Nursing

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Florence L. Jerdan, Ph.D., R.N., Chairperson

The Department of Nursing offers an upper-division baccalaureate program designed exclusively for registered nurses. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The curriculum is planned to maximize the strengths the registered nurse brings to the baccalaureate program. The program focuses upon the utilization of nursing theory; the promotion, restoration and maintenance of health for clients; the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills; and the development of leadership skills appropriate to beginning professional practice. The research process as it relates to nursing is taught and utilized throughout the program. Clinical experiences are provided at a variety of health care settings under the direction of the Nursing faculty.

The purposes of the program are to:

1. Provide the graduate with breadth of knowledge and values from both general and professional education.
2. Prepare the graduate for professional practice in traditional and unstructured health care settings.
3. Provide a foundation for graduate education in nursing.
4. Provide the knowledge base and experiences that will facilitate professional socialization to professional nursing practice.

Admission Process

Candidates for admission to the Nursing program must submit:

1. A Nursing program application.
2. Transcripts of lower-division coursework. If student copies of transcripts are submitted initially, official transcripts must be on file within the first 18 credits of coursework at St. Joseph’s College.
3. Two letters of reference from employing agency or School of Nursing attesting to the candidate’s clinical competency and potential for professional growth.
4. Proof of licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission to the Nursing program must have:

1. Graduated from an Associate Degree Nursing Program or a Hospital Diploma Program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Graduates of programs not accredited by the NLNAC may be eligible for conditional admission to the nursing program if they meet all other admission requirements. Specific requirements apply to those admitted on a conditional basis.
2. A current license in New York State as a Registered Professional
   Nurse or eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Students
   must have a current New York State RN license to enroll in NU 350 .
3. Completion of lower-division course requirements. Candidates are eligible to apply for admission after completing 24 credits of lower division course requirements at a regionally accredited community or senior college. CLEP challenge exams are available in selected science and liberal arts courses.
4. A satisfactory cumulative grade point average in lower-division course work. All candidates with a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4 point scale will be reviewed for admission. Preference will be given to those with a 3.0 or above grade point average.
5. Satisfactory scores on the NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE) II RN-BSN Tests required for graduates of Hospital Diploma Programs and students admitted to the program on a conditional basis. These tests must be taken no later than the second semester after admission to the program.  Students are expected to complete the RN-BSN program within 7-14 semesters, including summers. The majority of part time students complete within three years. Full time students can complete within two years.

Programs

• Nursing, B.S.

Return to: Departmental Programs