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 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. The potential ability to give safe nursing care is a prerequisite for admission to the nursing major.

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 BSN.

Prior to enrolling in the nursing courses, the student must:

• Present a current LPN 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: PSYC 110 Introductory Psychology; BIOL 221 Anatomy; PSYC 280 Developmental Psychology; BIOL 222 Physiology; BIOL 240 Nutrition 

• 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:

• Fifteen courses in nursing are required, including NURS 220, 230, 250, 305, 330, 335, 340, 355, 410, 440, 435, 445, 455, 465, and 475.

• In addition, the following related term courses are required: CHEM 109; BIOL 221, 222, 239, 240, and 340; PSYC 110, 280 and 360; WRTG 109; 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 109. 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 410 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 courses. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is needed for admission to and progression in the program.