Nurses make up the largest sector of the healthcare industry. As a result, they are vital to our health and wellness. As the medical field continuously changes, there is an increased demand for nursing leaders who can improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.
These leaders must combine their solid clinical skills with cultural competency, appreciation for research and innovation, effective communication and strong critical-thinking skills to meet these needs.
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Research shows that bachelor’s-prepared nurses demonstrate better professional integration of these aspects into their clinical practice. As a result, medical facilities have noted lower mortality rates, shorter hospital stays and lower healthcare costs.
Penn State’s R.N. to B.S.N. program meets current healthcare demands by expanding and enhancing nurses’ existing education, preparing students to advance their practice as clinical leaders and nurse managers, and preparing students for entrance to graduate degree programs.
Why Penn State Nursing?
The R.N. to B.S.N. program is designed for individuals who hold a valid United States R.N. license and graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or AS program. This fully accredited, 120-credit nursing curriculum is offered through our partners at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. Penn State Nursing is a premiere educator of nursing students throughout the state, with this program specifically designed for current RNs who want to earn their B.S.N. As a student, you can expect the following:
- An R.N. employed at qualifying health systems receives a 20% discount on tuition
- Flexible scheduling of courses to accommodate a working R.N., including:
- Part-time or full-time study
- Hybrid class options
- Flexible course schedules
- Independent study opportunities
- Courses offered at both the Shenango and Beaver campuses
- Students benefit from Penn State Shenango’s expansive scholarship offerings, including $3,000 for a 3.0 GPA
- "Credit by Portfolio Assessment" enables students to receive credit for certain prescribed nursing courses based on their R.N. licensure (up to 33 credits)
- We accept transfer courses from accredited colleges or universities to meet curriculum requirements (C or better required, must provide official transcripts); most students enter the B.S.N. program with 57 credits
- Penn State Shenango’s R.N. to B.S.N. program is fully accredited by CCNE
- Option to complete an experiential learning assessment on your nursing and life experiences instead of integrated studies class
- Only 45 hours of clinical time required
You might like this program if...
You are currently licensed as a R.N. with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma and want to advance your theoretical and clinical skills while making yourself more marketable in the current healthcare industry.
Additionally, you may wish to continue onto an advanced nursing graduate degree program and need your B.S.N. in order to be eligible to apply for graduate school.
The Penn State R.N. to B.S.N. program is the right choice for nurses wanting a B.S.N. degree from a nationally-recognized institution with a reputation for academic excellence.
Accreditation for Nursing
The Penn State Shenango nursing program is offered through the Ross and Carol Nese College 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 2,200 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.
