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School of Nursing
Interim Director: Debra Leners, Ph.D..
The School of Nursing subscribes to the philosophy that nursing is both an art and a science which promotes, supports and restores optimal health in individuals, families and communities. Nursing is a caring profession that is an integral component of the health care delivery system.
The undergraduate program in nursing is a nine (9) semester program (4 years including one summer) leading to a bachelor of science degree. Qualified students are prepared to be professional nurses and receive a foundation for graduate study in nursing.
Graduate programs are available at the master's and doctoral level. The Ph.D. in Nursing Education offers two levels of entry: BS to MS on campus and MS to Ph.D. online. Graduates are qualified to fill nursing faculty positions in educational institutions and health care agencies.
Nursing students have a variety of clinical experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, industry, schools and community agencies, primarily in northeastern Colorado communities. Clinical practice is concurrent with nursing theory (classes) and is guided by nursing faculty. Health clearance, OSHA requirements, and CPR certification are required.
Graduates of state-approved diploma or associate degree programs in nursing are eligible to apply for admission to the on-line baccalaureate program in nursing. The program to be pursued by R.N. students has been designed to be as flexible and responsive to individual student needs as possible, within the constraints and resources of the School of Nursing.
The Master of Science in Nursing Program has three emphases available: a nursing education with a clinical emphasis in chronic illness, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Chronic Illness, and the Family Nurse Practitioner emphasis.
The Master of Science in Nursing Program has three emphases available: a nursing education with a clinical emphasis in chronic illness, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Chronic Illness, and the Family Nurse Practitioner emphasis. Full and part-time options are available. Full-time option is available for the nursing education emphasis. Part-time study only for the FNP program.
Nursing B.S.
The undergraduate program in nursing is a nine semester program leading to a bachelor of science degree. Nursing is an independent professional discipline requiring critical inquiry and discriminating judgment to assist individuals, families and communities to attain and maintain health. Qualified students are prepared as professional nurses and receive a foundation for graduate study in nursing.
Pre-clinical Major. Students interested in nursing are accepted as pre-clinical nursing majors if they meet the general admission requirements of the University. Formal application is made to and obtained from UNC's Office of Admissions.
It is highly recommended that students planning a career in nursing include chemistry, biology and algebra in their high school programs. Proficiency in mathematics is essential to success in the nursing program.
Students enrolled in the pre-clinical major will receive academic advisement from members of the School of Nursing faculty.
Clinical Major. The designation of pre-clinical nursing major does not assure admission to the clinical nursing program. A separate application and acceptance process during the sophomore year is required for the student to enter clinical nursing courses in the junior year. Forms for applying to the clinical program and information about application procedures are obtained at the School of Nursing during late fall semester.
The following factors will be considered by the nursing faculty in the selection of students:
- GPA calculated on most recent 45 credit hours from UNC or other institution including at least four of the required prerequisites, and must be 3.0 GPA or above. Contact the School of Nursing for specifics on the GPA calculation. Other variables may be utilized for selection criteria;
- Only applicants who, at the time of application, have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in the required science courses or as many as have been completed of the following: Biology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Biochemistry, will be considered;
The number of students admitted to the clinical nursing program is determined by available resources. Available resources may also limit possibilities for readmission to the program for those students who withdraw for any reason. Scores on selected tests measuring such factors as aptitude, cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills and achievement may be used for advisement.
All students entering the professional clinical nursing major must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the adult and child/infant (health professional) as evidenced by current CPR card. This certification must be maintained while in the program. Nurse Aid coursework is also required for application. CNA and CPR courses are available outside the School of Nursing.
Progression. Nursing majors must earn a minimum grade of "C" or satisfactory in all required nursing courses for progression to the next semester in the nursing major. The nursing program faculty reserves the right to place on probation or to require the withdrawal from the nursing program of any student whom in their professional judgment fails to satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health status and/or performance. A student receiving a grade less than "C" in a nursing course will be readmitted to that course on a space-available basis only.
RN-BS Progression. The length of the program for the registered nurse student depends upon the amount of transfer credit and successful completion of prerequisite course challenge examinations, if needed. The Colorado Nursing Articulation Model permits RNs to receive credit for prior nursing course work. Individuals seeking admission must be admitted to the University of Northern Colorado following the procedures outlined in this Catalog. Students should contact the School of Nursing at the same time for information about R.N. criteria for admission to the nursing major and the specifics of the R.N. program.
L.P.N. Progression. As an L.P.N., challenge options are available in certain required prerequisite courses. Progression planning for the LPN through the clinical program is done with the Advising Team.
Policies. Probation/Termination Policy, Critical Behaviors for Satisfactory Achievement in Clinical Nursing Courses, Withdrawal, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Cheating/Plagiarism and Health Policies are published in the required Student Handbook.
Missed or Repeated Courses. Students who must repeat a clinical nursing course or who fail to enroll or complete a course on their scheduled rotation will be readmitted for clinical courses on a space-available basis only. Courses may not be offered every semester.
Successive Enrollment. A student who does not enroll for either required support courses or nursing courses for two successive semesters and has not made prior arrangements with the Assistant Director will not be considered a nursing major.
Graduation & Licensure. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing will be granted by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the faculty of the School of Nursing to those students who have successfully completed the prescribed curriculum with an average of "C" or above.
RN licensure is obtained by passing the national licensure exam which students arrange to take some weeks after graduation.
Health Policies. Within the academic year preceding the first clinical course, the student must have met the University's requirements regarding immunizations, received any necessary update in immunizations (such as Rubella Titer, PPD, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Rubeola/Rubella/Mumps) and have on record a completed physical examination. Hepatitis B vaccination is required. Thereafter, an annual PPD is required, as well as completion of OSHA requirements.
Criminal Background Check. To comply with clinical agency requirements, all students are required to submit evidence that a criminal background check has been completed.
School Nurse Provisional Licensure. Graduates seeking School Nurse Licensure should contact the Teacher Education and Certification Unit of The Colorado Department of Education at 201 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203 for an application packet.
Additional Expenses. Clinical nursing majors may anticipate the following expenses upon admission to the program.
Required uniforms are ordered the semester before clinical assignment. Costs listed here are approximate and subject to change.
Senior Year Expenses:
Clinical Practice. Student practica are offered in agencies according to available resources. All placements require transportation and may necessitate commuting from the Greeley area. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all clinical practicum.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Nursing M.S.
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Chronic Illness (CNS) Emphasis
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in the CNS prepares students in the roles of clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant. The CNS emphasis prepares the post baccalaureate nursing student to be on the Colorado Advanced Practice Registry in the area of care for the chronically ill adult or child. The program is consistent with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing guidelines. Full time and part-time options are available. Health policies, OSHA requirements, CPR certification and criminal background checks are required for clinical practicum experiences.
The program provides the graduate with the expertise to function in an autonomous nursing role. The graduate is eligible to be recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse from the Colorado State Board of Nursing with all the rights and privileges associated with this title.
Education Emphasis
The Master of Science degree in Nursing prepares post-baccalaureate nursing students as nurse educators for either academic or inservice settings with clinical emphasis in case management of the chronically ill child or adult. The program is consistent with the characteristics of graduate education accepted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Full-time and part-time options are available. Health policies, OSHA requirements and CPR certification are required.
This program provides expertise valuable for positions in education, community college settings, institutions of higher education, community health settings and institutions that provide inpatient care for the chronically ill child or adult.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Emphasis
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in FNP prepares the post-baccalaureate nursing student for advanced clinical practice in primary care of families. The graduate is eligible to apply for national certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Part-time study only. Health policies, OSHA requirements, CPR, ACLS certification, and criminal background check are required.
The program provides the graduate with the expertise to function in an autonomous and collaborative role as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who provides primary care in a variety of settings. The graduate is eligible to be recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse from the State Board of Nursing with all the rights and privileges associated with this title.
Master's student admission requirements
- A bachelor's degree from an NLN or CCNE accredited institution with an upper division major in nursing.
- Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the baccalaureate level.
- Two letters of reference.
- A statement of career goals.
- One year of clinical experience is preferred.
- A personal interview may be required.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)
Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)
Transcultural Nursing Graduate Certificate Program (Non-Degree)
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Chronic Illness (CNS) Emphasis
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Emphasis
Nursing Education Ph.D.
The Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing Education prepares nurses who provide professional leadership in nursing education, the scholarship of teaching, practice and research in the discipline. The program has two entry options: Bachelor's in Nursing (BS) to Ph.D. or the traditional Master's to Ph.D.
Admission requirements
- Completion of a bachelors of science in nursing from an accredited school or completion of a bachelors in nursing and a master's degree.
- Admission to the Graduate Program of UNC:
- GRE scores must have been taken within 5 years of application date, i). Verbal and quantitative scores (800 possible on each) must add up to at least 1000 total, and no less than a 400 on either, ii.) Analytical writing skills (6.0 possible) must be at least 3.5.
- GPA 3.0 minimum (4.0 scale).
- Two copies of all transcripts from any academic work post high school (if previous coursework was from UNC, no copies are required).
- Current RN licensure.
- Three letters of recommendation:
- Personal statement of future goals/interest in nursing education.
- Interview with nursing faculty (scheduled by telephone or in person).
Although nursing practice experience is not required for admission, students will be advised form the beginning of the program about their level of clinical expertise. Students who need to develop more practice experience will be advised about nursing employment during the months/weeks when school is not in session. In addition, clinical experiences are built into required curriculum hours.
For degree and program requirements, see:
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