Nursing
The goal of Luther's nursing faculty is to prepare nurses to function autonomously and interdependently with individuals, families, groups, and communities to promote, maintain, and restore optimal health in a variety of health-care settings. The nursing major, therefore, offers an integrated program of liberal arts and 14 professional nursing courses. The program gives students a broad approach to nursing, providing a base for graduate study or immediate entry into the nursing profession.
Following graduation, Luther nursing students may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
Luther College also offers a baccalaureate completion program for registered nurses. More information is available upon request.
Preparing for the Nursing Profession
The first year at Luther provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. All nursing majors are assigned a faculty adviser to help each student decide whether to pursue a nursing curriculum plan. All students interested in nursing are invited to participate in the nursing student club (PRN).
Clinical nursing courses begin in the fall of the sophomore year. Nursing courses at this level emphasize health assessment and fundamental skills throughout the life span in a variety of settings. These learning experiences develop new communication and interpersonal skills.
Third-year students experience a concentrated study of nursing concepts by caring for children and adults with physical and emotional problems. The sites for this clinical experience are Rochester Methodist Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, affiliates of the Mayo Clinic; the Federal Medical Center; and a variety of community-based health-care agencies in Rochester, Minn.
The senior year provides final preparation for entry into the practice of professional nursing. Courses focus on promoting health and preventing illness in childbearing families and in community groups. Students further develop leadership management and research skills through selected areas of nursing.
Guidelines for Progression in the Nursing Major
- Satisfactory completion of an annual health examination.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Luther College of 2.5.
- No courses required for the major (nursing courses and correlative courses) have been repeated more than one time.
- No more than two courses required for the major (nursing courses or correlative courses) have been repeated.
- Satisfactory performance in all clinical experiences.
- A grade of C is the minimum in any course required for the nursing major.
Minimum requirements must be met to be considered for enrollment in nursing courses. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee placement in the courses. Decisions affecting progression in the major will be made at the end of each semester.
Nursing Scholarships
Nursing scholarships are available for prospective Luther students who rank in the top 20 percent of their high school classes. These scholarships are available to incoming students on a competitive basis upon admission. Selection of recipients is based on academic information submitted on the application and the high school transcript. Scholarship renewal is based on satisfactory academic and clinical performance in the major.
All nursing students benefit from the Bernice Fischer Cross and Bert S. Cross Perpetual Endowment for the Luther College Mayo Nursing Program and Health Sciences Program. This is used for equal-share assistance for the Luther College nursing students enrolled in the curriculum provided at the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, Minn. The endowment is not a need-based scholarship.