Salve Regina University (SRU) Department of Nursing

The private, not-for-profit, Roman Catholic institution, Salve Regina University (SRU), was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1934.

There are a variety of degree programs available for the aspiring nurse as well as the graduate level nurse. Courses are offered through a method of classroom and experiential learning, giving students a patient-centered care experience. Students grasp the beginnings of knowing how to communicate, develop the ability to think critically, and assess and implement nursing interventions.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and then be eligible for state RN licensure.

Study Abroad

There is also the opportunity to study abroad that allows nursing students to compare and contrast nursing education and the delivery of health care in other countries.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science with Major in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

This degree track is the pre-licensure track for high school graduates. Graduates are required to have a GPA of 2.7 to enter into the program. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 'C' or Pass in the required courses of anatomy and physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, psychology, sociology, and statistics as well as the nursing courses.

High School Graduates/First-Year Applicants

High school graduates/first year applicants are eligible for the program that is designed to be completed within four years. In general, a competitive first-year applicant for the nursing program has met the following standards (not all inclusive):

• Successful completion of four years of high school science, including biology, Chemistry and an upper-level science such as anatomy and physiology, physics, AP biology or AP Chemistry
• Strong standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
• Competitive high school GPA and class rank

RN to BS Major in Nursing (Degree Completion)

The RN to BS major is designed for nurses who already hold an RN license who graduated from an associate degree program or a diploma based program and would like to go on to complete their bachelor's degree. Students must have passed their nursing program and associate's degree/diploma program with a 2.7 GPA or higher. After the student completes the required curriculum, master's degree or doctoral degree options are available.

Classes are available in the evening to accommodate the working nurse. The classes are held in the Center for Adult Education in Warwick, as well as coursework online.

There are a total of 132 credits for the BS program. Students are awarded 58 credits for their prior educational preparation as a registered nurse. Students must take a minimum of 36 credits at Salve Regina to earn the bachelor's degree. In addition to Core Curriculum course requirements, there are other required courses for this track including a Senior Thesis that is an option for grad school preparation.

St. Joseph "2 Plus" Program

Salve Regina and St. Joseph School of Nursing have developed a "2 plus" track model allowing eligible St. Joseph graduates to earn their BS in nursing by completing additional coursework at Salve Regina's Center for Adult Education in Warwick.

Graduate

Degree Completion Track - Joint Bachelor's/Master's

RNs with a BS in a non-nursing major are admitted to the degree completion track as second degree students and must complete 2 religion courses and the required nursing courses. In addition, Salve Regina offers a joint bachelor's/master's program leading to a master's degree in health care administration and management, providing a viable option for students wishing to further their study.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for the graduate nurse to earn a terminal degree in nursing. The curriculum is based on clinical preparation for becoming a family nurse practitioner.

There are two pathways to a DNP at Salve Regina. The first pathway is for Bachelor's degree students (BSN-DNP) and the second is a post-master's program for advanced practice registered nurses. All post-BSN students enroll in the BSN-DNP program.

BSN to MSN to DNP

The BSN-DNP program requires 78 credits. The program is offered part-time, in a hybrid format. There are 48 graduate-level courses and 600 clinical hours. When the requirements are complete, students receive a Master of Science in nursing, making them eligible to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification examination.

The doctoral-level coursework has a focus on systems and leadership. Students who meet all academic progression standards seamlessly progress into the coursework. Students will then complete the required 30 credits of doctoral-level courses. The courses include a 15 credit scholarly project.

Post Master's DNP

The post-master's DNP program is for nurses who hold an advanced practice degree from another institution. Students will then complete the required 30 credits of doctoral-level courses. The courses include a 15 credit scholarly project.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

• #28 (tie) in Regional Universities North
• #13 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
• #42 in Best Value Schools

NICHE (2019)

College Factual (2018-2019)

• #7 Best Colleges for the Money in Rhode Island
• #831 Best Colleges for the Money nationally

MONEY Magazine ranked SRU #257 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018-2019).

The Princeton Review ranked SRU Best Northeastern (2018-2019).

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate, master's, and DNP programs at Salve Regina.

Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.