Park University: Nursing Program

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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?
Do I get money back/charged a lower fee if I already have some of the non-nursing course?
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?
What is your pass rate on the NCLEX-RN?
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?
Can I retake a test to improve my score?
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.)?
What kind of jobs do A.D.N.s get?
How much more money does an RN/A.D.N. make than an LPN?
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?
How do I get a BSN after the A.D.N.?
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 31 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 13 credit hours of non-nursing courses: two English - First Year Writing Seminar I and First Year Writing Seminar II, 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 responsibilities, teaching the new skills of IV therapy and physical assessment. Much time is devoted to preparing you to think independently and make decisions as a professional nurses. 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 $18,038.00. 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.
Do I get money back/charged a lower fee if I already have some of the non-nursing course?: No, the fee we charge is simply how much it costs Park University to run the program. All the courses have to be offered regardless of how many or how few students need each one.
Can I take other courses if I already have the non-nursing course requirements?: Yes, you can take up to 45 credit hours from Park University at no additional cost during the A.D.N. program.
How long do I have to take the 45 total hours without having to pay additional tuition?: Nursing students who do not take all 45 credit hours from Park University during the time they are in the A.D.N. program are eligible to take an additional 1-6 credit hours at Park University during the next calendar year after graduation at no additional charge.

What does the flat fee include?: Tuition, clinical course fees, science lab course fees, computer lab fees, professional liability insurance, fees for granting college equivalency credit for PN course, four (4) graduation pictures, school nursing pins, name pin, sleeve patch, Nursing Student Handbook, pre-NCLEX-RN examination assessment testing, and more. It does not cover textbooks (around $800) or health insurance (around $400/year) if you need it.
What kind of uniforms do you require?: Any standard white professional 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 and apply for a wide variety of types of financial aid including loans, grants and scholarships. 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.
What is your pass rate on the NCLEX-RN?: Park University has over the years maintained a pass rate average of 88%, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. For the most recent information, please contact the Missouri State Board of Nursing at 573-751-0080 or their web site at http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp.
How does the application process work?: Application packets are available around mid-January each year; call the nursing office at 816.584.6257 and request that 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-January and must be in by April 15th. All entrance exams/validation tests 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 entrance exams/validation tests like?: They are multiple choice tests over your PN knowledge. We must assure that everyone admitted is up-to-date on this information because we do not repeat PN school content and some applicants have been out of PN school many years. The tests take about six hours to take, all in one day. There are six tests: Fundamental of Nursing, Medical Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Maternal Nursing, Child Nursing and Medication Dosage Calculations.
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.
Can I retake a test to improve my score?: No.
How many references do you require?: Three -- One from your PN school director/coordinator, one professional reference (a PN school instructor or work supervisor), and one other reference of your choice (a friend, co-worker, for example).
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 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 total of the scores from the entrance exams are ranked from high to low. We then select the top scoring 40 applicants along with 5-7 alternates. This assumes that the application file is complete and your references are good. If not, those applicants go to the bottom of the list regardless of how well they scored.

Is there a waiting list to get in?: We do not use waiting lists. The nursing program is limited to a maximum of 40 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 entrance exams 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; entrance exam 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.
What kind of jobs do A.D.N.s get?: Most graduates work as staff RNs in hospitals, although more are going straight into ambulatory care settings, physician offices, extended care facilities, etc.
How much more money does an RN/A.D.N. make than an LPN?: This varies by facility, but general new RNs make about $5.00 - $10.00 more than LPNs.
Where do you have clinicals?: North Kansas City Hospital, Western Missouri Mental Health Center, 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?: No.
Will my A.D.N. from Park University transfer to a BSN program?: In the past, Park Univesity graduates have continued their education to receive a BSN from many local area schools.
How do I get a BSN after the A.D.N.?: Apply to the school of your choice, expecting to take an additional two full time years or longer part time, totaling around 60-70 additional credit hours after the A.D.N.
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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