Washburn University Nursing School Review

Washburn University (WU) of Topeka is a co-educational, public institution that was established in 1865. It started out with a two-storey brick building that has given way to numerous other buildings that are host the more than 200 certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master’s and juris doctor programs.

This is possible through the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Law, Business, Nursing and Applied Studies. It is also known for the interactive relationship that is has developed to nurture both academic and local community. The campus is also home of the Mulvane Art Museum that hosts various exhibitions, educational programs and events.

The School of Nursing at Washburn University of Topeka offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various nursing fields. The schools Bachelor of Science (BSN) and Master of Science (MSN) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2018 and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Additional details of all programs are provided below:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

This is a four year program that prepares students to be generalist in nursing. After graduation, they can assume entry-level roles that can be performed with the knowledge and content of the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities courses that are part of the program. The program enables successful students to write the national licensing examination (NCLEX) to be licensed as a registered nurse.

The school accepts applications from those that have the relevant pre-requisite courses. There are more than ten courses which are comprised of Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy with Lab, Human Growth & Development, Introduction to Sociology among others. Additionally, applications to the School of Nursing are welcome to apply if they have completed thirty credit hours at Washburn University School of Nursing for the specified general education requirements. They must maintain a GPA of 2.70 to be considered.

LPN to BSN Program

This course is designed for the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) that wants to gain advanced knowledge and build on the experience and expertise they already have. After successful completion they earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are qualified to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX) to be licensed as a registered nurse provided there are no restrictions. The qualified LPN that meets the requirements may receive 12 hours of college credit for required coursework in the following subjects: Nutrition, Human Growth & Development, Nursing Technologies I, Nursing Technologies II, Nursing Practicum I, Nursing Practicum II and Medical Terminology. The entire program consists of 59 credits which are offered through various nursing courses.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students that want to take advanced studies and build on the knowledge gained in their (BSN) can enroll in this program to reach their objectives. They acquire a high level of expertise through theory and practice that are part of the program. The tracks that are available in the MSN program include:

1) Adult Nurse Practitioner: This is a 45 credit hour curriculum that is comprised of Core Curriculum, Advanced Practice Core, Nurse Practitioner Core and Graduate Project. The core curriculum has the most credit hours with courses ranging from Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice, Professional Role Development, and Integrative Healing Therapies among others. Graduates from the program are recognized as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Kansas. Provided there are no hindrances, they can sit the national certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. After obtaining their license they are qualified to provide clients with health education and health promotion with relevant maintenance interventions where applicable.

2) Family Nurse Practitioner: This is a 50-56 credit hour curriculum. The program is divided into four main areas which include: Core Requirements, Advanced Practice Core, Family Nurse Practitioner Courses and a Graduate Project. Both Family Nurse Practitioner Courses and the Core Requirements share the same number of credit hours which are 18-credit hours.

The course prepares students to assume roles as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Kansas and they can seek national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN). They may also seek certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Some of the courses covered in the Family Nurse Practitioner core include: Primary Family Care; Adult Heath I & II; Adult Health Practicum I & II and HC Practicum III-spec. focus.

3) Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): Students participate in 450 contact hours in this course through the eight core courses, five clinical leadership courses, and a Graduate Project. The entire curriculum consists of 35 credit hours that prepare students to become advanced generalists. However, the program does not prepare them to be eligible as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Kansas.

Graduate Certificate in Education

This course consist of 12 credit hours and is offered to students that have a Master of Science in Nursing degree. During the program, students are exposed to two didactic courses, one practicum course, and one elective. All provide the necessary content that is needed to undertake roles geared towards curriculum development, educational theory and teaching strategies. Students have the option to complete the program as a complement to their MSN curriculum.

Contact:
Washburn University
1700 SW College Avenue,
Topeka, KS 66621

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