The bachelor's degree program in nursing is a direct-admit program where students complete four years of nursing courses including three years of clinical placements. Nursing prepares students for licensure as an RN, a dynamic career, leadership positions, and graduate education. <br><br>Employment for RNs is projected to grow by more than 19% related to an increased emphasis on preventive care, growing rates of chronic conditions and a demand for healthcare services from baby boomers who are living longer, more active lives. Nurse practitioner positions are estimated to increase by 34%. Both of these figures are well ahead of the projected 11% growth for all occupations (BLS). Baccalaureate students focus on physical and mental health of individuals of all ages in a variety of settings from hospitals to clinics to the home. Students participate in real-life situations using state-of-the-art simulators that talk, breathe, bleed, give birth and respond - positively or negatively - to prescribed treatments. Students also have the opportunity to see real patients and practice interdisciplinary healthcare in Lyles Porter Hall through the Nursing Center for Family Health. Students are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which allows them, once passed, to be licensed in the state in which they wish to practice.