The University of Akron (College of Nursing) - Overview
The University of Akron College of Nursing
Established in 1967, the University of Akron College of Nursing provides innovative educational programs in which students acquire in-depth knowledge about the nursing profession and health care field.
Because they participate in cutting-edge research, thorough clinical training, and rigorous classroom education, students graduate fully prepared to manage the high-tech health care environment and provide compassionate, ethical care to individuals and families. The fact that the College of Nursing's graduates had a 95 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Certification's exam (NCLEX) in 2009 (compared to a national average of 88 percent) attests to the quality of its academic programs.
The college's wide-array of fully accredited programs meets the educational needs of students who are aspiring nurses as well as practicing nurses seeking career advancement. Furthermore, its honors program and international nursing option give students a great opportunity to strengthen their academic and professional skills.
Honors College
Nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities may be accepted into the University of Akron's Honors College. The college provides an "enriched" educational environment that contributes to students' growth as leaders and scholars.
Acceptance into the Honors College has many advantages including special honors sections of introductory classes, merit scholarships, an honors residential and academic complex, and personal career advisers. Students also receive early involvement with faculty mentors who help them develop the critical thinking skills needed to solve complex issues in nursing.
The college enables students to expand their intellectual capacity by participating in honors colloquia, taking a set of honors courses in lieu of the university's General Education Program courses, and creating a Senior Honors Project. In addition, participation in university, college, and community-based initiatives helps students develop leadership skills.
International Nursing Option
The College of Nursing at the University of Akron gives nursing students the opportunity to learn about health care delivery on a global level, improve their academic skills, and enhance their career prospects. The program offers a 3-credit international nursing course that covers various topics and takes place in Germany.
The 2010 course will be held in Freiburg, Germany, for 2 weeks and cover Germany's health care system. The course will include lectures, seminars, and field observations.
Students who qualify for federal student aid usually receive financial assistance to study abroad.
College of Nursing's Baccalaureate Programs
The college's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program is a combination of nursing and university courses. Students enter the nursing program after completing prerequisite university courses.
The 3-year nursing curriculum includes clinical practice during each semester of study as well as a senior practicum that enables students to gain in-depth knowledge in an area of their choosing.
The University of Akron also offers a 15-month accelerated B.S.N. program for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field and want to acquire a nursing degree. This degree provides students with a comprehensive background in nursing, improves their employment prospects, and prepares them for post-baccalaureate study in the field of nursing.
Baccalaureate Programs for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are interested in strengthening their nursing skills and career paths can apply to the College of Nursing's B.S.N. for RN or B.S.N. for LPN programs.
To accommodate students' schedules, the B.S.N. for RN program sequence features flexible hours for clinical practice, 1 day of classes per week, and completion of the B.S.N. in 1 year of full-time study (a part-time option is also available).
The B.S.N. for LPN program sequence enables individuals who have completed a practical nursing curriculum to earn a B.S.N. in less than 3 years of full-time study (once prerequisites are completed). The program, which builds upon students' academic and clinical experience, includes advanced placement and credit for prior learning.
Enriching Student Activities
The College of Nursing at the University of Akron provides a holistic educational experience that enables students to achieve personal, academic, and professional growth. Its Learning Resources Center includes a state-of-the-art nursing simulation and skills lab and a computer lab.
In addition, the college's Nursing Center for Community Health provides health care for the community and serves as a practice and research site for students and faculty members.
The college also provides students with leadership development opportunities by supporting several student groups including the Student Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi, InterVarsity Nurses Christian Fellowship, Men in Nursing, and Multicultural Student Nurses Association.
Living/Learning Communities for First Year Students
The College of Nursing's supportive communities enable freshmen to live and study amongst peers who are also interested in nursing careers.
These communities enable students to share residential space; receive mentoring from an upper class nursing student; meet nursing faculty; share similar class schedules, instructors, and assignments; and take supplemental courses in math and chemistry.
About the University of Akron
Established in 1870, the University of Akron provides 28,000 students -- who represent 46 states within the U.S. and 80 foreign countries -- with an intellectually and socially stimulating environment.
The university's vibrant community includes 300 academic programs; 200 student organizations; recreational and intercollegiate athletic programs; and a variety of cultural, volunteer, and social opportunities.
Located in Akron, Ohio, the University of Akron is a part of a dynamic metropolitan area and region that offers a variety of cultural and recreational options such as the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Art Museum, National Inventors Hall of Fame, and numerous professional sports teams.