Frequently Asked Questions: Traditional Option: High School Graduates
Q. How long will it take to complete the traditional Nursing program?
A. Students who satisfactorily complete coursework according to the curriculum plan can expect to complete the program in four years from the time of their first course. The program admits new students in the fall semester only.
Q. Is the Nursing program accredited?
A. Yes, the program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)* and the National League for Nursing Accrediting (NLNAC)** and is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Stevenson University Nursing Division was granted full accreditation by CCNE after a year long self-study in which nursing faculty documented findings on how the division meets CCNE standards. The accreditation will last the maximum time frame of 5 years (through 2012). The program is also accredited by NLNAC through 2008, at which time the program will participate in the re-accreditation process. Stevenson University has regional accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
*Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036-1120
**National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC) 61 Broadway, New York, N.Y., 10006
Q. What are the criteria for admission to the Nursing major?
A. Visit the Admission Requirements for High School Graduates page to learn about the required academic criteria.
Q. When will I have my first clinical experience?
A. At SU, your first interaction with patients/clients will be in your 300 level clinical nursing courses.
Q. Where do I go for my clinical experiences?
A. Faculty-supervised clinical experiences are scheduled in many hospitals and health care facilities primarily in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Examples of hospitals where students have clinical experiences include Union Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Sinai Hospital, GBMC, Franklin Square Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center. Examples of community health experiences include: Baltimore County Public Schools, various homeless shelters, and assisted living facilities. The student-faculty ratio in the clinical area is typically 8:1. This ratio varies, depending upon the nature of the clinical experience and patient acuity.
Q. What is the NCLEX–RN pass rate?
A. Upon graduation, students must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in order to become a registered nurse and practice nursing. The passing rate varies from year to year. Information on NCLEX-RN pass rates is available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website (www.mbon.org). Information on the examination is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (www.ncsbn.org).
Q. Who teaches the nursing courses and answers questions about my curriculum?
A. As a nursing student, you will have a nurse division member as your academic advisor. All nursing courses are taught by qualified nurse educators. Both full-time and part-time nursing faculty are committed to providing quality learning experiences to help you learn to be a nurse.
1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD, 21153-0641 • 1-877-468-6852