The program is designed with a strong clinical emphasis, based upon the relationship among the concepts of nursing, person, health-illness, environment, nursing education, nursing research, and ethical concepts applied to nursing. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in healthcare agencies to prepare them to respond to the challenge of providing quality nursing care to individuals and groups. Some clinical agencies may require criminal background checks and may refuse to allow a student to gain experience in a clinical agency in accordance with provisions of Missouri State Law. A minimum grade of C in each course in the major is required for progression in and completion of the nursing program. The program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.