Nursing Major
For information, contact Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Program and Assistant Professor Teresa Wenner, , 610-606-4666, ext. 4446
The undergraduate nursing program is housed in the Cedar Crest College School of Nursing. It prepares students to function as professional nurse generalists committed to lifelong learning. It prepares graduates to function as registered nurses within the rights and privileges of the Professional Code of Ethics for Nurses and in compliance with the State Nurse Practice Acts. It provides the foundation for future graduate study in nursing and serves as the basis for a variety of careers in the area of health care.
The undergraduate nursing program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
The master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Cedar Crest College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The baccalaureate, master’s, post master’s certificate nursing programs at Cedar Crest College located in Allentown, PA are accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate, master’s and post master’s certificate nursing programs is continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website (https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs) Graduation from the Cedar Crest College School of Nursing’s undergraduate nursing program does not guarantee licensure as a registered nurse. To obtain licensure, individuals must obtain approval from the State Board of Nursing and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN leads to licensure as a registered nurse. To see the current pass rates for graduates of the undergraduate nursing program of the School of Nursing at Cedar Crest College access the PA Department of State website at https://www.dos.pa.gov.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Cedar Crest College School of Nursing undergraduate nursing program is to prepare professional nurses by building on a foundation firmly grounded in the liberal arts. A Cedar Crest College nursing education fosters development of the whole person while cultivating commitment to lifelong learning. Nursing graduates are empowered to assume leadership roles in a global society.
The Cedar Crest College School of Nursing is housed in the Hamilton Boulevard Building. The 36,500 square foot building includes the Nursing Simulation Center equipped with: a maternal child health lab, 2 health assessment labs, an adult acute care lab and a nursing fundamentals lab. The Simulation Center simulates a wide variety of nurse practice environments such as the hospital setting, doctor’s office and a client’s home for simulation in community and home care situations. Additionally, the simulation center contains 4 high fidelity acute care hospital rooms; 2 in a traditional medical surgical setting and 2 in a more contemporary high acuity setting as well as a simulated operating room complete with anesthesia & emergency equipment. The labs and simulation areas boast state-of-the-art simulation technologies including numerous high-fidelity manikins, an automated/computerized medication dispensing cabinet, technologies for computerized charting, and more. Classrooms are convertible for small and large groups. A computer room is available for student drop-in use and the building provides high speed wireless internet throughout.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Requirements
Traditional Full-time and Part-time Tracks
Students are admitted to the College as pre-nursing majors and begin the nursing curriculum upon completion of College-wide course requirements and nursing prerequisite courses (see College-wide course requirements below for nursing prerequisite courses). Students must have completed a minimum of 66 credits which includes general education requirements. Students must have achieved an overall GPA equal to or greater than 2.5 in all coursework. Students must have achieved a nursing pre-requisite GPA of equal to or greater than 2.7. Additionally, students must have the ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and spoken word.
To begin junior level courses, the student must have earned at least a grade of B- (B minus) in four of the five prerequisite science courses. ** A grade of C or C+ is permitted in only one prerequisite science course.
BIO 117 Human Anatomy & Physiology I**
BIO 118 Human Anatomy & Physiology II**
BIO 127 Clinical Microbiology**
CHE 103 Concepts in Chemistry**
NTR 210 Principles of Human Nutrition**
Only one nursing science pre-requisite course ** can be repeated due to a grade less than C (C- or lower). That course may be repeated only one time.
Additionally, prerequisite science courses (BIO 117, BIO 118, BIO 127, CHE 103) must be completed within ten years of starting NUR courses and NTR 210 must be completed within five years of starting NUR courses. Science courses that are more than ten years old must be repeated prior to beginning NUR courses.
All transfer courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to time limits as determined by individual academic departments.
Any outstanding final grades for prerequisite courses and/or courses required for degree completion must be submitted within three (3) business days of the final grade due date in accordance with the granting institution’s academic calendar. All prerequisite course grades and/or proof of degree completion must be submitted within 14 days of the start of the semester the student begins NUR courses at Cedar Crest College in accordance with the academic calendar. Students in the ABSN program who begin NUR courses prior to completion of a bachelor’s degree must submit a verification statement from their degree granting institution by April 1st. Failure to submit prerequisite course grades, confirmation of degree completion and/or verification statements will result in the student being dropped from all nursing courses. Appeals to this policy are submitted to the Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Programs in the School of Nursing.
In the remaining prerequisite courses, a grade of C or better is required while still meeting the 2.7 prerequisite GPA.
MAT 110 Probability & Statistics
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 210 Life-Span Development
SOC 100 Introduction to Culture & Society
All nine prerequisite courses form the basis of the nursing pre-requisite GPA.
In addition to meeting the above requirements, acceptance into the Nursing major is based on obtaining the minimum number of points in the Admission Rubric which includes the following components: nursing pre-requisite course GPA, Basic English Composition grade, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores, and the number of credits taken at Cedar Crest College. The TEAS exam must be taken during the pre-determined exam dates proctored by Cedar Crest College. The cost for the exam is paid directly to ATI Testing at www.atitesting.com. Students are notified, via email, by the School of Nursing as to when they should register and pay for the TEAS exam. If a student does not meet the required scores on the TEAS exam, they will have one opportunity to re-take the TEAS exam for a second fee. Students may contact the Nursing Advisor for more information on the Admission Rubric.
For calculation of pre-requisite GPA, students must have completed a minimum of 23 of the 31 nursing pre-requisite course credits. Twelve of the 23 credits must be in the required sciences (BIO 117, BIO 118, BIO 127, CHE 103, NTR 210). If more than 23 credits of the nursing pre-requisite courses are completed, then all credits are used to calculate the GPA.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Track (ABSN)
The ABSN provides students with a quicker progression toward degree completion. Students will complete the ABSN in 15 months.
In addition to the program requirements for the traditional full-time and part-time tracks, the following admission criteria applies to students seeking acceptance into the ABSN track:
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- GPA of 3.0 in previous bachelor’s degree
- Interview with the ABSN Program Director and Nursing faculty
- TEAS exam waived
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Credit Requirement
66 General Education Credits
54 NUR Major Credits
120 Total Credits
Transfer of NUR Major Courses
Students seeking to transfer undergraduate nursing major credits must meet the following criteria:
- Only baccalaureate nursing courses from an accredited program may transfer
- Only courses with a B or better may transfer
- Only junior level courses may transfer
- Courses must have been completed within the last two years
- Courses must be equivalent to Cedar Crest College School of Nursing courses
- A maximum of 12 credits can be transferred
- Nursing GPA must be 2.5 or greater
An interview with the Chair of Undergraduate Nursing Programs or the Dean of the School of Nursing is required.
Clinical Requirements
All clinical requirements must be completed via CastleBranch.
- Report of Health Evaluation and Medical History
- Immunizations, Titers, Current PPD, and Influenza Vaccine
- Drug and Alcohol Screen
- CPR certification must be Basic Life Support CPR with AED for Healthcare Providers through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Proof of COVID Vaccination or signed Declination Form
- FBI Criminal History Clearance
- Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA Criminal History Clearance
Prospective and current nursing students must submit criminal background checks that meet the requirements of the nursing major before beginning nursing courses and annually thereafter.
Prospective and current nursing students with criminal records must disclose their record and schedule a meeting with the Office Manager of the School of Nursing upon admission to the program or throughout progression at Cedar Crest College.
Any student not clinically cleared for clinical courses by the last day of the add/drop period will be automatically dropped from the course. Late clearances cannot be accepted.
Nursing Courses
Nursing Courses required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Full-Time and Part-Time Program Tracks
NUR 309 Health Promotion I 5 credits
NUR 311 Health Assessment 3 credits
(didactic offered online; lab offered in a face-to-face format)
NUR 313 Mental Health Promotion 4 credits
NUR 314 Pharmacology 3 credits
NUR 321 Health Promotion II 5 credits
NUR 325 Essentials of Evidence-based Practice for Nursing 3 credits
NUR 326 Concepts in Professional Nursing 3 credits (online)
NUR 329 Family Health Promotion 5 credits
NUR 331 Health Promotion III 5 credits
NUR 335 Leadership in Nursing* 5 credits
NUR 336 Population Focused Health 4 credits
NUR 341 Complex Health Problems 5 credits
NUR 342 Independent Practicum 4 credits
*Capstone Experience
Nursing Courses required for the ABSN Program Track
NUR 409 Health Promotion I 3 credits
NUR 411 Health Assessment 3 credits
(didactic offered online; lab offered in a face-to-face format)
NUR 413 Mental Health Promotion 4 credits
NUR 414 Pharmacology 3 credits
NUR 421 Health Promotion II 5 credits
MSN 512 Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 3 credits (online)
NUR 426 Concepts in Professional Nursing 3 credits (online)
NUR 429 Family Health Promotion 5 credits
NUR 431 Health Promotion III 5 credits
NUR 436 Population Focused Health 4 credits
NUR 435 Leadership in Nursing* 5 credits
NUR 441 Complex Health Problems 5 credits
NUR 442 Independent Practicum 4 credits
MSN 514 Informatics and Technology in Nursing – 3 credits** (online)
MSN 520 Vulnerable Populations: Nursing Perspectives – 3 credits** (online)
*Capstone Experience
** Elective Courses
Nursing Courses required for the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program
In addition to the general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, RNs are required to take the following nursing courses:
NUR 311 Health Assessment 3 credits
(didactic offered online; lab offered in an online or face-to-face format)
NUR 325 Essentials of Evidence-based Practice for Nursing 3 credits (online)
NUR 326 Concepts of Professional Nursing 3 credits (online)
NUR 336 Population Focused Health 4 credits (online)
NUR 335 Leadership in Nursing* 5 credits (online)
*Capstone Experience
Nursing Elective Course
NUR 328 Nursing in the Global Community: A Study Tour 3 credits
Fulfillment of LAC Requirements
Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through successful completion of the required coursework for the nursing major. The Ethics requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of NUR 335 Leadership in Nursing. The Global Studies requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of NUR 336 Population Focused Health.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Cedar Crest College School of Nursing has six end of program student learning outcomes Upon completion, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from the physical and social sciences, humanities, and nursing in making nursing practice decisions involving culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities.
- Practice effective communication with individuals, families, and communities.
- Integrate all components of the nursing process in promoting optimal health of individuals, families, and communities.
- Collaborate with other members of the health care team in effecting the delivery of health care.
- Synthesize research findings into the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care.
- Demonstrate competency to assume a beginning professional nurse role.
Personal Computer/Laptop Requirement
The School of Nursing requires that each student have a personal computer or laptop that is capable of running the latest operating system available for that device. Please note that while devices that run tablet operating systems such as Chromebooks or iPads can be useful, they are not a substitute for a personal computer and are not compatible with some of the software applications used by the School of Nursing. Here is a link to the College’s latest recommendations for personal computers: https://cedarcrest.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/2020/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=53983
Clinical Experience
Clinical experiences occur in a variety of settings. Transportation to and from clinical agencies is the responsibility of the student.
Medication Proficiency Exams
Students are required to take medication calculation and knowledge proficiency exam(s). For courses that have medication calculation and knowledge exams, students must achieve a minimum score of 90%. If a student is unsuccessful in achieving a 90% on first attempt of either exam, the exam(s) must be repeated. The maximum number of times that each medication calculation and/or knowledge exam may be taken is (2) times. If a student does not receive a minimum score of 90% on the second attempt on one or both exam(s), the student receives a proficiency failure resulting in a failure of the course.
Expenses (in addition to comprehensive and special fees)
Nursing students are responsible for all fees involved with the clinical requirements, secured electronic file management system, uniforms, equipment, books, Test of Essential Academic Skill (TEAS), Nursing onboarding orientation fee, ATI comprehensive testing fee, documentation software, professional and scholarly activities, clinical make-up fees, taping fees and licensure fees.
A student will be charged a clinical fee for each clinical course (please refer to the Academic Fees Assessments section for the current rate). The fee is used for required conferences, seminars, lab supplies, and related clinical expenses. The fee applies to the following courses: NUR309, 311, 313, 321, 329, 331, 335, 336, 341, 342 for the FT and PT program tracks and NUR 409, 411, 413, 421, 429, 431, 435, 436, 441, 442 for the ABSN program track and are non-refundable after the drop-add period.
RN Students
For information contact Senior Instructor of Nursing Sandra Axt at , or 610-606-4666 extension 3430.
Graduates of accredited diploma or associate degree programs in nursing may apply to Cedar Crest College to continue their education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Registered nurses must meet all the curriculum requirements for the nursing major. A Registered nurse may be awarded academic credit for previous non-nursing studies. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Articulation Model, up to 36 nursing credits may be awarded upon completion of Concepts of Professional Nursing (NUR 326), which facilitates progress toward degree completion. Cedar Crest College will accept RNs directly into the nursing program based on the following:
- The applicant has graduated from an accredited and state approved program;
- Is licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse;
- Obtained a 2.5 GPA in their previous course of study;
- Maintains current employment as an RN.
Any student who has been dismissed from the undergraduate nursing program is not eligible for admission to the RN to BSN or ABSN program.
All RNs must have an unencumbered active professional nursing licensee. RNs may be required to submit clinical requirements prior to entering NUR 335 Leadership in Nursing or NUR 336 Population Focused Health.
Any student not clinically cleared for clinical courses by the last day of the add/drop period will be automatically dropped from the course. Late clearances cannot be accepted.
LPN Students
Cedar Crest College School of Nursing welcomes the student who possesses a license in Practical Nursing (LPN) to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The LPN must complete the general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, in addition to nursing courses at Cedar Crest College as described in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing major.
Departmental Review for Field Placement
Students majoring in Education, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition or Social Work are required to complete a field practicum or clinical experience. Because this requirement necessitates working with the public in a professional setting, it is important that the student has advanced interpersonal skills, mature judgment, and appropriate professional demeanor. Thus faculty in these programs will review students prior to the practicum and clinical and make appropriate recommendations up to and including removal from placement.
Students may pursue the Nursing major in the accelerated 3-year degree format, completing at least 120 credits in three years (with summer study) rather than the standard four. Please see the catalog section on “3-Year Bachelor Degree” programs for details.
Certificate in Forensic Nursing – Undergraduate
For information, contact Dr. Teresa Wenner, Chair Undergraduate Nursing programs at , 610-606-4666.
Forensic nursing can be defined as specialized care for patients experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence. Nurses educated in the principles of forensic science help victims of trauma, aid in the investigation of child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence. In addition, forensic nurses often play a role in death investigations for coroners and medical examiners. This certificate prepares RNs who work in settings where there is no formal forensic nursing position to apply this enhanced skill set to a multitude of areas-including inpatient, outpatient, community/ home health, schools and elder care facilities, coroner’s offices, corrections, and in mass disasters/ trauma.
Admission & Progression: Active,unencumbered RN license is required for admission. Students pursuing the undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses.
Courses required for the undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing:
- NUR 357 Forensic Nursing 1 – 3 credits
- SWK 306 Victimology – 3 credits
- FSC 359 Legal Issues and Evidentiary Collection – 3 credits
- NUR 358 Forensic Nursing 2 – 3 credits
A mandatory 1-2 day On Campus Immersion is required that will evaluate competency with patient interaction and physical examination, evidence collection and preservation, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.