BSN Degree Programs in Pennsylvania – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an important step if you're looking to advance in the nursing profession. Pennsylvania BSN degree programs combine rigorous academic coursework with clinical experience to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the nursing field. Whether you’re starting your nursing career or seeking to expand your qualifications, pursuing a BSN in Pennsylvania provides a solid foundation for long-term success.
University of Pennsylvania Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Ivy League Education: Access to a rigorous and well-respected nursing program within an Ivy League institution, providing a prestigious educational foundation.
Interprofessional Collaboration: Opportunities to collaborate with students and faculty from other health professions (Medicine, Public Health, Social Work) through joint coursework, simulations, and clinical rotations. This fosters teamwork and a holistic approach to patient care.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Center: Use of advanced simulation labs to practice clinical skills and critical thinking in a safe and realistic environment. Expect simulations involving high-fidelity manikins and standardized patients.
Diverse Clinical Experiences: Participation in a wide range of clinical rotations in various settings, including Penn Medicine hospitals, community health centers, and specialty clinics. This allows students to gain experience with diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.
Research Opportunities: Involvement in research projects alongside faculty, contributing to advancements in nursing science and evidence-based practice. The School of Nursing is known for its strong research focus.
Global Health Opportunities: Potential participation in international clinical experiences or research projects, providing exposure to global health challenges and diverse healthcare systems.
Advanced Practice Specializations: Pathways to pursue advanced practice nursing roles, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), with specialized curricula and clinical training.
Villanova University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Direct Entry BSN Program: Students are admitted directly into the nursing program as freshmen and progress through a four-year curriculum.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Coursework encompasses foundational sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology), nursing theory, clinical practice, ethics, and humanities to provide a well-rounded education. Expect courses covering topics such as adult health, maternal-child health, mental health, and community health nursing.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs: Villanova likely utilizes advanced simulation labs to provide realistic clinical scenarios for students to practice skills and decision-making in a safe environment. These labs likely feature high-fidelity manikins and debriefing rooms.
Extensive Clinical Experiences: Students participate in clinical rotations at various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and schools. These experiences expose students to diverse patient populations and nursing specialties. Possible partnerships include hospitals within the Main Line Health System and other Philadelphia-area hospitals.
Research Opportunities: Villanova encourages student involvement in nursing research, providing opportunities to work alongside faculty on research projects or conduct independent studies.
NCLEX-RN Preparation: The program is designed to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), the standardized exam required for registered nurse licensure. High pass rates on the NCLEX are likely a program priority.
Option for Honors Program: Academically exceptional students may have the opportunity to participate in an honors program within the College of Nursing.
Temple University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Gain hands-on experience providing direct care to diverse populations in various healthcare settings.
Choose between a traditional 4-year BSN program or an accelerated 16-month BSN program for those with a bachelor's degree.
Develop strong clinical reasoning skills and collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams.
Learn in a dynamic urban environment in North Philadelphia, partnering with top healthcare facilities including Temple University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Practice and refine skills in a supportive simulation lab.
Eligible to join the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP).
Opportunity for Honors Program participation, including priority course registration and dedicated advising.
Philadelphia, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 1801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122-6096
Seton Hill University BSN Degree Program Highlights
Nationally accredited program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Personalized degree with a strong liberal arts foundation, enhancing the breadth of knowledge.
Clinical experiences starting in sophomore year, providing early hands-on learning.
State-of-the-art facilities in the Daniel J. Wukich School of Nursing and Boyle Health Sciences Center, including a Nursing Skills Lab and Simulation Suite with high-fidelity manikins.
Opportunities for research and internships with clinical partners in various nursing areas, such as ICU and pediatric nursing.
Strong partnerships with local and regional healthcare agencies and community programs for experiential learning.
Evidence-based and student-centered curriculum that integrates individual learning styles.
Greensburg, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma seeking a BSN.
Flexible online format allowing students to fulfill clinical requirements near their home.
Potential to accelerate course completion through seven-week course options.
Reduced clinical hour requirement (45 total program hours).
Opportunity to earn specialized undergraduate certificates in Nursing Management, Nursing Informatics, or Nursing Forensics while progressing toward the BSN.
Courses taught by experienced faculty with training in online education.
Career Services support provided from the start of the program to aid in job searches and career advancement.
State College, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: President's Office 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503
Misericordia University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Rigorous Curriculum: A curriculum grounded in the liberal arts, sciences, and nursing theory, designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional practice.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Lab: Access to a modern simulation laboratory featuring high-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life patient scenarios, allowing students to develop critical thinking and clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Diverse Clinical Experiences: Clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health agencies, and long-term care facilities. These experiences provide exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare specialties.
Experienced Faculty: Instruction from experienced and dedicated nursing faculty who are committed to student success and provide individualized attention. Many faculty members hold advanced degrees and are actively engaged in nursing practice.
NCLEX-RN Preparation: A comprehensive approach to NCLEX-RN exam preparation, including review courses, practice exams, and individualized support to maximize student success rates.
Focus on Compassionate Care: Emphasis on the values of compassion, ethics, and holistic care, preparing students to provide patient-centered care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families.
Potential BSN to MSN Options: Possible opportunities to pursue advanced nursing degrees (MSN) after completing the BSN program, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator specializations. Check Misericordia University's website for current graduate program offerings.
Dallas, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 301 Lake St, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612-1098
Mount Aloysius College Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care, reflecting the college's Mercy heritage.
A comprehensive curriculum covering medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, psychiatric-mental health, community health, and pharmacology.
State-of-the-art simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins for realistic clinical practice.
Opportunities for diverse clinical experiences in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community agencies, and other healthcare settings in the region.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Focus on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills essential for professional nursing practice.
Potential for involvement in nursing research and service-learning projects.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: A rigorous curriculum covering foundational sciences, nursing theory, clinical practice, and specialty areas like medical-surgical, pediatric, and maternal-newborn nursing.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs: Access to advanced simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life patient scenarios, allowing students to practice critical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Extensive Clinical Experiences: Multiple clinical rotations at leading healthcare facilities in the Lancaster, PA region and potentially beyond, providing diverse experiences in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
NCLEX-RN Preparation: Focused preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, including review courses, practice exams, and individualized support to maximize student success.
Experienced Faculty: Instruction from experienced and dedicated nursing faculty who are actively involved in clinical practice and research, providing students with mentorship and guidance.
Career Opportunities: Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of nursing roles, including medical-surgical nursing, critical care, emergency nursing, pediatrics, and community health nursing. The program likely provides career counseling and networking opportunities to assist graduates in finding employment.
Accreditation: The program is likely accredited by a recognized nursing accreditation body (such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education - CCNE), ensuring program quality and meeting national standards. Verify the specific accreditation on their website.
Gannon University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Long-standing accreditation and approval: Fully approved by the PA State Board of Nursing since 1952 and nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education since 1965.
Flexible curriculum: Designed to accommodate student's personal interests such as athletics, military appointments, or arts.
Community-based curriculum: Provides holistic nursing care to individuals, families, and communities.
Experiential learning: Offers service-learning opportunities for a strong basis of experiential knowledge and nearly 1,000 hours of clinical education.
Exceptional simulation environment: Integrated Patient Simulation Center enhances clinical expertise, critical thinking, and confidence.
High employment rate: Graduates have attained a 100% employment rate.
Strong NCLEX pass rate: Students have an average 95% pass rate on the licensure exam over the last five years.
Erie, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 109 W Sixth St, Erie, Pennsylvania 16541-0001
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Nursing Degree Program Highlights
High NCLEX-RN pass rate: A proven track record with 91.8% of graduates passing the exam on their first attempt.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Comprehensive clinical experiences: Students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings within a 60-mile radius, including hospitals, community health, and schools.
Simulation laboratories: State-of-the-art labs provide opportunities to practice skills using healthcare equipment and electronic medical records with simulated patients.
Preparation for advanced studies: The program provides a solid foundation for graduate studies in nursing and advanced practice roles.
Student Organizations: Many opportunities to network, socialize, and grow professionally through student nursing associations like SNAP, ATD, and AAMN.
Dedicated advising: Students receive personalized support and guidance from academic advisors throughout their program.
Indiana, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705-1098
Offers multiple pathways to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) catering to different student backgrounds (high school grads, college grads, and registered nurses).
Features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Frank and Carolyn Kowalski Center for Advanced Healthcare Education, with advanced labs and augmented reality technology.
Provides a unique 1+2+1 Dual Degrees program allowing students to take the NCLEX-RN exam after their third year and work as RNs during their senior year.
The Accelerated BSN Hybrid program allows individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field to become registered nurses in just one year.
The RN to B.S. program offers registered nurses with a diploma or associate's degree the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree online in as little as one year.
Strong focus on developing critical thinking, clinical judgment, communication, and leadership skills.
Emphasis on social responsibility and ethical decision-making, with a focus on serving underserved populations.
Wilkes Barre, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 133 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18711-0801
Lackawanna College Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry into the nursing profession as graduate nurses.
Features a state-of-the-art simulation lab to develop clinical judgment skills in realistic healthcare environments, starting in the first semester.
Utilizes ATI Nursing Education resources for online testing, remediation, and certification, aiming for exceptional student outcomes on high-stakes exams.
Offers a curriculum that combines classroom learning with hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences.
The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
Boasts a 100% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam in 2023, significantly exceeding the national average.
Eastern University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Exceptional academics preparing graduates for successful NCLEX completion and RN licensure with high pass rates.
Personalized attention from expert faculty, 100% of whom hold specialty certifications and are actively engaged in clinical practice.
State-of-the-art Nursing Resource & Simulation Lab providing simulated hospital and practice experiences.
Comprehensive hands-on clinical experience at regional hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community settings, including opportunities for competitive externships.
Integration of Christian values and ethics within a supportive, faith-based learning community.
Active student nursing organizations like the Student Nurses Association of PA (SNAP) and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Endorsement by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care.
Wayne, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 1300 Eagle Rd, Saint Davids, Pennsylvania 19087-3696
Chatham University Nursing Degree Program Highlights
Direct Entry Option: Students can enter the Nursing program directly as freshmen, ensuring a structured path towards a nursing degree.
Simulation Lab: Benefit from a state-of-the-art simulation lab equipped with high-fidelity mannequins to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Diverse Clinical Experiences: Gain experience in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and public health agencies across the Pittsburgh region.
Emphasis on Interprofessional Collaboration: The curriculum is designed to foster interprofessional collaboration, allowing students to work alongside professionals from other healthcare disciplines, preparing them for team-based care.
NCLEX Preparation: The program incorporates comprehensive NCLEX-RN exam preparation strategies to enhance students' readiness for licensure.
Focus on Leadership and Critical Thinking: The curriculum emphasizes the development of leadership skills and critical thinking abilities, essential for navigating complex healthcare environments.
Research Opportunities: Students may have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects, contributing to advancements in nursing knowledge and practice.
Pittsburgh, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: Woodland Road, Office of Institutional Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232
Advanced Simulation Technology: Utilize a clinical skills suite with patient simulators for realistic practice.
Exceptional NCLEX Pass Rates: Consistently above state and national averages on first-time NCLEX pass rates.
Leadership Development: Opportunities for professional growth through organizations like the Student Nurses’ Association and Mu Omicron International Nursing Honor Society.
Nurse Scholars Program: A direct-entry path to the MSN degree with specialized track options.
Data Analytics and Applied AI Track: Learn to use data and AI to improve patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.
Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience through community healthcare partnerships.
Center Valley, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034-9568
Central Penn College Nursing Degree Program Highlights
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation: The program likely focuses on preparing students thoroughly for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), ensuring they are equipped to become registered nurses. Expect dedicated review sessions and practice exams.
Hands-On Clinical Experiences: A significant portion of the program involves clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. These experiences provide real-world application of nursing skills and direct patient care under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Simulation Lab Training: Central Penn College probably utilizes a simulation lab with advanced manikins to provide realistic and safe learning environments for practicing clinical skills, decision-making, and teamwork. Scenarios might include emergency situations and complex patient cases.
Accreditation: Central Penn College's Nursing program is very likely accredited by a reputable organization (like ACEN or CCNE), which signifies that it meets high standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation is crucial for eligibility for licensure and advanced nursing education. (Check the college's website for the latest accreditation status).
Curriculum Focused on Critical Thinking and Patient Safety: The curriculum likely emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and patient safety. Courses probably cover topics like pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, mental health nursing, and community health nursing.
Career Services Support: Central Penn College likely offers career services to help nursing graduates find employment opportunities. This may include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with healthcare employers.
Small Class Sizes: Central Penn College generally prides itself on offering personalized attention with small class sizes and a lower faculty-to-student ratio than larger institutions. Expect to receive more individualized instruction and support from faculty.
Enola, PA BSN Nursing Program
Address: 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, Pennsylvania 17093-0309
