Union College Nursing Program Review
Union College was opened in 1981 after a group of Seventh Day Adventists sought to open a church affiliated college in the Lincoln area. The college is based in Lincoln and still maintains strong ties with the seventh day Adventist denomination. The college has strong Christian values but students from all walks of life are welcome to study at Union. It offers accredited and comprehensive programs in more than 50 baccalaureate majors to a local and international student community.
Nursing at Union College
Union College (UC) offers a curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Three BSN tracks fall under the nursing academic division each with a different entry option. The program enrolls Advancement students from Practical nursing program, Registered nurses and fresh pre-licensure students. The nursing program at Union is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. More details on each of the programs are given below.
BSN Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in nursing at Union is designed for entry-level pre-licensure students. It takes the form of a traditional 4-year degree program that requires 128 credits to complete. Students are admitted as freshmen and start on the general education courses during the 1st year while nursing courses start at the second year. Completion of this program makes the student eligible to apply and write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). The program provides advancement and completion opportunities for RNs and LPNs as explained below.
LPN to BSN Second Step Program
At Union College, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are offered the opportunity of obtaining advanced standing for the BSN program. LPNs with Nebraska licensure enrolled to this program receive highly discounted tuition fees. For placement into the BSN, LPNs take assessments administered by the Assessment Technology Institute after paying a separate fee. The assessment is offered in two steps and can only be taken once for Union College placement. The outcome of the ATI tests determines where the student will be placed for the BSN.
Generally, students who receive advanced placement for the BSN must complete the 128 credits required for graduation. Some of the courses are earned by advanced placement and after validation of equivalency with those of Union. LPN students are allowed to complete some of their courses at any other 4-year institutions but must complete the last 30 credits at Union. The LPN to BSN second step Program takes six semesters of full time study to complete although part time plans can be arranged. Either way, the program must be completed within six years after enrollment. Students earn a BSN degree and become eligible to write the NCLEX_RN exam to become registered nurses (RN)
RN to BSN Completion
This program is designed to meet the education advancement needs of RNs who wish to complete a Baccalaureate degree. RNs from accredited diploma or associate programs are welcome to apply to the RN to BSN completion track. Candidates must have current RN licensure to be allowed to apply. Upon acceptance into the program, students are subjected to some selected nursing courses equivalent to 9 credits hours. Those who complete these successfully receive 31 hours of nursing credits in place of the 9. Others general education courses can be validated for equivalency with those of Union College to facilitate transfer.
Courses can be completed on a full time or part time basis but must be completed within six years. Students require 57 nursing major credits of which, the last 30 must be completed at Union. Completion awards the students a BSN degree.
Contact:
Union College
3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln,
NE 68506
