Nursing is a challenging career that incorporates a theoretical foundation for planning and implementing health care. In addition to meeting the technological demands of increasingly complex care, nurses focus on providing individuals with assistance needed to become active participants in their own health care.

Students are admitted to the College of Nursing as pre-nursing students. On completion of the nursing prerequisites and university-required courses, there is a separate competitive admission process to the BSN upper division professional major. Nursing courses are taken on The University of Toledo Health Science Campus; clinical experiences are provided in numerous quality health-care agencies throughout northwest Ohio. Admission to the upper division major is summer, fall or spring semester.

Registered nurses with associate or diploma degrees are eligible for admission to the RN-BSN program. On completion of the nursing prerequisites and university-required courses, there is a separate competitive admission process for the upper division professional major. Nursing course work is online, with preceptored clinical experiences in the local community. Admission to the upper division major is fall or spring semester.

The BSN and RN-BSN programs are advantaged through a consortium agreement with Bowling Green State University. The degree is awarded by the respective institution at The University of Toledo or Bowling Green State University.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program is offered at The University of Toledo for individuals who have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and desire to become registered nurses. The CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. Graduates of the program are awarded a Masters of Science in Nursing.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader programs take the national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to practice as registered nurses. Graduates of the Clinical Nurse Leader program are also eligible to take the CNL certification exam.

What to expect when you graduate

Nurses work in a wide range of environments that include, but are not limited to, acute care hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care centers, community clinics and schools, as well as homeless shelters and private offices. Professional roles include managing patient services; providing health-care education to patients, families and community; serving as a patient advocate; and implementing evidence-based nursing care. Nurses’ salaries are expected to continue to increase as professional responsibilities and complexity of care escalates.

There are 3.1 million registered nurses employed nationwide — making this the largest health profession in the United States.