Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University — Nursing Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Nursing Program is to provide a comprehensive nursing education centered around evidence-based practices. The program embraces diversity and welcomes all applicants. It is our mission to prepare our nursing students to meet the biophysical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs when providing client care.  Our curriculum is enriched with Ojibwe cultural activities and strives to enhance the health of the community.

Program Philosophy 

We believe that:

  • Treatment should focus on the person holistically, not strictly on the specific disease or illness.

  • Nurses are leaders in our community that hold ethics and professionalism as a core values.

  • Nurses hold a unique and privileged position of influence and trust within the community.

  • Through our program, our graduates will be prepared to provide client-centered care that is holistic, culturally sensitive, and utilizes evidence-based practices.

  • By nurturing a passion for caring for others and initiating lifelong learning, our community will be strengthened.

 End of Program Student Learning Outcomes 

  1. Integrate professional nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility, and nursing standards.

  2. Communicate comprehensive information using multiple sources in nursing practice.

  3. Integrate theoretical knowledge to support decision making.

  4. Integrate the nursing process into client care across diverse populations.

  5. Function as a healthcare team member to provide safe and effective care.

Program Outcomes for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Accreditation and State Approval 

The Wisconsin State Board of Nursing has provided program approval. This means LCOOU ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse. This program is not currently accredited; however, accreditation is important to the program, and we are currently actively seeking accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the nursing program meets standards specific to nursing education.

The associate nursing program at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University located in Hayward, Wisconsin is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is initial accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.

Licensure Disclosure

LCOOU’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) meets requirements specific to Wisconsin. Please be aware that nursing licensure requirements vary from state to state. If you are considering work in a state other than Wisconsin, please contact the relevant state’s regulatory board overseeing nursing licensure or investigate licensure requirements via websites such as https://nursinglicensemap.com/states/ or https://nursinglicensemap.com/states/.

The LCOOU Associate of Science Nursing Program offers small class sizes and innovative training in our state-of-the-art simulation lab. The program can be completed in four semesters. Successful completion of the first year of the nursing program results in the student being eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). After successful completion of the second year, graduates will be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

 · Make a difference- Nurses are there when we’re at our most vulnerable, when we’re sick and scared and unsure what to do. 

· State of the art learning facilities include high-fidelity patient simulators and the latest industry-standard equipment. 

· Hands-on experience with the skills and tools needed to prepare you to care for patients in a variety of clinical settings. 

  • Nursing Application Requirements

    Application Process

    Step 1: Complete the LCOOU application

    LCOOU Application

    Step 2: Apply to the nursing program by completing the following:

    Submit an essay stating why you would like to be a nurse. Essay should be one to two pages and contain a cover page listing your name, address, phone number, and email address.

    Submit two letters of recommendation.

    Submit a copy of all unofficial transcripts.

    Email or mail complete packets to:

    Attn: Jamie Gohde, Nursing Program Director. (jgohde@lco.edu)

    LCOOU

    13466 W Trepania Road

    Hayward, WI 54843

    Applicants are reviewed and selected based upon GPA, courses completed, essay, and letters of recommendation.

    *Incomplete packets will not be considered for admission

    General Admission Requirements

    • Complete application for the nursing program

    • ATI TEAS Scores withing two years of application; Overall score of 68% or better is required for admission into the nursing program. Reading, Mathematics, Science and English must be completed on the test. TEAS test must be completed at Lac Courte Oreilles University in person.

    • All science courses must be within the last 7 years.

    • If accepted, criminal background, immunizations, and TB testing will be due by July 1st.

    • Graduate of recognized high school or its equivalent

    • Have a minimum college GPA of 2.5

    • Have an acceptable State and National Background checks

    • Pass a physical exam

    • Be current on required immunizations

    • Demonstrate a negative status for tuberculosis

    • Participate in mandatory orientation

    Admissions​

    Traditional ADN program (four semesters)

    Prerequisite Courses:

    EDC 110 Introduction to Higher Education

    Nursing Assistant Certification Course Completed

    LPN to ADN (two semesters)

    Prerequisite Courses:

    PSY 242 Human Growth & Development

    PSY 210 General Psychology

    ENG 108 College Writing, Research, & Critical Reading

    SCI 230 Human Anatomy & Physiology I

    SCI 231 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

    ENG 112 Fundamentals of Speech

    LPN to ADN Admission Requirements:

    •Have a current unrestricted LPN license

    •Graduate of an accredited LPN nursing program

  • Career Outlook - Nursing

    The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development projects the need for 5,327 new registered nursing positions by 2024, a 9.5 percent increase from 2014's total of 52,212 positions. The typical careers that are available after graduation include:

    Registered Nurse

    Registered nurses (RN’s) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, and other settings.

    Licensed Practical Nurse

    Licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides basic nursing care. LPN’s work in many settings, including nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other settings.