Time Commitment and Expectation
Nursing Student Time Commitment
Enrollment in the Donnelly College Nursing Program requires a significant time commitment, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Nursing education is rigorous and demanding, and students must be prepared to prioritize their academic and clinical responsibilities.
Classroom and Laboratory Commitment
Class schedules vary by semester. The Nursing Program follows the College’s academic policy that one credit hour equates to 50 minutes of in-class instructional time per week. Instructional engagement may include:
- Lectures and exams
- Group work and class discussions
- Supervised skills labs and practice
- Faculty-led tutorials, presentations, and simulations
In addition to in-class time, students should plan on a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for out-of-class work for every credit hour of instruction.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Reading and writing assignments
- Skills practice in the lab
- Clinical preparation and case study reviews
- Group project work and presentations
- Practice exams and tutorials
- Students with additional study needs, such as slower reading or comprehension, should anticipate devoting even more time to their studies to remain successful. Be sure to notify the Dean of the College if learning accommodations are needed (please provide a doctor's notice).
Clinical Commitment (hands on practical experience at a medical location)
Clinical nursing courses require 45 hours of clinical contact time per semester credit hour.
Additional time is required for:
- Travel to and from the clinical site
- Clinical preparation and research
- Reflection or follow-up assignments after clinical experiences
Clinical schedules may be assigned on any day of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and minor holidays, and may begin as early as 6:00 a.m. or conclude as late as midnight. Students are expected to be available for all scheduled clinical hours.
Note: Reliable transportation is required. While rare, some clinical placements may require travel outside of the immediate area, and overnight stays may occasionally be necessary.
Work and Personal Obligations
While students are not prohibited from working outside of school, employment should not interfere with academic or clinical responsibilities.
Students are expected to:
- Prioritize and schedule nursing program requirements over employment
- Refrain from working overnight before an exam or scheduled clinical shift
- Arrange childcare and transportation to accommodate class and/or clinical attendance
- Inability to meet academic or clinical responsibilities due to a work-related incident is not considered a valid excuse for absence or poor performance.
Success in nursing school requires time management, discipline, and a strong commitment to professional accountability. Students are encouraged to regularly evaluate their schedules and responsibilities to ensure they can fully meet the demands of the program.