Rivier College (RC) was established in 1933 as a catholic private college. The college was named in honor of Mary Rivier, the founder of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. The college was initially located in Hudson but 8 years down the line, it relocated to Nashua its current location. The college still follows the catholic tradition of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs that are grounded in its original mission of “Education of the Whole Person”.
Nursing Programs at Rivier College
The Division of Nursing at Rivier College offers both undergraduate and graduate level nursing programs. In the undergraduate category, the college has an associate degree track, advanced placement for practical nurses, a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing track and a completion program for Registered Nurses. At the graduate level, there are four Master of Science in nursing (MSN) tracks. The MSN tracks have two entry options each as will be explained below. All the programs are accredited by the National League in Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
Associate of Science in Nursing (Evening)
The Associate of Science in nursing (ASN) professional track is meant to prepare students to become competent registered nurses. This program is offered exclusively on an evening study plan therefore, a fit for students who wish to work during their study period. While completing the nursing courses, students take two evenings and choose between two weekend days or a 12-hour weekend day for clinical experience. Students also take 2 evenings for theory coursework per week.
72 credits are required to complete the program whereby, 42 credits are general education and 42 nursing courses. Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters with only one courses being offered in the summer session. Completion of the program awards the student an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and eligibility to apply for the NLCEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RN).
Students may also seek transfer into the ASN program at Rivier. Rivier has articulation agreements with most Community Colleges in the state; most transfer students are accepted flawlessly. In the situation that the transfer students do not come from a school with articulation agreements with Rivier College, such students must be ready to complete half of the ASN courses at Rivier. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) seeking advanced placement to the ASN program are required to take a Nursing Transition course. This enables them to receive advanced placement in the 2 nd year of the ASN program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BS (Online)
The RN to BS online degree is open to registered nurses from Rivier ASN program and any other from accredited diploma or associate nursing programs. The curriculum is designed to build on prior nursing experience as students advance to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Due to its flexibility, it is suitable for RNs who wish to maintain their employment status while working towards their degree.
Generally, students must be able to transfer a minimum of 60 credits from their earlier program to be allowed to apply. If this requirement is met, 24 nursing major and 18 general education credits must be taken at Rivier in 2 years of full time study. Since the baccalaureate program requires 126 credits to complete, the remaining credits must be chosen from a pool of additional elective courses. Part time study plans can be arranged on an individual basis for students who wish to take 1-3 courses per semester. Students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after completion.
Professional Track Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Day)
The undergraduate nursing program is designed for recent high school graduate who wish to become registered nurses. The program is the form of a traditional 4-year full time day program that prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses. After admission into the program, students take core and general courses in the freshman year and start on nursing courses at the sophomore level. After completing all required courses at the junior year, students must apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam and be licensed as registered nurses.
Only students who take the NLCEX-RN exam at this level are allowed to progress to the senior year. Successful students who make it to the senior level must take a professional Capstone project to be eligible for graduation. The entire program requires 57 general education and 66 nursing major credits. Additional credits must be taken from a pool of elective courses to fulfill the required 126 credits needed for the award of a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
Master of Science in Nursing
There are four graduate nursing tracks available at Rivier College. Each of these programs has two entry options as follows:
Bridge Option for Non-nursing Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses
This bridge option entry path is designed for registered nurses with a Baccalaureate degree in another non-nursing field. Since it is a generalist track students must take a post-master program to be eligible for certification in their respective areas.
RN to MS Option
This option is designed for the Registered nurse graduates of associate or diploma nursing programs. Candidates of this track must show prove of a current unrestricted RN license and at least two years of working experience. Unlike the former track, students in this option are eligible to apply for National Certification in their respective areas of the MSN chosen.
Following any of the two options explained above, students can chose the following Master of Science in nursing specialty areas:
A M.S Nursing: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Degree Completion program that do not follow the above two options is also offered. It is meant for certified APRNS who wish to complete MSN degree requirements
Post-Master’s Certificates
Contact:
Rivier College
420 South Main Street, Nashua,
NH 03060