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Student Life

Welcome to Mennonite College of Nursing!

At MCN, our goal is to set the standard for excellence in nursing practice and education, changing the world one exceptionally well-prepared nurse at a time.

That begins with you—our students.

We take a holistic approach to both nursing and education, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit of our patients and students. A supportive community of life-long learners, our faculty doesn’t just stand at the front of the room and lecture. They get to know you, and serve as instructor, friend, and mentor.

MCN offers a variety of services and other resources for our students, all designed to make your time with us more valuable. We invite you to explore student life at MCN, and as always, if you have questions reach out to us at mcninfo@IllinoisState.edu.

Find your community on campus.

  • Nursing students work together in class.

    Empower

    Empower is an effective mentoring program for diverse nursing students, promoting community, equity, and inclusion.

    Learn more about Empower

  • Two nursing students smile as they study together.

    Student Nurses Association

    The Student Nurses Association (SNA) is a great way to make friends, take part in volunteer work, and work to improve health in our communities.

    Learn more about the SNA

  • Three nursing students stand together for a photo.

    Nursing Honor Society

    Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Xi Pi Chapter, is a great way to connect with other high achieving nursing students. Students must be at least a junior or senior and be in the top 35% of their class.

    Learn more about Sigma

Live with other nursing students

Freshmen and sophomores in the Traditional BSN program have the opportunity to live with other nursing majors on Floor 13 of Hewett Hall, a Themed Living Learning Community (TLLC) for Nursing students. See how to join

Seize your opportunity.

We offer programs to help students succeed in their nursing careers.

  • Leadership Academy

    We believe leadership is essential to nursing. MCN seniors can grow this essential skill in Leadership Academy, a 5-part seminar series led by Tom Carroll, decorated business leader and Redbird alumnus.

    Learn more about the Leadership Academy

  • Transcultural Nursing

    Gain hands-on clinical experience abroad with Transcultural Nursing. This program is faculty-led and takes place for 2 weeks over the summer.

    Learn more about Transcultural Nursing

Additional Resources

Stay on track to accomplish your goals with tools to help you achieve academic success.

Technology Requirements

To support your studies as a nursing student, please make sure you have a Windows or Mac laptop that meets the minimum specifications recommended by TechZone. A laptop is required for this program so students can use their computer throughout campus and more easily collaborate on group projects.

Visit the Recommendations by Major page for more details regarding technology recommendations for nursing students.

Nursing Abbreviations and Acronyms

Whether you are working on mastering medical abbreviations or just looking for a review, feel free to consult our comprehensive guide to nursing acronyms and abbreviations used in hospitals across the United States.

Check the acronyms and abbreviations list

Student Handbooks

MCN students must align with the policies and information contained in the ISU Student Handbook and the Illinois State University Graduate Catalog.

MCN Preceptor Request Form

Please contact graduate academic advisor at kkande2@IllinoisState.edu for preceptor agreement form and instruction.

Preceptor Manuals

Be a part of the new, exciting things happening in health care.

A new simulation center will feature an enhanced clinical education setting with virtual reality technology.

Learn More About the Simulation Center