Wilmington University Nursing School Review
Delaware based Wilmington University (WilmU) offers online and campus-based degrees in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. Approximately 13,000 students enroll in Wilmington University’s bachelors, masters and doctoral programs each year. Wilmington University offers flexible learning options which cater to a variety of student groups including traditional day classes and opportunities for non-traditional students on weekends and in evenings.
Despite its name, the university is located near to Wilmington near New Castle and was founded in 1968 as Wilmington College. Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Review of Wilmington University Nursing Degree Programs
Nursing degrees at Wilmington University are offered under the College of Health Professions. The college also awards degrees in Allied Health in addition to Nursing. A wide variety of nursing options are offered from completing RN qualifications to seeking advanced level master’s degrees or certificates. The college has a generous transfer credit acceptance policy, which acknowledges the previous work and experience completed to advance to a higher level of study. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs.
Wilmington University Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Pre-RN (Pre-Registered Nurse) Program
The Pre-RN program allows nurses in the process of completing their associate’s degree to take classes for the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree part-time. This program is subject to approval and students must meet pre-requisites before enrolling in courses. Students will be able to take classes with current BSN students and get the resources available to their peers.
RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing)
Designed for nurses interested in further study at the graduate level or advancing their career, the RN to BSN program at Wilmington University instills the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the present nursing environment. Students are prepared in the basics of nursing to serve in a variety of settings and can therefore choose a wide variety of career options from this point. Students can enroll on a part or full-time basis and complete a clinical practicum as part of the course. Students applying to the program are required to submit a copy of their RN license, transcripts and submit to a background check and drug testing. Because students are transferring previous credit, the college also accepts CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) which offers college credit to nurses for knowledge gained through work experience. The BSN program requires 120 credits to complete and total time to completion depends on the number of credits transferred in.
RN to BSN Pathway
The RN to BSN pathway program is for students who have studied and worked in another field, and are now aspiring to a BSN. A significant amount of previous credit can be awarded for previous study. Students can complete as little as 31 credits at Wilmington University to earn their BSN.
Wilmington University Graduate Degree Nursing Programs
Wilmington University Master’s Degree Programs
Nurses desiring an individualized MSN program will find the variety of concentrations and customizable program meets their needs. Students can earn a Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) with an interdisciplinary approach taking classes in other colleges such as Business and Education. Students can choose from the following concentrations:
MSN Nursing Leadership
The MSN Nursing Leadership course offers three specializations all with the goal of producing a nurse knowledgeable and able to lead in their chosen area of expertise. The program is ideal for nurses seeking a more administrative role in the field of nursing.
Executive– The executive track is ideal for nurses who desire to take an entrepreneurial approach with their degree or hold a management position in a health care setting
Educator- Whether working with patients or peers, the nurse educator program will prepare the nurse to teach and lead others through important aspects of health care
Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) – The Legal Nurse Consultant is prepared to tackle the legal aspects of nursing and health care practice
All programs are designed to train nurses to be leaders and inform policy in their chosen area of practice. The program can be completed in as little as two years and as long as five years.
MSN Nurse Practitioner
For nurses who would like to maintain practice in their fields while having the opportunity for increased leadership opportunities and mobility in their position, the MSN Nurse Practitioner program is an excellent fit. Courses in the Nurse Practitioner programs meet the criteria set out by several nursing bodies including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). The program offers the following two specializations:
Family –Ideal for nurses seeking to work with a variety of age groups in the family setting
Adult/Gerontology-Ideal for nurses who would like to serve adult and aging populations
The programs can generally be completed in 28 to 42 months and require a clinical practicum of at least 600 hours. Students are required to hold a “B” average in certain courses.
MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration)
Students who desire to earn an MBA in conjunction with their MSN may do so through completing a 51 credit program requiring courses in both the College of Business and Health Professions. Advising and mentoring is available to students to meet the dual requirements of the college. Students have two options to choose, though both options will award an MSN degree and also a focus in Health Care Administration. Students can choose from:
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Management with a focus in Health Care Administration MSN MSM/HCA
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration with a focus in Health Care Administration MSN MBA/HCA
Students will choose courses from a specific guide.
Wilmington University Nursing Certificate Programs
Hispanic Cultural Certificate
The Hispanic Cultural Certificate provides nurses with the intercultural skills and understanding to work with the growing Hispanic population in the United States. The program is open to all registered nurses, whether holding a bachelor’s or associate’s degree or diploma. The program can be completed in just 18 credits and has a required practicum serving in a community health setting specifically geared to serving a Hispanic community.
Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) Certificate
RNs with a BSN can become experts in the legal requirements of nursing, health care practice and organizations through the Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate. The course is 18 credits, completed 100% online, and has a practicum for students to gain experience in the realm of nursing and law.
Post Master’s Certificate
Two post-master’s certificates are available for those in administrative and practitioner positions. The courses offer concentrations similar to those in the Nursing Leadership and Nursing Practitioner MSN courses but are designed to help the nurses keep up with changing standards in the profession as well as meet educational requirements needed to be successful in their current position. A clinical practicum (minimum of 240 hours) is required to complete the course, though additional hours may be required.
Contact:
Wilmington University
320 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
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