Bachelor of Science in Nursing
our history Saint Anthony College of Nursing is an upper division college, offering the last two years of a four-year program for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students are encouraged to think creatively and become excellent decision makers. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program balances the study of science and liberal arts so that graduates are prepared to face challenges in and out of the workplace. The Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis opened the Saint Anthony School of Nursing in 1915. During the early 1990 s, the school became a baccalaureate degree granting institution and changed its name to Saint Anthony College of Nursing. During its history, more than 2,700 graduates have joined the nursing profession. In the fall of 2006 the College accepted its first Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) class. Why A BSN? The BSN is a baccalaureate, four-year college degree that provides the liberal arts and science background expected of today and tomorrow s Registered Nurse. BSN nurses are prepared to work in acute care settings and hospitals, schools, occupational health sites, public health, research, US government agencies, as well as pharmaceutical and insurance corporations. Education grounded in arts and sciences as well as nursing and leadership is an expectation. A BSN is the foundation for nurses who seek opportunities at the master or doctorate level. A BSN provides a broad spectrum of scientific, critical thinking, humanistic, communication and leadership concepts expected of a professional in today s world. Our Mission Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a private, Catholic college that provides quality undergraduate and graduate education. This education, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, is provided in an environment that encourages open inquiry and lifelong learning in order to serve persons with the greatest care and love. 2 mission
What You ll Find At The College The College building contains the Sister Mary Linus Learning Resource Center, computer lab, fully equipped health assessment laboratory, networked classrooms, and student study rooms for teaching or discussion groups. The excellent facilities and faculty at the College combine to create an atmosphere that enhances skill development and the educational experience. Clinical Agencies/ Learning Experiences The College of Nursing offers a demanding curriculum that provides more than 700 hours of direct clinical experience in a variety of acute care settings including OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a Magnet designated facility with a Level I Trauma Center. Students will also gain experience working in ambulatory care settings such as home healthcare, mental health clinics, as well as community agencies and clinics. Students will gain clinical experience with children, adults and geriatric patients. Learning is enhanced because of the College s commitment to maintaining a low student to faculty ratio. In addition, the Sister Mary Linus Learning Resource Center, skill lab and other innovative classroom experiences provide ample opportunities for academic and personal growth. Saint Anthony College of Nursing at Guilford Square SACN has expanded beyond the main campus to include facilities at Guilford Square, 698 Featherstone Dr, Rockford to serve the College s increasing enrollment. Only 1.2 miles from the main campus, this new facility provides students with a high fidelity clinical simulation lab, a second clinical skill lab, an auditorium which seats over 150, and a large student classroom, in addition to those already available on the main campus. at the college of nursing 3
An application will be considered for admission if the following are on file by the deadline date: An application for admission with appropriate fee Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing: Completion of at least 32 of the 64 required prerequisite credits (all 64 must be completed before the first day of attendance). Completion of at least one acceptable course in a college-level anatomy & physiology, microbiology, or chemistry and a minimum grade point average for those science courses of at least 2.7 Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale Three acceptable professional letters of recommendation, including one from a current or recent college instructor (preferably from one of the required science courses). Reference forms will be supplied to the applicant upon receipt of the application for admission. Personal interview with a College representative, including an essay of personal, professional, educational and career goals written at the time of the interview. Satisfactory completion of admission testing Any other required academic verification Students are encouraged to contact the College before starting their college course work. It is to the student s benefit to make sure that the course work taken at other colleges and universities will meet the requirements for admission to Saint Anthony College of Nursing. Transcripts may be submitted and a transfer evaluation may be completed by the Student Affairs staff to assist students in planning their course schedule. No grade below a C may be transferred. To be eligible for review by the admission committee, updated transcripts must be sent after additional coursework is completed. Transcripts are considered official only when sent directly from the reporting institution. Transfer guides are available at our website. Applications for admission are reviewed using a tiered system: First Tier: Applicants with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or a prior bachelor s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Second Tier: All other applicants or those who did not meet the first tier deadline. Deadlines: Fall Semester: September 15 for fall of the next year (first tier). February 15 of the same year (second tier). Spring Semester: February 15 for spring of the next year (first tier). September 15 for spring of the next year (second tier). Delays: Students requesting a delay of their application to a future semester must submit a written request to the Student Affairs Office specifying the future semester. High School Students A student who has completed at least seven (7) semesters of high school with a minimum of a 3.25 GPA and at least 2.5 years of high school science may apply for provisional acceptance. They must complete the reference, testing, and interview requirements. RN-to-BSN Students Nurses who hold an RN license in Illinois and wish to pursue a bachelor degree should contact the Student Affairs Office for information about BSN completion. Acceptance Students are initially granted provisional acceptance, pending completion of the prerequisite courses. Decisions regarding the provisional acceptance of each applicant are made by the Academic Standards Committee based upon the fulfillment of admission requirements. Saint Anthony College of Nursing conducts its program and implements policies on a non-discriminatory basis with respect to race, age, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, military service, status upon military discharge, disability or handicap, and creed. The College retains the right to accept the most highly qualified applicants. Students granted final acceptance have completed at least 64 semester hours in the required prerequisites from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a 2.7 GPA for the nursing prerequisite science courses (anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and chemistry). Provisionally accepted students must satisfactorily pass drug screening and criminal background check before final acceptance is granted.detailed information about requirements and procedures is listed on the College website at. 4 undergraduate admission
Lower Division Courses The required nursing prerequisites and general education core classes are listed below. Description of courses must agree with criteria as required by Saint Anthony College of Nursing. For transfer guides go to or call the Admissions Office at 815-227-2141. Nursing Prerequisites Anatomy & Physiology 4 College Chemistry 3 Microbiology 4 Nutrition 3 Statistics or College Algebra 3 Developmental Psychology 3 Total for Nursing Prerequisites 20 General Education Core English Composition - 1st semester 3 English Composition - 2nd semester 3 Introduction to Sociology 3 General Psychology 3 Speech 3 Philosophy or Humanities 3 Cultural Diversity 3 Fine Arts 3 Life/Physical Science Elective 4 Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3 Biology Elective 4 Electives 3 Electives 3 Electives 3 Total for General Education 44 A bachelor s degree from a regionally accredited college or university satisfies general education core requirements. Upper Division Curriculum Plan Nursing and upper division courses taken at Saint Anthony College of Nursing. Semester I N301 Pathophysiology of Health Deviations 3 N302 Health Assessment 3 N304 Concepts of Professional Nursing 3 N307 Foundations of Nursing Practice 8 Total Semester 17 Semester II N317 Adult Health Deviations 3 N324 Principles of Pharmacology 3 N332 Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of 2 nursing Care N350 Nursing of Families with Infants 8 and Children Total Semester 16 Semester III N326 Nursing Research 3 P342 Catholic Principles for Ethics 4 and Health Care N401 Nursing Care of the Adult 8 with Complex Health Deviations Total Semester 15 Semester IV N430 Nursing Leadership and Management 4 in Health Care Systems N453 Community and Psychiatric Mental 8 health Nursing N469 Case Studies in Nursing 4 Total Semester 16 curriculum 5
The financial aid programs available at the College include grants, tuition waivers, scholarships and loans. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office at 815-395-5089 concerning eligibility questions, procedures, application forms, and additional financial aid information. Saint Anthony Medical Center Programs The following financial aid programs are available to qualified students at Saint Anthony College of Nursing. Internship Programs Students may apply for summer employment at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center after they have completed their first semester and are planning to continue the nursing program. Part-Time Work Program Part-time employment at OSF Saint Anthony may be available throughout the second year of the program. Federal and State Programs PELL Grant MAP Grant (Illinois State Monetary Award) Stafford Loan (subsidized - need based) Students may borrow up to $5,500/year, depending on need. Stafford Loan (unsubsidized - non-need based) Dependent students may use the unsubsidized loan to reach that portion of the $5,500 that they did not qualify for under the subsidized program. An additional $2,000 unsubsidized may be borrowed by dependent students for a total of $7,500. Independent students may borrow a maximum of $12,500 between the two programs. THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES THAT THE STUDENT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTEREST WHILE IN SCHOOL. PLUS Loans (parent loans for undergraduate students) Private Scholarships Visit for more information. Students submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be considered for any available private scholarships. The Financial Aid Office posts scholarship information on the College website (sacn.edu). Students beginning to take the required pre-nursing courses at their colleges or universities, in preparation for transferring to Saint Anthony College of Nursing, should contact the Financial Aid Office at that institution for financial aid. Students should be sure to use 009987 when applying at Saint Anthony College of Nursing. The Legacy Endowment Fund The Legacy Endowment Fund has over 40 named scholarships which are awarded to students based on academic achievement and financial need. Completing the FAFSA automatically makes a student eligible for consideration for these scholarships. Other Places To Look For Financial Assistance: Your current place of employment. Your city or county nurses association may offer annual scholarships for both credit and non-credit continuing education. Local newspapers also publish notices about community organizations that offer scholarships. Alternative Loan Programs Internet Sources www.collegezone.com www.discovernursing.com www.fastweb.com This is not an all inclusive list! For further information, contact your local library or the Financial Aid Office at your school. 6 financial aid programs
Is Saint Anthony College of Nursing accredited? Yes. Saint Anthony College of Nursing is accredited by: The Higher Learning Commission; Member-North Central Association 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 Telephone 312-263-0456 www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org The BSN Program is accredited by: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530 Washington DC 20036-1120 Telephone 202-887-6791 What does it cost to attend SACN? Current tuition and fees are available on the college website at. What courses transfer from my local community college? Curriculum sheets for local community colleges are available on the College website at. Students may have transcripts sent to the Student Affairs Office for an evaluation of transfer credits. Is there any financial aid available? SACN participates in federal and state financial aid programs and has information and assists with applications for private scholarships. Refer to the financial aid information on page 6. Do I have to be Catholic to attend SACN? No. The students at SACN are from a wide variety of faiths including Christian and non-christian. Do I have to work at OSF Saint Anthony after graduation? No. Although many of our graduates choose to work at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center after graduation, the choice is left to the student. Placement information is available through the Student Affairs Office. Can I attend part-time? Yes, an average of 10-15% of the students are part-time. However, for all students, the program must be completed within five years starting with the first clinical course. Are all the clinical experiences at OSF Saint Anthony? No, the College has agreements with many healthcare facilities, such as Rockford Health System, SwedishAmerican Hospital, Singer Mental Health & Development Center, Walter Lawson s Children s Home and the Winnebago County Housing Authority. Students will attend clinical experiences in 20 to 30 different settings during the program. The support I received from everyone at the College has been great. Trevor Woodward, BSN, RN Class of 2002 2003 I have no doubt that I received the best and most hands-on education possible in the region. Sharon Dimond, BSN, RN Class of 1999 2000 The supportive instructors, administrators and staff encouraged me throughout my time there and prepared me for the NCLEX with the tough curriculum. Patty Powers, BSN, RN Class of 2004 2005 frequently asked questions 7
Vantage Pl. N. Mulford Rd. Featherstone Rd. Apawamis Way Roxbury Rd. 698 Featherstone Rd. OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing Guilford Square Inverness Dr. Garrett Ln. Garrett Ln. N Strathmoor Drive Student Parking 5658 E. State St. Saint Anthony College of Nursing Employee/Student Parking Emergency Patient Parking Emergency Department Entrance Strathmoor Drive Strathmoor Drive Executive Pkwy Bienterra Trail 444 Roxbury Rd. Rockford Cardiology Sleep Disorders Business Office Diabetes Center Human Resources Marketing & Communications Outpatient Rehab Sports Medicine Fitness Center Roxbury Road 5510 E. State St. OSF Saint Anthony Center for Health Visitor/Patient Parking OSF Wound Healing Center OSF Center For Cancer Care 5666 E. State St. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center N. Mulford Rd. East State Street East State Street 5658 E. State St. Rockford, Illinois 61108-2468 P: 815/395-5091 F: 815/395-2275 msn.sacn.edu saint anthony college of nursing Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located on the 100-acre campus of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Rockford is 75 miles northwest of Chicago near Interstate 90 and U.S. 20. The College of Nursing is located at 5658 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108-2468 and Guilford Square is located at 698 Featherstone Rd, Rockford, IL 61107-6303. To request information, go to or e-mail the College s admissions department at admissions@sacn.edu Copyright 2008 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center