The freshman year establishes the foundation for the study of nursing with an introduction to concepts and theories related to understanding nursing practice. Clinical study is introduced in the sophomore year with the focus on health promotion and identification of risk factors. Clinical nursing skills are practiced first in the School's Skills Laboratory. Clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings such as schools, clinics, senior citizens' centers, and long term and acute care facilities. Junior year nursing courses focus on the care of individuals and families of all ages who are experiencing the stress of illness.
Clinical experiences take place in acute care settings.
During the senior year, student clinical experiences are planned to encourage synthesis of knowledge gained in preceding years and focus on individuals, families, and communities. Students provide care to those experiencing more complex illnesses and problems. Professional role behaviors that are introduced in the freshman year and augmented during the years of subsequent study are expanded during the senior year. During the senior year, students have a culminating clinical course that provides a transition into clinical practice. The program provides a foundation for graduate education in nursing and serves as a stimulus for continuing professional development.