BSN Programs Philadelphia, PA

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing has become the preferred pathway a career in nursing. Graduates are compassionate and competent nursing professionals who are equipped with leadership skills and clinical judgement to function competently within the complex health care system. The four-year program includes liberal arts, science, and core nursing courses that are essential to the role of the registered nurse and also sets a solid foundation for graduate study.

The BSN is not the only pre-licensure program – the Associate Degree in Nursing is another accepted option. However, it gives registered nurses an advantage when applying for employment, especially in hospitals, schools, and the military. Employers are increasingly aware of the advanced capabilities of the BSN nurse, such as their ability to solve problems, communicate, and apply research to improve patient outcomes. Their advanced education prepares them to take on greater responsibilities and assume positions in management when the need arises.

La Salle University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at La Salle University prepares students for licensure as a registered nurse. The school offers a traditional day program and a part-time evening program. Applicants to the program must complete 34 credit hours in a prescribed curriculum at the University comprising of core and support courses. Nursing courses commence in the sophomore year. The didactic component of the program will be covered in the daytime and clinical sessions may be scheduled in the day and evening. Through strong affiliate ties with local health care facilities, La Salle University is able to offer students the opportunity to intern at leading centers such as Aria Health System, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, and others. Graduates of the CCNE accredited program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure in the state. They will also be work in a variety of health care settings to provide holistic nursing care, use the principles of evidence-based practice to care for diverse clients, communicate effectively with patients and members of the health care team, and demonstrate accountability in practice.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Support courses: Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Clinical Microbiology, Chemistry for the Life Sciences, Statistics for the Health Science Professionals, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology

Major Courses – Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Adult Health Nursing I: Care of the Client with Chronic Illness, Introduction to Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, Family Nursing: Childbearing Families, Genetics and Genomics, Family Nursing: Childrearing Families, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Public Health/Vulnerable Populations, Senior Seminar I – Synthesis of Clinical Concepts, Adult Health Nursing II: Care of the Client with Acute and Complex Conditions, Nursing Leadership and Management: Concepts and Practice, Senior Seminar II – Synthesis of Clinical Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to La Salle University
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED
  • Submit to a review by the Nursing Program’s Admission and Academic Standards Committee at the end of the freshman year
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Submit a completed health history report
  • Must have completed at least 34 credits (liberal arts and sciences) at La Salle University for the full-time program and 58 credits for the part-time ACHIEVE program
  • Have a grade C or higher in Developmental Psychology
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0 – Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology I and II
  • Score above a proficient category in the TEAS pre-entrance exam

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $30,700 annually. Part-time students will pay $1080 per credit. Additional expenses for transport, textbooks, fees, and admissions exams are not included. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Gwynedd Mercy University

The BSN program at Gwynedd Mercy University is open to high school graduates, transfer students, and college graduates seeking to earn a nursing degree. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commissions on Collegiate Nursing Education. It will include didactic instruction in the classroom as well as clinical rotations are various health care facilities. The clinical rotations are scheduled during the day or evening at several of the school’s 200 health care affiliates. Experienced faculty will emphasize the development of professional ethics, leadership, and technological skills. Graduates will demonstrate outstanding clinical skills as well as compassionate care that focuses on the whole person. The program meets national licensure requirements so graduates will be qualified to take the NCLEX and apply for employment in most states.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 123

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Support courses: College Writing I, First Year Seminar, Chemistry of Life Sciences, Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Math: Myths & Realities, Nutrition, Statistics for Health Science Professionals, Religion Matters, Principles of Sociology, Creative and Artistic Expression, Ethical Understanding Reasoning, Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity

Major Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Health Assessment in Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice Nursing, Nursing Care of Adults, Contemporary Issues in Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Nursing Care of Clients w/Alterations in Behavioral Health, Nursing Care of Women, Children & Families, Nursing Care of Adults with Complex Health Care Problems, The Older Adult, Genomics in Nursing, Synthesis of Learning for Nursing Practice, Health and Illness in the Community, Global Health & Health Policy, Nursing Research, Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing – Capstone, Elective

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application form and pay the registration fee
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED – transcript should indicate 16 units of prescribed and elective subjects – chemistry, biology, and three units in mathematics
  • Must be in the top third of high school class
  • Submit SAT or ACT score
  • A written letter of recommendation to confirm the character of the applicant and ability to complete the program
  • Submit to a criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and PA state criminal background check
  • Submit a completed health history report
  • Complete a urine drug screen
  • Complete TB screening
  • Provide documentation of immunization – influenza, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, Tdap
  • Have a current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR certification
  • Maintain student nurse liability insurance

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $35,899 per year. Part-time students will pay $745 per credit. Additional expenses include NCLEX-RN application, School of Nursing pin, criminal background check, annual child abuse screening, lab kit, stethoscope, uniforms, and fees. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Penn Nursing offers a traditional four-year BSN that is available for direct-entry program to graduating high school seniors. Accomplished and world-recognized faculty will emphasize the care of the whole person in an intimate setting. The didactic courses will be covered in the daytime. The clinical rotations will take place at leading hospitals within close proximity to the classroom. The program begins in the freshman year with science, nursing, and liberal arts courses. The curriculum is flexible, giving students the option to take courses within Penn’s four undergraduate schools. The clinical rotations commence in the spring semester of the sophomore year and will include primary care, mental health, acute care, and women’s health. An accelerated program is available for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Major Courses – Biologically-Based Chemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, The Nature of Nursing Practice, Psychological and Social Diversity in Health and Wellness, Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment I, Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment II, Integrated Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment II, Integrated Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Introduction to Statistics, Theoretical Foundations of Health Care Ethics, Public Policy, Case Study: Self-Care of Chronic Illness, Case Study: Culture of Birth, Case Study: Nurses and the Child Welfare System, Case Study: Quality Care Challenges in an Evolving Health Care Market, Case Study: Nursing Practice with HIV+ Patients, Case Study: Breast Feeding & Human Lactation, Case Study: Cancer, Case Study: Case Analysis in Clinical Nutrition, Case Study: Principles of Palliative Care, Case Study: Home Health Care, Research/Inquiry Based Service Residency, Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice, Situating the Practice of Nursing, Nursing of Women and Infants, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing of Young and Middle-Aged Adults, Nursing of Older Adults, Community Health, and Leadership in Complex Systems

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application and non-refundable fee of $75 before the deadline
  • Submit a completed Penn-specific essay
  • Submit official high school transcript – must be submitted directly from the school
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores
  • Attend a scheduled interview
  • Submit a letter of recommendation
  • Complete the immunization requirements
  • Must be certified in CPR – CPR for the Health Care Provider (BLS), American Heart Association or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Red Cross OR
  • Consent to Substance Abuse testing
  • Submit documentation of a recent physical completed and signed by a licensed health care provider

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $51,156 per year. Fees cost approximately $6,614.  Additional expenses include NCLEX-RN application, criminal background check, textbooks, CPR certification, lab kit, stethoscope, and uniforms. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions

The intensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Drexel University requires full time attendance. The program includes intensive coverage of science and core nursing courses followed by guided hands-on experiences in a clinical setting. There are multiple entrance options based on the candidate. The co-op option for freshmen includes 6 months of work-related experience and may be completed in 4 years or a 5-year program that covers 18 months of diverse work experience in Introduction to the Contemporary Healthcare Network; the second in Acute and Chronic Illness; and the third in a Specialty Nursing Concentration. Transfer students can complete the program as a non-co-op does not include a built-in cooperative education experience. It is expected that students in this option would have completed nursing-related coursework and experience before admission to Drexel. The transfer student will complete the BSN in 2 years. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 180

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Introduction to Civic Engagement, The Drexel Experience, Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research or English Composition I, Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing or English Composition II, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Normal & Lifespan Nutrition, Nutrition in Chronic Disease, General Chemistry III, Health Chemistry I, Economics of Health Care Systems, Health-Care Ethics I, General Psychology I, Development Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Analysis I, Statistics for Health Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology III

Major Courses – Contemporary Health Care, Relationship-Based Nursing Care, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Concepts of Pathophysiology in Nursing, Medication Principles, Health and Illness Concepts I, Health and Illness Concepts II, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology Concepts I, Reproductive Health Across the Lifespan, Population Health Concepts, Pediatric Health Concepts, Nursing Pharmacology Concepts II, Health and Fitness Concepts III, Holistic Gerontological Nursing, Leadership Concepts in Nursing, Research Basis of Nursing Practice, Comprehensive Nursing Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for undergraduate admission and non-refundable fee of $50 before the deadline
  • Submit a 250-650 word essay via Common Application or the Coalition Application
  • Request official transcripts to be sent directly from the high school to Drexel
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Submit standardized test scores
  • Submit both the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the stipulated deadline
  • Attend a scheduled interview
  • Complete the immunization requirements
  • Must be certified in CPR – CPR for the Health Care Provider (BLS), American Heart Association or CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Red Cross OR
  • Submit to drug testing
  • Complete a physical exam at a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $53,843 per year. Fees cost approximately $2,405.  Students must also budget for textbooks, supplies, CPR certification, physical, and NCLEX fee. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Widener University

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Widener University experience hands-on learning from the freshman year. The clinical experiences occur in the junior and senior years and will take place in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and psychiatric facilities. Students will also participate in community-based care at adult day cares, schools, and client homes. Extensive training in the school’s Center for Simulation and Computerized Testing will encourage problem-solving and critical thinking that will aid students during the clinical experiences. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 123

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Reading, Thinking and Writing, Introduction to Psychology, Freshman Seminar, General, Organic and Biochemistry, General, Organic and Biochemistry Lab, Humanities Elective, Physical Education Elective, Literature and Critical Writing, Introduction to Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Introduction to Nursing, Social Science Elective, Physical Education Elective, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Sociology or Psychology, Ethics, Introduction to Gerontological Nursing, Humanities Elective

Major Courses – Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Health Assessment, Health Assessment Lab, Pharmacokinetics and Medication Administration, Pharmacokinetics and Medication Administration Lab, Statistics for Allied Health Professionals, Nutrition in Health Care, Medical/Surgical Nursing Interventions: Approaches to the Care of the Adult I, Family Focused Maternal Newborn Care, Knowledge Synthesis, Pathopharmacology I, Introduction to Informatics, Medical/Surgical Nursing Interventions: Approaches to the Care of the Adult II, Family Focused Care of Children, Research Design & Evidenced-Based Nursing Practice, Knowledge Synthesis II, Pathopharmacology II, Medical/Surgical Nursing Interventions: Approaches to the Care of the Adult III, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Senior Nursing Elective, Knowledge Synthesis III, Nursing Elective, Pathopharmacology III, Nursing Leadership, Population Health, Knowledge Synthesis IV

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for undergraduate admission
  • Request official transcripts to be sent directly from the high school to Widener
  • Letters of recommendation suggested but not required
  • Submit standardized test scores SAT or ACT
  • Apply for financial aid
  • Complete the immunization requirements
  • Must have current CPR certification
  • Submit to drug testing
  • Complete a physical exam at a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $47,770 per year. Fees cost approximately $1,640.  Students must also budget for textbooks, supplies, CPR certification, physical, and NCLEX fee. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Holy Family University

The BSN program at Holy Family University prepares students for entry-level practice as a registered nurse. They will be prepared to provide competent and compassionate care to individuals, families, and communities in the complex health care system. The program is offered on a full-time basis and requires completion of 123 credit hours – 62 of which are nursing credits. The practical component covers a minimum of 544 contact hours in the school’s simulation lab and in the field. Graduates of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure in Pennsylvania and other states. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Outline

Semester credits: 123

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Writing I, Language I, Biological Principles I, Mathematics, Theological Literacy, Writing II, Language II, Speech, National Perspective, Anatomy and Physiology I, Theological Literacy II, Intro to Sociology, Global Perspective, Philosophy, Anatomy and Physiology II, Psychiatry of Human Development, Microbiology, Elementary Statistics

Major Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Nutrition, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Applied Pharmacology for Nursing Care I, Nursing & Older Adult Health Promotion, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Applied Pharmacology for Nursing Care II, Research for Evidenced-Based Practice, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children, Transition to Professional Role I, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Interdisciplinary Core Seminar, Aggregate-Based Nursing Care, Leadership, Transition to Professional Role II

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to Holy Faith University
  • Provide proof of graduating from an accredited high school or equivalent
  • Submit acceptable scores on the SAT or ACT
  • Submit transcripts indicating completion of at least 16-units of high school work in English, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language, Science, and Electives
  • Complete a full year of Algebra I and II and Geometry
  • Must have completed high school Biology, Chemistry, a science elective, and three units of Social Studies
  • Complete the immunization requirements
  • Must have and maintain current CPR certification for health care professionals through the American Heart Association
  • Submit to a 10-panel drug testing
  • Complete an FBI background check
  • Complete a physical exam at a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
  • Must purchase and maintain health insurance
  • Have an overall Holy Family GPA of at least 3.0 – after the third semester
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
  • Complete the core science and mathematics courses with a minimum grade C

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $15,295 per semester. Clinical and simulation courses will cost an additional $1,050.  Students must also budget for textbooks, supplies, CPR certification, physical, and NCLEX fee. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Temple University

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Temple University will learn from experienced faculty members and will gain essential technical skills through direct care opportunities in various health care settings. The comprehensive curriculum will provide a strong foundation for practice as well as continued study to the graduate level. After admission as a freshman, students will complete the requirements for the BSN in just 8 semesters. Nursing courses begin in the first semester with didactic courses and through hands-on experiences in a supportive, simulated environment. The in-house practice experiences prepare students for direct care opportunities during the second year of the program. The curriculum covers 122 credits including 64 credits of nursing courses. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 122

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – Introduction to Chemistry I, Introduction to Chemistry Lab I, Biostatistics and Public Health, Introduction to Psychology, Foundations of Developmental Psychology, General Biology II, Clinical Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Major Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Nursing and Healthy Lifestyles Management, Health Assessment, Nursing Community Home I, Pharmacology for Generalist Nursing Practice, Community Home II, Nutrition and Health, Generalist Nursing Practice I: Principles of Care and Clinical Decision Making, Generalist Nursing Practice II: Medical-Surgical and Psychiatric Nursing, Generalist Nursing Practice III: Maternal Child Health Nursing, Perspectives on Health, Thinking Globally, Nursing Community Home III, Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research: Analysis and Critical Appraisal, Perspectives on Health II: Acting Locally, Community Home IV, Health Policy and Economics, Senior Seminar: Evidence-Based Practice Fieldwork Experience, Community Home V, Generalist Nursing Practice Internship, Generalist Nursing Practice IV: Tertiary Care Across the Lifespan

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an online application with an application fee of $55
  • Must have a minimum B average in high school classes
  • Must have a minimum of 16 units in academic subjects
  • Submit satisfactory SAT or ACT scores
  • Complete and submit the application essay – must be at least 250 words
  • Submit the optional letter of recommendation
  • Submit an updated child abuse, criminal background and drug clearance

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $16,080 per year for PA residents. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Villanova University

Villanova University offers students the opportunity to prepare for a career in nursing through the guidance of expert faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and development in leadership and research. The curriculum maintains a balance of courses in humanities, sciences, and nursing that will enable graduates to transition seamlessly into graduate study. They will also have the necessary preparation to take and pass the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 136

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Augustine Cultural Seminar Ancients, Christian Faith and Life, General Psychology, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry Lab I, Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Augustine Cultural Seminar Moderns, Literary Experience, Knowledge, Reality, Self, Introduction to Sociology, General Chemistry II, General Chemistry Lab II, Health Assessment, Practicum in Health Assessment, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Microbiology and Genetics, Human Development, Principles of Nursing, Essentials of Nursing Practice, Practicum in Essentials of Nursing Practice, Research & Scientific Evidence in Nursing Practice, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults, Practicum in Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults, Concepts of Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Nursing Care of Women & Childbearing Families, Practicum in Nursing Care of Women and Childbearing Families, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Practicum in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Imperatives for Global and Public Health, Ethics for Health Care Professionals, Nursing Care of Adults & Older Adults w/Complex Health Problems, Practicum Nursing Care of Adults & Older Adults w/Complex Health Problems, Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents, Practicum in Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents, Nursing and Health Policy, Health Promotion and Home Health in the Community, Practicum in Health Promotion & Home Health in the Community, Leadership and Management in Health Care, Filed Work in Leadership and Management in Health Care

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an Open House to learn more about the program
  • Attend a personal information session with a member of the nursing faculty
  • Speak with a financial aid counselor
  • Submit a completed application early in the school year
  • Complete the required clearance – background check, child abuse and drug

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition for full-time students is $56,730 per year. Fees cost approximately $730.  Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.

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