Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is Basic BSN?
A: The basic BSN is a four-year, full-time, cohort program which leads to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN Exam (Registered Nurse [RN] License Exam). This program is intended for students who do not hold an RN license.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long ago science support courses have been taken and can still be used to meet your entrance requirements to the program? 
A: Yes, science support courses must be completed within 5 years of admission to the nursing program.

Q: What Chemistry courses will articulate, or be equivalent, to your CHEM 105?
A: See Transfer Articulation Guides posted on the nursing Web site.

Q: How do I know if a course that I’ve previously taken will meet the entrance requirements for the program? 
A: If you have completed coursework at community university(s) and have questions about course equivalency, check with your community university counselor. If you attended an out-of-state or private school we recommend that you communicate with the Admissions Department and they can assist you in verifying equivalency.

Q: I have completed university coursework or a degree outside of the United States. How do I know which of these credits will be accepted at Rockford University?
A: First, you’ll need to have this coursework evaluated by an independent evaluation company. Here is a link to an evaluation company that applicants with international documents can use.http://www.ierf.org/ We will not evaluate foreign transcripts which have not first been evaluated by an independent evaluation company.

Q: Do you accept 2nd Bachelor Degree students for Nursing at Rockford University?
A: Yes, 2nd bachelor degree students can be admitted to the University as undeclared students (area of interest nursing) and can apply to the nursing program. Please contact the Office of Admission for admission criteria.

Q: How many entry points are there per year into the Nursing program?
A: Two. Spring and Fall semester.

Q: Who has to take the Nurse Entrance Exam (NEE) exam?
A: The NEE is designed as a predictor of success for Nursing program applicants. This exam is only required for Basic BSN applicants; it is not required for Early Decision Option students.

Q: Does work experience in a healthcare facility better an applicant’s chances of being selected?
A: No. It is more important that you receive good university preparation in high school. Frequently, students take nurse aid type courses in high school at the expense of getting chemistry, algebra, and other critical science and math courses. Work experience may help you better decide about your nursing career; however, proper academic preparation in math and science will result in greater success in a university.

Q: If I want to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) what do I have to do?
A: Students that have successfully completed NURS 200 – Fundamentals of Contemporary Nursing Practice can apply to take the certification exam. The student must contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 217-785-5133 to obtain the form to submit for approval. For all information related to becoming a CNA, including testing dates and locations, go to the following Web site, http://www.nurseaidetesting.com.

Q: If I took a Nursing prerequisite course and received a grade that I didn’t like, and took that same class again, what grade will you accept?
A: If the course is taken at another institution, no course with a grade of less than a “C” will be accepted. A student who receives a grade lower than a C- in any required natural and social science support course may repeat the course and have the repeated course grade counted toward the CGPA. Only one of the required natural and social science support courses may be repeated. If a student receives a grade lower than a C- grade in more than one of the required natural and social science support courses, they will not be considered for admission to the major.

Q: What is provisional acceptance?
A: When a student is notified of a provisional acceptance, this means that a space has been reserved for him/her in the Nursing program for the following class. This becomes a full acceptance upon successfully completing any remaining prerequisites and maintaining progression requirements.

Q: Once admitted to the Nursing program, how long will it take to complete nursing course requirements?
A: Nursing course work is sequenced over 4 semesters.

Q: Can a student take nursing courses without being enrolled in the School of Nursing?
A: Currently one nursing course, NURS 150 – Contemporary Nutrition, can be taken without having been accepted into the nursing program.

Q: Is there a Student Nurses Association at Rockford University?
A: Yes. Contact the Nursing Department for meeting times and places for the Nursing Student Organization (NSO). First-year and new students are encouraged to join.

Q: Once I’ve been admitted to the Nursing program, must I always maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA)?
A: Yes. While you are in the Nursing program, you must maintain a CGPA of 2.75. However, if you drop out for any reason, you may be required to raise your grade point average before re-admittance is allowed.

Q: What if I fail a nursing course?
A: You must immediately discuss your academic issues with your nursing advisor. If your CGPA meets progression requirements re-enrollment in a course is on a space available basis. Should your CGPA be below progression requirements you must petition for readmission to the program. Note: You may repeat a nursing course only once. Two failures in any combination of nursing courses will result in dismissal.

Q: Is the Nursing Department accredited?
A: Rockford University Department of Nursing is approved by the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) www.idfpr.com and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.(ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 | Atlanta, Georgia  30326 P.(404) 975 5000 | F. (404) 975-5020 www.acenursing.org