Colleges of Distinction advocates for schools whose undergraduate experiences are grounded in a philosophy of well-rounded, individualized engagement. Among these institutions, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is recognized for graduating students into the workforce with solid, well-developed critical thinking skills as well as the ability to adapt in an ever-changing society.
Already honored as a College of Distinction for its high-impact approach to education, FranU has received specialized recognition in nursing.
“We complete a thorough review of the programs in question before giving the awards,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We’re looking for such qualities as accreditation, hands-on experiences, high-mastery rates, integration liberal arts, and successful outcomes for students. It’s wonderful to see how FranU really exemplifies these qualities within the field.”
To earn the recognition, FranU demonstrated the following markers of quality:
-Stability – The School of Nursing has been active for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment as well as stability in the number of degrees awarded annually.
-Excellence – The program’s faculty have earned awards and peer recognition for their experience and research.
-Accreditation – FranU’s School of Nursing is nationally accredited by ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
-Practical Experience – Students in the School of Nursing are required to complete practical, hands-on experiences, including residency and clinical work.
-High Mastery Rates – A high percentage of the students regularly pass such standardized
exams as NCLEX.
-Dedicated Advising and Counseling – The School of Nursing supports students with high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising specific to Nursing students.
-Liberal Arts Exposure – The program is supplemented by a general education curriculum that is multidisciplinary and based in the liberal arts. Such studies help ensure that students develop their problem solving, critical and out-of-the-box thinking, practical leadership skills and understand a variety of worldviews and perspectives—all crucial factors that set nurses apart as the most compassionate and competent caretakers.
-High-Impact Practices – Students in the School of Nursing enhance their undergraduate studies with such High-Impact Practices as Common Intellectual Experiences, Undergraduate Research, Diversity and Global Learning, First-Year Experiences/Seminars, Writing-Intensive Courses, Collaborative Assignments and Projects, Service/Community-Based Learning, Living-Learning Communities, Internships and Capstone Courses and Projects.
-Industry Connections – Students enrolled in the School of Nursing have numerous opportunities to build professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Schritter said, “The accredited nursing program at FranU has enabled its students to take calculated action even in high-pressure situations. With four full years at FranU, these students are challenged to remain curious and compassionate throughout their rigorous practice.”