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What is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
Established in 1965, the BSN is a four-year program that combines a broad liberal arts and science foundation with an extensive range of nursing courses. Students gain experience in diverse settings such as:
- hospitals
- private practice
- long-term care
- clinics
- health care/community agencies.
Students gain experience in diverse settings such as:
- academic medical centers
- rural hospitals
- community agencies
- schools
After earning the BSN, students are eligible to take the national examination for licensure as a registered nurse (NCLEX).
Why choose Penn State?
Penn State's nursing faculty members are nationally recognized nurse educators, clinicians, and researchers who provide students with a strong educational, experiential, and theoretical foundation in nursing. This foundation is the basis for graduate-level study for careers as advanced practice nurses, including:
- nurse practitioners
- nurse-midwives
- clinical specialists
- nurse administrators who are educators
Penn State students have the advantage of attending a large research university while enjoying the personal interactions typical in small classes. Faculty and alumni serve as mentors to help students develop career objectives and build programs to meet those objectives.
Why major in Nursing?
Make a difference in the lives of others and have a rewarding and meaningful career, as well as opportunities for career advancement, with our Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The opportunities are extensive, and the rewards are immeasurable.
Additionally, a four-year education helps nurses navigate the increasingly complex medical field. In its report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the Institute of Medicine recommends that 80 percent of all nurses have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Hospitals applying for Magnet status employ a larger percentage of nurses with a bachelor's degree than those without. Many institutions have higher pay grades for baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
A four-year degree is also the foundation for the advanced education needed for advanced practice positions (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist) and other advanced nursing roles (administrator, educator, or researcher).
Accreditation for Nursing
The Penn State Schuylkill nursing program is offered through the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the largest educators of pre-licensure students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with over 2200 undergraduate and graduate students on 13 campuses. Our College is positioned to lead the next generation of nurses and nurse scientists while enhancing the health of all people through quality care and education.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
