The University
Concordia University was founded in 1881 as a school of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and officially became a university on August 27, 1989. Concordia is on of twelve colleges and seminaries maintained by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In addition to its traditional focus on teacher training (teacher supply for Lutheran parochial schools, lay ministry/preseminary education), innovative programs in the liberal arts, business, nursing, and adult education have been added. A master's program was established in 1988.
Since the move to Mequon in 1983, Concordia has become the fastest-growing Lutheran college in the country, growing from 784 students to 4,541 to date. It is a four-year, NCA-accredited, coeducational, liberal arts school offering thirty-five majors of study.
The Nursing Division
Concordia University Wisconsin has offered a baccalaureate degree in nursing since 1982. The National League for Nursing made its initial visit to Concordia and granted NLN accreditation to the nursing program in 1987. Accreditation was granted in 1996 for eight years. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing track for registered nurses was developed, and in May 1991, the first RN to B.S.N. completion students graduated. The first LPN graduated as a graduate nurse in summer 1995. In fall 1995, Concordia began a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree program. The M.S.N. program graduated its first class in May 1998.
The B.S.N. completion track, the LPN to RN track, and the traditional generic track of nursing are rooted in the same philosophy. The conceptual framework that is utilized is the Betty Neuman Systems Model. The delivery of the courses differs in that the B.S.N. completion program was designed for the adult learner. Modular courses are delivered in more than three to seven weeks' time during day and evening hours to facilitate the working adult. The delivery of the traditional course content is typically more than a semester's length.
The CUW faculty members are published and recognized leaders in their field of expertise. Because of a positive student-faculty member ratio, faculty members are able to know each student as a person.
Programs of Study
The curriculum in nursing prepares individuals for a beginning practice of professional nursing and is built around the core curriculum and supplemental courses that facilitate the development of a professional nurse. Students have an opportunity to gain a basis of knowledge from the liberal arts curriculum. The traditional student's nursing experience begins with on-campus instruction in both the classroom and nursing laboratory. The first learning experience with patients begins in the sophomore year. Throughout the program, students are introduced to nursing experiences in both hospitals and community agencies. In their senior year, nursing students can take a global education class during Concordia's Winterim and experience life in another country. During the past two Winterim's, students spent seven days in Costa Rica. Upon graduation, the students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the State Board of Nursing.
LPNs to RNs are admitted to the University as students who have completed one year of the nursing program. Depending upon how classes are scheduled, it may be possible to complete the program in three academic years or less.
The RN seeking a baccalaureate degree is offered a curriculum focusing on the liberal arts and nursing. Classes are offered emphasizing adult education principles, with flexible scheduling in the late afternoons, evenings, and a few day offerings.
The Parish Nurse is the visible symbol of a congregation's pursuit of wellness, which is people's faith response to Jesus Christ, driven by the Holy Spirit. This holistic health program is based on the belief that health is growth toward well-being of body, soul, mind, and relationships. The Parish Nurse is available to all age levels of the congregation and becomes part of the ministry team, which also includes the pastor and members of the congregation.
The M.S.N. program is designed for nurses seeking preparation for advanced practice nursing as nurse practitioners or gerontological family nurse practitioners. Nurses from all nationally accredited basic nursing programs are eligible to apply. Both an on-campus and a long-distance (50 miles or more from CUW) course of study are available. The first class graduated in May 1998. This program's five-year accreditation is pending the NLN's Board of Review's Meeting in January 1999.
The program's biggest plus is its emphasis on a Christian response in nursing and respect for human life. The professional faculty provides individualized attention and emphasizes "Excellence in Christian Education."
Academic Facilities
Clinical's are held in neighboring hospitals and health-care facilities. Computer literacy is a must on the Concordia campus. The new Health Sciences building features state-of-the-art labs for physical/occupational therapy and offices.
Location
Concordia is located just 15 minutes from Milwaukee, which is a modern commercial center with an old European flavor. This metropolitan area of more than 1.5 million people supports an interesting variety of art and culture. Students may choose the world-renowned Milwaukee Symphony, the Great Circus Parade, ballet, or repertory theater. Art lovers can visit the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Student Services
Students have access to the numerous events in Milwaukee. CUW's Student Activities arranges for tickets to some of the events taking place in town.
On campus there are tennis courts, drama and music groups, and plays and concerts. The new Field House is open to all indoor intercollegiate sports, and with its 2,000 seating capacity, hosts many activities. Century Stadium is the place for football and soccer games as well as CUW's 400-meter track. The Falcon's Nest is the campus gathering place. Fast food and open hours that only a collegian world would understand are the mainstay.
The Nursing Student Group
Concordia has a Student Nurses' Association (SNA) that sponsors various events throughout the year, such as a Christmas Tea, health fair, blood banks, and various fund-raisers.
Costs
All students have an initial application fee and tuition deposit of $25 and $100, respectively. Educational fees per semester are $5950, with room and board at $1785 (fifteen-meal plan) or $1885 (nineteen-meal plan). Costs for the B.S.N., M.S.N., LPN, and Parish Nurse programs vary depending upon how many credits a student has in the program based on previous transcripts.
Financial Aid
The amount of financial aid awarded is based mainly on the applicant's financial need. As a general rule, the primary financial responsibility lies with the student and parents. Therefore, in order to help determine student need and make it possible to grant aid fairly, the parents of aid applicant are asked to file a confidential statement of their income, assests, expenses, and liabilities. On the basis of this financial information, the University is able to determine the difference between University costs and the amount a student and parents can reasonably be expected to provide. The difference is defined as need. If a student is self-supporting and not dependent on parents, the student should submit a finical statement without parental information. There are various loans, grants, and scholarships available as well as veterans' educational assistance.
Applying
Students must submit evidence of adequate preparation for college from a regionally accredited high school. A minimum of 16 units of secondary school work is required, of which at least 11 should be in basic liberal arts areas. A minimum entrance grade point average of 2.75 is required. Transfer students from other colleges and universities need a 3.0 GPA to be considered. When entering other than the traditional program, transcripts from previous colleges and universities attended are required.
Student Nurse Association (SNA)
This group is open to all nursing students at Concordia University Wisconsin. Involvement includes monthly meetings with guest speakers, campus projects, community service and volunteer activities, stethoscope sale, t-shirt sale, walk-a-thons, fundraising opportunities, career fair, and many, many more exciting activities!! Please join us for any of our monthly meetings held Thursdays from 11:45am-12:30pm on 9/7/06, 10/5/06, 11/2/06, 12/7/06.
Advisor: Mary Lou Kopp, MSN, RN, CHPN, SNA Advisor
Office: HS133
Phone: 262.243.4314
Correspondence and Information:
Nursing Division
Concordia University Wisconsin
12800 North Lake Shore Drive
Mequon, Wisconsin 53097
Telephone: 262.243.4374
Fax: 262.243.4466
Email Grace Peterson
