For students just beginning their education in nursing, an associate's degree program like the one from Houston Baptist University may be good fit. Topics in the two-year program include care of families, perspectives on health care systems, professional issues and nursing management, care of childbearing families, art and science of nursing, plus general education courses such as general psychology, English and microeconomics. Students gain real-world clinical experience working at the Texas Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Hospital, plus through work-study programs at local hospitals. Students may get involved on campus by joining the nursing student organization or Sigma Theta Tau, a chapter of the national nursing honor society.
Students who wish to take their education further may apply their associate's degree coursework to Houston Baptist's bachelor of science in nursing program. Although the school is religiously affiliated, there are no religion requirements for admission. Applicants must complete an entrance exam and reading proficiency test, plus have an minimum overall high school or GED grade point average of 3.0.
Houston Baptist University
7502 Fondren Rd.
Houston, TX 77074
281-649-3000
hbu.edu
The University of North Carolina School of Nursing offers a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree in nursing, plus coursework for registered nurses. Coursework includes nursing care of infants, leadership in nursing practice, physical assessment, maternal nursing, improving nursing practice, conceptual bases of professional nursing practice, and aging and ethical issues in nursing. Students may gain real-world experience by performing research through the biobehavioral laboratory, internships and clinical rotations.
Bachelors candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5. Students interested in the registered nursing program must hold a North Carolina registered nurse license and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
University of North Carolina
School of Nursing
Carrington Hall, CB #7460
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460
919-966-3731
unc.edu
Students interested in nursing will find 18 master's programs in the field at the University of Pennsylvania, along with accelerated programs for the bachelor of science in nursing, registered nurse programs, adult home care and health leadership programs. Some of the master's options include neonatal, adult acute care, nurse anesthesia, psychiatric mental health, women's health and gerontology. While enrolled, students have the opportunity to join organizations such as the male association of nursing, minority nursing organization and student nurses at Penn.
Admission to Penn's bachelor of science in nursing program requires two essays, two recommendations and a high school diploma. Masters candidates must have an undergraduate degree, graduate record exam scores, an active registered nurse license, essay and three letters of recommendation.
University of Pennsylvania
School of Nursing
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
215-898-8281
upenn.edu