Program Overview

The curriculum consists of general education, science courses, mathematics and specific nursing courses. All courses can be completed with evening classes. Each academic year consists of five eight-week sessions.

Full-time enrollment is six credit hours per eight-week session. Students with nursing majors who are taking prerequisite courses will often take eight credit hours per session (one five-hour science course plus one three-hour general education course). Nine credit hours constitute an overload and will only be approved in exceptional cases.

Program length

It is expected that a student could complete the 71 hour curriculum in 11 or 12 sessions (approximately 2 ½ years). This time can be shortened if a student transfers credit for general education, mathematics and science courses or elects to complete some requirements via the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). LPNs are not required to take the first nursing course, NURS 200 Fundamentals of Nursing.

Transfer credits

All transfer credits are reviewed on an individual basis for equivalency for the required courses. The Evaluations Department must have official copies of the transcripts. It is the student's responsibility to verify that Columbia College has received these transcripts, as well as all admissions and evaluations materials.

Upon verification of transcription receipt, students should request that a degree audit be completed for the nursing major. The degree checklist verifies which required courses have been completed and/or accepted in transfer and which courses still need to be completed. Students must request this checklist from the Evaluations Department. A copy will be mailed to the student and to the student's academic adviser.

Acceptance into Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance into the nursing sequence courses. Admission to the nursing program is on a selective basis (see criteria). There is a separate application process for the nursing sequence courses. See the steps for nursing sequence admission.

Columbia College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admission, financial assistance, employment, educational programs or activities.