Chamberlain University: A Comprehensive Overview of Nursing Education
Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit institution specializing in healthcare and nursing education. With locations across the United States and a robust online presence, the university offers a range of degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing, as well as a Master of Public Health. Chamberlain University aims to provide accessible and convenient pathways to nursing education, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as three years of full-time study.
Historical Roots and Evolution
Chamberlain University's origins are intertwined with the Deaconess tradition, which began in 19th-century Europe. Theodor Fliedner established the first Deaconess Home and Hospital in Kaiserswerth, Germany, in 1836. The term "deaconess" signifies "one who is devoted to service." In St. Louis, the Evangelical Deaconess Society established Deaconess Central Hospital in 1889. This hospital was later sold and eventually became Forest Park Hospital, which faced financial difficulties and closed its emergency room in 2011. The property was purchased by the St. Louis Zoo in 2012. Chamberlain University carries forward this legacy of service and healthcare education. For over 135 years, Chamberlain University has guided more than 185,000 students, faculty and alumni in helping others.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Chamberlain University has the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. The university is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers many MSN specialties, both clinical and non-clinical. The Chamberlain nursing program is well-rounded, with several specialization options at the graduate level. As the nation’s largest school of nursing, Chamberlain is grounded in purpose and excellence.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Chamberlain College of Nursing offers more accessible and convenient degree pathways than most traditional nursing programs. Nursing students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as three years of full-time study. The BSN curriculum is designed to prepare professional nurse leaders and uses a holistic approach with real-world skills through lab and clinical learning experiences.
Online Nursing Programs
Chamberlain has had years to hone its online nursing programs. The university launched its first online program over 20 years ago, and its work is never done. The curriculum instruction and design team is focused on regularly refining the online education experience to enhance the learning of students. Chamberlain’s online nursing programs are supported by faculty who are field-tested healthcare professionals with real-world experience and ready to teach in an online nursing school format. Through the Center for Faculty Excellence, the university ensures that instructors are fully prepared to teach in any format. The structured faculty development plan is grounded in learning theory and best practices for delivering an engaging and meaningful student experience in online nursing programs.
Read also: Chamberlain University Costs
At Chamberlain, students benefit from limited online class sizes and getting to know students through weekly check-in sessions. For select programs, like the online nursing programs, there is even a dedicated space within the online learning platform for peer-to-peer and faculty-to-peer interactions. Select Chamberlain online nursing programs feature a virtual simulation resource called i-Human Patients (IHP). This cloud-based, highly interactive application is designed to help students respond to patient care situations and develop clinical judgement skills in a 100% virtual environment. This includes simulating communication with patients, performing health assessments, identifying underlying problems and documenting detailed patient notes.
Chamberlain bases its programs on not one, but two science-based learning models that are proven to promote student success: Kolb’s experiential learning theory and outcome-based education. The university builds its courses with a collaborative approach using media, instructional designers and subject matter experts informed by the student experience. This helps to ensure that students get the most out of their online nursing program. Chamberlain prepares students for this fast-changing environment by teaching them how to learn, sharpening their critical thinking skills and giving them the ability to ask the right questions.
Accreditation
The Chamberlain Nursing School is accredited by CCNE, which evaluates all nursing schools and programs in the US. When students earn an ASU nursing degree, they are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
Admission Requirements and Process
Chamberlain University’s admission committees review applicants using a weighted evaluation system that considers several factors, including previous coursework and test scores. Additional factors important to student success in nursing school may also be considered. In order to meet Chamberlain University’s requirements for admission, applicants must submit the following:
- A completed application for admission.
- Official transcripts from previously attended institutions.
- Any additional documents required by their program.
Pre-licensure applicants must: Schedule and complete the HESI Admission Assessment (A2). Chamberlain University’s College of Nursing is dedicated to both enrollment and student processes that focus on empowering students for successful outcomes and preparing graduates for careers in the nursing profession. Part of this objective is our rigorous admission requirements that ensure students meet requirements for eligibility aligned with State Boards of Nursing; are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®); and meet requirements established by clinical affiliates and employers. The safety of students, staff, clinical affiliates and the patients they serve is the top priority. Chamberlain is committed to providing an educational environment for nursing that is focused on quality, professionalism, and competent and compassionate patient care.
Read also: Accessing Chamberlain Resources
Background Checks and Eligibility
Some state professional standards prohibit issuing a registered nursing license to individuals with a criminal background. In addition, healthcare facilities routinely refuse to allow such persons into clinical training programs. Some healthcare facilities may also require FBI-level fingerprinting as a condition of clinical placement. Chamberlain University requires applicants to clear a background check, fingerprint and drug screen in order to be accepted into the program. Chamberlain recommends contacting any county in which a criminal offense may have occurred, in order to make sure your background is clear. Background or fingerprint checks that produce any criminal offenses, including charges or convictions, may make individuals ineligible for admission. An applicant will automatically be ineligible for admission if they have an offense that falls under certain categories.
Student Support Services
Chamberlain University is committed to caring for students every step of the way and offers comprehensive student support services. It begins with a baseline. An early assessment gives students the chance to learn their strengths and discover what they can improve. Academic support advisors can help students create their own personalized curriculum plan, while peers and professional healthcare staff offer tutoring and study advice through the Center for Academic Success.
To help students get ready for their licensure exams, Chamberlain offers NCLEX® prep, including next-gen virtual patient encounters, as well as self-led and group simulations using in-home lab kits. The 16-week Chamberlain Readiness course helps students finish strong and be ready to take the NCLEX-RN®. The library is a student favorite filled with nursing and medical journals, guidebooks, and more useful resources. A team of librarians helps students find the information they need and leads workshops to help sharpen research skills. Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® is dedicated to helping students find a practicum site and preceptor that support them in applying their new skills. Chamberlain University is committed to caring for students every step of the way.
Chamberlain Care
At Chamberlain, the university works hard to support student success in online nursing school programs or online College of Health Professions programs and in achieving career goals. This commitment and personalized attention - what is called Chamberlain Care® - distinguishes Chamberlain from other universities. Chamberlain believes that if the university takes extraordinary care of its students, it will graduate extraordinary healthcare professionals who will have a significant and positive impact on healthcare around the world.
Career Opportunities and Resources
At Chamberlain University, nursing programs have been helping prepare students to turn their calling into a career for over 135 years. While many graduates are in hospitals and clinics caring for patients, a nursing degree can lead to a number of other rewarding careers as well. School nurses support the health and well-being of students, from first aid and medication management to supporting those with chronic health conditions and administering preventative screenings. Nurse educators shape the next generation of caregivers, and nursing informaticists combine compassion with cutting-edge data to enhance patient care. Registered nurse job growth is projected to increase 5% from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Chamberlain's career resources offer a wide range of services to help students after they earn their degree.
Read also: Programming Chamberlain Openers
Reviews and Feedback
Reviews of Chamberlain University are mixed, with some students praising the supportive environment and resources, while others express concerns about the cost, quality of instruction, and administrative issues.
Positive Feedback
Some students have reported positive experiences, citing supportive faculty, helpful resources, and a transformative educational journey. One student noted the invaluable resources provided by the university's library and the approachability and support of the professors. Another student highlighted the nurturing environment that allowed for personal and professional growth.
Negative Feedback
Conversely, some reviews express disappointment with the program, citing issues such as high tuition costs, frequent changes in curriculum and policies, and a lack of support from academic advisors. Some students feel that the university is primarily focused on financial gain and that the quality of education does not justify the expense. A common concern is the difficulty in finding preceptors for clinical rotations and the perceived lack of assistance from the university in this process. Some students have also reported issues with the finance department and inconsistencies in communication.
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