Nursing

When you graduate, you will be prepared to jump into diverse careers and post-graduate experiences. Jewell nursing alumni work across the globe in a wide variety of health care roles:

• patient care in hospital settings including pediatrics, critical care, organ transplant, oncology, obstetrics, neurology, mental health, intensive care, emergency, cardiology, surgery, trauma, neonatal intensive care and telemetry
• certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in operating rooms and surgery centers
• continued education including master’s degrees as clinical nurse specialist, nursing education, nurse midwifery, nurse practitioner and doctorate degrees including DNP and Ph.D. programs of nursing
• Army Nurse Corps
• clinic practices in specialties such as epidemiology, obstetrics, infertility, pediatrics and dermatology
• hospice, home health, palliative care
• nurse practitioner in trauma, pediatrics, family, mental health, women’s health
• public and private schools
• case manager
• clinical nurse educator and college professor
• community health organizations and departments
• nonprofits and service agencies
• entrepreneurial ventures including starting businesses such as nurse-run healthcare clinics and specialty nursing uniform shops

Outcomes for Jewell graduates who earn a B.S. in nursing are based on the following six hallmarks:

• Integrity: Exhibit personal integrity as a nurse through honesty, accountability, responsibility, fidelity and professional conduct.
• Compassion: Exhibit compassionate care through therapeutic communication with sensitivity to privacy, confidentiality and diversity.
• Scholarship: Exhibit critical thinking through evidence based practice and application nursing concepts.
• Leadership: Exhibit effective leadership skills through appropriate decision making, collaboration and teamwork.
• Excellence in Practice: Exhibit safe patient centered nursing care incorporating the process, standards of care and clinical judgment through the William Jewell College Nursing Hallmarks.
• Service to Others: Exhibit service above expectation through stewardship of resources to meet the needs of others.

Mission Statement: We educate future nurse professionals to apply critical thought and exemplify integrity, compassion, leadership, scholarship, service to others and excellence in practice.

Philosophy: We equip our students with critical thinking to improve human lives and promote compassion and care within the community.

Vision: We develop future nurse professionals to pursue meaningful lives by advocating for their communities.

Hospitals: Centerpoint Medical Center, Cameron Regional Medical Center, Cass Regional Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Excelsior Springs Hospital, KC Veterans Administration, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KU Med), Liberty Hospital, Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph – Medical Center, North Kansas City Hospital, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center, Score 1 for Health – Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, St. Luke’s Health System, St. Joseph Medical Center, Truman Medical Center (both Hospital Hill and Lakewood locations)

Home Health: Excelsior Springs Home Health, Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, Liberty Home Health & Hospice, North Kansas City Home Health, Shawnee Mission Home Health, St. Luke's Home Health, Visiting Nurses Association

Public Schools: Lawson, Liberty, Park Hill, Shawnee Mission, Smithville

County Health: Jackson County Health Department, Ray County Health Department

Senior Care: Brookdale Overland Park

Mental Health: St. Luke's North Hospital, Truman Behavioral Health Center, Two Rivers Psychiatric, Community Health Agencies: City Union Mission, Della Lamb Community Services, Developing Potential, Ford Motor Company, KC Care Clinic, Mercy and Truth Medical Mission, Operation Breakthrough

> Background Check Policy
> Nursing Change of Major Policy
> Nursing Compliance Policy for New Students
> Nursing Interview Policy
> Nursing Student Drug Testing Policy
> Nursing Transfer Admission Policy
> Pre-Nursing Admission Policy
> Traditional B.S.N. Direct-Admit Policy

> Physical and Mental Demands of the Jewell Nursing Program
> Nursing Program Accreditation
> Nursing Curriculum Guides
> Clinical Compliance Checklist

William Jewell College Department of Nursing creates unique pathways for all students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and join the field as well-rounded caregivers. Based on our decades of experience—our first nursing class graduated in 1974—here is everything you should look for in an undergraduate nursing program or college of nursing.

Diverse coursework and curriculum

When considering nursing programs in Missouri, Kansas or other states, it’s important to look at the coursework and curriculum requirements throughout your time as a student. Do the classes sound interesting and engaging to you? Is the curriculum well-rounded? Are there diverse options for students to pursue their passions? For example, at Jewell nursing majors participate in varsity sports, Greek life, band, choir, honor societies and many other extra-curricular activities.

Every one of our nursing programs includes a combination of coursework and clinical experience. We believe in the value of both academia and hands-on experiential learning to create a two-fold education system. Your clinical experiences also help you develop specialized skills for unique patient demographics and medical specialties. 

Throughout your undergraduate career, you will have the opportunity to work in several different medical facilities assisting nurses with day-to-day patient care. The William Jewell College nursing program maintains relationships with healthcare providers in the following areas of care:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Home health
• Public schools
• County health
• Senior care
• Mental health

Our approach to the nursing curriculum considers both the whole student and the whole patient. Our goal is to produce well-rounded caregivers with critical thinking skills, time management skills, bedside manner and leadership skills, in addition to being academically prepared to provide medical care.

It is for this reason that we offer all our programs in-person only. This way, you don’t sacrifice experiential learning and collaboration among your peers, both of which are invaluable tools you will need in your career as a nurse.

A degree timeline that works for you

While degree timelines may change during your undergraduate career, it’s important to choose a nursing program that provides you with a clear path to graduate. In addition to a timeline for courses, you may also want to consider the resources available to help you stay on track and meet your individual needs.

At William Jewell College of Nursing, we offer four different undergraduate nursing programs to adapt our curriculum to the needs of every student. Whether you’re looking for the traditional college experience, an accelerated timeline or joining us from another program, we can place you where you are best suited.

Four-year nursing program

Our four-year undergraduate nursing program is the most traditional and most comparable to a four-year college experience. Your first three semesters will take place exclusively on campus with classroom and laboratory education led by a professor. Starting your sophomore year, you will begin clinical rotations in conjunction with your coursework.

Three-year nursing program

Our three-year nursing program closely follows the curriculum of the four-year program but on an accelerated timeline. The number of required credits is also the same, but our staff will help you space them out over six semesters and at least one summer term. This fast-track program is our response to the healthcare industry’s timely need for more passionate, qualified and empowered nurses.

Transfer nursing program

If you are looking to transfer from another nursing program, we can evaluate your degree progress to fold you into the class of students that best matches your academic benchmark. Our goal is always to match you with a program that meets you where you’re at, not to set you back.

Accelerated Track nursing program

Our accelerated nursing program is designed for those who have a previously completed or soon-to-be completed bachelor’s degree. This type of nursing degree is a good fit if you are looking to change careers, enter a new field or explore a new passion.

An important thing to note is that our accelerated nursing program is not the equivalent of a four-year degree in two years. Because eligible students have already completed a bachelor’s degree or more, we are able to waive the general core requirements, which is what allows us to accelerate the program timeline. There are two different accelerated nursing program options:

1. A 12-month program beginning in May and ending the following May
2. A 16-month program beginning in January and ending in May the following year

Exceptional faculty to learn from

Faculty expertise and experience can make a major impact on your learning. Especially nursing, but also as with any care-related career, it’s important to learn from people who have real-world experience and a credible education background.

Many of our classroom instructors at Jewell are practicing nurses. We highly focus our curriculum on professionalism and practical applications from the start of your undergraduate nursing education. We also have support staff who will provide guidance and mentorship throughout your time in the program.

Available student resources

Additional resources, whether on campus or within the nursing program you choose, can intensely benefit and enrich your nursing education. From tutoring and counseling to study space and peer groups, consider what other opportunities can help you as a student when looking at a nursing program.

In any one of our nursing programs, you will have access to specialized academic resources like tutoring, one-on-one meetings with professors and nursing labs at no additional cost to you. These resources are in place to help students maintain success in rigorous, engaging academic programs. 

Service and leadership opportunities

Part of being a well-rounded nurse and caregiver is giving back. In our undergraduate nursing programs, this starts with our William Jewell College community. Nursing students are encouraged to participate in student-led service projects throughout their time on campus. These projects include blood drives, fundraisers, food drives and more.

As you move into junior- and senior-level coursework, you will also have the opportunity to lead some of these service projects and encourage your peers to donate their time and resources. 

Campus involvement

Our nursing students are William Jewell students first. Our program encourages you to live on campus and participate in campus activities, no matter your field of study. 

Extracurricular activities at William Jewell will help you become a more well-rounded student, individual and caregiver, including:

• Greek Life
• Cardinal Sound Band
• Athletics
• Multicultural Clubs
• Theatre
• Cheer/Dance
• Choir
• Debate
• And more

Career opportunities after graduation

Working in a medical environment as an undergraduate allows students to begin networking prior to graduation and forge relationships with leaders in their desired fields of care. William Jewell nursing students earn themselves a reputation for quality patient care and leadership experience that makes them stand out in the hiring space. For this, we credit our exceptional nursing faculty, the outstanding work ethic of our students and the relationships with working nursing professionals built by our clinical programs.

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading undergraduate nursing programs today to experience the Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different undergraduate program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.

New, non-traditional nursing programs are on the rise, and it’s now possible to obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree in just three academic years. This is a perfect match for students looking to accelerate their undergraduate experience and sooner begin a career, master’s education or further specialty. 

All William Jewell, nursing programs prioritize the core values of a quality caretaker, such as integrity, compassion, leadership, scholarship, excellence in practice and service to others. Continue reading to learn more about what makes our 3-year nursing program unique.

How does the three-year track work?

Our 3-year nursing program comprises the same curriculum as our four-year track, including clinical rotations, but at a slightly accelerated pace. Over the course of your program, you will need to complete 124 credit hours total over the fall and spring sessions, and at least one summer session. Suggested curriculum typically includes 18 credit hours per semester.

Because of the faster pace, 3-year nursing students can expect heightened course engagement and a more rigorous academic schedule. While there are abundant resources available to help you succeed, this program places an emphasis on accountability to the individual learner. This builds leadership skills and discipline that make William Jewell nursing students stand out in the career space.

Suggested curriculum
William Jewell encourages students to pursue a well-rounded education by working closely with an advisor. While the course schedule in the 3-year nursing program is rigorous, we believe in the value of extracurricular activities and pursuing interests and passions. 

Our nursing faculty are your advisors, and they will do their best to build a personalized course schedule that meets all curriculum requirements and considers your unique interests as an individual student.

Special resources
In the 3-year nursing program, you will have access to specialized academic resources like tutoring, meeting with professors and the Nursing Arts Laboratory at no additional cost to you. These resources are in place to help students maintain success in this more engaging academic program. 

Responding to a need
William Jewell’s 3-year nursing program is engineered to respond to both the healthcare system’s timely increase in demand for nurses and students’ desire to finish school quicker. This specialized nursing program allows students to fast-track their undergraduate degree and sooner provide the healthcare industry with the support it needs.

Many other nursing programs across the country are responding to these modern needs by providing online resources for nursing education, at the expense of hands-on clinical experience. It is important to note that a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree cannot be earned in online curriculum alone; in-person experiential learning is essential in preparing students for a nursing career.

Our 3-year program integrates critical thinking and processing skills, interpersonal experiential learning and a clinical environment to provide a well-rounded education in a shorter time frame. This is our response to the needs of our market, industry and students.

Prerequisite testing for the 3-year nursing program

Before gaining admission to any of the undergraduate nursing programs at William Jewell (as well as most accredited nursing schools), you must pass one of three admissions exams: 

1. Kaplan Admissions Exam (Local applicants may register and take the Kaplan exam on our campus.)
2. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS-V)
3. Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI)

Tips for successful test-taking

Your entrance exam scores will be considered along with the rest of your application materials when you’re being considered for our 3-year nursing program. You can employ these helpful tips to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your admissions test.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential in studying and preparing for a test. Not only is it an important step in the process of retaining and storing information, getting a good night’s rest allows you to be at peak performance on the day of your exam.
• Eat a protein-rich breakfast. Breakfast is brain food! Have a healthy breakfast with plenty of vitamins and protein on the day of your test to feed your body and mind. Foods rich in protein can also contribute to greater mental alertness. Try oats, grains, fruits and vegetables and eggs.
• Read thoroughly. When taking an exam, be sure to read each question thoroughly. The easiest part of a test should be understanding the instructions, so take your time and be mindful. Many students find success in answering the questions they feel most confident about first and then circling back to spend extra time on the more difficult ones.

Prerequisite coursework for a 3-year nursing program

Prerequisite coursework for our 3-year nursing program is identical to our traditional 4-year undergraduate nursing program; however, the 3-year nursing program is best suited for students with AP course credits or dual-enrollment course credits. General education courses like College Algebra, Composition and Reading and Introductory Psychology are suggested.

View our list of AP course credit equivalents 

Three-year nursing program prerequisites checklist

• Completed William Jewell College of Nursing application or Common Application
• Copy of official high school transcripts, including GPA
• Copy of official college transcripts, including GPA (if applicable)
• Copy of ACT and/or SAT scores

To apply for the 3-year track, indicate which program you’re interested in on your William Jewell application. After passing your nursing entrance exam and completing your application, you may qualify for direct admission to our 3-year undergraduate program. Requirements for direct admission are:

• Declare nursing as your major within your first semester
• ACT score of 22 or better
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• High school diploma or GED with less than 12 college credits

The benefit to direct admission versus general admission is that you may begin a nursing curriculum and be advised by a member of the nursing department within your first semester of college. General admission students may be advised to complete all general education curriculum before declaring their major.

Transfer students in the 3-year program

Our transfer nursing track is designed for students with previously completed coursework or partially completed degrees. Transfer students typically have equivalent to two years of credits under their belt in general education courses like anatomy, biology, chemistry and others.

Depending on the program you’re transferring from and how many credit hours you have, you may be folded into either the current four-year or three-year class. Our goal is always to match you with other students at a similar point in their curriculum, not to make you start over or separate you from other undergraduate nursing programs.

Advantages of a slightly accelerated program

Whatever your needs or goals are as a student, our advising staff at William Jewell is committed to presenting you with the best options for obtaining your BSN degree. There are many advantageous reasons to pursue a 3-year nursing program over a traditional track.

• Accelerated path to a career
  Earning your degree in three years allows you to join the nursing workforce and begin your career sooner than traditional nursing students. Completing an accelerated program also demonstrates excellent work ethic and time management to hospitals, clinics, and practices looking to hire nurses.
• More ideal for students pursuing graduate programs.
  If you’re planning to continue your education with a master’s program or additional specialty, you may want to fast-track your undergraduate degree. Many nursing students choose to pursue a master’s degree in nursing after completing their BSN in order to become an APRN.

  ​An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a registered nurse with specialized education in a specific patient population, type of condition or care skill set. The minimum requirements to become an APRN are:

  • An RN license (obtained by completing your BSN and passing the NCLEX)
  • Clinical experience in a chosen specialty
  • A master’s degree in nursing (which typically takes between 18 months and three years to complete)

After becoming an APRN, there are four ways to specialize:

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Completing your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) in three years as opposed to four or more means one less year of schooling for students who plan to become an APRN, NP, CNM, CNS or CRNA. 

• Doesn’t sacrifice experiential learning.
  Many other avenues of accelerated learning happen online. While other nursing programs may offer virtual learning, you cannot become a nurse with 100% online learning; in-person clinical experience is essential. 
  Most William Jewell students can complete clinical rotations in 8 to 10 different locations. The goal is always to afford you the most experience possible in the widest variety of specialties. Unlike other programs, you will also be able to work in highly specialized medical facilities such as pediatric centers, rural hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers.
  While virtual or remote learning may be suitable for a number of career fields, nursing requires hands-on experience. Our three-year program is specially designed to respond to students’ desire for an accelerated timeline and the nursing community’s need for additional, quality staff without sacrificing experiential learning. 
• Maintain all the benefits of a William Jewell education.
  Although accelerated, our 3-year nursing program students maintain all of the benefits and experiences of our standard undergraduate nursing students.
• Exceptional faculty.
  Many of our classroom instructors are practicing nurses. We highly focus our curriculum on professionalism and practical applications from the start of your undergraduate nursing education. The William Jewell nursing program maintains relationships with healthcare providers in the following areas of care:
  • Hospitals
  • Home health
  • Public schools
  • County health
  • Senior care
  • Mental health
     
• Service and leadership opportunities
  Part of being a well-rounded nurse and caregiver is giving back. In our 3-year nursing program, this starts with our William Jewell community. Nursing students are encouraged to participate in student-led service projects throughout their undergraduate program. These include blood drives, fundraisers food drives and more. As you move into junior and senior-level coursework, you will also have the opportunity to lead some of these service projects for your peers to donate their time and resources. 
• Journey Grants
  Journey Grants provide direct funding to students wanting to enrich their academic experience with travel. The program is unique to each student and designed to integrate seeking knowledge and taking action in the form of:
  • academic enrichment
  • leadership development
  • civic engagement
  • professional development
  • study abroad
  • undergraduate research

You may apply for a Journey Grant after your sophomore year. Whatever—or wherever—you dream, you can go.

• Campus involvement
  Our nursing students are William Jewell students first. Our program encourages you to live on campus and participate in campus activities. Extracurricular activities at William Jewell will help you become a more well-rounded student, individual and caregiver, including:
  • Greek Life
  • Cardinal Sound Band
  • Athletics
  • Multicultural Clubs
  • Choir
  • Theatre
  • Debate
  • Cheer/Dance
  • And more

Becoming a registered nurse after a 3-year nursing program

The final step to becoming a registered nurse (RN) after any undergraduate nursing program is to take and pass an exam called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

The NCLEX exam uses computer adaptive testing (CAT). This style of virtual testing provides a more accurate and valuable measurement of a candidate’s true ability by reducing the number of “easy” or “difficult” items as the test continues. Essentially, the test is being optimized to your ability level as it continues.

While you can sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse with just an associate’s degree, earning your BSN affords you an advantage in the hiring market. Additionally, those with BSNs also earn higher pay and have more opportunities for leadership and management. Many states also require that you earn a BSN degree within 10 years of becoming an RN if you pass the NCLEX exam without it.

Apply to Our 3-Year Nursing Program Now

Is our 3-year nursing program checking all of your boxes? Apply now and start the journey to your BSN degree, or contact us to connect with an advisor.

There are many different pathways to becoming a nurse, and also many pathways to further your medical career after becoming a nurse. Whether you’re looking for your first experience in the field or hoping to specialize your care, it’s important to choose the right path to fit your goals, lifestyle and more.

From 1974 to today, the William Jewell College of Nursing has provided students from the Midwest and beyond with a practical nursing education. We offer four different Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, each designed to provide students with exceptional learning experiences and set them up for success. 

Maximize your previous experience, start a new journey or get one step closer to your dream career through the different types of nursing degree programs.

Types of nursing degrees

All types of nursing degrees require a combination of classroom education and hands-on clinical experience. Choosing which degree is best for you depends on the level of practice you desire, how much you want to specialize and where you would like to practice.

Associate Degree in Nursing
You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in just two years. There are even some programs lasting just 18 months. After earning your ADN, you may sit for an exam to become a practicing nurse.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Depending on the program, you may earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in three or four years. Some advantages to earning a BSN over an ADN are:

• Better prepared for nursing licensure exams
• More competitive in the hiring process and able to earn more compensation
• Become more specialized in an area of nursing care
• Able to continue their education to earn a higher degree or more advanced position

Master of Science in Nursing
To earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you must already have a BSN. Nurses with an MSN can work in advanced practice, where they may be able to see their own patients, perform more complex procedures and specialize in an area of care. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of clinical nursing degree you can earn. As a DNP, you will expand your knowledge of clinical nursing practice, ethics, and healthcare policy to practice in a leadership role. For many, the goal of this career is to impact the field of nursing for good by bettering the healthcare delivery system and shaping new policies. 

BSN programs at William Jewell

Every nursing program at William Jewell College of Nursing ends in a bachelor’s degree. No matter which program you choose, each of our nursing students leaves with a comprehensive education and hands-on clinical experience to prepare them for a career in nursing.

We designed our different types of nursing degree programs in response to a greater need. We consider both the healthcare system’s timely increase in demand for nurses and students’ desire to finish school quicker. Our specialized nursing program options allow students to choose to fast-track their undergraduate degree and sooner provide the healthcare industry with the support it needs.

Many other nursing programs across the country are responding to these modern needs by providing online resources for nursing education at the expense of hands-on clinical experience. It is important to note that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing cannot be earned through online curriculum alone; in-person experiential learning is essential to prepare students for a nursing career.

Each of our programs integrates critical thinking and processing skills, interpersonal experiential learning and a clinical environment to provide a well-rounded education in a customizable time frame. This is our response to the needs of our market, industry and students.

Traditional 4-year BSN program
Our traditional 4-year nursing program mirrors the structure of a traditional degree program at a university, with 124 required credit hours upon graduation. You’ll begin clinical rotations as a sophomore and complete over 650 hours of clinical and laboratory experience over the second half of the program.

In partnership with hospitals and care centers throughout Kansas City, William Jewell students will gain a wide variety of field experience in different areas of care, such as rural medicine, pediatrics and mental health.

Your work with patients as an undergraduate places an emphasis on the whole person. Your experienced professors and clinical instructors teach you real-world skills in understanding patient needs and exceeding care expectations.

Fast-track 3-year BSN program
Our 3-year nursing program comprises the same curriculum as our four-year track, including clinical rotations, but at a slightly accelerated pace. Over the course of your program, you will need to complete 124 credit hours total over the fall and spring sessions and at least one summer session. The suggested curriculum typically includes 18 credit hours per semester.

Because of the faster pace, 3-year nursing students can expect heightened course engagement and a more rigorous academic schedule. While there are abundant resources available to help you succeed, this program places an emphasis on accountability to the individual learner. This builds leadership skills and discipline that make William Jewell nursing students stand out in the career space.

Transfer nursing program
Our transfer nursing track is designed for students with previously completed coursework or partially completed degrees. Transfer students typically have the equivalent of two years of credits under their belt in general education courses like anatomy, biology, chemistry and others.

Depending on the program you’re transferring from, and how many credit hours you have, you may be folded into either the current four-year or three-year class. Our goal is always to match you with other students at a similar point in their curriculum, not to make you start over or separate you from other undergraduate nursing programs.

Accelerated nursing program
Our accelerated nursing program is designed for those who have a previously completed or soon-to-be completed bachelor’s degree. This type of nursing degree is a good fit if you are looking to change careers, enter a new field or explore a new passion.

An important thing to note is that our accelerated nursing program is not the equivalent of a four-year degree in two years. Because eligible students have already completed a bachelor’s degree or more, we are able to waive the general core requirements, which is what allows us to accelerate the program timeline.

There are two different accelerated nursing program options:

1. A 12-month program beginning in May and ending the following May
2. A 16-month program beginning in January and ending in May the following year

The 12-month option includes 53 credit hours of coursework and clinical hours while the 16-month program includes 58. You can apply for one program or another simply by indicating your preference on your application.

What you can do with the different types of nursing degrees

In addition to the different types of nursing degrees, there are different career opportunities you can pursue based on the degree you have. Titles of nursing professionals are hierarchical and indicate their level of education and experience.

Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) does not actually require any type of nursing degree. Instead, to become a CNA you must complete a state-specific training program, usually through a college, high school, vocational school or local hospital. These training programs typically last just 1-3 months and only require a high school diploma or GED to enter.

CNAs assist with daily patient care, like turning, bathing, feeding and more, under the direct supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). CNAs may also help with collecting vitals, dressing wounds and assisting with procedures for patients with more complex care needs.

Licensed Practical Nurse
You also don’t need a nursing degree to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Also called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), becoming an LPN is a great entry-level position for people to dip their toes into the nursing field or work in the field while they earn their degree.

Roles and responsibilities of LPNs are similar to the daily duties of a CNA. Because they have further training, LPNs may also perform smaller procedures like inserting a catheter or administering medication.

To become an LPN, you must complete a year-long practical nursing program from an accredited school and then take and pass the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to earn your official license and begin practicing.

Registered Nurse
As a Registered Nurse (RN) you are responsible for direct patient care, including administering treatments and medications, overseeing daily care, educating the family on treatment protocols and more. RNs receive training to recognize irregularities in vital signs and physical exams.

A big part of being an RN is collaborating with the doctor and others in the medical team to provide the patient with the highest level of physical and emotional care. They are the executors of the patient’s long- and short-term care plan and must coordinate with professionals above and below them to prioritize the patient’s comfort.

An RN can practice in a variety of medical environments, including hospitals, schools, clinics, offices, nursing homes and other facilities. As an RN, you also have the opportunity to work in specialized spaces in fields like orthopedics, pediatrics and surgery. 

To become an RN, you must first earn your ADN or BSN, then take and pass an exam called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

About the NCLEX

The NCLEX exam uses computer adaptive testing (CAT). This style of virtual testing provides a more accurate and valuable measurement of a candidate’s true ability by reducing the number of “easy” or “difficult” items as the test continues. Essentially, the test optimizes itself to your ability level as it continues.

While you can sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse with just an associate degree, earning your BSN affords you an advantage in the hiring market. Additionally, those with BSNs also earn higher pay and have more opportunities for leadership and management. Many states also require that you earn a BSN degree within 10 years of becoming an RN if you pass the NCLEX exam without it.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) represents the highest level of clinical nursing you can achieve without a doctorate degree. 

APRNs specialize in their fields and achieve their status by earning an MSN, including specialty clinical hours, and passing a national certification exam. The certification exam necessary will depend on the type of APRN and area of specialty. APRNs also must apply and become licensed in their state of practice.

There are four different types of APRNs:

1. Certified Nurse Midwife
   While nurse-midwives are able to provide gynecological care for women throughout their lifespan, their primary focus is reproductive care. Nurse-midwives provide prenatal, delivery and postpartum care for women and can even assist with newborn care in the first few weeks of life. 
2. Nurse Practitioner
   Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide a more autonomous level of care with a focus in primary care or a specialty area like women’s health or dermatology. NPs can see their own patients for direct patient care, diagnose illnesses and write prescriptions. 
3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
   Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are trained to provide anesthetic care during surgery, childbirth, and procedures requiring conscious sedation. Depending on the state where CRNAs practice, they may work under direct physician supervision.
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist
   Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) primarily work as educators and consultants in their area of expertise. They may advise people on hospital unit management or patient care protocols in their chosen area. CNSs may focus on a patient population, like children, or a type of care, such as intensive care or end-of-life care. 

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading BSN programs today to experience the William Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.

In order to successfully complete your clinical hours and to ensure the safety of both you and the patients, there are additional nursing school requirements beyond your prerequisite coursework and application materials.

Physically, it’s important that you’re able to spend extended periods of time on your feet. It’s also essential that you can provide patients with physical assistance, which may require you to lift heavy amounts, crouch, squat or kneel. It’s also important that your vision, fine motor skills and sensory abilities are optimal.

Mentally, an even temperament and level head are necessary for a successful nursing students. The clinical environment can be fast-paced and demand quick, critical thinking and calm responses to stressful situations. 

Our exceptional nursing faculty at William Jewell is dedicated to helping students develop these skills throughout their program, in addition to preparing students academically. Just as we focus on the whole patient in care standards of care, we focus on fostering a well-rounded nursing education that extends beyond the classroom. 

Tips and resources to prepare your application

For students hoping to join our institution, we want to provide you with tips and resources to help you build a strong application and prepare yourself for nursing school from the admissions process to graduation:

Tips for successful test taking
Your entrance exam scores will be considered along with the rest of your application materials when you’re being considered for one of our undergraduate nursing programs. You can employ these helpful tips to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your admissions test.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential in studying and preparing for a test. Not only is it an important step in the process of retaining and storing information, but getting a good night’s rest allows you to be at peak performance on the day of your exam.
• Eat a protein-rich breakfast. Breakfast is brain food! Have a healthy breakfast with plenty of vitamins and protein on the day of your test to feed your body and mind. Foods rich in protein can also contribute to greater mental alertness. Try oats, grains, fruits and vegetables and eggs.
• Read thoroughly. When taking an exam, read each question thoroughly. Understanding the instructions should be the easiest part of a test, so take your time and be mindful. Many students find success in answering the questions they feel most confident about first and then circling back to spend extra time on the more difficult ones.
• Essay writing best practices. It’s important to follow essay-writing best practices, even when writing a personal essay. The same conventional concepts, like a central argument, clear narrative and proper syntax, can apply to both academic and personal writing. 
• Analyze the question. Make sure that the thesis, or central idea, of your personal essay is in direct response to the essay question. Your writing should illustrate that you thought critically about the question posed and crafted your essay around it. 
• Create an outline. Creating an outline before you begin writing can keep you on track during the writing process, and help you structure your essay in a way that clearly communicates your thoughts. An outline can also help to ensure that you stay on-topic and approach the question posed from every angle necessary.
• Write clearly and concisely. If you can communicate an idea in fewer words, you should. Writing concisely is important in making your points clear. It can also help to convey a clear timeline or order of events if you are telling a story. Eliminating fluff in your prose ensures that your readers can easily make sense of your points and leave with a clear understanding of your ideas.
• How to make your admissions interview stand out. Practicing confidence and professionalism in an interview setting is a skill that will take you far in life—both academically and professionally. Here are the top three tips for giving your best nursing school prerequisite interview:
• Be on time. Punctuality is crucial. Being on time is a simple way to make a good first impression. Not only is it polite, but it also demonstrates that you are organized, prepared and looking forward to the interview process.
• Practice a professional greeting. Speaking of first impressions, practice a professional and personable greeting before your interview. Be sure to smile warmly, say hello, and greet your interviewer with a polite handshake. Confidence is key, and a great first impression can be quite impressive.
• Prepare your own questions. When preparing for a prerequisite interview, practicing how you might answer certain questions is a great tactic, but you should also prepare questions of your own. Asking your interviewer thoughtful questions demonstrates confidence, genuine interest in the program and listening skills just as much as your answers to their questions. It is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the university, program, admissions process and more.

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading BSN programs today to experience the William Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.