Frequently Asked Questions By Prospective Nursing Students
- How long is the program?
- What is the schedule like?
- What are the prerequisites?
- What courses do I have to take to graduate?
- What type of content is in the nursing courses and how is it different from PN courses?
- What is your grading scale?
- How much does the program cost?
- Does it cost more if I do not live in Missouri?
- Can I take other courses if I already have the non-nursing course requirements?
- How long do I have to take the 45 total hours without having to pay additional tuition
- What does the flat fee include?
- What kind of uniforms do you require?
- Is there financial aid available?
- How do I buy books?
- Can I use someone's books who went to Park last year?
- Can classmates share books?
- Are you NLN accredited?
- How does the application process work?
- What is the timetable?
- What are the entrance exams/validation tests like?
- How can I study for these tests?
- How do I schedule the tests?
- How many times can I take the tests?
- How many references do you require?
- What else do you require for my application file?
- Do you require an interview?
- How do you pick who gets accepted?
- Is there a waiting list to get in?
- Do certain PN schools' graduates or geographic locations have priority over others?
- If I get accepted this year but cannot attend, am I first in line to get in next year?
- If I am already IV certified, do I have to repeat this content?
- Will the non-nursing course I took at XYZ college transfer to Park University?
- Is there a time limit on how old transfer course can be?
- If I took courses from Park College during PN school, doesn't Park University already have my PN transcript?
- What are your students usually like (age, experience, etc.)?
- Where do you have clinicals?
- What are the qualifications of the faculty?
- Should new PN graduates get experience before going to Park University?
- Can I start classes if I have not yet passed the NCLEX-PN?
- What if I don't pass the NCLEX-PN?
- Does Park University have an LPN program?
- Where can I get an LPN?
- Does Park University have a BSN program?
- Will my A.D.N. from Park University transfer to a BSN program?
- Does Park University offer a CAN, EMT, PT, etc., program?
- If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
- How long is the program?
-
Ten months at the most (meaning you finish by the end of May), which includes a
month off at Christmas. Some students finish in 9 1/2 months if they have already taken
their Psychology or Sociology course, which means they will be finished by mid-May.
- What is the schedule like?
-
The program's classes are held during day hours Monday-Friday, although some science
course labs run into late afternoon. Class time is usually Monday, Wednesday and/or
Friday, and clinicals on Tuesday and Thursday. These, however, are subject to change.
- What are the prerequisites?
-
There are no prerequisites, other than you be a graduate of a school of practical
nursing. You can take all the courses you need for the A.D.N. during the program at
Park University. However, you may take non-nursing courses before applying if you
choose to do so; we do not refer to them as prerequisites.
- What courses do I have to take to graduate?
-
There are 28 credit hours of nursing courses covering these subjects: Nursing Transitions, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing II, Nursing Health Assessment, Clinical Adult Health Nursing, Maternal/Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Nursing Practice Application and Management & Issues in Nursing. There are
16 credit hours of non-nursing courses: two English - First Year Writing Seminar I and First Year Writing Seminar II, Introduction to Computers, Clinical Microbiology with Lab, and (one of the following for a total of 3 credit hours) Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Social Work or 200 level or higher elective in Psychology or Sociology.
- What type of content is in the nursing courses and how is it different
from PN courses?
-
Since ours is an accelerated program, we do not repeat PN school content. We focus on
RN roles and responsibilitie. Much time is devoted to preparing you to think independently and make decisions
as a professional nurse. Content also focuses on helping you to understand the rationale
behind nursing interventions, evaluating patient outcomes, and planning patient care.
- What is your grading scale?
-
You must get a "C" or higher in every nursing course to pass and go on to the next
course. The grading scale is: 92-100% = A, 84-91% = B, 75-83% = C, 66-74% = D and
0-65% = F.
- How much does the program cost?
-
The current cost is a flat rate fee of $20,857.00. This may increase a small amount each
year to keep pace with inflation. The fee we charge is very competitive with similar schools
and as an RN you should make at least that much more in higher salary your first year after
graduation.
- Does it cost more if I do not live in Missouri?
- No, Park University is a private university and does not charge out-of-state tuition.
-
- What does the flat fee include?
-
Tuition, clinical course fees, science lab course fees, computer lab fees professional liability insurance, fees for grainting college equivalency credit for PN course, four (4) graduation pcitures, school nursing pins, name pin, sleeve patch, Nursing Student Handbook and Standardized Testing and resource materials. It does not cover textbooks (around $1,400) or health insurance (around $1,250/year) if you need it.
- What kind of uniforms do you require?
-
Any standard white professional top with black pants uniform is fine. We will give you a Park University name
pin and sleeve patch to use as well.
- Is there financial aid available?
-
Yes, when you request an application packet, it will include extensive information and
forms to help you understand variety of types of financial aid. You may also want to check with your employer or local civic
clubs for scholarships.
All applicants are encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible.
- How do I buy books?
- They are available at the campus book store.
- Can I use someone's books who went to Park last year?
- Yes, if we are using the same versions. Occasionally we update textbooks.
- Can classmates share books?
-
This is strongly discouraged because the reading load is very heavy.
You will need to keep up with your reading assignments on a daily basis or you will fall behind
quickly.
- Are you NLN accredited?
-
Yes, the Nursing Program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission, and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools.
- How does the application process work?
-
Application packets are available around mid-February each year; call the nursing office at
816.584.6257 and request one be e-mailed to you. In it will be information about Park
University, the nursing school and the A.D.N. program, financial aid, reference forms, an
application, and other materials. Follow the instructions enclosed in the packet.
- What is the timetable?
-
All application materials are available after mid-February and must be in by April 15th. All
validation examinations must be taken by May 31st. The class is then chosen around
June 1st. Enrollment takes place later in June and classes start in August.
- What are the validation examinations like?
-
They are multiple choice tests over your PN knowledge. The test includes content over reading, writing, clinical calculations, science (physiology) and nursing fundamentals.
- How can I study for these tests?
-
Review your PN school notes and textbooks. Use any NCLEX-PN review book, such as Mosby's review,
available at most bookstores.
- How do I schedule the tests?
- Testing appointments can be scheduled once the application fee and testing fees have been submitted to the Nursing Office.
- How many times can I take the tests?
-
Only once per application season. You can test the next application season.
- How many references do you require?
-
Two-- One from your PN school director/coordinator and one professional reference (a PN
school instructor or work supervisor).
- What else do you require for my application file?
-
We must have official academic transcripts from your high school or a GED certificate, and
from each school you have attended after high school. Of course, we require an application
and a fee of $25.00. We must also have a copy of your Missouri PN license number or verification
that you are in the process of obtaining one if you live out of state or are still finishing
PN school.
- Do you require an interview?
- No.
- How do you pick who gets accepted?
-
The nursing program is limited to 65 students. The class will be chosen based on the validation examination scores (from high to low), completed files, and quality references. Approximately 10-12 alternates will be chosen to fill available vacancies as needed.
-
- Is there a waiting list to get in?
-
We do not use waiting lists. The nursing program is limited to 65 students. To accept those with the greatest promise for completion of the program, applicants will be ranked from high to low on the basis of the total scored earned on nursing validation examination and a complete file with references. Any one not admitted who wishes to be considered the next year, must
submit a written request to the Nursing Program for their file to be opened and review for an additional charge of $15.00. Reapplicants are required to take the Nursing Program's entrance exam.
- Do certain PN schools' graduates or geographic locations have priority over
others?
-
No, these factors have no relationship to our criteria for admission; validation examination score performance,
good references, and a complete application file.
- If I get accepted this year but cannot attend, am I first in line to get in next
year?
- No. (See question above about a waiting list)
-
-
- Will the non-nursing course I took at XYZ college transfer to Park University?
-
Yes, if you earned at least a "C" or higher in each course and if they are equivalent in
content to the courses we require.
- Is there a time limit on how old transfer course can be?
-
No, Park University does not have an expiration date on courses for transfer. If it has been more than
10 years, though, you probably should retake the course.
-
- What are your students usually like (age, experience, etc.)?
-
Our students are typically female, 35 years of age, married or single parents, who have been out
of PN school about five years. These are just averages, though, which means that we have a wide
variety of people.
- Where do you have clinicals?
-
Truman Medical Center, Center for Behavioral Medicine, St. Luke's Northland Hospital and other community agencies.
- What are the qualifications of the faculty?
-
As an NLNAC accredited school, all our faculty must have at least masters degrees in nursing or
be nearing completion of that degree. Some plan to work on doctorates.
- Should new PN graduates get experience before going to Park University?
-
That is purely a personal decision. There are advantages to taking time off to earn some money
and build clinical skills, but it has not made a difference in chances for success at Park
University.
- Can I start classes if I have not yet passed the NCLEX-PN?
-
Yes, you must submit proof of passing the NCLEX-PN and Missouri LPN licensure within 90 days from your PN graduation.
- What if I don't pass the NCLEX-PN?
-
Then you would not be able to continue in the Park University Associate Degree in Nursing Program.
- Does Park University have an LPN program?
- No.
- Where can I get an LPN?
-
A complete list of nursing schools can be found at the Missouri State Board of Nursing web site http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp and also at the Kansas State Board of Nursing at http://www.ksbn.org.
- Does Park University have a BSN program?
- Yes, BSN Completion program. Please visit the web site http://www.park.edu/nursing/bsn.
- Will my A.D.N. from Park University transfer to a BSN program?
-
All the ADN credits will transfer into the BSN Completion program at Park University. However, there are other program in the area. Student needs to evaluate their program of choice for transfer credit.
- Does Park University offer a CNA, EMT, PT, etc., program?
- No.
- If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
- The Nursing Program's office at 816-584-6257.
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