Nursing (BSN)

Be a healthcare hero and make a difference in the lives of others with a bachelor's degree in nursing from Wilkes University.

Program Snapshot

Program Type Format Credit Hours
Major On Campus 120

Why Study Nursing at Wilkes?

With more hospitals requiring entry-level nurses to hold bachelor’s degrees, a BSN from Wilkes gives you an advantage in the job market. Our program emphasizes hands-on patient care and clinical experience. We combine a comprehensive curriculum with the unique mentoring culture of a small, liberal arts university.

As a nursing student, you'll have personal interaction with professors in both the classroom and in clinical settings. Faculty will get to know you well and assist you on your academic journey toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What Will You Learn as a Nursing Major?

  • You'll study nursing fundamentals, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, population health, medical surgical nursing and gerontology.
  • You'll apply the skills you learn in the classroom in a variety of clinical practice opportunities. This will test not only your knowledge but also your clinical judgment.
  • Wilkes will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination as well as entry into professional nursing practice in a general health-care setting.
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Program Highlights

Clinical Practice

We provide nursing majors five semesters of direct clinical practice to prepare you for your role as a member of the healthcare team. During your senior practicum, you'll work side by side with a faculty advisor in an area hospital or health care agency.

Clinical Nursing Simulation Center

Our center includes surgical, critical care and pediatric/obstetrics suites, giving you experience in different health care settings. High-fidelity "manikins" simulate bleeding, breathing and other real-life situations for training in a variety of high-stakes scenarios.

Accelerated BSN Option

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but want to pursue a nursing career? With one year (three semesters) of intensive study, you'll leave our accelerated BSN degree program prepared to take the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse.

My favorite thing about Wilkes is the people I met here, whether they were students, professors, coaches or other staff members.

Celine Podlesney '20 - Nursing

The Passan School of Nursing has instilled in me the leadership qualities and nursing skills needed for me to begin my career, and I could not be more thankful.

Megan Kramer '19 - Nursing
THE ONLY

university in northeastern Pennsylvania with a freestanding school of nursing

98%

job / graduate school placement rate Asterisk

98.7%

pass rate of the NCLEX by Wilkes nursing graduates

Asterisk indicate based on self-reported survey data.

Careers & Outcomes

As an RN with a bachelor’s degree, you will enjoy a range of career options. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 12% from 2018-28. After completing the BSN program at Wilkes and entering the field, some students continue their nursing education in MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, or nursing PhD programs in pursuit of their goals to be nurse practitioners, nurse educators or administrators. Below are typical job titles for our nursing graduates, as well as selected employers.


Employers

  • Geisinger Health System
  • Commonwealth Health System
  • Stony Brook Medicine
  • Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • University of Tennessee Medical Center
  • Pathways Healthcare
  • St. Luke's University Health Network

Job Titles

  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Medical-Surgical Nurse
  • Intensive Care Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Patient Educator
  • Nurse Manager
  • Community Health Nurse
  • Flight Nurse
  • Travel Nurse