Associate's - Nursing (RN upon Licensure)

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program is a two-year curriculum comprising classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences. The course of study is 104 quarter hours and designed to prepare the graduate as a beginning generalist practitioner, functioning as a provider of care, coordinator of care and as a member of the nursing profession. The criteria for admission includes attending a Nursing Information Session (NIS) where specific criteria are outlined, and acceptance by the Nursing Admissions Committee.

Clinical experiences and skills laboratory classes accompany each nursing lecture course to give the student hands-on learning in a safe environment. Computer testing is performed to prepare the student for licensure testing.

This curriculum is challenging and demanding. Students are expected to spend at least 20-30 hours per week outside of class in preparation and studying for the program. Nursing Faculty members have an open-door policy for assistance and are supportive for student success.

Qualified Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Certification Licensure Examination (RN-NCLEX), which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include a wide variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician's offices, industry, and community health agencies.

The Florence Campus’s associate degree program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Beckfield College is a member of the National League of Nursing (NLN).

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares candidates who are thoroughly competent in the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of their profession, as well as in effective communication, sound reasoning and judgment, analytical skills, responsible and ethical behavior, and awareness of human behavioral and cultural diversity.

The program has been designed to provide to the nursing profession candidates who will find employment compatible with their education and training, succeed in their careers, continue their educational development, and move into positions of greater service and responsibility. Graduates are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the following:

• Competent higher-level registered nursing practice in diverse health care settings
• An advanced level of safe and effective nursing care adapted to the special needs of clients
• The need to continually develop nursing knowledge and skill in order to move from competent beginner to expert practitioner
• Accountability for practice within the professional, ethical, and legal standards for nursing
• The role of research in enhancing outcome-based nursing practice
• The need for management and leadership skills including emergency preparedness and bio-terrorism
• The importance of nursing education and its impact on the future of nursing and the nursing profession
• The importance of mentoring nursing students, new graduates, and new nurses for their benefit and that of the nursing profession

This program offers the junior and senior years of the baccalaureate degree and is available only to registered nurses who have earned an associate degree in nursing.

Certificate - Legal Nurse Consulting

Students must have previously earned at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (AAS) and hold a current and valid RN license in order to be admitted to this program. BSN and MSN graduates are also eligible.

The Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate program provides students with the training and technical knowledge necessary for employment as legal nurse consultants, and prepares them for the CLNC (Certified Legal Nurse Consultant) Exam. The legal nurse consultant is a licensed, registered nurse who performs a critical analysis of clinical and administrative nursing practices, as well as health care facts and issues and their outcomes for the legal profession, health care professions, consumers of health care and legal services, and others as appropriate. With a strong educational and experiential foundation, the legal nurse consultant is qualified to assess adherence to standards and guidelines of health care practice as it applies to the nursing and health care professions.

Legal professionals seeking legal nurse consultants recognize the expertise of RN-licensed nurses with the medical and legal education, training and experience necessary to give them advice on medical matters in a legal setting. As a part of our Legal Studies programs, the Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate program also prepares graduates to become nurse/paralegals working in law firms in both legal and medical capacities.

Paralegals do not provide legal services directly to the public unless under the direction of a licensed attorney at law.

Diploma - Practical Nursing (LPN upon Licensure)

The Practical Nurse Diploma Program is a 15-month curriculum consisting of classroom, skills laboratory, and clinical experiences. The program is designed to prepare graduates to be members of the nursing profession and novice practitioners with a focus on long-term care. Clinical experiences and skills laboratory classes accompany each nursing lecture course to give the student hands-on learning in a safe environment. Testing is done on computer to prepare the student for licensure testing.

The courses for this full-time program include Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Composition, and courses in caring for clients across the life-span and in successful strategies for the professional nurse. This curriculum is challenging and demanding. Nursing faculty members have an open-door policy for assistance and are supportive for student success.

Qualified graduates are eligible to apply to take the PN-NCLEX (Practical Nurse–National Certification Licensure Examination), which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs are employed by long-term care facilities, skilled care facilities, physician offices, and home health agencies.