Are you interested in the high-tech, fast-paced field of the health sciences? Do you want to contribute to society by caring for others? Dominican University, in cooperation with Rush University College of Nursing, can help you reach those goals.

The Affiliated Dominican University/Rush University College Of Nursing Program

Dominican University offers the prerequisite courses needed for entrance into Rush University College of Nursing, one of the premier nursing schools in the country. The pre-nursing curriculum at Dominican focuses on a challenging program of science and liberalarts courses needed to succeed in the field of modern nursing. The pre-nursing student will be required to complete several semester hours of biology, chemistry and mathematics courses, which will provide the foundation for understanding the science of the human body. A dedicated nurse not only understands the natural science of medicine, but is also committed to compassionate service, a cornerstone of the mission of Dominican University. The liberal arts prerequisite courses, which include classes in psychology and ethics, focus on providing a values-centered educational experience from which students gain a new self-awareness and the ability to evaluate and respond accordingly to the many difficult issues presented in human health care.

prerequisite courses may be completed in two years at Dominican University; however, the total number of semesters needed to complete these courses may vary depending on the academic background of the individual student. The pre-nursing student will work closely with the academic advisers at Dominican to ensure that his or her schedule is customized to meet the needs of each student. Many students choose to remain at Dominican University to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering Rush University College of Nursing. For those students who elect this option, a special major in natural science with a concentration in health sciences has been developed.

The student may apply to Rush University College of Nursing after completing the prerequisite courses at Dominican University. Entrance into the College of Nursing is conditional upon acceptance. The Rush University curriculum consists of six quarters (two years) in which students divide their time between theory classes and clinical experiences. Rush is an upper-division university, offering only the third and fourth year of the traditional undergraduate program. Upon completion of the program, Rush University awards the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nursing education at Rush University builds on the scientific and liberal-arts foundation developed during the years of pre-health study. The program is designed to give a broad perspective on the problems faced by patients and to establish a foundation for the skills and knowledge needed for an entry-level nursing position. Graduates of the program, which is accredited by the National League for Nursing, are eligible to take the state board examination to become licensed professional nurses.

Pre-nursing Course Requirements

Natural Sciences [20 semester hours]

Required Courses:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Elementary Microbiology
• • General Chemistry
• Introductory Organic Chemistry
• Highly Recommended: Elementary Biochemistry

Social Sciences [14 semester hours]

Required Courses:

• General Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Introduction to Human Society
• Additional courses selected from offerings in psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics and history.

Humanities [3 courses]

• Biomedical Ethics

Additional Required Courses

• English Composition I and II
• Intermediate Algebra
• Mathematical Concepts in Clinical Science
• Introductory Statistical Methods

About Rush University

Established in 1972, Rush University is the academic component of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, a leader in health care in Chicago and the Midwest for more than 150 years. It includes Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College. Included in the mission of the College of Nursing is setting a national standard for excellence in the professional education of nurses. The College of Nursing is one of the leading nursing schools in the United States.

As a health profession higher education institution within an academic medical center, Rush has a unique structure that unites the educational and patient-care elements of health delivery. It has a total enrollment of more than 1,100 students and is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer programs leading to the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Its main campus, located on Chicago’s near-west side, with 23 buildings on 25 acres, is easily accessible from Dominican University by public transportation or car.