Nursing Degrees Online

Licensed practical nurses are integral health team members who provide expert care for challenging patients under the direction of the RN. This is a 10 1/2 month program that prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Work and employment

Graduates of the program are qualified to work in healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, home healthcare, physicians’ offices, and ambulatory care.

Career advancement

Licensed Practical Nurses can use their education and experience toward an associate degree in nursing at RVC. The LPN Bridge for the Associate Degree Nursing program allows LPNs to complete the nursing program without repeating courses taken in the LPN program. For details, see “LPN Bridge.”

Program approval and vocational licensure

The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN according to the requirements for licensure in the Illinois Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice Act.

Information sessions

Students interested in the nursing program should attend a nursing information session to familiarize themselves with specific admission procedures, requirements, and standards. Information about the Nursing program and applications may be obtained by calling (815) 921-3261.

Testing and transcripts

Applicants who have not attended college before will need to call (815) 921-2382 to schedule an appointment for an assessment test. Transfer applicants should submit all transcripts to the Rock Valley College Admissions and Records Office with indication of the intent to apply to the nursing program

Nurse assistants are in great demand with the current shortage of nursing personnel. This program prepares students to enter the health care workforce. Nurse assistants work as caregivers in all types of healthcare facilities and agencies. As health team members, nursing assistants work under the supervision of nurses and provide routine daily care and essential duties related to patient care. Classroom, skill lab, and clinical attendance are required.

Employment and career mobility

The nursing aide course grade of C or higher, a passing criminal background check, and a passing score on the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation prepares the student for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant and for partial completion of nursing program admission requirements. The average salary for a nursing assistant is $11-13 per hour.
The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible for the Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation.

The purpose of the baccalaureate program is to offer a flexible program for the education of professional nurses competent to meet current and future healthcare needs of society. The curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as the basis for graduate study. The baccalaureate curriculum includes a minimum of 54 credits of prerequisite courses, followed by 69-71 credits of upper- division nursing major courses. Baccalaureate education in nursing provides a broad foundation in the sciences and humanities necessary for preparing professional nurses who are capable of practicing as generalists, and who act in responsible ways as informed citizens in a democratic society. The baccalaureate graduate in nursing uses the nursing process to assist clients in attaining mutually established health goals and in adapting patterns of functioning to promote maximum health potential. As a generalist, the graduate practices in the roles of client advocate, care provider, manager/facilitator, teacher/counselor, change agent, case finder, collaborator, and consultant by using relevant research findings. As a learner, the graduate assumes responsibility for continuous growth, both personally and professionally, thereby enhancing the roles of citizen and health practitioner. The baccalaureate nurse is responsible and accountable for providing quality nursing care in practice settings that include, but are not limited to, hospital, home, and community. The graduate demonstrates leadership behavior in collaborating with interdisciplinary health team members and others to design health care plans and to develop more efficient and effective approaches to health care delivery.

Prospective students should study the requirements for admission to the School of Nursing, the specific curriculum requirements, course sequences, and requirements for the degree. Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements and for making application for degree candidacy. The School of Nursing is not responsible for certifying students for a degree if they do not file a graduation application. Application for the degree must be made by the deadlines published by Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing. All candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing must fulfill the following requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 122 credit hours that apply to the degree. Credits earned in remedial skills courses do not apply to the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Credits from courses that have been repeated may be counted only one time to meet degree requirements. Minimum cumulative and nursing grade point averages of 2.5. Minimum 2.5 grade point average required in the courses required to apply to the major. Minimum grade of C (2.0) in each required course or equivalent by the second completed attempt. May repeat no more than three (3) courses totaling 11 credit hours in the cluster courses to earn a C (2.0) or higher. Students beginning the upper-division nursing major must complete all course work within six years. Meet IU residency requirements.

Students interested in receiving addtional information about or an application to the program should contact Union County College Recruitment Office at 908-709-7518 or use our on-line e-services to apply on line.
The specific curriculum objectives of this program are that the graduate will:
demonstrate the role of the graduate nurse within a variety of health care settings;
act as a client advocate by recognizing the uniqueness and dignity of individuals, families, and groups by providing a caring environment;
utilize the nursing process to provide nursing care to individuals, families, and groups of diverse cultural backgrounds;
engage in the continuous process of learning and development within a dynamic society;
demonstrate accountability by adhering to ethical guidelines and legal standards in the practice of nursing;
teach practices related to the prevention of illness and the promotion and restoration of health to individuals, families, and groups;
collaborate with health team members to facilitate the highest level of health for individuals, families, and groups;
utilize appropriate interpersonal skills when interacting with individuals, families, and groups;
employ critical thinking in nursing practice.

Parish Nursing is a Congregational Health Team Ministry which seeks to recover the practice of caring for the sick and dying then way Jesus did. Specific tasks and concerns include the following:

HEALTH COUNSEL – Discuss concerns with church and community people – often as a means of outreach. Parish Nurses do not perform “hands on” nursing care.

EDUCATE – Promote understanding in church and community of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and wellness.

ADCOVATE – Support sick people and families facing health systems complexities.

LIAISON – Share awareness of available government and community resources.

TEACH – Instruct people in the church and community, and train volunteers regarding health related issues through newsletters, talks, classes, and bulletin boards.

HEAL – Probably the most significant contribution: praying with sick and needy people.

Why have Parish Nurses when there are governmental agencies?

The most compelling reason to have Parish Nurses is that Christians are called to care for the sick and dying the way Jesus did. As Eugene Petersen expresses it in The Message,

“the Word [becomes] flesh and blood and [moves] into the neighborhood” (John 1:9). Communities are filled with hurting people who long for today’s Good Samaritan to touch them with expert tender loving care. Government programs may be good, but they will never be enough.

As the health care system becomes more technologized, the need for advocates increases for often individuals are too sick to muster the energy and time to deal with the system. Families may lack information about resources that are available. Parish Nurses in their role as liaisons provide a crucial “connecting link”.

A further reason to have Parish Nurses is that they are there to pray with the sick and their families in moments of greatest need. Health team members can lift sufferers into the presence of the One who is the true healer.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program has two tracks: 1) Generic track for individuals interested in becoming nurses, and 2) RN/BSN track for Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree or Diploma level, returning to receive the BSN. The Nursing Programs of Ramapo College of New Jersey are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor New York, NY 10006.

Program Outcomes:

Upon graduation from this program, graduates will:

Knowledge – Synthesize and apply selected nursing theories with a broad base of knowledge from basic sciences, the arts, and humanities to support general nursing practice.

Change – Participate in the change process of health care systems, incorporating knowledge of social and political forces.

Scientific Research – Identify problems for clinical research and apply findings in general nursing practice.

Teaching and Learning - Identify and apply basic concepts of teaching and learning in general nursing practice.

Leadership and Management – Use basic concepts of leadership and management, including knowledge of internal and external organizational influences on nursing practice. Function collaboratively with other health team members to provide continuity of health care. Determine the need for, and use appropriately, consultants for clinical problem-solving.

Clinical Practice – Demonstrate clinical judgement in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluation nursing care.

Role Function – Practice in accordance with generalist practice nursing standards.

Professionalism - Demonstrate commitment and accountability to self, continuous learning, health care consumers, and professional standards. Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional accountability for generalist nursing practice.

Generic BSN curriculum - The generic curriculum is designed so that students complete all general education and science requirements in the first two years of the major. Upon satisfactory completion of all general education and science courses, students enter the nursing sequence which is two years in length. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX exam for licensure as a registered nurse. The generic program offers two unique clinical partnerships which greatly enhance the clinical education of the BSN students.

The Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and The Valley Hospital, both recognized by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Commission as Magnet Hospitals - Centers of Nursing Excellence serve as clinical partners for the BSN program. In the Englewood partnership, students go to Englewood Hospital for all nursing courses. Students in The Valley Hospital partnership go to the Valley Hospital for a majority of the clinical experiences and remain on campus for classes. Students are expected to provide their own transportation.
Transfer and second degree students are accepted into the major. Courses are evaluated on a case by case basis.

RN/BSN curriculum - The BSN program admits registered nurses, with either an associates degree or diploma in nursing. These students transfer in credits from their initial nursing program, and complete the general education and nursing requirements at Ramapo. Graduates of diploma programs in nursing are granted 30 credits for their diploma nursing courses upon satisfactory completion of their first two BSN nursing courses. The majority of the nursing courses for the RN are heavily on-line, with clinical experiences at nearby facilities. Students have the option of entering the BSN program with the intent to progress to the MSN program at Ramapo College.

The purpose of the baccalaureate program is to offer a flexible program for the education of professional nurses competent to meet current and future healthcare needs of society. The curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as the basis for graduate study. The baccalaureate curriculum includes a minimum of 54 credits of prerequisite courses, followed by 69-71 credits of upper- division nursing major courses. Baccalaureate education in nursing provides a broad foundation in the sciences and humanities necessary for preparing professional nurses who are capable of practicing as generalists, and who act in responsible ways as informed citizens in a democratic society. The baccalaureate graduate in nursing uses the nursing process to assist clients in attaining mutually established health goals and in adapting patterns of functioning to promote maximum health potential. As a generalist, the graduate practices in the roles of client advocate, care provider, manager/facilitator, teacher/counselor, change agent, case finder, collaborator, and consultant by using relevant research findings. As a learner, the graduate assumes responsibility for continuous growth, both personally and professionally, thereby enhancing the roles of citizen and health practitioner. The baccalaureate nurse is responsible and accountable for providing quality nursing care in practice settings that include, but are not limited to, hospital, home, and community. The graduate demonstrates leadership behavior in collaborating with interdisciplinary health team members and others to design health care plans and to develop more efficient and effective approaches to health care delivery.

Prospective students should study the requirements for admission to the School of Nursing, the specific curriculum requirements, course sequences, and requirements for the degree. Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements and for making application for degree candidacy. The School of Nursing is not responsible for certifying students for a degree if they do not file a graduation application. Application for the degree must be made by the deadlines published by Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing. All candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing must fulfill the following requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 122 credit hours that apply to the degree. Credits earned in remedial skills courses do not apply to the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Credits from courses that have been repeated may be counted only one time to meet degree requirements. Minimum cumulative and nursing grade point averages of 2.5. Minimum 2.5 grade point average required in the courses required to apply to the major. Minimum grade of C (2.0) in each required course or equivalent by the second completed attempt. May repeat no more than three (3) courses totaling 11 credit hours in the cluster courses to earn a C (2.0) or higher. Students beginning the upper-division nursing major must complete all course work within six years. Meet IU residency requirements.

The purpose of the program is to educate an associate degree nurse who is able to function in beginning staff-level nursing positions. The program is designed to meet the learning needs of students who are initiating careers in nursing as well as students who are changing career goals. The graduates of the associate degree program are prepared to provide nursing care to individuals with commonly occurring problems, in health care settings with established protocols and policies, with professional nurses and other health care providers. They are responsible for the management of care for multiple patients and for collaboration with health team members to implement the nursing care plan in an efficient and effective manner. In addition, associate degree nurses are prepared with the skills to assume responsibility for maintenance of competence within their scope of practice in a changing health care environment.

Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements. All candidates for the Associate of Science in Nursing degree must fulfill the following requirements:
Complete all prenursing courses (or their equivalent) required in the curriculum with a minimum grade of C (2.0) on a 4.0 scale by the second completed attempt, and maintain 2.0 overall and nursing GPAs to qualify for graduation from the School of Nursing.
Complete all general education courses concurrent with or prior to the nursing major. Complete a minimum of 41 credit hours in the nursing major and 29-31 credit hours in general education according to the “Associate Degree Basic Curriculum Design” table. Complete the degree requirements within four years of first enrollment in the nursing major. The record of the student who fails to comply with this requirement will be reviewed in terms of the current curriculum.
Complete a minimum of 51 percent of the nursing major on the campus that grants the degree.

Apply for the degree at the beginning of the final semester. The student must file an application for the degree with the School of Nursing office. The School of Nursing will not be responsible for the student’s certification for the degree if the student fails to file the application.

Marquette University College of Nursing began its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in the Fall semester of 2008; the first such program in the state of Wisconsin. The DNP is a terminal professional degree for nurses in advanced practice and nursing administration. This degree represents attainment of the highest level of clinical nursing competence and educational parity with other health team members holding clinical doctorates. The DNP is considered a clinical or practice oriented doctorate and involves skills beyond the baccalaureate without the necessity of an intermediate master’s degree. Graduates are able to sit for certification as an advanced practice nurse in specialty areas or nursing administration. Graduates of this program bring the “best practices” to the point of service, having competence in evidence based care and translational research methods. The DNP Program Information and Admission Requirements and the Curricula Guides below should be helpful to you, but do not hesitate to contact us if you need additional information.

Dr. Margaret J. Bull, PhD, RN, FAAN
Interim Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
(414) 288-3869
margaret.bull@marquette.edu

Karen Nest
Graduate Program Assistant
(414) 288-3810
karen.nest@marquette.edu

Kelly Hillard
PhD Program Assistant
414-288-3869
kelly.hillard@marquette.edu

Building upon the foundations of education and experience, the professional nurse who chooses the pathway resulting in an advanced degree will make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Whether MSN students hone nursing process and critical thinking skills in preparation to educate other health team members, provide direct primary care, or lead a class of students studying their chosen profession of nursing, Marian’s program for a Master of Science in Nursing degree will prepare graduates to assume teaching roles and advanced practice and leadership roles. The graduate-prepared nurse possesses the knowledge to thereby instill in others the importance of lifelong learning as a means to greater well-being for self and others.

Why Marian?

The MSN program, initiated in 2002, was granted full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation for new MSN programs is granted by CCNE for a maximum of five years. Through a rigorous Marian self-study and subsequent CCNE review, the maximum five-year accreditation was granted to Marian’s program. Either one of the two MSN specialty tracks, Nursing Education or Adult Nurse Practitioner, offers nurses the assurance of educational quality, integrity, and continuous improvement, three hallmarks for CCNE accreditation.

Nurses who have previously earned a master’s degree in nursing may earn a Certificate in Nursing Education through a specially designed program of study that focuses on preparation as Nurse Educators for those who already have advanced degrees.

Other reasons to advance your nursing education with Marian’s MSN program:
Degree completion in 2½ years of full-time enrollment with the benefit of a creative calendar that affords a “part-time course load” at any point in time.
Essential knowledge, skills, experiences and preparation for the Adult Nurse Practitioner certification exams and eligibility for licensure in Wisconsin with prescriptive authority.
Partnering with experienced faculty and clinical agency preceptors for practice experiences in a variety of settings.