Nursing
Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing
For the student who wishes to major in nursing, Purdue North Central offers two degree options: The Associate of Science (AS) and the Bachelor of Science (BS), both with a major in Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science degree (BS) was offered for the first time in Fall 2004 through an RN-BS upper division completion plan of study. The RN-BS completion plan of study builds on the autonomous long-standing Associate of Science (AS) two-year program. Both the AS program and RN-BS program are approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditating Commission (NLNAC).
The RN-BS completion plan of study prepares graduates for leadership roles and graduate study in nursing by providing a broad foundation in general studies, sciences and nursing. The graduate is prepared to synthesize theory and research based knowledge in provision of care to the client, family and community in a global society with flexibility to adapt to the changing nature of health care and health care roles, integrate care across multiple settings, and manage the interactions between and among components of the integrated networks of health care services.
AS GRADUATES CONTINUE INTO BS
Students graduating from Purdue University North Central’s Associate degree nursing program can continue into the upper division plan of study by completing a change of degree objective (CODO) form and returning AS graduates simply fill out a re-entry application. Successful graduates of any NLNAC accredited AS program will find the BS completion plan accessible and affordable. Transfer students are evaluated according to the RN-BS criteria for admission.
The Purdue University North Central Department of Nursing programs provide educational opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students leading to the granting of the Associate of Science degree and the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The Associate Degree Program prepares men and women for beginning careers in the field of nursing and for licensure as registered nurses. The Baccalaureate Degree Program prepares registered nurses to be nurse generalists, to assume beginning leadership roles, and to qualify for advanced graduate study.
The nursing faculty is committed to:
1. Nursing as a discipline and profession.
2. Providing, assessing and enhancing the elements of learning, discovery and engagement through personal and professional growth and life long learning.
3. Educational programs that prepare university educated nurses who have acquired the essential elements of general education as defined by Purdue University and the essential nursing knowledge and professional education necessary for excellence in the practice of nursing.
4. Sustained efforts to enhance student learning and professional development with an emphasis on integration of general education and nursing science as a guide to nursing practice toward improving health and quality of life for society.
Traditional and emerging nursing paradigms will provide inclusive, active, and creative teaching-learning processes; holistic, evidence-based nursing care of clients across the life span in a variety of structured and unstructured settings and communities; and insure leaders of change toward health and quality of life for diverse individuals and communities.
Nursing Program Philosophy
The Nursing Faculty articulates a philosophy for the Nursing Program congruent with the mission statement of Purdue University North Central that defines their beliefs regarding the concepts of person, society, health, and nursing practice as follows:
Person is a unique, unified whole composed of body, mind, and spirit. The needs of each individual are met based upon each person’s ability to adapt to one’s internal and external environment. Each person has the right to participate in decisions which affect health.
Society is a dynamic system of individuals, families, and communities. Through system interactions, the individual influences and is influenced by society. These interactions occur as society and individuals impact each other through a process of adaptation to the internal and external environment.
Health is the human capacity for optimal well being and quality of life. Health incorporates human needs, developmental processes, and the ability to maximize individual potential.
Nursing is a caring profession which facilitates the promotion of societal health. The nursing process is central to the inherent goal of maximizing human potential for optimal health.
Graduates function in concert with an interdisciplinary health care team prepared at diverse levels of expertise. Guided by the profession’s ethical and legal standards, the graduate is accountable for providing quality nursing care that is evidence-based and cost effective. Graduates maintain competency in communication skills and current technologies.
The educational process is a conjoint effort of faculty and students that fosters life-long self-directed learning, critical thinking skills, and personal and professional growth. Nursing education is a dynamic process of interactions that occur between and among faculty and students. Knowledge is drawn from the natural, physical, social sciences, humanities, and nursing to form the foundation of nursing practice.
The active process of learning occurs in three domains: Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. Learning is facilitated by active participation in the teaching-learning process, encouragement of creativity, fostering of critical thinking skills, recognition of the diversity found among individuals, respect for individual worth, and use of a multi-sensory approach in teaching strategy. The progression of learning proceeds directionally from simple to complex concepts and relationships and from functional to dysfunctional systems. Accountability of the educational process is demonstrated by an outcome approach to teaching and assessment of student learning.
Faculty contributes to the discipline of nursing and the University through learning, discovery, and engagement. The faculty facilitates the successful integration of general education concepts and nursing practice.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares graduates for entry level nursing staff positions and upper division undergraduate studies by providing a foundation in general studies, sciences, and nursing. The graduate is prepared to provide and manage holistic, evidence-based nursing care of clients across the life span in a variety of structured settings. The graduate is also prepared to function collaboratively as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team.
The Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program prepares graduates for leadership roles and graduate study in nursing. The graduate is prepared to utilize theory and research-based knowledge in the provision of care to the client, family, and community in a global society with flexibility to adapt to the changing nature of health care and health care roles. The graduate is also prepared to integrate care across multiple settings, managing the interactions between and among components of the integrated network of health care services.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program Program Goals:
1. Utilize a holistic approach to identify needs of individuals, families, and communities toward maximizing positive health outcomes.
2. Incorporate evolving social, cultural, and health care delivery trends in the provision of optimal health care to individuals, families, and communities.
3. Apply theory guided, evidence-based practice to provide quality care to individuals, families, and communities.
4. Evaluate outcomes to provide quality care in collaboration with individuals, families, and communities.
5. Demonstrate effective communication in collaboration with individuals, families, communities and the interdisciplinary team members.
6. Integrate teaching-learning processes in the delivery of health care to individuals, families, and communities.
7. Articulate personal goals for professional development.
8. Demonstrate accountability for practice within the legal and ethical standards of the nursing profession.
9. Demonstrate leadership in coordination of health care and management of resources, technology, finance, and personnel.
10. Utilize continuous improvement processes to promote positive health outcomes and quality of life.
RN-BS ADMISSION CRITERIA
Enrollment in the Purdue University North Central (PNC) RN-BS Nursing Program is limited and not all qualified applicants may be offered admission. The applicant selection process utilized is based on enrollment, faculty, and objective criteria of applicant qualifications that serve to select the best candidates for admission from the pool of qualified individuals. The admission criteria for the RN-BS completion option is as follows:
1. Successful completion of an NLN accredited associate degree or diploma program in nursing.
2. Admission to PNC as a degree seeking student.
3. GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Transfer credit will be awarded for courses completed with a minimum grade of “C”.
In addition the RN-BS nursing student will:
• Be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana prior to practicum coursework.
• Provide a copy of a current physical examination
• Provide a copy of current immunizations
• Provide results of annual PPD, or chest x-ray
• Provide a copy of a current American Heart Association CPR card
• Purchase PNC nursing student liability insurance prior to enrollment in the first practicum nursing course
• Submit results of the limited adult criminal history background check.
GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: RN-BS COMPLETION UPPER DIVISION
Fifth Semester
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NUR 325 |
Philosophy and Theory of Nursing, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 331 |
Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 353 |
Nursing Informatics, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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MA 153 or |
Algebra & Trigonometry I, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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MA 152 |
College Algebra for Liberal Arts, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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CPT 107 |
Computer Literacy, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 15 |
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Sixth Semester
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NUR 389 |
Family Health Nursing, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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STAT 301 |
Elementary Statistical Methods, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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ENGL 102 |
English Composition II, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Elective |
Free, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
Total Credits: 12
Seventh Semester
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NUR 416 |
Nursing Research, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 489 |
Community Health Nursing, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 421 |
Community Health Nursing: Practicum, Cr. 3, Cl. 1, Lab. 6 |
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Elective |
Communication, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 12 |
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Eighth Semester
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NUR 438 |
Nursing Management and Leadership, Cr. 6, Cl. 4, Lab. 6 |
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NUR 349 |
The Health Care System in the United States, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Elective |
Humanities, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Elective |
Philosophy 100 level or above, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 15 |
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Total Credits for BS Degree: 122 (Includes lower division Associate degree coursework. See graduation criteria.)
RN-BS GRADUATION CRITERIA
Upon successful completion of the upper division RN-BS plan of study, a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing is granted. Graduates must complete the credit hours required in the upper division of the RN-BS plan of study, have at least 32 of the upper division credit hours earned at Purdue University North Central, a minimum graduation index of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale must be earned in all Purdue University courses, all required non-nursing and nursing courses must be completed with a grade of ” or better, and the student must have earned a minimum total of 122 credit hours.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Students are expected to complete the RN-BS completion plan of study within eight semesters after admission to the RN-BS nursing program. Students cannot take a course without meeting the pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements.
RN-BS students are expected to meet AS requirements in relationship to university admission procedures, advanced placement, health examination, CPR certification, liability insurance, limited adult criminal background check, and clinical laboratory/practicum guidelines.
Associate of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing
The associate degree nursing program prepares men and women for careers in nursing. After successful completion of the program, an Associate of Science degree with a major in Nursing (AS) is granted. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn licensure as registered nurses in Indiana. Indiana statutes mandate some restrictions on eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. These restrictions primarily regard actions to protect the public from harm by individuals who may have a background of criminal, disciplinary, or substance abuse activities. Further information regarding these restrictions may be obtained from the Department of Nursing office. The associate degree nursing program is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, Health Professions Bureau, 402 W. Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46204; 317-232-2960; http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/isbn/ and by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; 212-363-5555; http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm.
The AS program prepares graduates for entry level nursing staff positions and upper division undergraduate studies by providing a strong foundation in science and nursing. The graduate is prepared to provide and manage the holistic, evidence-based nursing care of clients across the life span in a variety of structured settings. The graduate is also prepared to function collaboratively as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTH CENTRAL ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING (AS) PROGRAM PROGRAM GOALS:
1. Utilize the holistic approach to identify client needs towards maximizing human potential.
2. Identify evolving societal and health care delivery trends that impact on providing optimal client care.
3. Utilize the nursing process to provide individualized care for culturally diverse clients of all ages with consideration for their relationship within a family, group and/or community.
4. Provide evidence based client care that is supportive of optimal health.
5. Utilize outcome measurements to assure cost effective quality care for a group of clients.
6. Interact with clients, families, significant others, and interdisciplinary health team members to maintain effective communications in client care management activities.
7. Utilize information technology in delivery of health care.
8. Demonstrate accountability for practice within the legal and ethical parameters of the nursing profession.
AS ADMISSION CRITERIA
Enrollment in the Purdue University North Central nursing program is limited and not all qualified applicants may be offered admission. The applicant selection process utilized is based on objective criteria of applicant qualifications that serve to select the best candidates for admission from the pool of qualified individuals.
High School Requirements:
• 6 Semesters Academic Math (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Trigonometry, etc.)
• 6 Semesters Laboratory Science, including 2 of Biology and 2 of Chemistry
• 8 Semesters English
• Class Rank: Upper Half Quality
• SAT or ACT scores (if you graduated from high school within the past 3 years)
• Additional courses in academic math, sciences, computer science and communication are strongly encouraged.
Categories of Admission to AS in Nursing
There are three categories of admission to the PNC Nursing AS program:
1. Candidates without college credits
2. Candidates with college credits
3. LPN transition program
Selection criteria includes high school courses in the sciences, 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, ACT or SAT test scores, past academic performance, and success patterns.
HEALTH EXAMINATION (AS and RN-BS)
An initial physical examination and annual laboratory tests are required of all students enrolled in the nursing program to meet the contractual agreements of Purdue University North Central with the affiliating agencies utilized for clinical/practicum experiences throughout the program. The required physical examination form must be completed and received in the Department of Nursing office by June 1 for Fall Semester admissions and by November 1 for Spring Semester admissions. Results of required annual laboratory tests must be received in the Department of Nursing office by the above specified date for student participation in clinical laboratory/practicum assignments.
CPR CERTIFICATION (AS and RN-BS)
Certification to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required of all students enrolled in the nursing program. The American Heart Association course for health professionals is necessary to meet the certification requirement. CPR certification must be kept current. A copy of the current CPR certification card is to be received in the Department of Nursing office by June 1 for Fall Semester admissions and by November 1 for Spring Semester admissions. Current CPR certification is required to participate in clinical/practicum experience.
LIABILITY INSURANCE (AS and RN-BS)
Students are required to participate in the University-wide nursing student liability insurance program. Liability insurance coverage is obtained through the University and fee payment is made with the Bursar’s Office on the North Central campus. Fee statements are issued annually during the student’s enrollment in the nursing program. Payment of fees must be received by the date indicated on the fee statement. Liability insurance is required to participate in clinical/practicum agency experiences.
LIMITED ADULT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (AS and RN-BS)
Students may be required to complete a limited adult criminal background check prior to clinical or practicum attendance.
TRANSFER STUDENTS (AS and RN-BS)
Students transferring from another college or university must comply with the following admissions procedures:
• Submit an application for admission and an official high school transcript.
• Forward official transcripts of work done in institutions previously attended (both high school and college). A separate transcript must be sent directly from each institution, regardless of whether credit is requested. A student transferring from another college, university, or Purdue campus may be admitted to the nursing program based on past academic performance and other relevant data. Criteria will be applied in a manner consistent with Department of Nursing policies in effect at the time the application is submitted.
• Transfer applications from students who have completed a nursing course or courses at another institution will be considered on an individual basis. Qualified students will be admitted as space is available in the required nursing course(s). For further information, contact the Department of Nursing chairperson.
• To be eligible for consideration, students must meet the academic and subject-matter requirements and be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the college(s) previously attended.
CLINICAL/PRACTICUM (AS and RN-BS)
Clinical/practicum experiences are available in various health agencies in LaPorte, Porter, Lake, and the surrounding counties. Experiences in agencies differ in size and client population to broaden student learning. Students must provide their own transportation. Students select clinical/practicum laboratory sections when they register for the course.
TRANSFER (OR ADVANCED) CREDIT (AS and RN-BS)
Credit for non-nursing courses at Purdue University will be given for work of equivalent character and amount successfully completed at another accredited college. Advance standing will be determined on the basis of these credits. Advanced credit will be regarded as provisional and may be withdrawn by the Office of Admissions upon recommendation of the department concerned if dependent work is not satisfactorily completed.
When credit earned at another college or university is transferred to Purdue and accepted toward advanced standing, the credit is converted into terms of Purdue courses and applied to the program of study. It does not follow that the student’s classification in the University or the time necessary for completion of the required work for a degree will be in line with that which was expected at the previous institution. Grades are not transferred; only credit in the course is recorded.
Credit may be granted for nursing, science, or general education studies courses taken more than 10 years ago.
LPN CREDIT BY EXAMINATION (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)
A credit by examination advanced placement option is offered to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) qualified to enter the Purdue University North Central associate degree nursing program. The National League for Nursing (NLN) RN Mobility Tests, parts I and II, are utilized to establish credit by examination. Successful performance on both tests establishes credit for a maximum of 12 credit hours of nursing course work. A fee is charged by the NLN for administration of each test. For further information, contact the Department of Nursing Chairperson.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To meet the qualifications for participation in the LPN mobility option, the applicant must meet the admission requirements for the nursing program as well as the general University admission requirements and must possess an active LPN license. Specific requirements for advanced placement include:
• Admission to the University;
• A minimum of 6 credit
hours of completed anatomy and physiology course work transferable for
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 or better in previous course work;
• Successful performance on the National League for Nursing (NLN) LPN to RN Mobility Test, Part I;
• Must have completed high school with a “C” or better in chemistry, or have a “C” or better in college chemistry.
GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: AS
First Semester
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BIOL 213 |
Human Anatomy & Physiology, Cr. 4, Cl. 3, Lab. 2 |
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CHM 119 |
General Chemistry, Cr. 3, Cl. 2, Lab. 2 |
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PCTX 201 |
Introductory Pharmacology, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 118 |
Perspectives in Nursing, Cr. 1, Cl. 1, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 119 |
Nursing Assessment, Cr. 2, Cl. 1, Lab. 3 |
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NUR 123 |
Nursing Foundations, Cr. 4, Cl. 2, Lab. 6 |
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Total Credits: 17 |
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Second Semester
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BIOL 214 |
Human Anatomy & Physiology, Cr. 4, Cl. 3, Lab. 2 |
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BIOL 221 |
Introduction to Microbiology, Cr. 4, Cl. 3, Lab. 2 |
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NUR 208 |
Lifespan Human Development, Cr. 2, Cl. 2, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 230 |
Personal Expression in Nursing, Cr. 1, Cl. 1, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 231 |
Nurs. Care of Developing Families, Cr. 3, Cl. 2, Lab. 3 |
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ENGL 101 |
English Composition I, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 17 |
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Third Semester
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NUR 214 |
Introduction to Pathophysiology, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 232 |
Nursing Care of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, Cr. 3, Cl. 2, Lab. 3 |
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NUR 233 |
Nursing Care of Adults, Cr. 4, Cl. 2, Lab. 6 |
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NUR 235 |
Nursing Issues, Cr. 1, Cl. 1, Lab. 0 |
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SOC 100 |
Introductory Sociology, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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PSY 120 |
Elementary Psychology, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 17 |
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Fourth Semester
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NUR 234 |
Psychosocial Nursing Care, Cr. 4, Cl. 2, Lab. 6 |
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NUR 236 |
Transition to Nursing Practice, Cr. 1, Cl. 1, Lab. 0 |
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NUR 237 |
Nursing Synthesis, Cr. 6, Cl. 2, Lab. 12 |
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F&N 303 |
Essentials of Nutrition, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Elective, Cr. 3, Cl. 3, Lab. 0 |
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Total Credits: 17 |
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Total AS credit hours: 68 (Total nursing credit hours: 35; Total non-nursing credit hours: 33)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All the curricular requirements of the Purdue University North Central associate degree nursing program must be completed within six regular (Fall & Spring) semesters after beginning the nursing (NUR) sequence.
Credit for required courses in the nursing program, will be considered valid to meet the degree requirements for ten years.
PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS (AS and RN-BS):
After the first clinical nursing course, a student in the AS program must be enrolled in a clinical nursing course each semester in order to progress and remain in the nursing program. Students in the RN-BS program are not subject to this requirement. In addition to the University scholastic requirements, the nursing program requires that any student earning a grade lower than a C in any required course within the plan of study must repeat that course satisfactorily. One nursing course may be repeated one time only. Failure to earn a grade of C or better in two (2) nursing course attempts or in any three (3) required non-nursing courses will result in dismissal from the nursing program. Any student who departs from the approved plan of study for any reason progresses on a space available basis.
Basic skills in mathematics and proficiency in drug dosage calculations are required throughout the nursing program faculty rights and responsibilities
The faculty reserve the right to update and otherwise revise the curriculum. Such information will be transmitted through notices and publications.
Each academic year, graduates of all nursing programs (AS and RN-BS) are recognized for their degree achievement at the Purdue University North Central commencement ceremony in the spring. Any additional celebrations not approved by the Department of Nursing must be held off campus.