Our comprehensive nursing curriculum offers 2-year RN programs, specialized nursing major classes, and accredited education in the heart of Missouri.
Being a nurse is a rewarding career path. Not only are you entering into a field with benefits such as room for advancement, plenty of job opportunities, a supportive environment, and a role on your feet, but nursing allows you to be a helping hand in people’s lives, changing them for the better. Our 2-year RN Nursing program is carefully designed to integrate professional education with liberal arts and sciences for a well-rounded degree at an accredited nursing school. The program accommodates both students beginning their education in nursing as well as students eligible for advanced placement. Graduates are well-equipped to provide nursing care in hospital and community health settings where beginning professional competence is expected.
Successful achievement in the humanities is basic to understanding the whole person and their response in health and illness. The well-prepared high school student usually spends four academic years completing the requirements for the Nursing major. The freshman and sophomore years are spent on the Lamoni campus or at another college where the student enrolls in supporting science and humanities courses.* Then the 2-year RN program nursing courses are taught on the Independence Campus in Independence, Missouri. The first three nursing courses are taught the summer before the junior year. Students will go to a variety of healthcare agencies for hands-on clinical experience while simultaneously completing the general education and Nursing major requirements.
*Transfer students may take these courses at other colleges.
Beginning in Fall 2025, the BSN will also be offered entirely on the Lamoni campus in addition to the degree completion program currently offered on the Independence Campus. Students will have the option of enjoying the convenience of living in a large metro area while taking coursework via Graceland’s commuter campus in Independence, or take advantage of the Transformational Leadership program and the opportunity to live on campus on our Lamoni campus.
This program option is for transfer students wishing to take course-work on our commuter campus, conveniently located in the Kansas City metro area in Independence, Missouri.
In addition to the essential education requirements, beginning professional students majoring in Nursing must complete a concentration of 59.5 semester hours of professional Nursing courses and 38 semester hours of supporting course work. The minimum total of semester hours required for graduation in Nursing is 120.
Required Nursing Courses:
Required Supporting Courses:
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Students will learn about immunology, bacteriology, mycology, and virology. Emphasis will be placed on the cellular mechanism and role of microbial pathogens (bacteria) and agents (viruses, prions) affecting human health and how they are treated. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 or instructor's consent.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
A systematic development of whole number systems, geometry, set theory, counting, measurement, and algebra.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Introduces the roles and responsibilities of professional nursing. Introduces students to the historical, economic, political and legal/ethical trends in nursing. Introduces concepts necessary for scholarly writing using APA formatting.
Focuses on learning foundational assessment skills. Systematic holistic nursing process approach to health history and physical examination for the purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal states of health and critical assessment of client needs. Application of concepts are facilitated in the laboratory experience. (For on campus BSN-RN students only.) Prerequisite: NURS2010.
An introduction to the basic concepts and skills associated with the use of technology as it relates to nursing and electronic healthcare systems. The content will provide a conceptual foundation and hands-on exposure to the use of information management in nursing which is necessary in providing quality patient care.
Introduction to basic concepts and psychomotor skills necessary to provide therapeutic interventions for individual clients. Laboratory and clinical experience provided. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Study of the evidence-based practice research process to develop informed consumers of nursing research. Exploration of the application of the research evidence to the health care environment. Prerequisites: BSN-RN students only, NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing basic nursing care to clients and their families. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing family centered nursing care to individuals and groups of clients. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Emphasis on promotion of healthy individual and family system responses to psychosocial stressors (violence, poverty, substance abuse). Psychopathology will be explored with opportunities to practice primary, secondary, and tertiary nursing interventions in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Study of the concepts and altered processes of organs, cells, and biochemical functions of the systems related to homeostasis, neural control and integration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and their application to nursing. Emphasizes drug classifications of pharmacological agents, their actions, side effects, uses and nursing responsibilities regarding administration and basic calculations of medication administration for all routes of administration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Continues investigation of pharmacology with specific medications that are seen in the clinical setting from the various drug classifications and medications used in advanced adult health settings. Drug calculations include those for the critical care setting and those using the intravenous route.
Discusses management of patient care in a clinical setting in the capacity of unit manager, charge nurse and patient care coordinator. Focuses on knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources required to lead an interdisciplinary team to achieve excellence and high quality outcomes. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.
This course focuses on holistic approach to acute illnesses and health promotion of culturally diverse women, children (birth through adolescence) and families throughout their lifespans. Emphasis is placed on providing a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to health promotion and intervention in the care of newly formed families moving from preconception through the neonatal period. Additionally, emphasis is placed on quality of care, safety and developmental stages of childhood and appropriate nursing interventions in the home and acute care settings. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 3452, 4340.
Emphasis on the key concepts required to deliver care to clients and their families during severe physiological stress. Importance placed on critical thinking to analyze the relationship between multidimensional stressors in the midst of critical illness. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.
Focuses on community/public health issues with the family and community as clients, including community assessment and the examination of a variety of core concepts in the practice of community/public health nursing. Topics include epidemiology, community focused health promotion, and prevention within a sociopolitical environment. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Emphasis on advanced cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills and therapeutic communication in the care of clients and families in acute-care settings. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.
Examines the social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and ethical issues that surround the practice of professional nursing. Explores the concepts that prepare the graduate for entry into the professional role. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.
Introduction to basic ways of thinking and acting ethically. Examines basic ethical theories, both religious and philosophical, but focuses on practical, daily application of sound values and ethical consciousness.
An introduction to some of the traditional theories of knowledge, reality, and value, and an interpretation of their relevance to the modern world.
An exploration of contemporary ethical issues in modern medicine. The course will begin with an introduction to ethical theories and principles, and then apply these to specific problems in health care.
A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qur'an (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences
Introduction to the perspective of sociology, its basic concepts and principles and an overview of the field.Includes study of social classes, sex roles, crime and deviance, socialization, social movements and others. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
Survey and analysis of diverse cultural patterns. +This course is only offered every other year.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Students will learn about immunology, bacteriology, mycology, and virology. Emphasis will be placed on the cellular mechanism and role of microbial pathogens (bacteria) and agents (viruses, prions) affecting human health and how they are treated. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 or instructor's consent.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
A study the principles of nutrition as it relates to health, exercise, sports and disease. Students will be presented with applied content that includes research-based guidelines meant to help students differentiate between nutrition recommendations that are backed by science and the overabundance of false and misleading information. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
Solutions of polynomial, rational and radical equations, systems of equations, matrices, sequences, series, functions, exponentials.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
A systematic development of whole number systems, geometry, set theory, counting, measurement, and algebra.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Introduces the roles and responsibilities of professional nursing. Introduces students to the historical, economic, political and legal/ethical trends in nursing. Introduces concepts necessary for scholarly writing using APA formatting.
Focuses on learning foundational assessment skills. Systematic holistic nursing process approach to health history and physical examination for the purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal states of health and critical assessment of client needs. Application of concepts are facilitated in the laboratory experience. (For on campus BSN-RN students only.) Prerequisite: NURS2010.
An introduction to the basic concepts and skills associated with the use of technology as it relates to nursing and electronic healthcare systems. The content will provide a conceptual foundation and hands-on exposure to the use of information management in nursing which is necessary in providing quality patient care.
Introduction to basic concepts and psychomotor skills necessary to provide therapeutic interventions for individual clients. Laboratory and clinical experience provided. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Study of the evidence-based practice research process to develop informed consumers of nursing research. Exploration of the application of the research evidence to the health care environment. Prerequisites: BSN-RN students only, NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing basic nursing care to clients and their families. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Focus on the development of abilities to manage the care of adults, at various life stages, in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis on person-centered communication and application of cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills in providing family centered nursing care to individuals and groups of clients. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Emphasis on promotion of healthy individual and family system responses to psychosocial stressors (violence, poverty, substance abuse). Psychopathology will be explored with opportunities to practice primary, secondary, and tertiary nursing interventions in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Study of the concepts and altered processes of organs, cells, and biochemical functions of the systems related to homeostasis, neural control and integration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and their application to nursing. Emphasizes drug classifications of pharmacological agents, their actions, side effects, uses and nursing responsibilities regarding administration and basic calculations of medication administration for all routes of administration. Prerequisites: NURS2420, 2460, 2470.
Continues investigation of pharmacology with specific medications that are seen in the clinical setting from the various drug classifications and medications used in advanced adult health settings. Drug calculations include those for the critical care setting and those using the intravenous route.
Discusses management of patient care in a clinical setting in the capacity of unit manager, charge nurse and patient care coordinator. Focuses on knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources required to lead an interdisciplinary team to achieve excellence and high quality outcomes. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.
This course focuses on holistic approach to acute illnesses and health promotion of culturally diverse women, children (birth through adolescence) and families throughout their lifespans. Emphasis is placed on providing a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to health promotion and intervention in the care of newly formed families moving from preconception through the neonatal period. Additionally, emphasis is placed on quality of care, safety and developmental stages of childhood and appropriate nursing interventions in the home and acute care settings. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 3452, 4340.
Emphasis on the key concepts required to deliver care to clients and their families during severe physiological stress. Importance placed on critical thinking to analyze the relationship between multidimensional stressors in the midst of critical illness. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.
Focuses on community/public health issues with the family and community as clients, including community assessment and the examination of a variety of core concepts in the practice of community/public health nursing. Topics include epidemiology, community focused health promotion, and prevention within a sociopolitical environment. Prerequisites: NURS3120, 3270, 3440, 3451.
Emphasis on advanced cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills and therapeutic communication in the care of clients and families in acute-care settings. Prerequisites: NURS4170, 4220, 4480.
Examines the social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and ethical issues that surround the practice of professional nursing. Explores the concepts that prepare the graduate for entry into the professional role. Prerequisites: NURS3160, 3250, 3260, 4340.
Introduction to basic ways of thinking and acting ethically. Examines basic ethical theories, both religious and philosophical, but focuses on practical, daily application of sound values and ethical consciousness.
An introduction to some of the traditional theories of knowledge, reality, and value, and an interpretation of their relevance to the modern world.
An exploration of contemporary ethical issues in modern medicine. The course will begin with an introduction to ethical theories and principles, and then apply these to specific problems in health care.
A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qur'an (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences
Introduction to the perspective of sociology, its basic concepts and principles and an overview of the field.Includes study of social classes, sex roles, crime and deviance, socialization, social movements and others. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
Survey and analysis of diverse cultural patterns. +This course is only offered every other year.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Graceland University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
In accordance with Missouri requirements (Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 335.046; 20 CSR 2200-4.020,1D) completion of the Graceland BSN degree does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination since all applicants must be approved by the Board and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the State Board of Education, as well as the basic professional curriculum at Graceland (4 CSR 200-4.020,B). A complete copy of the State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act 335.066 can be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. A resource for information regarding tuition, fees, and length of program is: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202)887-6791.
Iowa Code 152 is the statute for nursing and references the laws for licensure qualifications, reference 152.7
The administrative rules can be found in 655 and chapter 6 is the practice act. Iowa Administrative Code 655
For the degree completion program in Independence, Missouri. Students taking coursework on the Lamoni campus will be charged the same tuition as all other Lamoni based programs.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $725 per credit hour |
| Nursing Program Fee All inclusive fee that includes: clinical fee (covers PPE), liability insurance, materials fee, Student Activity fee (covers uniforms, iPad mini, skills bags), and testing fee (ATI) | $1600 per trimester (Jan. 2026 start, $1,800/trimester) |
| Deposit (due 30 days after acceptance - nonrefundable) | $200 |
| Late Registration Fee (nonrefundable) | $100 per occurrence |
| Reactivation Fee (nonrefundable) | $550 per occurrence |
| Term | Fee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Summer 2025 | Tuition (9 ch) | $6,525 |
| Summer 2025 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,600 |
| Total Summer 2025 | $8,125 | |
| Fall 2025 | Tuition (14 ch) | $10,150 |
| Fall 2025 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,600 |
| Total Fall 2025 | $11,750 | |
| Spring 2026 | Tuition (15.5 ch) | $11,237.5 |
| Spring 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Spring 2023 | $13,037.5 | |
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Summer 2026 | Tuition (9 ch) | $6,525 |
| Summer 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Summer 2023 | $8,325 | |
| Fall 2026 | Tuition (12 ch) | $8,700 |
| Fall 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Fall 2023 | $10,500 | |
| FIRST YEAR TOTAL | $32,912.5 | |
| SECOND YEAR TOTAL | $18,825 | |
| PROGRAM TOTAL | $51,737.5 |
| Term | Fee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Spring 2025 | Tuition (12 ch) | $8,700 |
| Spring 2025 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,600 |
| Total Spring 2025 | $10,300 | |
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Fall 2025 | Tuition (13 ch) | $9,425 |
| Fall 2025 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,600 |
| Total Fall 2025 | $11,025 | |
| Spring 2026 | Tuition (13.5 ch) | $9,787.5 |
| Spring 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Spring 2024 | $11,587.5 | |
| THIRD YEAR | ||
| Summer 2026 | Tuition (9 ch) | $6,525 |
| Summer 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Summer 2024 | $8,325 | |
| Fall 2026 | Tuition (12 ch) | $8,700 |
| Fall 2026 | Nursing Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Total Fall 2024 | $10,500 | |
| FIRST YEAR TOTAL | $10,300 | |
| SECOND YEAR TOTAL | $22,612.5 | |
| THIRD YEAR TOTAL | $18,825 | |
| PROGRAM TOTAL | $51,737.5 |
We realize you have many choices when it comes to furthering your education. At Graceland, we strive to offer quality programs, such as our accredited nursing curriculum, that are tailored to the working adult. Our 2-year RN Nursing program, coupled with our supporting science and humanities courses will equip students with the well-rounded knowledge they need to understand the whole person and their response to health and illness.
Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. From face-to-face instruction to online learning, the Graceland School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.
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