Nursing - Traditional

Overview

The School of Nursing is committed to creating a supportive community that champions student success through inclusive education. This program equips students to drive change and promote health equity in the dynamic field of healthcare. Graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nurse licensure and pursue further graduate education. (see board pass rates)

Nursing is defined as the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations (ANA, 2003, Social Policy statement.)

The educational journey starts with general education and foundational science courses, progressing to core nursing courses that emphasize nursing care across diverse settings and populations.

Adult health
Children and adolescents
Women and childbearing families
Mental health
Community health
Complex health needs

Clinical and laboratory experiences are an integral part of the nursing major. Healthcare agencies in central, southern and southwestern Illinois and in the greater St. Louis area cooperate with the School of Nursing to provide opportunities for our students to practice their clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.

Direct Entry Nursing Major Requirements

By meeting the University's admission criteria, you are also granted admittance to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. To successfully progress through this program, you must achieve a grade of C or better in all coursework.

What can I do with a degree in nursing?

Nursing is a learned profession built on a core of knowledge reflective of its dual components of science and art. As lifelong learners, professional nurses practice in a variety of settings:

Hospitals
Public health departments
Schools
Outpatient clinics
Home health agencies
Mental health agencies

The professional nurse partners with other healthcare professionals in applying evidence-based knowledge combined with caring and compassion to provide quality care.

Accelerated Undergraduate to Graduate Nursing Options

Students in the traditional bachelor's program may apply for accelerated graduate program options for Master of Science degrees in healthcare nursing administration or nurse educator, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for the family nurse practitioner program. Learn more.