Nursing

Cindy Brubaker, Chair
Department of Nursing

Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd., N.E., Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, (404) 975-5000. 

The purpose of the graduate program is to educate the professional nurse for advanced nursing practice in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, long-term care facilities, and other health-related agencies. The curriculum provides a foundation for further doctoral study.

Bradley University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Post-Masters Certificate, and a combined Bachelor of Science and MSN (BSN/MSN). Programs of study include: MSN Nursing Administration, MSN Nursing Education, *MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), *RN to MSN Nursing Administration, *DNP FNP, *DNP Leadership, Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing Education, *Post Masters FNP Certificate, and BSN/MSN Nursing Administration, BSN/MSN Nursing Education. Graduation requirements must be fulfilled within five years of enrollment.

The student must maintain an academic average of 3.0 (4.0 scale), achieve a “B” or better in each required nursing course, and earn a “C” or better in each course applied to graduation requirements.

*Online program.

Program Descriptions

MSN Nursing Administration

This 36-semester-hour curriculum prepares graduates for first line management as executives in a variety of health care settings. Students complete 300 hours of practicum with a nurse manager/executive preceptor. Graduates with a major in nursing administration are prepared for first line management as executives in a variety of health care settings, and for future doctoral study. With the required work experience, graduates are prepared for the various nurse executive or leader certifications offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

MSN Nursing Education

This 36-semester hour curriculum prepares graduates to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements for teaching. Students complete 300 hours of practicum with a nurse educator preceptor in academic and healthcare agency/institution settings. Graduates with a major in nursing education are prepared to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements for teaching nursing, and for future doctoral study. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

Certificate in Nursing Education

The 15-semester hour certificate is designed for licensed registered nurses who have an earned MSN. This certificate program prepares nurse educators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements. Students complete 300 hours of practicum with a nurse educator preceptor in academic and healthcare agency/institution settings. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

BSN/MSN Nursing Administration

The combined BSN/MSN Nursing Administration program provides the opportunity for nursing students to transition from baccalaureate to graduate education in the senior year of nursing. Incoming freshmen students may choose to be enrolled in the program upon admission to Bradley. Students must meet the following criteria to continue in the BSN/MSN program and to begin graduate-level courses their senior year: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum and completion of 100 credit hours, junior nursing courses, and all university general education requirements prior to senior year. Students will complete the BSN with a minimum of 124 hours and all university and department of nursing undergraduate requirements. NUR 501 (Nursing Theories) and NUR 526 (Evidence Based Practice) will be taken during the senior year, after which the BSN will be conferred. NUR 501 and NUR 526 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees. In addition, students will be required to pass the NCLEX during the summer following the senior year in order to continue in the master’s program. Students enrolled in a BSN/MSN program will be required to apply to the Graduate School when they apply for undergraduate graduation. Applicants must meet all admission requirements for the Graduate School. Students will complete the MSN in Nursing Administration with a minimum of 36 hours and all university and department of nursing graduate requirements. The overall goal of the program is to prepare nurse administrators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements and for future doctoral study. With the required work experience, graduates are prepared for the various nurse executive/leader certifications offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

BSN/MSN Nursing Education

The combined BSN/MSN Nursing Education program provides the opportunity for nursing students to transition from baccalaureate to graduate education in the senior year of nursing. Incoming freshmen students may choose to be enrolled in the program upon admission to Bradley. Students must meet the following criteria to continue in the BSN/MSN program and to begin graduate-level courses their senior year: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum and completion of 100 credit hours, junior nursing courses, and all general education requirements prior to senior year. Students will complete the BSN with a minimum of 124 hours and all university and department of nursing undergraduate requirements. NUR 501 (Nursing Theories) and NUR 526 (Evidence Based Practice) will be taken during the senior year, after which the BSN will be conferred. NUR 501 and NUR 526 will be counted as dual credit for the BSN and MSN degrees. In addition, students will be required to pass the NCLEX during the summer following the senior year in order to continue in the program. Students enrolled in a BSN/MSN program will be required to apply to the Graduate School when they apply for undergraduate graduation. Applicants must meet all admission requirements for the Graduate School. Students will complete the MSN in Nursing Education with a minimum of 36 hours and all university and department of nursing graduate requirements. The overall goal of the program is to prepare nurse educators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements and for future doctoral study. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

On-line Programs

Bradley University is a SARA-approved institution (SARA=State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements).

Indiana

This institution is authorized by:
The Indiana Board of Proprietary Education
101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 670
Indianapolis, IN  46204-1984

Louisiana

Bradley University is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana.  Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every two years.  Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.

Maryland

Bradley University is registered with:
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty Street 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD  21201

Minnesota

Bradley University is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

State laws governing distance education programs may limit Bradley University’s ability to offer online opportunities to students. If you wish to enroll in one of our online degree programs and reside outside of Illinois, please inquire to determine if we have acquired permission to offer online courses in your state.

RN to MSN Nursing Administration (online)

This 45-semester hour program is designed for RNs who have an earned Diploma in Nursing or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Upon successful completion of 9 hours of baccalaureate level courses – NUR 300 (Conceptual Bases for Professional Nursing), NUR 303 (Nursing Research), NUR 404 (Community Health Nursing [Theory]), and NUR 407 (RN-MSN Practicum), students can begin master’s level courses. The BSN degree is not conferred. Students complete 50 hours of community health practicum with a nurse preceptor in a community setting, and 300 hours of graduate level practicum with a nurse manager/executive preceptor. Students graduate with a MSN in Nursing Administration. The goal of the RN to MSN Nursing Administration Program is to prepare nurse administrators at the master’s level to meet the minimum State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act requirements and for future doctoral study. With the required work experience, graduates are prepared for the various nurse executive or leader certifications offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

MSN FNP (online)

This 64-67-semester hour program prepares students to be family nurse practitioners. Students complete a total of 750 hours of clinical practicum in various population-focused and/or specialty areas supervised by qualified preceptors (NTF Criterion III.B). The goal of the program is to prepare program graduates for advanced practice with individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) credentialing examination for FNP. 

FNP Certificate (online)

This 43-semester hour certificate is designed for licensed registered nurses with an earned MSN from an accredited nursing program. It includes the same FNP theory and practicum courses as the MSN FNP program. FNP Certificate students will complete a total of 750 hours of clinical in various population-focused and/or specialty areas supervised by qualified preceptors (NTF Criterion III.B; III.F.). The goal of the program is to prepare students for advanced practice with individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) credentialing examination for FNP.

DNP FNP (online)

This 82-semester hour program provides the opportunity for licensed registered nurses who hold a BSN to become family nurse practitioners at the doctoral level. The goal of the program is to prepare program majors for advanced practice with individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. Students complete a total of 1000 hours of clinical in various population-focused and/or specialty areas supervised by qualified preceptors. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the American Nurses credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) credentialing examination for FNP.

DNP Leadership (online)

This 37–40-semester hour program provides the opportunity for licensed registered nurses who have an earned MSN to complete instruction in advanced leadership theory and practicum to prepare for upper-level management positions in a variety of health care settings.

Admission

Applicants must meet all admission requirements of the Graduate School. In addition the Department of Nursing requires:

MSN Nursing Administration; MSN Nursing Education; MSN-FNP (online)

1. MSN program students must have a BSN from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program; or those with non-nursing baccalaureate degree must complete NUR 300, 303, 404, and 407.
2. Completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
3. Proof of a current nursing license.
4. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.

Certificate in Nursing Education

1. MSN from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Proof of a current nursing license.
3. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.

FNP Certificate (online)

1. MSN from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Proof of a current nursing license.
3. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.

RN to MSN Nursing Administration (online)

1. RN from an NLNAC or ACEN accredited Diploma or Associate’s Degree nursing program.
2. Proof of a current nursing license.
3. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.
4. Completion of an undergraduate statistics course

FNP DNP (online)

1. BSN from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Proof of a current nursing license.
3. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale.

DNP Leadership (online)

1. Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing. Those with a non-nursing master’s degree must possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited nursing program.
2. Proof of a current nursing license.
3. A nursing grade point average of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
4. Professional Portfolio
   The portfolio is to include a professional resume and documentation and description of supervised clinical clock hours in the master’s degree program.

*Applicants with deficiencies in the requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Capstone Project in Nursing

Students meet program requirements by completing a capstone project in nursing (3 semester hours).

Comprehensive Assessment

Students will complete a comprehensive assessment during the last semester of their program of study.

Curriculum Tracks

*The curriculum is subject to continuous review and evaluation, which may necessitate revision of courses and requirements.

MSN Nursing Administration - 36 semester hours

• NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Nursing Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 630 Nursing Administration Theory - 3 hrs.
• NUR 631 Nursing Administration Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 632 Nursing Administration Theory II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 633 Nursing Administration Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)
• Electives - 3 hrs.

MSN Nursing Education - 36 semester hours

• NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 530 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Health Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 660 Seminar in Nursing Education - 3 hrs.
• NUR 661 Education Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 662 Education Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)
• ETE 651 Curriculum Theory & Development or ETE 655 Instructional Theory - 3 hrs.

Certificate in Education – 15 semester hours

• ETE 651 Curriculum Theory & Development or ETE 655 Instructional Theory - 3 hrs.
• NUR 530 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology - 3 hrs.
• NUR 660 Seminar in Nursing Education - 3 hrs.
• NUR 661 Education Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 662 Education Practicum II - 3 hrs.

BSN/MSN Nursing Administration – Undergraduate semester hours – 124

Graduate level semester hours – 36 (NUR 501 & NUR 526 hours are dual counted.)

*Follows Undergraduate Plan of Study – completes all general education requirements before senior year.

• *NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs. (taken senior year)
• *NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs. (taken senior year)
  BSN Conferred – NCLEX
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Nursing Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 630 Nursing Administration Theory - 3 hrs.
• NUR 631 Nursing Administration Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 632 Nursing Administration Theory II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 633 Nursing Administration Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)
• Electives - 3 hrs.

BSN/MSN Nursing Education – Undergraduate semester hours – 124

Graduate level semester hours – 36 (NUR 501 & NUR 526 hours are dual counted.)

*Follows Undergraduate Plan of Study – completes all general education requirements before senior year

• *NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs. (taken senior year)
• *NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs. (taken senior year)
• *BSN Conferred – NCLEX
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 530 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Health Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 660 Seminar in Nursing Education - 3 hrs.
• NUR 661 Education Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 662 Education Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)
• ETE 651 Curriculum Theory & Development or ETE 655 Instructional Theory - 3 hrs.

RN to MSN Nursing Administration – 45 semester hours (online)

• NUR 300 Conceptual Bases for Professional Nursing - 3 hrs.
• NUR 303 Research in Nursing - 3 hrs.
• NUR 404 Community Health Nursing Theory (2)
• NUR 407 RN-MSN Practicum (1)
• NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Nursing Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 630 Nursing Administration Theory - 3 hrs.
• NUR 631 Nursing Administration Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 632 Nursing Administration Theory II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 633 Nursing Administration Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)
• Electives - 3 hrs.

MSN FNP – 64-67 semester hours (online)

• EHC 510 Statistical Procedures (waive if completed as UG or GR) - 3 hrs.
• BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
• NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development - 3 hrs.
• NUR 505 Leadership in the Health Care Delivery System - 3 hrs.
• NUR 510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care - 3 hrs.
• NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 hrs.
• NUR 615 Health Informatics - 3 hrs.
• NUR 638 Principles of FNP Practice I Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 639 Healthcare Clinical Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 642 Principles of FNP Practice II Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 643 Healthcare Clinical Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 644 Principles of FNP Practice III Women’s Health - 3 hrs.
• NUR 645 Healthcare Clinical Practicum III - 3 hrs.
• NUR 646 Principles of FNP Practice IV Children - 3 hrs.
• NUR 647 Healthcare Clinical Practicum IV - 3 hrs.
• NUR 648 Principles of FNP Practice V Aging Adult Population - 3 hrs.
• NUR 649 Healthcare Clinical Practicum V - 3 hrs.
• NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 652 Advanced Pharmacology II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 690 Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice – 1 hr.
• NUR 697 Capstone Project in Nursing – 1 hr. (repeat 3 times)

FNP Certificate – 43 semester hours (online)

• BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
• NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 hrs.
• NUR 638 Principles of FNP Practice I Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 639 Healthcare Clinical Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 642 Principles of FNP Practice II Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 643 Healthcare Clinical Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 644 Principles of FNP Practice III Women’s Health - 3 hrs.
• NUR 645 Healthcare Clinical Practicum III - 3 hrs.
• NUR 646 Principles of FNP Practice IV Children - 3 hrs.
• NUR 647 Healthcare Clinical Practicum IV - 3 hrs.
• NUR 648 Principles of FNP Practice V Aging Adult Population - 3 hrs.
• NUR 649 Healthcare Clinical Practicum V - 3 hrs.
• NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 652 Advanced Pharmacology II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 690 Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice (1)

DNP FNP – 82 semester hours (online)

• ATG 603 Planning, decision Making and Performance Measurement (2)
• BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 hrs.
• CS 571 Database Management Systems - 3 hrs.
• ECO 603 Economic Markets: Competition and Monopoly (1)
• EHC 510 Statistical Procedures (waive if completed as GR) - 3 hrs.
• ML 630 Management in Healthcare Organizations - 3 hrs.
• NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 hrs.
• NUR 603 Health Promotion in Populations - 3 hrs.
• NUR 625 DNP Practice Seminar I (50 clinical hours) – 1 hr.
• NUR 638 Principles of FNP Practice I Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 639 Healthcare Clinical Practicum I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy - 3 hrs.
• NUR 642 Principles of FNP Practice II Acute/Chronic - 3 hrs.
• NUR 643 Healthcare Clinical Practicum II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 644 Principles of FNP Practice III Women’s Health - 3 hrs.
• NUR 645 Healthcare Clinical Practicum III - 3 hrs.
• NUR 646 Principles of FNP Practice IV Children - 3 hrs.
• NUR 647 Healthcare Clinical Practicum IV - 3 hrs.
• NUR 648 Principles of FNP Practice V Aging Adult Population - 3 hrs.
• NUR 649 Healthcare Clinical Practicum V - 3 hrs.
• NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I - 3 hrs.
• NUR 652 Advanced Pharmacology II - 3 hrs.
• NUR 690 Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice – 1 hr.
• NUR 700 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science - 3 hrs.
• NUR 720 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 725 DNP Practice Seminar II (100 clinical hours) – 2 hrs.
• NUR 730 Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 735 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 825 DNP Practice Seminar III (150 clinical hours) - 3 hrs.

DNP Leadership – 37–40 semester hours (online)

• ATG 603 Planning, decision Making and Performance Measurement – 2 hrs.
• CIS 576 Data management - 3 hrs.
• CS 571 Database Management Systems - 3 hrs.
• ECO 603 Economic Markets: Competition and Monopoly - 1 hr.
• EHC 510 Statistical Procedures (waive if completed as GR) - 3 hrs.
• ML 630 Management in Healthcare Organizations - 3 hrs.
• NUR 603 Health Promotion in Populations - 3 hrs.
• NUR 625 DNP Practice Seminar I (50 clinical hours) – 1 hr.
• NUR 640 Healthcare Policy – 3 hrs.
• NUR 700 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science - 3 hrs.
• NUR 720 Evidence Based Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 725 DNP Practice Seminar II (100 clinical hours) – 2 hrs.
• NUR 730 Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 735 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3 hrs.
• NUR 825 DNP Practice Seminar III (150 clinical hours) - 3 hrs.
• NUR 840 DNP Clinical Practice - 0-3 hrs.

This is the official catalog for the 2015-2016 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.