While health maintenance, disease prevention and teaching are emphasized, careful attention is paid to the skills needed in the treatment of the acutely ill. The baccalaureate program curriculum provides students with a balance between professional nursing courses and those in the liberal arts and sciences. Courses in the natural and behavioral sciences and humanities serve as a foundation for the nursing courses. Additionally, these courses provide nursing majors with an opportunity to interact with students in other major areas of study. Nursing courses begin during the sophomore year and continue with increasing emphasis through the junior and senior years.
Clinical preparation begins in the second year of study.
During clinical experiences, students are instructed by faculty of the School of Nursing who are carefully chosen for their experience as skilled nursing professionals and educators. Students observe and participate in the provision of health care for individuals, families and groups at a wide variety of health care agencies. Senior students have a final practicum during which they have a concentrated clinical experience in a specialized area of practice. This experience provides the student with the opportunity to integrate prior learning while testing the graduate practice role. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as registered nurses.