*  Nursing program overview

*  Getting into nursing school

*  What should I major in?

*  What courses should I take?

*  NCC resources

*  Links

*  Back to health science page

Health Sciences:

Nursing

What do I have to do to become a nurse?
 
[Nurse] Nursing is an attractive option for students with a passion for patient care--and a current shortage of nurses means many good job opportunities! Most nursing students complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) in order to become a registered nurse (RN). Some continue on to a master's degree (MSN) in order to become Certified Nurse Practitioners, while others choose a shorter program to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Accelerated BSN or MSN programs are available for students who already have a four-year college degree.

At North Central, you can choose one of two options: (1) In the "2 + 2" program, only the minimal coursework required for nursing school is completed during two years of study at North Central; after two additional years of nursing school, you would receive a BSN. (2) Using the "3 + 2" option, you would spend three years at North Central and complete both nursing requirements and general education. You would then earn a BA degree from North Central after one year in nursing school and a BSN after the second year. North Central College is affiliated with the College of Nursing at Rush University. The information given below will allow a student to transfer to the Rush program after 2 or 3 years at North Central. If you want to study at another nursing school, you should consult a pre-health advisor early in your freshman year and design a program to meet the entrance requirements for that school.

How do I get into nursing school?
 
[Owl] The courses listed below meet the entrance requirements for the Rush University nursing program, and similar courses would meet entrance requirements elsewhere. In order to be recommended for the Rush program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.50, including a minimum GPA of 2.50 in science courses. Only grades of "C" or higher are accepted for transfer credit at Rush.

What should I major in?
 
[Student] North Central pre-nursing students on the "3 + 2" plan can meet the requirements for a bachelor of arts (BA) degree in biology or a BA in science, depending on the courses chosen. Under the "2 + 2" program, there is no need to declare a specific major at North Central, as you will receive a BSN from the nursing school and no North Central degree.

What courses should I take?
 
[Student] The following courses can be completed in two very full years and will meet the entrance requirements for Rush University's nursing program. Students choosing to spend three years at North Central will have more flexibility in scheduling these courses and can also take additional courses listed below to better prepare themselves for nursing school.

Freshman year:

Sophomore year:

Recommended courses for the "3 + 2" program:

What resources does North Central have to help me?
 
[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the transfer process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?
 
Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your nursing career!