NURSING

A major in nursing is offered for basic students (no prior nursing credentials) and registered nurse graduates of ADN and diploma programs. The nursing major builds on the liberal arts and science foundation and encompasses study in the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, the humanities, and nursing sciences.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (www.ildfpr.com) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120; 202-887-6791; www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation). The program leads to a bachelor of science in nursing degree (B.S.N.). Upon completion of all requirements, basic students (no prior nursing credentials) are eligible to apply to take the Nursing Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses.

Clinical portions of the program are held in area hospitals, intermediate care and rehabilitation facilities, community health agencies, home health agencies, schools, and clinics. Three clock-hours of clinical or laboratory experience is equivalent to one semester-hour of credit. The communication requirement of the general education curriculum is met across the nursing curriculum. The capstone requirement is met through Nursing 413 and Nursing 425. The field experience requirement is met through the clinical component of the nursing curriculum. Students interested in nursing may contact the chairperson of the nursing department for further information.