The Department of
Nursing offers a three or four year program for
Licensed Practical Nurses, leading to the
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and eligibility to take the required R.N. licensure examination (NCLEX-RN). This option represents an opportunity for a broad-based liberal education and a strong base for professional nursing practice. Theoretical nursing knowledge is applied in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, community health agencies, long-term care facilities and other institutional and community based settings.
This innovative program is designed specifically for graduates of state approved Practical
Nursing programs. Students must present evidence of a license to practice nursing in Iowa as an LPN or a state in the interstate compact and of professional liability insurance currently in force in order to enroll in nursing courses with clinical components. The potential ability to give safe nursing care is a prerequisite for admission to the nursing major. Part-time plans of study are also available.
Licensed practical nurses, because of their previous learning in other settings, are considered sophomore-level transfer students on entry into the university. Previously earned academic credits may be applied to the B.S.N.
Prior to enrolling in the nursing courses, the student must:
- Present a current L.P.N. license in the state of Iowa or a state in the interstate compact
- Present content from college course work or credit by examination equivalent to a Briar Cliff term course in each of the following areas: Introductory Psychology PSYC 110; Anatomy BIOL 221; Developmental Psychology PSYC 280; Physiology BIOL 222; Nutrition BIOL 240
- Meet with the chairperson of the Department of Nursing to evaluate your education record, complete the Application for Admission to the Nursing Major form, and sign the declaration of major form
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Requirements:
- Twelve courses in nursing are required, including NURS 225, 235, 315, 325, 335, 345, 410, 415, 420, 425, 435, and 445.
- In addition, the following related term courses are required: CHEM 109 & 110; BIOL 221, 222, 239, 240, and 340; PSYC 110, 280 and 360; WRTG 109 or 159; SOCY 124; MATH 200; THEO 204 or PHIL 210. A letter grade of "C" or better must be attained in BIOL 221, 222, 340 and CHEM 110. These courses may be taken at Briar Cliff or transferred in from an accredited college. To complete the general education distribution requirements, two courses in the aesthetic foundation, one from the historical consciousness foundation, one theology course , and one multi-cultural foundation course. Additionally, LIBA 400 is required of all Briar Cliff transfer students. All other general education requirements may be met in the above required courses.
- Documentation of physical health status obtained upon admission to the major must also be on file in the Health Office. Immunization must include hepatitis B vaccination (or signed waiver on file), a second MMR if born after 1957, an annual Mantoux test and proof of varicella immunity. The Nursing faculty will certify the general education service component and competencies in information technology, moral/ethical reasoning, oral communication, research and writing in this major. A letter grade of "C" must be attained in both theory and clinical components of all nursing term and IR courses. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is needed for admission to and progression in the program.
