Saint Anthony College of Nursing Program Review
Saint Anthony College of Nursing has been producing top-rated nursing graduates in the state of Illinois for more than 100 years. This small and private college fosters close ties between the students, faculty, staff, as well as the community healthcare providers, thus encouraging open inquiry and lifelong learning. Saint Anthony College of Nursing has gained accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The Commission also accredits the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) allowing graduates to have eligibility to take the National Council Licensing Examination and work as a licensed healthcare professional.
Undergraduate Programs
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is known for its quality Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in the northern Illinois community. This undergraduate program is dynamic and challenging with broad-based clinical training, advanced simulation laboratory, and expert faculty trained in the specialties they teach.
Requirements for pre-licensure BSN
To apply for the pre-licensure BSN program, students are advised to submit an official transcript to the SACN Admissions office together with proof of completing 32 prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. They should have also completed one nursing prerequisite course (either anatomy and physiology, microbiology, or chemistry) with a GPA of at least 2.7. Transcripts are considered official if sent directly from the institution.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, the region’s leading provider of cardiac, trauma, cancer, and orthopedic care. Students in the BSN program will gain abundant clinical experiences paired with academic excellence. Since the clinical sites are in the Rockford area, aspiring nurses will be exposed to home health, ambulatory, and other specialty care centers.
The school’s newly-opened skills laboratory and fully-equipped health assessment lab will introduce the BSN students to clinical procedures, concepts, and safety. The student to teacher ratio is 8:1, giving every student an opportunity to interact easily with the nursing faculty who are specialists in their fields. Since Saint Anthony College of Nursing focuses on the nursing curriculum; students are usually admitted as juniors, having completed the prerequisite credits at a different accredited college or university.
Admission Requirements
There is a definite deadline for admission to the BSN program at Saint Anthony College of Nursing. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their requirements on or before the closing date in every fall or spring semester. Transfer guides are available at the college to assist every applicant with their admission.
The Saint Anthony College of Nursing requires applicants to complete the school’s application form and pay the separate entry fee. Official transcripts from an accredited college or university must show at least 32 completed prerequisite credits, a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a minimum GPA of 2.7 in one college-level anatomy and physiology, chemistry, or microbiology. Applicants will undergo a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and a passing TOEFL score if English is not the primary language.
Decisions regarding the applicant’s acceptance to the BSN program is made by the Undergraduate Admissions & Progression Committee. This is based on the fulfillment of admission requirements.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees of Saint Anthony College of Nursing are subject to change at any time. Undergraduate students seeking admission must pay a non-refundable fee of $75 for their applications. The full-time student tuition is $12,113 for 12 to 18 credits, while the part-time student tuition is $758 per credit hour. Other fees related to the BSN program are listed on the school’s official website.
RN to BSN Program
The RN to BSN program of Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a program for Registered Nurses having an Associate Degree in Nursing who want to obtain a Baccalaureate degree in the same profession. The program creates a pathway to graduate studies and advanced nursing positions. It is a way to increase one’s earning potential and experience more autonomy on the job.
The RN to BSN program can be completed in less than 18 months, depending on the student’s completed prerequisite courses. Classes are 50% online and 50% in a classroom setting. The 128-hour curriculum has three areas of study; general education and required support courses (51 credits), nursing credits (47 credits) and RN to BSN courses (30 credits). Students in the program must complete at least 27 credits at Saint Anthony College of Nursing with a fee of $500 per credit hour.
Admission Requirements
Individuals interested in studying an RN to BSN program at Saint Anthony College of Nursing must hold a Registered Nurse license in Illinois with performed clinical experiences in a healthcare facilities. Such a license should be valid and unencumbered. Moreover, they have to complete an application form and pay a fee of $50. The official transcripts from an accredited college or university should show a minimum grade of C in all courses and general education courses must be taken or completed before graduation.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees for the RN to BSN program include an application fee, registration fee, and other miscellaneous expenses as listed on the school’s official website. The per credit hour of the RN to BSN program is $500, and students who cannot afford to cover these costs may seek scholarships and grants available at the financial aid office.
High School Entry (Early Entry)
A student who has finished a minimum of seven semesters of high school can apply for a first entry in the Saint Anthony College of Nursing. This program will prepare you for a Baccalaureate degree in nursing, which provides a solid background in the liberal arts and sciences. High school students dmitted for early entry can complete the required prerequisites for the BSN program and easily gain admission to the Baccalaureate degree.
Admission Requirements
The primary requirement of the early entry program of Saint Anthony College is completion of at least seven semesters of high school with a GPA of 3.25 or greater, and two years and a half of high school science. Applicants must complete and submit an Application for Admission and pay the necessary fees. They have to complete a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before enrollment.
Graduate Programs
The Graduate Programs of Saint Anthony College of Nursing is designed for part-time students who wish to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. It is built on the concepts of a Baccalaureate degree in nursing, and students can choose their field of specialization or track of development.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program builds on the concepts learned from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education. Students can choose three fields of specialization: the Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) in adult health concepts, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), and Nurse Educators (NE). These program tracks are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the State of Illinois Board of Education.
The faculty and staff of Saint Anthony College of Nursing provide personal and individualized attention to students. The classes are offered in the evening, and students meet one night per week. Every class has a format of 50% online and 50% in a classroom setting.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is someone who is a Master’s prepared, nationally board certified clinician, ready to work with any patient population in various healthcare settings. This role was created in response to gaps and fragmentation in patient care. Clinical Nurse Leaders ensure quality and evidence-based care to patients and families in various practice settings. They also provide leadership in the enhancement of staff, programs, and resources that support the goals and missions of the healthcare organization. The CNL does not have prescription privileges, and they cannot diagnose medical conditions, but they often partner with other healthcare providers and teams to deliver and develop quality services to diverse patient populations.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a clinical expert in evidence-based nursing practice capable of treating and managing the health care issues of patients and populations. Graduates of this specialization will have prescriptive authority to provide non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment. They are allowed to order diagnostic and laboratory tests to address and manage health problems. The curriculum of a Clinical Nurse Specialist follows competencies emphasized in the AACN, Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing. Students who complete the program will be eligible for the CNS national certification given by the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Nurse Educators
The Nurse Educators (NE) specialization combinse clinical expertise and teaching, allowing graduates to prepare and mentor current and soon-to-be nurses. Nurse educators are often responsible for creating, implementing, assessing, and revising continuing education programs for nurses. These healthcare professionals are critical players in providing quality educational experiences to prospective students. Graduates of the Nurse Educator specialization of the Saint Anthony College of Nursing will be qualified to teach on a rural, urban or suburban campus, at a local community college or private university, or become a research coordinator. They will also be eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner will be equipped to provide primary nursing care to infants, children, adults, mothers, and geriatric patients in various settings. Students in the program will be capable of diagnosing a disease and ordering a particular course of treatment. They can manage chronic illness, evaluate diagnostic tests, or prescribe medications as needed. The Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum focuses on injury and illness prevention, health promotion, and assessment, diagnosis, management, as well as treatment of acute and chronic health problems. It follows the guidelines of the American Association of Nursing Colleges (AANC), the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
Admission Requirement
The disclosure requirement of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program includes a current resume, a completed application with a non-refundable fee, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse or APN. Applicants should submit three professional letters of recommendation, a typed statement of educational, professional and career goals, a criminal background check, health history, drug screening, and immunization status.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an advanced level of nursing education that focuses on the latest research findings that improve clinical practice. It is offered to Registered Nurses having a Baccalaureate and Master’s degree in nursing, who wish to further their education and role in the healthcare profession.
Individuals interested in the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program at Saint Anthony College of Nursing should submit their resume, completed application form, and an official transcript from their college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. They should also provide proof of an unencumbered RN or APRN license, three professional letters of recommendation, criminal background check, health history, immunization status, and drug screening.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees for MSN and DNP students vary from the undergraduate nursing programs. Aside from the per credit hour fee of $932, students pay an application fee, registration fee, graduation fee, and many others. A complete list of the tuition and fees are posted on the school’s website.