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Nursing

Offered: On Campus Apply

The Department of Nursing is committed to providing exceptional undergraduate and graduate nursing programs taught by professor-mentors in a dynamic learning community. Since launching our first nursing program in 2006, we have been a center of excellence in Christian nursing education that integrates our University values of truth, virtue and service. Vanguard Nursing Program alumni leave committed to compassionate, holistic patient care – mind, body and spirit.

I would pick VU over & over again. I gained so much more than a BSN from Vanguard - I gained mentors, support, & a new perspective on nursing & what it means to care for someone. Not only did the instructors, counselors, & support staff give me the practical tools to be successful, but more importantly they taught me why it matters. I use those nearly every day in my role as an ICU nurse and am a much better nurse because of them. 
Alyssa Bastreri

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Pre-Licensure

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Pre-Licensure program is for freshman and transfer students who need to complete prerequisite courses or may be ready to apply to the Nursing major but are not licensed nurses. Following completion of the bachelor's program, these students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed nurses.

RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

This program is for licensed nurses or students currently enrolled in an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) dual enrollment program at another institution who seek to complete a bachelor’s degree. Beginning fall 2019, this program will be offered in two formats: on campus or online.

RN to MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Nurse Educator

This program is for licensed nurses who seek to complete both bachelor's and master's degrees concurrently. Graduates may teach in academic nursing programs, assume positions in allied health programs as nurse educators in staff development or serve in roles related to population health education.

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

This program is for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree who seek to complete a master’s degree. The MSN program offers a dual track for the baccalaureate prepared nurse, emphasizing the application of theoretical knowledge in the development of Nursing Education and Leadership competencies.  We combine the benefits of a cohort model and faculty mentoring in combination with a hybrid curriculum and the convenience of online learning.

Program Highlights

Faculty Mentorship

Faculty believe each nurse has a lot to offer and will personally invest in them and help them achieve their career goals.

Small Class Sizes

Class sizes are intentionally small to encourage discussion and individual learning.

On-Campus & Online Options

Schedule flexibility and multiple options coordinate well with your work schedule

State-of-the-art Equipment

Two (2) state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Labs opened in fall 2015.

Local Partnerships

Students take part in clinical education at leading partner health care facilities including St. Jude Medical Center, Orange County Global Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, Children's Hospital of Orange County and Orange Coast Medical Center, as well as participating in a variety of community-based experiences.

Financial Aid

Many students receive financial aid. Visit vanguard.edu/financialaid for more information.

Integration of Faith and Learning

The Department of Nursing facilitates an academic environment that promotes the integration of faith and learning in personal and professional life. The department’s rigorous curriculum across programs are designed to present course content from a Christian worldview.  Personal faith and spiritual care in nursing are paramount in optimally caring for individuals and their families.  

This faith perspective is role modeled by faculty in the classroom, simulation lab and clinical areas. Faculty endeavor to create sacred spaces that promote open, honest and scholarly discussion fostering integrity, moral courage, discovery and authenticity.  The Nursing Department expects that all members of the department, faculty, staff and students demonstrate caring behaviors that promote a learning environment that acknowledges the inherent dignity of all persons.  

MEET OUR FACULTY & STAFF

Nino Acosta

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing
Tara Amendola RN, BSN, MSN, PHN

Tara Amendola RN, BSN, MSN, PHN

Adjunct Instructor for the Pre-Licensure Program

Haley Browning

Adjunct Faculty of Undergraduate Nursing, Simulation Lab Coordinator
Ju-An Broyles DNP, RN, FNP

Ju-An Broyles DNP, RN, FNP

Adjunct Instructor for the MSN Program
Marysol Cacciata PhD, RN, CCRN-K

Marysol Cacciata PhD, RN, CCRN-K

Adjunct Instructor for the MSN Program
Annette Callis PhD MSN, CNS, RN

Annette Callis PhD MSN, CNS, RN

Professor and Director of Graduate Nursing
Michelle Cavalieri MSN, RN

Michelle Cavalieri MSN, RN

Adjunct Instructor for the Pre-Licensure Program
David Colachico PhD, RN

David Colachico PhD, RN

Adjunct Instructor for the MSN and RN to BSN Programs

Amanda Firestone

Adjunct

Guadalupe Flores

Office Assistant
Bria Hebert

Bria Hebert

Simulation Lab Coordinator
Lydia Kim

Lydia Kim

Clinical Placements Coordinator
Tracey Larsen MSN, RN, NE-BC

Tracey Larsen MSN, RN, NE-BC

Adjunct Instructor for the MSN Program
Amanda Lau-McNeill

Amanda Lau-McNeill

Wendy Norris

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing

Allie Paez

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing

Pag-Asa Ponce

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing
Terri Quinones

Terri Quinones

MSN and RN to BSN Student Success Coordinator
Maria Ransil MSN, RNC-MNN

Maria Ransil MSN, RNC-MNN

Adjunct Instructor for the Pre-Licensure Program

Julie Reese

Adjunct
Michelle Rico

Michelle Rico

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing
Belinda Stewart-Burger MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, CRRN

Belinda Stewart-Burger MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, CRRN

Adjunct Instructor for the RN to BSN and Pre-Licensure Programs
Elizabeth Styffe DNP MML MN PHN RN

Elizabeth Styffe DNP MML MN PHN RN

Associate Professor, Assistant Director, Pre-licensure Program

Michaela Toney

Adjunct Faculty in Nursing
Katherine Tong PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Katherine Tong PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Associate Professor and Director of Nursing
Julia Wilson DNP, RN, FNP-BC

Julia Wilson DNP, RN, FNP-BC

Professor of Nursing, Chair of RN to BSN Program

ACCREDITATION

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Vanguard University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.