EIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If a student comes to EIU to study nursing, are they automatically in the Nursing Program?

No. Students admitted via the traditional pathway enter EIU as pre-nursing and spend the first 2 semesters of the freshman year taking general education and pre-requisite math/science courses. In the spring of freshman year, students submit an application to the nursing program. Admission to the nursing major is competitive.

Does EIU have a direct entry option to the program for high school students?

Yes. Refer to the School of Nursing website under "Direct Entry for Incoming Freshman" for further information.

Can a student transfer from a community college to EIU and study nursing?

Refer to the School of Nursing website under "Transfer Students" for further information.

Note: If a student attends a community college and graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then that student can enroll in EIU’s online RN-to-BSN Program to complete their Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN). Dual enrollment in both programs is also an option. Please visit https://www.eiu.edu/rnbsn/ for more information.

Can a student transfer a course or courses from other colleges?

Yes. The student must send official transcripts to be evaluated by an academic advisor to determine if courses are acceptable.

If a student has taken a health occupations course or is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), do they receive college credit or exemption from other nursing coursework?

Yes. Students who have completed an approved dual-credit health occupations course or who hold a current Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification may be eligible to receive college credit or an exemption from certain introductory nursing coursework.

For example, students meeting established criteria may be exempted from NUR 1511 – Pathways: Health and Human Services. Eligibility for course exemptions or credit is evaluated on an individual basis and may require submission of transcripts, certification documentation, or other supporting materials.

In addition to potential course exemptions, CNA certification and health occupations coursework provide valuable clinical experience and can help students develop foundational patient care skills prior to entering the nursing program.

If a student wants to pursue a specific specialty in nursing, e.g., Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Critical Care, or Travel Nursing, do they need to take different courses or enroll in a specific undergraduate nursing program?

No. To become licensed as a Registered Nurse and practice clinically, all nurses must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the national licensing exam (e.g., NCLEX). The nursing program at EIU is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Illinois State Board of Nursing and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. Once a Registered Nurse graduates and passes the licensing exam, then they can practice in any nursing specialty.

If a student wants to pursue an advanced degree in nursing, e.g., Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), do they need to take different courses or enroll in a specific undergraduate nursing program?

No. Advanced practice options, such as NP, CRNA, and CNM, require a minimum of a Master’s degree. Admission to one of these graduate programs requires that a student first graduate from an accredited undergraduate nursing program, obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN), and complete a specific number of clinical practice hours as a RN. It does not require completion of certain undergraduate courses or graduation from a specific nursing program. 

Are there scholarships available for students studying nursing at EIU?

Yes. Please visit EIU Scholarships at https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/ for more information.

Is there a point of contact for the nursing program at EIU?

Yes.

Dr. Richard Clapp, Director of the Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program

Email: Rmclapp2@eiu.edu

Phone: 217-581-7166.