Choosing a Nursing Program
Choosing a nursing program can be confusing and difficult as there is much to consider. First of all, accreditation by a national accrediting agency (e.g., Commission on Collegiate Nurse Education) is an important criterion to look for in any nursing program. This accreditation assures you that the program has achieved national recognition for meeting high standards of quality. MidAmerica's nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
A second decision to make is whether to choose a baccalaureate or associate degree program. MidAmerica's program is a four-year baccalaureate program that provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This level of nursing education has been identified by the American Nurses Association as the preparation needed for entry into professional nursing practice. Graduates of a BSN program are eligible to take the State Board of Nursing examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. They are ready to accept positions in a wide variety of health care settings including hospitals and non-hospital agencies. BSN graduates assume responsibility for planning and directing patient care and supervising other healthcare workers. BSN education is a requirement for entrance into graduate nursing programs where nurses can obtain a master's degree in a specialized area of nursing and/or become an Advanced Practice Nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or certified nurse midwife). Doctoral programs in nursing are also available for nurses who are interested in nursing research and nursing education.
Associate degree nursing (ADN) programs are offered at community colleges. These can be taken in two years, but often take three years to complete. Such programs prepare graduates to function as technical nurses. Graduates from ADN programs also take the State Board of Nursing examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. They often work in hospital settings giving direct patient care. It usually takes one to two more years of full-time course work for an ADN nurse to complete requirements for a BSN degree.
Third, it is important when choosing a nursing program to find a learning environment compatible with your learning style and belief system. The nursing program at MidAmerica is small enough to provide individualized attention and support for the specialized needs of students. Faculty and students work closely together and develop relationships that last long after graduation from the program. Special attention is given to teaching students to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of patients and learning how to respond to these needs. In addition, the broader university environment promotes the personal spiritual development of students through class devotions, chapel attendance, and daily interactions with Christian faculty and staff.
Clinical experiences in a healthcare facility occur during the junior and senior years at MidAmerica. We utilize small clinical groups (approximately seven students per instructor), so that you have close contact with your instructor throughout your clinical day. In addition, part of your senior clinical work will be done in our Human Patient Simulator lab where you can practice critical thinking and care giving in a "safe" environment. Then, during your last semester, you will have a Nursing Internship clinical in which you will work one-on-one with a practicing RN in an area of your practice interest. Your clinical goal for that semester is to acclimate to the role of an RN by taking over your preceptor's clinical load.
Nursing faculty at MidAmerica are committed to providing quality education both academically and clinically. It is our belief that the nursing education process should be an enriching and rewarding experience that promotes personal as well as professional growth. Nursing education provides exposure to life experiences that would take many years or perhaps a lifetime for many individuals to encounter. It is a challenging and demanding educational program, but one that brings immeasurable growth, rewards, and opportunities.
Please feel free to contact the Division of Nursing if you have questions about our nursing program or nursing education in general. It is our desire that you find a nursing program where your individual needs and concerns are met.
