Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing

*Graduation includes Diploma in Nursing from Joseph F. McCloskey SON and Associate Degree in Applied Science from Alvernia University

Total credits upon graduation from School of Nursing = 90

(40 General Education + 50 Nursing = 90 credits)

With additional baccalaureate degree coursework (Alvernia): 8 cr. general education + 25 NUR = 33 

TOTAL for BSN degree = 123 credits

*One-half of the class will be in each section, each term. Credits designated for nursing courses are not transferable to institutions of higher learning. Credits for nursing courses are based on 15 hours per credit theory and 45 hours per credit clinical. “Credit” assigned to nursing courses does not constitute “college credit” and does not imply nursing courses earn the equivalent of college credit. The term “credit” assigned to nursing courses is for grading and/or financial purposes only. Only an authorized degree-granting institution in which a student enrolls may determine whether the completed nursing courses may be accepted for “college credit.”

A student is expected to enroll in specific courses as scheduled each semester. A student must be actively taking scheduled courses each semester to maintain enrollment status unless advanced standing, transfer credit approval has been granted. Proof of course completion with official transcript is required at the end of each semester or the student will be removed from the class.

Information regarding the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing tuition, fees and length of program can be obtained from:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-500
Opens in new tab www.acenursing.org

Classes

BIO 107 | Anatomy and Physiology I (3.0 credits) Homeostatic mechanisms of the human body with emphasis on structure and function are studied. Gross and microscopic structures are correlated with the function of cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body. Major topics include skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Corequisite: BIO 117

BIO 108 | Anatomy and Physiology II (3.0 credits) Emphasis is on structure and function of endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Gross and microscopic structures are correlated with functions of cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body. Three hours of lecture per week. Corequisite: BIO 118

BIO 117 | Human Anatomy and Physiology LAB I (1.0 credit) Experimental approach to the study of human anatomy and physiology is used to reinforce lecture concepts. The exercises present the core elements of the subject matter in a hands-on manner. The labs are presented in the same time period the material is being discussed in lecture. One two-hour lab per week. Corequisite: BIO 107

BIO 118 | Human Anatomy and Physiology LAB II (1.0 credit) Experimental approach to the study of human anatomy and physiology is used to reinforce lecture concepts. The exercises present the core elements of the subject matter in a hands-on manner. Labs are presented in the same time period as the material is being discussed in the lecture. One two-hour lab per week. Corequisite: BIO 108

BIO 216 | Nutrition & Diet Therapy (3.0 credits) Overview of nutritional requirements of individuals in the healthful state as well as modification of those requirements during illness. Three hours of lecture per semester week. Does not fulfill the lab science core requirement.

BIO 220 | Clinical Microbiology (4.0 credits) Study of the morphological and physiological nature of microorganisms and their relationship to humans in both the normal and diseased states. Emphasis on bacteriological techniques such as cultivation, staining, identification and other techniques important in a clinical setting. Integrates laboratory and classroom work.

BIO 410 | Pathophysiology (3.0 credits) Effects of internal and external stressors on body functions are examined. Normal human physiological principles and homeostatic mechanisms are reviewed. Genetic and nutritional aspects are integrated into the discussion of disease. Three hours of lecture per semester week. Prerequisites: BIO 107/117, 108/118 or permission of instructor.

COM 101 Composition and Research (3.0 credits) Core writing requirement, reviews fundamental principles of rhetoric, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Requirements include a research paper using MLA documentation guidelines and several expository papers.

COM 103 Principles of Public Speaking (3.0 credits) Basic course in the development of communication attitudes and skills to enable the student to feel comfortable and competent in public speaking ventures. Includes exercises in the oral interpretation of literature; the organization, delivery and evaluation of various types of speeches; and participation in panels or symposiums. 

MAT 109 Principles of Nursing Math (1.0 credit) This course focuses on basic mathematical calculations as applied to clinical nursing practice accurate medication dosage calculations. Nursing math skills are developed and practiced through application exercises involving clients across the life span. Critical thinking skills are developed through the interpretation of medication orders. Professional standards related to quality and safety of medication administration are integrated throughout the course.

MUS 220 Music and Health (3 credits) Basic music course in the theories and techniques of music as an agent of wellness. Explores music therapy, recent research and healing practices of non-Western cultures as they relate to music. Especially recommended for students planning a career in health care or human services. No prerequisites, no prior musical experience or performance required 

Classes: 12 weeks

NURS 100: Principles of Nursing: (9 Nursing Credits: Theory = 6 (90 hours) Clinical = 3 (135 hours) A fundamental nursing course that introduces the student to the profession of nursing. Basic nursing concepts are presented with emphasis on the Nursing Process. Essential nursing and communication skills are developed to meet patient needs in a medical-surgical setting. Opportunities for implementation of these skills are provided in concurrent simulation and clinical experiences. The course incorporates American Nurses Association (ANA) scope and standards of practice, Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) competencies, and The Joint Commission (TJC) national patient safety goals.

NURS 101: Medical-Surgical/Psychosocial Nursing I: (8 Nursing Credits: Theory = 5 (75 hours) Clinical = 3 (135 hours)  Built on the knowledge and basic nursing skills taught during the previous term. This course provides the student with various learning experiences in utilizing the nursing process to provide safe, evidenced-based nursing care and to meet the needs of the patients, family and community. The topics taught in this course are respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, endocrine, psychosocial and gastrointestinal disorders. The Joint Commission national patient safety goals, the Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies, and the American Nurses Association scope and standards of practice are integrated throughout the course. Students receive concurrent simulation and clinical experiences. Observational experiences are provided in the hospital and in community settings.

NURS 102: Medical-Surgical/Psychosocial Nursing II: (8 Nursing Credits: Theory = 5 (75 hours) Clinical = 3 (135 hours) A continuation of Medical Surgical I taught during the previous term. This course provides the student with various learning experiences in utilizing the nursing process to provide safe, evidenced-based nursing care and to meet the needs of the patients, family and the community. The topics taught in this course are oncology, sensorimotor, renal and urinary, and male and female reproductive disorders. The Joint Commission national patient safety goals, the Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies, and the American Nurses Association scope and standards of practice are integrated throughout the course. Students receive concurrent simulation and clinical experiences. Observational experiences are provided in the hospital and in community settings.

NURS 200: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing: (8 Nursing Credits: Theory = 5 (75 hours) Clinical = 3 (135 hours) Introduces the student to advanced medical-surgical and community health nursing concepts. This occurs through interactions with individual patients and groups of patients in critical care, emergency/trauma, perioperative and community settings. The course incorporates American Nurses Association scope and standards of practice, Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies, and the Joint Commission National patient safety goals.

NURS 201: Maternal/Child Health Nursing: (8 Nursing Credits: Theory = 5 (75 hours) Clinical = 3 (135 hours) Introduces the student to the normal and abnormal adaptations of individuals, families and groups to stressors. This occurs through interaction with the individual and groups of patients in acute maternal and child health settings. The course also focuses on the role of the nurse in helping individuals, families and groups in various settings to adapt to biopsychosocial changes. Opportunities for implementation of these skills are provided in concurrent clinical experiences. The course objectives and outline are based on the Joint Commission national patient safety goals, the Quality and Safety Education for Nursing competencies and the American Nurses Association scope and standards of practice.

NURS 300: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice: (9 Nursing Credits: Theory = 4 (60 hours) Clinical = 5 (225 hours) Provides the student with learning experiences that simulate the future role of the entry-level professional nurse. The course addresses modalities of nursing care, concepts of leadership and management, nursing theories, research and legal/ethical aspects of care. Synthesis of previous and concurrent learning occurs as students perform as entry-level professional nurses in complex nursing situations. Goals include development of independence in nursing practice, skill and accountability in clinical decision-making and application of nursing leadership and management theory and skills. The course incorporates American Nurses Association scope and standards of practice, Quality and Safety Education for nursing competencies, and the Joint Commission National patient safety goals. The course includes class hours for comprehensive standardized testing.

Locations

Our two locations are Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at LVHN in Pottsville and LVHN Center for Healthcare Education in Center Valley, near Allentown.

How to apply

Applications for the Fall 2024 semester should be submitted by July 1.

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Prerequisites

Schedule

The evening and weekend program will be offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings for classroom instruction and every other weekend for clinical rotation.

Learn More

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Advanced placement for currently licensed and practicing LPNs can be requested for advanced placement into the RN program.

LPNs who have met all of the requirements of the first-year students: BIO 107, BIO 117, BIO 108, BIO 118, BIO 220, COM 101, COM 103, MAT 109, MUS 220, PHI 105, PSY 101 (or equivalent as deemed by Alvernia University), will be offered the opportunity to take the ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) Fundamentals Mastery Assessment. A score of a level 2 or higher is required to receive advanced placement for NURS 100.

Applicants who meet or exceed the level 2 status will be granted advanced placement and begin the Nursing Program Program (NURS 101) in November, the start of the winter term. Those who receive less than or equal to a level 1 will begin their enrollment in NURS 100 and proceed through the program as established.

Testing fees may apply.