Blog

Interested in a career where you get to make a difference? Consider becoming a nurse! With advanced nursing degrees, many exciting career options are available, so no matter your interest, the job field has something for everyone. Job opportunities for nurses are expected to increase by 25% from 2020 to 2030. 

If you’re interested in all the advantages of a nursing career, now is a great time to take advantage of Lackawanna College’s nursing degree opportunities.

What types of nursing degrees does Lackawanna College offer?

Lackawanna College offers a Nursing Associate of Science degree. This degree prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (or NCLEX-RN), which is the exam that determines whether students are prepared to become licensed Registered nurses.

These are the key features of our nursing degree program:

• The nursing degree program offers real-world, applicable experience.
• The simulation lab provides examples of daily nursing decisions.
• Prepares students for a fast-paced and high-stress nursing career.
• A mix of lab, classroom, and clinical learning for comprehensive education.
• Graduates equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge.
• High job readiness for immediate employment after degree completion.

Lackawanna College also offers an RN-to-BSN degree program exclusively online for active, licensed RNs looking to enhance their education and advance their careers.

Pursuing an RN-to-BSN program offers numerous benefits, including career advancement, higher earning potential, improved patient care skills, professional growth, and the ability to adapt to changing healthcare trends. It’s a valuable step for registered nurses looking to expand their opportunities and make a greater impact in the field of nursing.

In response to the increasing complexity of patient needs and healthcare, nurses must broaden their knowledge to ensure the delivery of top-notch care. Lackawanna College’s program is built upon a solid foundation encompassing courses in leadership, healthcare policy, systems enhancement, research and evidence-based practice, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and addressing public health and geriatric nursing.

What are the prerequisites for nursing?

Students must provide proof of prerequisite coursework to enter the Lackawanna Nursing Associate of Science degree program. This coursework ensures that students are prepared for a rigorous program based on the sciences.

As outlined in our Nursing Program Application, there are different ways to provide proof of this coursework.

• You can submit an official high school transcript or GED showing a minimum of 16 units, including four units of English, three units of Social Studies, two units of mathematics (one being Algebra), and two units of Science with a related laboratory element.
• Or, you can show proof of completion of two high school or college level biological or physical sciences with a passing grade of C or better. Remember that the courses should be no more than three years old if these were completed in high school. If these were completed in college, they should be no more than five years old or as part of a completed degree in a healthcare-related field. 

What are other elements of the nursing application?

Along with these prerequisite courses, the nursing degree application requires the following:

• Information on college coursework that may be eligible for direct transfer to Lackawanna College.
• High school and college transcripts, along with information on previous colleges attended.
• Descriptions of previous healthcare work experience.
• Description of any military service.
• Three references from individuals who can speak to your ability to succeed in a fast-paced nursing program.
• An essay that responds to a provided prompt.
• An optional informational session outlining the requirements of our program.
• And lastly, a professional, 30-minute interview with the nursing program faculty.

What classes do I take to become a nurse?

The classes to be a nurse cover a range of relevant nursing topics and scenarios so that students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN upon program completion. What are some of the classes you can expect to take?

• Nursing Care courses. In these courses, you’ll learn foundational nursing skills and concepts to start your career. These classes are broken into multiple stages, so you’ll learn everything from basic wound care to how to care for critically ill patients.
• Pharmacology courses. These courses will outline pharmaceutical management for various disorders.
• Ethics in professional nursing. You’ll explore the important intersection of nursing and ethical situations, including how to apply ethical decision-making to various dilemmas.
• Health policy. You’ll discuss healthcare trends related to socio-political forces and issues in the United States.
• Courses on caring for specific groups. Some courses focus on the knowledge needed for groups with unique needs, such as maternal care or aging populations.
• And more!

Students research evidence-based practices throughout these courses and use clinical and laboratory experiences to aid their classroom knowledge. Lackawanna’s nursing classes cover the information and practical experience nurses rely on daily.

Interested in pursuing your nursing degree? Contact us at Lackawanna College to discover all the opportunities our nursing program can provide!