Healthcare Education Programs at the College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University

The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in St. Joseph, MN, are renowned for their comprehensive and rigorous healthcare education programs. These programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of professional roles in the healthcare industry. Below is an overview of the healthcare-related academic offerings available at these institutions.

Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The College of St. Benedict offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the nursing profession. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, with clinical placements in various healthcare settings. Key components of the BSN program include:

• Core Nursing Courses: Fundamental nursing principles, health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing research.
• Clinical Practice: Hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
• Specialty Areas: Training in specialized fields such as geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health nursing, and community health.

Nursing Assistant Program

In addition to the BSN, the College of St. Benedict offers a Nursing Assistant program. This program provides foundational education and training for those seeking entry-level roles in healthcare. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for certification and employment as Nursing Assistants.

Pre-Professional Tracks

Pre-Medicine

Students interested in medical school can follow a pre-medicine track. This track is not a major but a series of courses and advising sessions designed to prepare students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and medical school applications. It includes coursework in:

• Biology: Cell and molecular biology, genetics, and anatomy.
• Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Physics: General physics with lab components.
• Mathematics: Calculus and statistics.

Pre-Physician Assistant

The pre-physician assistant track offers similar preparatory courses, focusing on the prerequisites needed for admission to physician assistant programs. This includes coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare ethics.

Pre-Dentistry

A pre-dentistry track is available for students aiming to enter dental school. Essential courses cover subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and specialized courses in oral health sciences.

Pre-Pharmacy

For those interested in a career in pharmacy, the pre-pharmacy track prepares students for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and includes:

• Chemistry: General and organic chemistry.
• Biology: Microbiology and human physiology.
• Mathematics: Calculus and statistics.
• Additional Courses: Social and behavioral sciences.

Health-Related Majors

Nutrition

The Nutrition program at the College of St. Benedict offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. The program focuses on:

• Human Nutrition: Understanding the role of nutrients in the body.
• Public Health Nutrition: Nutrition policies and programs that promote health and prevent diseases.
• Food Science: The technology behind food production and safety.
• Dietetics: Preparation for becoming a registered dietitian, including supervised practice experience.

Exercise Science and Sport Studies

This program covers the scientific principles related to human movement, exercise, and sports performance. Coursework includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology: The structure and function of the human body.
• Kinesiology: The study of body movement.
• Exercise Physiology: How the body responds and adapitates to physical activity.
• Strength and Conditioning: Techniques for improving physical performance.

Get Started Today

The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University offer robust programs that prepare students for a range of careers in healthcare. Whether you are drawn to nursing, pre-professional health tracks, or other health-related disciplines, you will find a supportive and enriching environment to help you achieve your goals. Prospective students are encouraged to explore specific program details and admission requirements by visiting the colleges’ official websites or contacting their admissions offices. Embark on your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University!