Online RN to BSN Completion Sequence Frequently Asked Questions

How is the on-line program structured?

Students are expected to attend an orientation to the on-line BSN Sequence at the beginning of the semester for which they are accepted. Coursework, quizzes and most exams are completed on-line within designated time parameters. Students may be requested to come to campus one time during the semester to complete course assignments, but this varies by instructor and course. Academic advising sessions may be made through scheduled telephone appointments.

How many clinical courses do students need to complete in the sequence?

Students are expected to complete one Community Health Nursing clinical to be arranged with a preceptor in the student's home town. Ninety-six hours of clinical time must be completed during the course of the semester. Clinical arrangements can be made to match student interest. Some typical placements include a health department, school nurse setting, or home health agency. A portfolio process is available to students who have worked in the community health nursing setting.

Do any of the courses have practicum projects?

The Nursing Therapeutics course involves completing a patient-focused teaching module. Students must complete 2.5 hours of practicum per week for their Nursing Therapeutics project. The Professional Leadership/ Capstone course also includes practicum hours to equal 31 - 32 hours. This project involves a staff- focused teaching module.

What is the typical plan of study for students who enter the program?

Although the trend changes each year, most students who are enrolled in the RN/BSN Sequence continue to work in some capacity while completing nursing coursework. Although not recommended, some students do choose to work full-time while fulfilling a full-time plan of study. The majority of part-time students will complete the sequence in two years, although some students choose to extend their plan of study to three years. Full time plans of study are based on course availability. Priority scheduling will be given to early applicants.

Are there any limits on when general education and prerequisite coursework may be completed?

Mennonite College of Nursing does not place time limitations on coursework completed for admission.

Will I get credit for nursing courses I took in my Associate Degree or Diploma program?

Yes. You will earn 33 hours of escrow credit for prior nursing courses once you have completed three specific Mennonite College of Nursing courses. You will NOT be charged a fee for these credit hours. Refer to the Web site or University catalog for more specific information.

What kind of financial assistance is available to students?

Financial Aid and other forms of assistance are available to students. For more information, call (309)438-2231 or visit www.fao.ilstu.edu. See the MCN Web site for scholarship information.

Why get your degree on-line?

Flexibility and accessibility. You can earn your degree while balancing the multiple demands of work and family responsibilities. You can work on class assignments anywhere you have access to a PC and the Internet.

What if I don't have experience with technology and the Internet?

If you can open an email, you can take an online course. All you need to start your degree program is a Pentium-class personal computer, a standard web browser and an Internet service provider. You can take one of our online classes wherever the Internet is accessible.

Won't I lack the benefit of face-to-face interaction with faculty and other students?

You can interact with faculty and other students as often as you like via e-mail, phone, chat rooms, bulletin board postings within your on-line courses.

To ease you into the on-line learning experience, there is an on campus orientation day at the beginning of the semester so that you can meet each other, start to establish a learning community, and ensure that you are comfortable with the technology requirements--before you leave that session, you'll practice all the computer skills that you need for the semester.

Students find they are actually interacting - and enjoying themselves - more in their online courses that they ever did in a traditional classroom!

What type of computer and software will I need?

Your machine should be of one of two types: Windows 98 or greater (266 mhz Pentium or faster), Macintosh 9.0 or greater (PowerPC or faster), 128 mb RAM or more, 4 GB hard drive or greater, 800x600 display, 56k modem or faster.

Nursing Courses require that you have readers: Adobe Acrobat Reader, PowerPoint Viewer, and an internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. A basic set of these tools is available through the University Helpdesk in a CD-ROM called "iTools" which you will receive free of charge on your orientation day.

Is your program accredited?

Mennonite College of Nursing is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Who do I contact for more information?

Call 309-438-2252 and schedule a phone appointment with our RN-BSN academic advisor.