Nursing FAQs

• What is the employment outlook for professional nurses?
• What are the advantages of the St. Ambrose nursing program?
• How are professional nurses licensed?
• Where can I learn more about St. Ambrose and nursing?
  
  

What is the employment outlook for professional nurses?
The current shortage of qualified nurses is expected to continue into the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by the year 2020 it is estimated there will be a need for 1.7 million new nurses. If current trends remain static, the current education system only can prepare 600,000 of these nurses. The potential income for an entry-level nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree is $40,000 to $60,000, with higher salaries possible in some areas.
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What are the advantages of the St. Ambrose nursing program?

• Nursing students can interact with students in other SAU health science programs such as physical therapy,  occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and physician assitant.
• Students use state of the art technology in the classroom and in various clinical settings.
• Students are encouraged to problem-solve and perform independently.
• Class sizes are small (30 students or less), with labs limited to a maximum of 8 students.
• Flexible schedules accommodate working adult learners.
• Refresher courses may help improve the study skills of students who are returning to the classroom after some time.
• Study groups and tutors available at no charge for many courses.

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How are professional nurses licensed?
Licensed nurses must graduate from a state-approved nursing program and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Board of Nursing will not permit a person with a felony record to sit for the licensure examination until the individual applies to and receives a waiver from the Board.
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Where can I learn more about St. Ambrose and nursing?
Contact Beth Carlson nursing@sau.edu or 563/333-6076. You can also call the St. Ambrose Admissions Office at 563/333-6300, toll-free at 800/383-2627 or admit@sau.edu. Campus tours are a great way to see our state-of-the-art classrooms, meet the faculty who will give you personal attention, and talk with other students about the advantages St. Ambrose offers. Information on nursing is also available on the Iowa Board of Nursing website at www.state.ia.us/government/nursing.
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