Advance the well-being, academic success and life-long achievement of K-12 students.
The School Nurse Non-Degree Program at 海角社区 prepares candidates with background knowledge and experience in learning and special education content as well as specialty knowledge in the field of school nursing. Candidates will complete coursework in both the College of Education and Social Sciences and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The Professional Educator License with an endorsement in school nursing is the preferred credential for nurses working in the specialty practice of school nursing. As the only professional in the school who has a background and preparation in both the field of education and the field of nursing, the school nurse is qualified to identify concerns that interfere with the student鈥檚 learning, propose accommodations and implement interventions to allow the student full access to his or her education.
The School Nurse Non-Degree Program is designed for Registered Nurses who hold a Bachelor鈥檚 degree and want to receive an endorsement in school nursing from the State of Illinois. Students who successfully complete the program will be endorsed for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educators License (PEL) with School Nurse Endorsement.
MSN Option
Prospective students who are interested in earning a Master鈥檚 degree in Nursing may want to consider the M.S. in Nursing, School Nurse concentration track.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at 海角社区 is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
The School Nurse Non-Degree program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Financial Aid Options
In addition to a competitive cost of tuition, Lewis offers various opportunities for discounts and scholarships for students who qualify.- Graduate Assistantship - Graduate Assistants receive tuition and fee reimbursement in exchange for working for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS). Priority for selection is based on academic achievement, potential for leadership, and financial need.
- IONL Discount - Through partnership with the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL), eligible students can earn a 15% tuition discount towards their degree. Students who are IONL members must submit the necessary forms each semester.
- Frequent Flyer Scholarship - 海角社区 alumni qualify for a 20% tuition scholarship when admitted into a graduate degree, doctoral degree, second bachelor degree, or qualifying certificate program. .
- JJC Employee Discount - Full and part-time employees of Joliet Junior College who enroll in for-credit courses at 海角社区 are eligible for a 15% tuition discount. Students must verify employment each semester to receive the discount.
- Employer Tuition Discounts - 海角社区 partners with various employers, including those in the private sector, not-for-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies to offer tuition discounts for employees. Employer Partner List.
Please refer to the Financial Aid Office for more information on types of aid and tuition assistance.
Sample Courses:
- Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities
- Learning Theories and Schooling
- Literacy for Other School Personnel
- Concepts of School Nurse Practice
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) required
- A 2.75-3.0 GPA will be considered for provisional admission
- Applicants must submit an official transcript with a GPA of 2.75 or above.
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois
- Applicants with an RN licensure but not holding a B.S. in Nursing degree, or holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a non-health area of study, must have completed a graduate level course in community health or population-focused health. This course is in addition to course requirements for the School Nurse Program.
- Two completed 海角社区 College of Nursing and Health Sciences' recommendation forms
- One reference must be from a nurse in the specialty of school nursing with a master鈥檚 degree or doctoral degree. One reference should be from a current supervisor or manager.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Essay (maximum 500 words) addressing the following:
- How your education and work experiences prepared you for graduate studies
- How graduate study will facilitate achievement of your short and long-term goals
- How the 海角社区 Mission integrates with your personal and professional identity
- NOTE: Students musto successfully pass the ISBE Content Area test in School Nursing (236).
- Fingerprint Background Checks - Licensure from the ISBE may be denied for the presence of certain felonies on a candidate's criminal record. Candidates are encouraged to review the licensure requirements (105 ILCS 5/21-23a).
- The College of Nursing and Health Sciences maintains a relationship with a vendor for the convenience of candidates. Candidates will be given information during orientation and will complete the background check in advance of their first field experience.
- Candidates will be required to submit a hard copy to the School Nurse Program.
- Candidates who have concerns about their past criminal record should seek counsel through the School Nurse Program Coordinator.
- A second fingerprint check may be required by the school district(s) at the time of school nurse internship.
- Candidates will be required to incur the costs for all fingerprint background checks.
Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for application requirements and specific next steps.
Retention in the School Nurse Non-Degree Program
- Candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all graduate level coursework
- No course grade can be lower than a B
Completion of the School Nurse Non-Degree Program
To become a Licensed School Nurse, all candidates must:
- Pass the Illinois State Board of Education Content Area test in School Nursing (236).
- Successfully complete all required courses and demonstrate achievement of the Illinois Standards for the School Nurse
- Complete all key assessments and successful experience in the school nurse internship
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