Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nursing Pinning Ceremony Livestream

 

2022 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Program

Practice your nursing skills in high-tech simulation labs, collaborate with experienced faculty and prepare to serve as an agent of change in one of the world’s most rewarding professions.

Nursing continues to be one of the fastest growing careers, with projected job growth of more than 25% over the next 10 years. Nurses are expected to play an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, and the standards for nurses entering the field reflect the need for rigorous training in medical science, interpersonal skills and administrative ability.

As an undergraduate program of Dominican’s Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing and the Borra College of Health Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) equips students with the knowledge to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN examination, the skills to obtain licensure to practice as a registered professional nurse and the liberal arts perspective to use their talents in multiple settings and to make a positive contribution to the world.

We also offer a direct entry admission opportunity for traditional, four-year undergraduate students leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, allowing qualified students to secure a place in the Nursing program beginning the fall semester of their junior year.

Nursing Program Highlights

• Students study and practice in two state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratories constructed specifically for nursing.
• Classes emphasize student attention, accountability and close interaction with faculty and colleagues.
• All coursework is taken at Dominican with clinical experiences provided at partnering local healthcare facilities.
• Dominican’s highly regarded programs in the sciences complement nursing coursework with opportunities for study in fields including biochemistry, neuroscience and nutrition science.
• Faculty members bring years of nursing experience in clinical, administrative and educational settings, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world competencies. 
• Strong connections with clinical partners in a wide array of clinical specialty areas provide opportunities for meaningful professional interaction and clinical experiences.

Direct Entry Nursing Program (BSN)

Dominican University offers a Direct Entry admission opportunity for traditional, four-year undergraduate students leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. This competitive program enables a limited number of incoming freshmen to secure a place in the nursing program beginning the fall semester of their junior year without additional applications.

To qualify for the Direct Entry Nursing Program, freshman candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum high school GPA of 3.3
  or
• Minimum ACT score of 24/SAT score of 1160

Nursing Sequence

• Apply for admission and be accepted to the university by completing either the Dominican University application or the Common Application. Express interest in the Direct Entry Nursing Program on the application.
• Maintain full-time enrollment at Dominican University.
• Matriculate at the university as a first-time freshman student for fall 2022
• Maintain cumulative prerequisite course grade-point average of 2.75
• Affirm interest in entering the professional nursing sequence
• Achieve required grades in all nursing prerequisite courses

If a student does not meet the above criteria for direct admission during their first year, but still meets the requirements for the professional nursing sequence, they will need to apply through the normal process with an application for the BSN program.

Learn More

To learn more about this admission opportunity or to see if you qualify, please request information or contact Reuben Burnley, Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission. You may also reach out to Laurie Zack from the Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing with specific questions.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Dominican University is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 320 W. Washington St., 3rd floor, Springfield, IL 62786, (217) 785-0800. The program prepares graduates to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensing as a registered professional nurse.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Dominican University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides strong preparation for entry-level nursing careers in healthcare settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Doctor's offices and clinics
• Schools
• Home care organizations
• Elder care facilities
• Government Organizations
• Research Institutions

In addition, a BSN often is followed by advanced study in nursing or other health specialties. As a program of the Borra College of Health Sciences, Dominican's BSN also will provide you with the interdisciplinary skills needed to work in related fields such as health policy, health education, research, and medical sales.