First cohort of nursing students graduate from Judson College this summer

This summer, Judson College in Marion graduated its first students from the nursing program. With degree in hand, these students are now eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (registered nurse) exam in pursuit of licensure as a registered nurse. 

Nursing students have two degree options. They can complete a 72-credit-hour program (including general education and nursing courses) that leads to an associate degree in nursing (ADN). A four-year program leading to a bachelor of science in biology and an ADN (Track III of the biology major) is also available, which requires an additional 68 credit hours. 

Judson President David Potts said, “We’re a Christian college and the school has always been solid in science and in pre-professional programs in allied health professions.” The new program utilizes the facilities and resources of Judson’s highly successful science department, which boasts a 100-percent acceptance rate to graduate schools and professional programs among pre-professional studies students who meet these programs’ minimum requirements. 

In addition, the nursing labs feature state-of-the-art simulators, which allow students hands-on skills practice. “Our labs provide students greater opportunities to become familiar with equipment and procedures prior to entering the clinical setting,” said Christine White, nursing clinical and lab coordinator.

“We began this program to provide opportunities for entrance into the nursing profession. There is an increased interest in the nursing profession and there are not enough nursing schools to meet the demand. Judson’s nursing program would welcome the opportunity to provide nursing education to highly qualified students,” Nursing Program Director Wanda Hayes said. 

Financial assistance may be available to qualified nursing students and forgiveness of student loans may be possible. 

“Many of our students develop excellent contacts and references while participating in clinicals in a number of facilities,” Hayes said.

For more information, visit www.judson.edu or call the office of admissions at 800-447-9472.