approximately 2500 students take classes at the university, working toward degrees in the humanities, education, social work, science, business, and nursing.

Through its Department of Nursing, Salve Regina University offers nursing programs at the undergraduate level for prospective nurses and for Registered Nurses (RN). All programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure Track

An incoming freshman can enroll in Salve Regina University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing), Pre-licensure track. This track takes four years to complete. Students spend the first three years of the program taking both general education courses and nursing courses. The fourth year focuses solely on nursing classes, and includes a capstone project. Hands-on experience is an important part of the program, with clinical rotations beginning in the second year. After graduating from the program, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second-Degree Students Track

A student who already holds a degree in a field other than nursing may complete a BS in Nursing through the Second-Degree Students track. Prior to beginning the program, he will meet with an advisor, who will evaluate his transcript and decide if he needs to complete any general education courses. Depending on his previous education, he may only need to complete two religion classes. Salve Regina, a Catholic University, will waive all general education requirements for qualified second-degree students, except this one. In addition to the religion classes, he must complete prerequisites in the sciences, statistics, computer science, and social sciences. Once he begins the nursing courses, he can finish his BS in Nursing degree in just four semesters. After finishing, he is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Degree Completion Track

If an RN who is a graduate of a diploma program or an associate-degree program wishes to earn a full bachelor’s degree, she may do so through the Degree Completion Track. Salve Regina University will award her thirty-two advanced placement credits for her previous nursing coursework. In addition, if she has taken any classes that fulfill Salve Regina’s general education requirements, she can transfer in those credits. In total, she must earn 124 credits to graduate, which includes the advanced placement credits for nursing classes and the transfer credits toward the general education requirements. Depending on how many credits she has to earn, then, the length of the program will vary. An RN who already knows that she wishes to pursue graduate-level nursing education may opt to complete a senior thesis, in addition to the required capstone project.

Contact:
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Avenue,
Newport, RI 02840

St. Joseph School of Nursing Program Review

St. Joseph School of Nursing at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, is a part of St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, an organization which includes Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, St. Joseph Center for Health and Human Services, and Southern New England Rehabilitation Center. The school is an affiliate of CharterCARE Health Partners, which operates Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

The St. Joseph School of Nursing (SJSN, SJSON), which has been in existence since 1899, is on the campus of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. It offers a diploma in nursing program which is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Diploma in Nursing Program

St. Joseph School of Nursing’s Diploma in Nursing program takes three years to complete. Students begin in a fall semester, and study without a break through the following spring, summer, fall, and spring. Students do not take classes in the summer between the second year and the third year; they return in the fall and wrap up the diploma program in the spring. The program consists of nursing classes and clinical rotations, completed through St. Joseph School of Nursing, and science and general education classes completed through either Community College of Rhode Island or Rhode Island College. Students in the diploma program will receive thirty college credits for these general education classes, which they may transfer if they wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at a later date. St. Joseph School of Nursing has a strong emphasis on clinical training; students begin clinical rotations in the first semester of the program and continue throughout the remainder of the program. In total, a student can expect to spend nearly 2000 hours in a clinical setting over the course of the three years. After graduating from the program, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If successful (as 99 percent of St. Joseph School of Nursing graduates are), she may begin her career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

LPN to Diploma Program

A graduate of a practical nursing program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is eligible to skip the first year of nursing courses (fall, spring, and summer semesters). He must, however, complete all general education classes that diploma students normally take during the first year of the program. Apart from these, he can complete the diploma program in just four semesters.

Continuing Education Options

A graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing diploma program may transition smoothly into Rhode Island College’s RN to BSN program. Alternatively, she can transfer into Salve Regina University’s BSN program. She has the option of choosing other RN to BSN programs, of course, but St. Joseph School of Nursing has signed articulation agreements with these two schools to allow for easy transfer of nursing credits. A graduate from the diploma program also has thirty credits, either from Community College of Rhode Island or from Rhode Island College, to transfer toward the general education requirements of any BSN program.

Contact:
St. Joseph School of Nursing
200 High Service Avenue,
North Providence, RI 02904

Rhode Island College Nursing Program Review

Rhode Island College (RIC) was founded in 1854 as a teacher training school. While it still has strong and well respected programs in education, the school has since branched out to offer degrees in the arts and sciences, business, social work, and nursing. As part of its School of Nursing, RIC offers baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Basic Baccalaureate Program

The Basic Baccalaureate Program, which awards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, takes four years to complete following the suggested course sequence on a full-time basis. However, students have the option of enrolling part-time and completing the program over a longer time period. The program includes seventy-seven credits of nursing classes and nursing support classes, in addition to the general education classes required by the college. A graduate of the Basic Baccalaureate Program is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If successful, he may begin his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Basic Baccalaureate Program for Second Degree Candidates (Accelerated Option)

A student who has already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can complete a BSN degree in a shorter time period. Before beginning the program, she must meet with an advisor who will evaluate her transcript and determine what, if any, general education courses and nursing support courses she needs to complete. In addition to these courses, she will take fifty-seven credits of nursing courses. The course sequence requires five semesters (including one summer semester) to complete. After graduating, she is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Program

An RN who is a graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program can advance in his career by completing a BSN degree. RIC’s RN to BSN program gives an RN thirty-seven credits of advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. In addition, depending on her transcript, an RN may be able to transfer credits toward the general education requirements. An advisor will determine his individual course of study when he is accepted to the program. In addition to any missing general education courses and nursing support courses, he must take twenty credits of upper-level nursing courses in order to complete the BSN degree.

Master of Science in Nursing

A nurse who has earned a BSN degree is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which prepares advanced practice nurses. Students in the MSN program may choose to study either full-time or part-time. On a full-time basis, the program takes four full semesters and one summer semester to complete. The program consists of core graduate nursing courses, and courses in an area of specialization. RIC offers two different areas of specialization:

Adult Health with an Acute Care Emphasis

Students on the Adult Health with an Acute Care Emphasis track must earn forty-five credits total. After completing the classes, they are eligible to take the following certification exams: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exam offered the ANCC, Adult Acute Clinical Nurse Specialist exam offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), or the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exam offered by the AACN.

Public Health/Community Leadership

A student on the Public Health/Community Leadership track of the MSN program must earn forty-two credits total. She is eligible to take the ANCC exam for Advanced Public Health Certification. Depending on her course of study, she may also be eligible to take the Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist exam.

Contact:
Rhode Island College
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue,
Providence, RI 02908

Community College of Rhode Island Nursing Program Review

On its numerous campuses throughout the state, Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers career-training and academic programs to students. The main campuses are in Warwick (Knight Campus), Lincoln (Flanagan Campus), Providence (Liston Campus), and Newport (Newport County Campus). Satellite campuses are located in Providence (Downcity Campus) and Westerly (Westerly Middle School), and some distance education classes are available as well. 

Community College of Rhode Island has been preparing students for direct entry into the workforce as well as for transition to four-year colleges since 1960. One of the careers that a student at CCRI can prepare for is nursing. CCRI offers two programs in nursing, both of which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), as well as a nurse assistant program.

Practical Nurse Diploma Program

As a graduate of the Practical Nurse Diploma program (also called Level 1 Nursing), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can provide nursing care to patients under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RN) and physicians.  Before beginning the program, a prospective student must complete prerequisites in biology, English, a humanities elective, and two health sciences classes. Once enrolled in the Practical Nurse Diploma program, a student spends three semesters studying nursing, and completing general education classes in psychology. In total, she must earn sixty-three credits to graduate. The Practical Nursing Diploma program at CCRI is available on all four main campuses: Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport. The program is available during the day on all four campuses; the Lincoln and Newport campuses also offer weekend and evening nursing classes.  After graduating from the Practical Nurse Diploma program, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Associate in Science Degree Nursing Program

A student who wishes to prepare for a career as an RN can complete the Associate in Science Degree Nursing (ADN) Program (also called Level II Nursing). Students in this track complete all the same prerequisites as students on the practical nursing track (biology, English, a humanities elective, and two health sciences classes) and spend the first two semesters taking the same nursing classes. In the third semester, as practical nursing students prepare for the NCLEX-PN, students in the ADN program go on to upper-level nursing courses.  In total, an ADN student must earn seventy-one credits to graduate. The ADN program is available on all four campuses (Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport) and is also offered in the evenings/weekends in Lincoln and Newport. After graduating from the ADN program, a student is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate in Science Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement

An LPN who wishes to return to school and complete the ADN program does not need to take lower-level nursing courses. She can take an exam to test out of the first semester of nursing courses (ten credits), or the first two semesters of nursing courses (twenty-one credits). If successful, she can begin right away with the upper-level nursing coursework in the ADN program. She does need to complete any missing prerequisites and general education requirements in order to graduate.

Certified Nurse Assistant Program

In just six to ten weeks, a student can become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) through CCRI’s CNA program. Classes are offered at different times, including nights and weekends, and at multiple locations, including all the main campuses (Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport) and the satellite campus in Westerly. A student in the CNA program will receive eighty-eight hours of classroom instruction and thirty-two hours of hands-on, clinical practice. After completing the certificate program, he is eligible to take the state exam for nurse assistants.

Contact:

Community College of Rhode Island
Knight Campus
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886

Flanagan Campus
1762 Louisquisset Pike
Lincoln, RI 02865

Liston Campus
1 Hilton St.
Providence, RI 02905

Newport County Campus
1 John H. Chafee Blvd.
Newport, RI 02840

CCRI Downcity
80 Washington St.
Providence, RI 02903

Westerly Middle School
10 Sandy Hill Rd.
Westerly, RI 02891

York College of Pennsylvania Nursing Program Review

York College of Pennsylvania (YCP), which dates back to 1787, has a long history of academic success. The university offers over fifty undergraduate majors, as well as programs in nursing, business administration, and education at the graduate level. As part of the university’s Department of Nursing, York College of Pennsylvania offers training for prospective nurses, and continuing education for nurses of all different levels.  All the nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science

Students in the Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in nursing program spend the first three semesters completing general education classes, and the next five semesters studying nursing. They complete clinical rotations, mostly at the nearby York Hospital. The program takes four years to complete, starting each fall, and consists of 132 credits total. A graduate of the BS program is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). If successful, he can begin his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science – LPN to BS in Nursing

A graduate of a practical nursing program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may complete a bachelor’s degree and work toward certification as an RN through the LPN to BS in Nursing program. The incoming LPN will receive eleven advanced placement credits, which allow him to skip the sophomore-level nursing courses. Besides these credits, he must complete the remainder of the nursing courses as well as all the general education courses in order to finish the program. He has the option of studying on a full-time or part-time basis. He may be able to take some general education courses in the evening, if he wishes, but he will need to complete the nursing courses during the day. All classes are offered on campus.

Bachelor of Science – RN to BS

A graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program can earn a full bachelor’s degree through the RN to BS bridge program. The incoming RN can transfer in up to thirty-five credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. In addition to these, an RN can transfer up to forty credits from her associate degree program toward general education requirements. (She can transfer an unlimited amount of credits from a four-year school toward the general education requirements). In total, she must earn 124 credits to graduate with a BS with a major in nursing. She may study either full-time or part-time. The length of the program will vary, then, depending on how many courses she chooses to take each semester and how many courses she needs to complete in total. Courses are offered on campus only.

RN to MS in Nursing

An RN who is a graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program who already knows that he wishes to pursue graduate-level education can transition smoothly from the BS portion of his degree into the MS portion his degree. When he has reached the senior-level BS coursework, he can apply for admission to the MS program, and take several courses that cover both BS and MS core requirements. He can then transition into the MS program, choosing among the four available areas of specialization.

Bachelor of Science – Second Degree Option

The York University of Pennsylvania BS in Nursing program also welcomes students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. These students are exempt from the general education requirements; they only need to complete the nursing classes in order to graduate and prepare for the NCLEX_RN. Students in this track can choose to study on a full-time or part-time basis, so the length of the program can vary.

Master of Science in Nursing

York College of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing program for nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. This MS program trains advanced practice nurses in four different areas. Depending on the area of specialization chosen, the program length and the number of credits required vary. The following are the available areas of specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

On the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track of the MS in Nursing program, a student must earn forty-four credits total and complete at least 768 clinical hours. Classes are offered in the evenings, and on a part-time basis, to accommodate working students. Following the suggested course sequence, a student can finish in three years. Classes are offered on campus only, and the program begins each fall. A graduate is eligible to take the credentialing exam offered by American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

To prepare for certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, a student must earn forty-one credits total and complete at least 504 clinical hours. Classes are offered in the evenings, and on a part-time basis. Following the suggested course sequence, a student can finish in three years. Classes are offered on campus only. A student on the Clinical Nurse Specialist track can choose to focus on administration or nursing education. A graduate is eligible to take the credentialing exam offered by American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Nurse Anesthetist

In cooperation with Wellspan Health System, York College of Pennsylvania offers a Nurse Anesthetist track. This intense program takes thirty-two months to complete, and is not available on a part-time basis. Students must commit to studying full-time and taking classes during the day. Over the course of the program, students will earn ninety-four credits and complete 2000 clinical hours. Classes are available on campus only, and the program begins each fall. In addition to accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Nurse Anesthetist program has accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Nurse Educator

A nurse who wishes to train future nurses can enroll in the Nurse Educator track of the MS in Nursing program. This requires thirty-nine credits total and includes at least 224 clinical hours. Classes are offered in the evenings, and on a part-time basis, to accommodate working students. Following the suggested course sequence, a student can finish in three years. Classes are offered on campus only. A graduate of the Nurse Educator track of the MS in Nursing program is eligible to take the credentialing exam offered by the National League for Nursing.

Post-master’s Certification

A nurse who has already earned a master’s degree in one area of focus can prepare for certification in an additional area of focus, without retaking core graduate nursing classes. York University of Pennsylvania offers post-master’s certification in four areas: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (seventeen credits), Clinical Nurse Specialist with Administrative Focus (eighteen credits), Clinical Nurse Specialist with Educator Focus (eighteen credits), and Nurse Educator (thirteen credits).

Doctor of Nursing Practice

After completing a master’s degree and earning advanced practice certification as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, a nurse can reach the highest level in his field by completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP program offered by York College of Pennsylvania requires at least thirty-five credits, and includes over 100 hours of clinical practice. The courses are designed to accommodate working nurses; each semester students spend a whole week on campus, and return for five or six additional days of classes throughout the remainder of the semester.  Following the suggested course sequence, a student can complete the DNP program in six semesters.

Contact:
York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Road,
York, PA. 17403

Wilkes University Nursing School Review

Wilkes University (WU), founded in 1933, is situated in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a relatively small university, enrolling just over 2000 students in its programs in the humanities, arts, social sciences, business, health sciences, sciences, and engineering. As part of its Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, Wilkes University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – BS Program

Over the course of four years, the Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in nursing program at Wilkes University trains students for entry-level nursing careers. It is a traditional, four-year program, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience. In addition to regular clinical rotations, students at Wilkes University gain hands-on experience through the Clinical Nursing Simulation Center (CNSC). This state-of-the-art center includes anatomical models and computerized models, and also arranges for upper-level students to act as patients. Through the CNSC, students can gain experience and ease the transition from classroom learning to clinical rotations.

Students spend the first year in the program taking general education classes. They transition into nursing classes in their second year, and begin receiving practical instruction through the simulation lab. In total, a BS student must earn 127 credits to graduate. Graduation makes him eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). If successful, he may begin working as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science– LPN to BS Program

A graduate of a practical nursing program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may enroll in the LPN to BS program. While she must complete all general education requirements and upper-level nursing courses, she can place out of the first year of nursing courses and clinical hours by completing an exam. Apart from the advanced placement credits, she must complete the remainder of the BS program along the traditional track.

Bachelor of Science– RN to BS Program

An RN who is a graduate of an associate-degree or diploma program may complete his baccalaureate degree through the RN to BS Program. Without taking any test, he can receive thirty-six credits toward the lower-level nursing courses.  Including these advanced placement credits and any other credits that he may be able to transfer toward the general education requirements, he must earn 120 credits in order to graduate. The length of the program will vary depending on how many credits he has to earn.

Bachelor of Science – RN to MS Program

An incoming RN also has the option of completing the undergraduate portion of her degree at an accelerated rate, and transitioning smoothly into the Master of Science (MS) program through the RN to MS program. After entering the MS program, he can choose among the six advanced practice specialties that Wilkes University offers, and complete the program along the traditional course. When a student enters the RN to MS Program, an advisor will evaluate his transcript and determine his specific course of study. The length of the program will vary depending on this evaluation.

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree (Professional Master’s Program)

Through the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree program (also called the Professional Master’s Program, a student who already holds a degree in a field other than nursing can become an RN in just three semesters, after completing prerequisites. The prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and nutrition. Once enrolled in the program, he will spend the fall, spring, and summer semesters earning forty-eight credits of nursing courses, and preparing for the NCLEX_RN. Upon graduation, he will be awarded a Master’s Degree in Nursing (which is not an advanced practice degree) and a pass-through Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing.

Master of Science Degree

After completing a baccalaureate program, an RN is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science program, majoring in nursing. The MS program at Wilkes University trains advanced practice nurses. The program includes twenty-four credits of core graduate nursing classes, in addition to fourteen to eighteen credits in a selected area of specialization. Students may work toward certification as Adult Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialists, Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Executives, and Nurse Educators. The MS program is designed for working RNs; classes are offered mostly online, with short and intense on-campus sessions. Clinical rotations are included, but they can be completed in a location that is convenient for the student.  A student may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

Post-master’s Certification

A nurse who already holds a master’s degree does not have to retake core graduate nursing classes in order to prepare for certification in a different area of specialization. By completing the fourteen to eighteen credits in the area of specialization, a post-master’s student can work toward certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Executive, or Nurse Educator.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses to conduct research and apply that research to their clinical practice. The DNP courses are offered online, although depending on the incoming student’s level of education, she may need to take classes on campus before beginning the DNP classes. Wilkes University offers three different points of entry for the DNP program:

A nurse who has completed a master’s degree and holds advanced practice nursing certification can proceed directly to the DNP classes. She needs to earn thirty credits in total to finish the DNP program.

A nurse who has a master’s degree but does not have an advanced practice nursing certification must earn certification at the master’s-level before beginning the DNP program. Through Wilkes University, she can work toward certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Executive. After completing the classes necessary for this specialization and taking the certification exam, she may begin the DNP classes.

A nurse who has only a baccalaureate degree must earn a master’s degree and advanced practice certification before beginning the DNP classes. In total, she will earn between sixty-eight and seventy credits, depending on the advanced practice area of specialization. This should take about five years to complete.

Contact:
Wilkes University
84 West South Street,
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

West Chester University of Pennsylvania Nursing School Review

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA, WCU), part of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, was founded in 1871 as a teacher college. Since that time, it has branched out to include degrees in the arts and sciences, business and public affairs, health sciences and visual and performing arts. Over 14,000 students are enrolled in programs through West Chester University of Pennsylvania, including programs through the Department of Nursing (part of the College of Health Sciences). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program begins each fall, and is designed to prepare students for work as Registered Nurses (RN). Incoming BSN students spend their first year and the majority of their second year taking general education courses. The first nursing class begins in the fall of their second year, and the nursing coursework continues to get more intense as the program progresses. At the end of four years, after earning 120 credits in total, students are prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Advance 2 BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program

The Advance 2 BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Before beginning the program, a student must complete prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, sociology, psychology, microbiology, and human development. The program is intense, taking eighteen months to complete. It begins each May. Students take classes during the evenings in the fall and spring semesters, and during the day in the summer term.  Once a student completes the program, he is eligible to take the NCLEX_RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – BSN for RN

A graduate of an associate-degree or diploma program may complete a full BSN degree through the BSN for RN program. An incoming RN, like a traditional BSN student, must earn 120 credits to graduate. Typically, she is awarded twenty-eight credits toward the lower-level nursing courses on the basis of her prior education and work experience. In addition to these, she may be able to transfer in credits toward general education requirements, depending on her previous education. In order to graduate from the BSN for RN program, she needs to complete any missing general education courses and take twenty-one credits of upper-level nursing courses. The length of the program varies, then, depending on how many credits an RN needs to complete. The program is offered in a hybrid format, some coursework is online and some on campus.

Master of Science in Nursing in Public Health Nursing

An RN who holds a full BSN degree may enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Public Health Nursing. This program prepares Advanced Practice Public Health Nurses. The program is offered on campus, in the evenings. Students may opt to complete it on a full-time basis (which will take two years) or on a part-time basis (which can take up to six years). In all, an MSN student must earn thirty-nine credits. Of these credits, twenty-four are for the graduate nursing core classes. On top of these classes, a student must take classes in a chosen area of focus (education, administration, or integrative health). The MSN program includes a clinical component.

Contact:
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
700 South High Street,
West Chester, PA 19383

Waynesburg University Nursing School Review

Waynesburg University (WU) of Pennsylvania, located about one hour south of Pittsburgh, was founded in 1849. In addition to its main campus at Waynesburg, the university has extension centers for adult education in Southpointe, Monroeville, and North Hills (all in the suburbs of Pittsburgh). The university specializes in programs in business, communication, education, nursing, and law. Approximately 1500 students take classes at the university; two-thirds of them are undergraduate students.  The school’s nursing program boasts a high rate of success (including a first-time pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses) and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Basic BSN Program

Students who are interested in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program spend the first year as “Exploring Nursing” students, taking general education courses. They begin nursing courses through the Department of Nursing in their sophomore year. The Basic BSN program takes four years to complete, and includes general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. Graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – LPN to BSN

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can advance in his career by earning a full BSN degree and successfully passing the NCLEX_RN. He can do so through Waynesburg University’s LPN to BSN program. In order to start the LPN to BSN program, he must enroll as a first-year student at Waynesburg University and complete any missing prerequisites and general education classes. Meanwhile, he can take an exam that tests his nursing skills, earning up to twenty-four advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. He then enrolls as a nursing student, and transitions directly into the upper-level nursing courses of the BSN program. An LPN can complete the LPN to BSN program in six semesters.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Nursing as a Second Degree Program

A prospective nurse who already holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can enroll in the Nursing as a Second Degree Program. The program takes three semesters and two additional summer terms to complete, and is only available on a full-time basis. Classes meet during the day. Before enrolling in the program, a student must complete prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and psychology.  After completing the program, a student is eligible to take the NCLEX_RN and begin her career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Bachelor of Science – RN to BSN

A graduate of a diploma or associate-degree nursing program is eligible to complete his BSN degree through the RN to BSN program. He can continue working full-time while studying, since the program is designed to accommodate a working schedule. Some classes are offered online, while others are offered in the evenings on campus. The classes are available on the main campus of Waynesburg University, as well as at Southpointe Center in Washington County, Seven Fields in the North Hills, and Monroeville in Eastern Allegheny County, and occasional other sites. An incoming RN will receive fifty-nine credits for his previous nursing education, and may transfer in up to thirty-two other credits toward the general education courses. He can complete the remainder of the RN to BSN curriculum in just sixteen months.

Master of Science in Nursing

A nurse who has completed a BSN program is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This program consists of thirty-six credits total. Of these credits, fifteen are for core graduate nursing classes, and the remainder are for classes in a selected area of specialization. MSN students can choose to specialize in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, or Clinical Research Management. They are also eligible to enroll in a Dual Nursing Education and Nursing Administration track of the MSN program, which requires an additional twelve credits. The program is designed for working RNs, with classes that meet one night a week. Classes are available at the main campus of Waynesburg University, as well as at Southpointe Center in Washington County, Seven Fields in the North Hills, and Monroeville in Eastern Allegheny County. Classes for the MSN program begin year-round, and the program can be completed in two years.

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration – Dual MSN and MBA Option

MSN students have the option of simultaneously completing the MSN degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This requires fifty-four credits in total. Students complete the Nursing Administration track of the MSN program in addition to classes through the business department.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is open to nurses who have completed an MSN degree. The program is designed to accommodate full-time work; classes meet one weekend every other month. Classes for the DNP program are offered at Southpointe, Monroeville, and North Hills. The suggested course sequence allows for twelve credits each year, over the course of three years, but a student may complete the program in as little as two years if she wishes. The program includes clinical hours and a capstone project.

Contact:
Waynesburg University
51 W. College Street,
Waynesburg, PA 15370

Washington Hospital School of Nursing Program Review

Since 1897, The Washington Hospital School of Nursing (WHSN, WHSON) has been training prospective nurses through its diploma program. The School of Nursing, like the Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and the Family Medicine Residency Program, are part of The Washington Hospital, a regional healthcare leader in southwest Pennsylvania.

Since the foundation of the School of Nursing (SON), more than 4000 nurses have successfully completed the program and gone into the nursing profession. The diploma in nursing program holds accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Here is a review of the available program:

Diploma in Nursing Program Overview

The Washington Hospital School of Nursing offers a diploma in nursing program that prepares graduates to work as Registered Nurses (RN). The program takes twenty-eight consecutive months to complete. Incoming students begin in the fall, taking background classes in anatomy, nutrition, composition, CPR, psychology, and microbiology at the nearby Waynesburg University. In the following spring, students start with their first nursing class through the School of Nursing, while continuing to take general education courses at Waynesburg University. The remainder of the program, which includes the following two summer semesters, the following two fall semesters, and the following spring semester, focuses on nursing skills and clinical rotations. At the conclusion of the program, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). If successful, he may begin his career as an RN.

Alternatively, he or she can pursue a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through an RN to BSN bridge program. If he chooses this route, he will have thirty-four credit hours from Waynesburg University that he can transfer, on top of any advanced placement credits that he receives for nursing classes.

Diploma of Nursing Program – LPN Transition

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may advance in her career by becoming an RN. The Washington Hospital School of Nursing offers the LPN Transition program for LPNs who wishes to do this. Prior to beginning the program, the incoming LPN must complete the background, general education classes, and successfully pass an exam that tests her nursing skills. Once the background classes and the test are completed, she can complete the nursing portion of the diploma program in just sixteen months.  

Diploma Programs – General Information

Although diploma programs used to be the most common way of training new nurses, they are less prevalent now; many schools have begun offering associate degrees instead. However, prospective nurses should not overlook the advantages of diploma nursing programs. In general, a diploma program is slightly longer than an associate-degree program. The Washington Hospital School of Nursing program, for example, is twenty-eight months long, as opposed to a twenty-four-month, traditional associate-degree program. Diploma programs, tied to hospitals, have a stronger emphasis on clinical practice. The clinical portion of The Washington Hospital School of Nursing’s program, for example, begins in the second semester. And since diploma programs are generally tied to colleges, as is the diploma program through the Washington Hospital School of Nursing, a student can earn credits toward a BSN degree while completing a diploma program.

Contact:
The Washington Hospital School of Nursing
155 Wilson Avenue,
Washington, PA 15301

Villanova University Nursing School Review

Villanova University (VU) of Pennsylvania, founded in 1842, has always had a reputation for academic excellence. The university is competitive, accepting approximately 10 percent of the applicants to its undergraduate programs. Villanova University offers programs in the liberal arts, business, engineering, law, and nursing. The College of Nursing offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The traditional, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for incoming freshmen. During the first two years, students mainly fulfill university general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, in addition to taking introductory nursing classes. The second half of the curriculum focuses on nursing classes and clinical rotations. In total, a student in the BSN program must earn 136 credits. Students have the option of spending their sophomore year at the University of Manchester in England, or they may study abroad at any one of Villanova’s abroad sites in the summer. After graduation, a student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN) and begin his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

For Adult and Transfer Students

While the standard BSN program is designed for incoming freshmen, Villanova welcomes adult learners who have already earned a bachelor’s degree, as well as students who have some college credits, but not a full degree. Since these students may need more flexible learning options to accommodate work schedules or family commitments, Villanova has designed two different programs for second-degree students and transfer students: the BSNExpress and the Alternate Sequence Curriculum.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second Degree Option – BSNExpress

The BSNExpress program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. If they have completed all the necessary prerequisites in the sciences, psychology, nutrition, statistics, and theology (a total of sixty-one credits), they are eligible to complete an intense fourteen-month nursing curriculum. The program begins each May, and students graduate the following August.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second Degree Option – Alternate Sequence Curriculum

A student who already holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, or a transfer student who has completed most of the general education classes, may opt for a BSN program that has a slower pace than the BSNExpress. If she enrolls in the Alternate Sequence Curriculum, she will spend five semesters (including one summer) taking nursing classes. The program begins each August, and students graduate in August two years later.

Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BSN/MSN) Gateway Program for Registered Nurses

An RN who is a graduate of an associate degree program or a diploma program may earn a full BSN degree and, if he wishes, transition directly into an MSN program. He can earn up to forty-four advanced placement credits toward the nursing portion of his BSN degree on the basis of his education and work experience; he needs to complete an additional twenty-four credits in addition to any general education courses or prerequisites that he is missing. Just the nursing courses require two semesters to complete on a full-time basis. If the incoming RN needs to complete additional general education courses or wishes to study part-time, the length of the program will be extended. The schedule of the classes is flexible, for working RNs. Some classes are available online, and many are offered in the evening.  Once the RN is within eighteen credits of earning the BSN degree, he may apply to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and start taking graduate-level nursing classes. He will transition smoothly from the BSN portion of the program into his chosen MSN specialty.

Master of Science in Nursing

A nurse who holds a BSN degree is eligible to enroll in Villanova’s MSN program, working toward certification in one of six areas. Depending on the area of specialization selected, she must earn between thirty-nine and forty-nine credits. On a full-time basis, she can complete the MSN program in two years. If she opts to study part-time, she has up to five years to earn her MSN degree. The curriculum consists of core graduate nursing classes (which are available online), classes in the area of specialization, and clinical practice. The on-site classes are offered in the evenings. The MSN program begins each fall, spring, and summer. Students can work toward the following certifications: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator.

Post-master’s Certification

A nurse who has already earned an MSN degree in one area of specialization may return to school to work toward certification in another area. Since he has already completed a master’s program, he does not need to take core graduate nursing classes again. He takes the classes in the chosen area of focus, and completes the clinical hours. Villanova offers post-master’s certificates in the following areas: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia and Nursing Education.

 Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to help advanced practice nurses to conduct research, become healthcare leaders, and learn the intricacies of healthcare administration. It is open to nurses who already hold advanced practice certification: Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse-Midwives. Students must enroll full-time. The curriculum takes four semesters to complete (including one summer), and starts in the fall. Some courses are offered online and others are offered on campus.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program trains future nurse educators and nurse researchers. It consists of fifty-one credits total, and includes a dissertation. The class schedule is designed to accommodate working nurses; classes during the fall and spring semesters are offered online. Students must spend the summer taking classes on campus. (Students may also opt to complete all classes on campus.) The program begins with a summer semester. 

Certificate Programs

Villanova University’s Continuing Education in Nursing and Health Care Program is committed to providing short courses and programs that help working nurses keep in touch with changes in the nursing field. Nurses can attend the programs either on campus or online.

On-Campus Programs

RN Refresher Certificate Program

An RN who still has an active license but has been out of the workforce for more than a year can refresh her skills and bring herself up-to-date with recent changes in the field through the four-part RN Refresher Certificate program. The program includes both classroom and clinical instruction, and a nurse will receive forty-six continuing education contact hours for completing the program.

Nurse Manager Certificate Program

The Nurse Manager Certificate Program is designed for nurses who wish to hone their management skills; it examines issues such as staffing, motivating, time management, among many others. A nurse who completes all modules of the program will receive thirty-four-and-a-half continuing education contact hours.

Online Programs

Working nurses may find it difficult to attend sessions on campus, so Villanova has put together an extensive list of online continuing education programs. There are several different series, each with its own modules. Nurses can opt to complete an entire series, or they can select modules of interest from the different series. The number of contact hours for each module varies. Modules are grouped into the following series: Advanced Pharmacology Series, Nurse Manager Series, Clinical Series, Basic Pharmacology Review Series, Psychology Series, Professional Educator Series, Oncology Series, Pediatric Update Series, and Legal Series.

Contact:
Villanova University
800 E. Lancaster Avenue,
Villanova, PA 19085

UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing Program Review

Since 1910, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center St. Margaret School of Nursing (UPMC SMSON) has been training future nurses. The School of Nursing is a part of UPMC St. Margaret, a 294-bed hospital specializing in acute care. There are no residential facilities for nursing students; the school is a commuter school. Students can choose the most convenient location for their classes, however. They can take classes at the UPMC St. Margaret campus, which is located in Blawnox. In this case, they will complete clinical rotations at UPMC St. Margaret. They also have the option of taking classes at the UPMC McKeesport campus in McKeesport, and completing clinical rotations at UPMC McKeesport.

UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing offers two nursing programs, both of which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

School of Practical Nursing (LPN Program)

The School of Practical Nursing trains prospective Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). To complete the LPN program, a student must study for one full year. A student may begin in April on the Blawnox campus or in October on the McKeesport campus. The program is broken into two parts. During the first part, students take background courses in the sciences and social sciences, and begin clinical practice. The second part of the course includes more intense classroom instruction in nursing, in addition to clinical rotations. Over the course of the program, students earn twenty college credits that may be transferred. UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing cooperates with Chatham University and Penn State Greater Allegheny, so students are assured of a smooth transfer of credits if they decide to continue their education through one of these schools. At the end of the program, a graduate receives a diploma in practical nursing, and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX_PN).

School of Nursing (RN Program)

The School of Nursing trains future Registered Nurses (RN). The program takes seventy-six weeks to complete, and is only available on a full-time basis. It begins twice a year, in February and in June, on UPMC St. Margaret campus in Blawnox, and in June only at the McKeesport campus. Before beginning, a student should complete courses in anatomy and physiology, English, and psychology at any college or university. Over the course of the program, the student must take additional background courses in nutrition, microbiology, and sociology, also at any college. Students take nursing courses at the School of Nursing, and complete clinical rotations at UPMC St. Margaret and UPMC McKeesport, as well at other local healthcare centers. After graduating from the program, a student is awarded a diploma in nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). The RN program has a high rate of success: over 95 percent of its graduates pass the NCLEX_RN on the first try, and over 95 percent find full-time employment.

Contact:

UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing – Blawnox Campus
221 Seventh Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing – McKeesport Campus
1500 Fifth Avenue,
4 Kelly Building,
McKeesport, PA 15132