Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Nursing Programs Offered

RN to BSN Program Details

The track for registered nurses awards advanced standing based on prior work completed in a nursing program. Registered nurse students will fulfill all degree requirements set by the university. The track is designed to prepare the professional nurse to function as a provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care in a variety of health care settings. The program is built on the foundation of the humanities, arts, and sciences with emphasis on informatics, the community setting, and leadership roles.

BSN Program Details

Students are admitted to the nursing major as freshmen. Transfer students and those with a previous degree may also be admitted. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is prepared to write the examination for licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania and all other states. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The nursing curriculum has as its primary goal the development of professional nurse generalists who are liberally educated, clinically competent, and aware of their social responsibilities as health professionals. The program is designed to provide a broad background in liberal education coupled with the specialized knowledge and skills required for professional nursing practice. Additionally, the curriculum prepares the nurse to practice within the professional code of nursing ethics, to function effectively as a member of the health care team, and to utilize scientific principles in planning, implementing, and evaluating health care. The nursing curriculum emphasizes concepts in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of health problems.

The first two semesters are devoted mainly to Liberal Studies and science courses considered essential to the nursing major. Throughout the last six semesters, clinical experiences in patient care are provided in acute and long-term care facilities as well as community settings.

Detailed information is available in the department office regarding requirements such as health screening, liability insurance, legal clearance, transportation, and professional uniforms.

MSN Program Details

The program leading to a Master of Science degree in nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Education. It is designed to prepare the graduate for advanced practice nursing roles as a nurse administrator or a nurse educator and serves as a foundation for doctoral study.

The outcomes of the graduate program are:

-Provide leadership that influences and contributes to the advancement of the nursing profession
-Synthesize advanced skills and scientific knowledge into advanced nursing practice roles
-Utilize new knowledge to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve the practice of nursing
-Evaluate the effectiveness of advanced nursing practice initiatives

Course work builds on the knowledge and skills gained in a basic nursing education program. It provides the theoretical and practical knowledge required for advanced nursing practice in diverse settings within a rapidly changing health care system. Nurse administrators assume leadership roles in planning, organizing, and implementing care across the spectrum of health care settings. Nurse educators assume the responsibility as nurse educator, patient educator, or nursing staff development in a variety of academic and health care settings.

The Master of Science in nursing program offers two 36-credit tracks—the Nursing Administration track and the Nursing Education track for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses.

The curriculum includes 24 credits in graduate nursing core courses which students in both tracks will complete. Students will also complete an additional 12 credits in specialty courses related to their specific track.