Nursing/Licensed Practical Nurse, BS

Program Code: NURS-LPN

The College of Health Sciences offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing. Students are admitted to the Nursing program as freshmen. Those with a previous degree may also be admitted. Internal change of majors who meet criteria are also admitted if seats are available. LPN applicants meeting criteria are admitted to the LPN to BSN degree. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is prepared to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania and all other states. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The nursing curriculum has as its primary goal the development of professional nurse generalists who are liberally educated, clinically competent, and aware of their social responsibilities as health professionals. The program is designed to provide a broad background in liberal education, coupled with the specialized knowledge and skills required for professional nursing practice. Additionally, the curriculum prepares the nurse to practice within the professional code of nursing ethics, to function effectively as a member of the health care team, and to utilize scientific principles in planning, implementing, and evaluating health care. The nursing curriculum emphasizes concepts in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of health problems.

The first two semesters are devoted mainly to Crimson Core and science courses considered essential to the nursing major. Throughout the last six semesters, clinical experiences in patient care are provided in acute and long-term care facilities as well as community settings.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing is offered for licensed practical nurses who are graduates of accredited, approved practical nursing programs and who have met IUP’s admission requirements. The degree for licensed practical nurses provides an alternative curriculum accounting for prior work completed in a nursing program. Licensed practical nurse students will fulfill all requirements set by the university. The program is designed to prepare the practical nurse to function as a provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care in a variety of health care settings.

Prior to graduation, Nursing and Licensed Practical Nurse majors must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all required NURS (NURS 211, NURS 212, NURS 213, NURS 214, NURS 236, NURS 312, NURS 316, NURS 330, NURS 331, NURS 332, NURS 333, NURS 336, NURS 337, NURS 412, NURS 431, NURS 432, NURS 433, NURS 434, NURS 436, NURS 437, NURS 440, NURS 450) and BIOL courses. Students in the LPN to BSN program must earn a minimum grade of  “C” in all required NURS and BIOL courses for this program.  Students earning a “D” in a NURS course may repeat the course as a prerequisite, co-requisite or with permission of chairperson. A grade of “D” in a NURS or BIOL course may hinder progression to the next level of required courses when mastery of the content is essential for success. If a student is not successful in a course multiple times, then a student may not be able to complete the major since a course may be taken a maximum of three times with permission of the dean of Health Sciences.

Detailed information is available in the department office regarding requirements such as health screening, liability insurance, legal clearance, transportation, and professional uniforms.

Change of major applications and criteria are available in the Nursing Department office. Changes of major are granted based on meeting the criteria and seat availability.

Some students may be required to undergo criminal background checks, drug testing, as well as provide proof of health insurance, liability insurance, and/or immunization records prior to participating in any required experiences at selected facilities/agencies. Additionally, other requirements may be specified by the facility/agency or program that a student must meet in order to be eligible for field or practical experiences at a facility. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all institutional and/or facility requirements are met as a condition of participating in the experiences; students may be responsible in part or in full for any costs incurred to meet such requirements. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from off-campus experiences. In some programs, the students are responsible for rental fees for clinical instruments and supplies, purchasing uniforms, equipment, and fees above the regular tuition. At the completion of the program, students may also be responsible for fees related to national, regional, and/or state licensing exams.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of math (one of which is algebra), and two units of science in high school for admission to the Nursing, BS program.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of math (one of which is algebra), and two units of science in high school for admission to the Nursing/Licensed Practical Nurse, BS program.