By Angela Becerra-Chvilicek, Direct Entry MSN Program Site Director, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’re serious about leveraging your previous academic experience to become a nurse. And, with all of the different education options available these days, it can be difficult to determine which accelerated nursing program for non-nurses best fits your needs.
To make it easy for you to evaluate our Direct Entry MSN program in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, we’ve identified seven reasons why Marquette University is a great choice for your second degree nursing education.
1. Total Support
As a nonprofit, faith-based university, we create learning opportunities that focus on student interests and objectives, as well as promote health, healing, and social justice for all people—and our Direct Entry MSN program is a great example.
We designed the program so that you spend less time in school and more time in your career. It follows an intense 18-month curriculum steeped in nursing theory, skills training, and clinical work. And, to help you keep pace, you have our undivided attention every step of the way, from admissions to graduation.
2. Fast Results
We’re able to streamline your nursing education by building off of your previous bachelor degree, meaning you don’t have to start your college education over from square one. Once accepted into the program, we immediately put you on the education fast track so you can get back into the workforce as quickly as possible.
Also, as you research different nursing programs, keep in mind that most accelerated BSN programs are 16 months. So by allowing yourself just two more months of study with our accelerated nursing program in Wisconsin, you significantly expand your worth in the nursing field.
3. Convenience Factor
Our intuitive online learning platform allows you to complete your coursework around your schedule (although you’re still required to meet specific assignment deadlines). For example, if you’re a night owl, you can listen to lectures, complete your learning modules, and submit your assignments at 2 in the morning from your couch while wearing your pajamas.
Our academic calendar also adds a level of convenience to our online Direct Entry MSN program by making it available twice a year. With starts in January and August, you don’t have to wait long for your first class once you’ve been accepted into the program.
4. Advanced Training
Our program site in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, is where you’ll apply the nursing theory you learned online. Here, faculty works closely with you and your peers to help you develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills necessary to be a successful nurse.
You’ll receive scenario-based training on medical manikins that are way more evolved than the standard CPR manikins you’re probably used to. These high-tech manikins (which sometimes go by the name Susie or Simon, depending on the manufacturer) can simulate different bodily functions—some even give birth.
Because this is a controlled simulation lab environment, you needn’t be shy. It’s best to ask questions and get in as much practice as you can. After all, manikin Susie is going to be a lot more forgiving when it comes to a clinical error than hospital patient Sandy. But rest assured that the hands-on training you receive during your labs will leave you feeling confident when working with real patients during your clinical rotations.
5. Real-world Experience
During your clinical rotations, which take place at advanced health care facilities in southern Wisconsin, you’ll work alongside experienced preceptors, or mentors, who you will assist in patient care. They will teach you the ropes and coach you on applying your nursing skills.
Good preceptors understand that everyone remembers information differently—some by watching, others by doing. So don’t be afraid to let your preceptor know how you best retain and apply what you learn. And if you’re having trouble with a certain concept, don’t be afraid to speak up so your preceptor can find another way to teach it. Remember, they too have been in your shoes.
Overall, you should approach your clinical rotations as you would a job. Don’t be upset if you get assigned an administrative task, as that is what is expected in a multi-disciplinary team. Also try to make yourself available to other staff whenever possible because you will get more experience that way.
6. Proven Results
For more than 75 years, we’ve graduated some of the health care industry’s most sought-after nurses. All of our nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which means we’ve been vetted and recognized as a reputable higher education institution.
Furthermore, when you graduate from our online Direct Entry MSN program, you’ll be fully prepared to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and earn licensure as a registered nurse. It’s similar to the Bar Exam for being able to practice law.
7. Successful Career Path
When you graduate from our online Direct Entry MSN program and successfully pass the NCLEX, you’ll have a wide variety of career opportunities available to you—especially in areas where there is a nursing shortage, which includes Wisconsin.
Plus, a master's in nursing allows you to pursue a career in nursing management, education and administration. After all, there may be a time when you no longer want to endure the long hours of standing on your feet inside a hospital.
Also, keep in mind that once you graduate from the Direct Entry MSN program, you can specialize in an advanced field of nursing, such as adult acute care, pediatric primary care, or clinical nurse leadership, via our post-master’s certificate program.
If you think our online Direct Entry MSN program sounds like a good fit for your nursing career goals, please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team. You’ll be assigned an adviser who can walk you through the admissions process and make sure the program is the best possible fit for your needs.