Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (2024)

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (1)

About this program

You want to make a difference, positively impact the lives of others. With a career in nursing, that comes naturally. At Penn College, you’ll be a part of a community of like-minded individuals primed to take on in-demand careers, just like nursing. In small class sizes with the guidance of master’s- and doctoral-prepared nursing instructors, students gain the knowledge and real-world experience to make tomorrow a better place.

Special Admissions Requirements

A limited number of seats are available in this program. That’s why we rely on selective admissioncriteria to select applicants with the highest potential for success. Entry into the program is competitive. Thereare a number of pathways to earn your seat including, but not limited to, TEAS, SAT, orACT scores.Read more about the selection criteria →

Cohort size may vary based on clinical site availability and alignment with accreditation requirements.Students who are not selected into their desired program may be eligible for selection into another Nursing & Health Sciences program depending on seat availability.For additional information, please contact the appropriate program director.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

96%

NCLEX-RN Performance Exam First-Time Pass Rate; National Average is 83%

990

Hours of Hands-On Nursing Experience

Family of High-Fidelity Patient Simulators

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (2)

Careers

  • Hospital acute care settings
  • Home health agencies
  • State and federal facilities
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Physician/surgeon/dentist offices

License/Certification Disclosure Information →

Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Perspectives on Aging (NUR205)
  • Introduction to Professional Nursing (NUR204)
  • Fundamentals of Nursing (NUR232)
  • Health Assessment (NUR288)
  • Fundamentals of Nutrition (NUR250)
  • Teaching & Learning Concepts & Strategies (NUR353)
  • Adult Health Nursing I (NUR306)
  • Pharmacology in Healthcare I (NUR233)
  • Obstetrical Nursing (NUR330)
  • Pediatric Nursing (NUR340)
  • Adult Health Nursing II (NUR320)
  • Pharmacology in Healthcare II (NUR362)
  • Community Health Nursing (NUR328)
  • Mental Health Nursing (NUR420)
  • Adult Health Nursing III (NUR431)
  • Research & Theory in Clinical Practice (NUR494)
  • Leadership & Management in Nursing (NUR461)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO115)
  • General Psychology (PSY111)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO125)
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC111)
  • Chemistry Survey (CHM108)
  • Developmental Psychology (PSY203)
  • Microbiology (BIO201)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP)
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Math Elective (MTH123 or Higher) (MNA)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • English Composition II (ENL121) or
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
  • Fundamentals of Speech (SPC101) or
  • Fundamentals of Small Group Communication (SPC102) or
  • Interpersonal Communication (SPC201)
  • Statistics for Health & Behavioral Sciences (MTH159)

Maker Profiles

Faculty Sherry Hyland

Nursing

After experiencing first-hand the compassionate care that nurses provide, Sherry pursued her associate’s in nursing. But that was only the beginning of her fulfilling career.

Student Alicia Freed

Nursing

She's looking forward to sharing her love of pediatrics with the next generation of nurses.

Student Julie Anthony

Nursing

After just one semester at her previous school, she realized that everything she needed and more was right in her backyard.

Student Madison Herriman

Nursing

As a nursing student and an outfielder for the Wildcat softball team, Madison is taking in the full college experience. From the passionate instructors leading lab to the remarkable players and coaches by her side, she is completely inspired and unconditionally supported by an all-star team.

Student Jesse Laird V

Nursing

This ROTC cadet and nursing student is grateful for the skills and discipline he learned along the way and can’t wait to dive into a lifetime of opportunities post-graduation.

Student Alexis Troup

Nursing

She was looking for a team and a path to a future in nursing. Alexis found a second family.

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (10)

Facilities

Lab Tour

Take a look inside one of the largest programs on campus. Check out the specialized learning labs, the family of high-fidelity manikins, and everything this program has to offer.

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (11)

Facilities

Advanced Learning Labs

Gain valuable hands-on skills working in six different nursing labs outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment including a series of high fidelity patient simulators: Nursing Anne, SimBaby™, SimJunior®, SimMan® 3G, SimMan® ALS, and SimMom®.

Featured Video

Wildcat Spotlight - Allie Troup

Meet RN-in-training and women’s basketball player Allie Troup. Get a glimpse of her student-athlete experience at Penn College. Learn how she balances the demands of academics and athletics. And find out why she calls Penn College “a perfect match.”

Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Jul 13

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, July 139 AM-3 PM

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

  • DJG, Rm. 1068
  • +1.570.327.4761
  • +1.800.367.9222
  • admissions@pct.edu
Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (12)

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Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (14)

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (15)

Scholarships

Partner Discounts & Scholars Programs

If you are an employee at one of our partner organizations, you may be eligible for a tuition discount towards credits required for select nursing programs.

See the list

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (16)

Reduce your costs. Secure your employment.

All Penn College nursing students can have up to $65,000 of their nursing degree funded by Guthrie Clinic or Evangelical Community Hospital in exchange for a two-to-three-year work commitment after graduation. Read more about the Nursing Scholars programs—including eligibility and application information—at The Guthrie Clinic and Evangelical Community Hospital.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (24)

Student Nurses’ Association (SNA)

The SNA’s mission is to explore professional growth, promote mutual respect in collaboration between the different levels of nursing, and serve as a channel for the exchange of ideas to promote holistic health and provide for both patient and student education.

Learn more

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (25)

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved

Penn College News

04.25.2024

Penn College nursing grads boast high licensing-exam pass rates

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s nursing graduates again bested state and national pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses. Among Penn College associate degree graduates who took the exam between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept 30, 2023, 95.52% passed on their first attempt. Similarly, 95.12% of Penn College bachelor’s degree grads taking the exam during the same period passed on their first try.

Read Article

04.25.2024

Nursing students' capstones present clinical research

Penn College nursing students presented their capstone projects on Tuesday, researching a variety of health conditions they saw while completing clinical education experiences in area hospitals, and exploring ways to improve a process they witnessed. As the nursing industry – like others – seeks continuous improvement, the research, leadership and presentation skills practiced will be vital in the students’ work.

Read Article

04.11.2024

Event helps future providers consider LGBTQ+ health care needs

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences Diversity Taskforce, in collaboration with Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation, recently hosted a “Lunch & Learn” to explore LGBTQ+ issues in health care.

Read Article

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (29)

Study Abroad

Gain global experience

Explore the field of nursing beyond the classroom with international learning experiences to Guatemala and Belarus.

Learn More

Clinical Experience

Your knowledge in practice

Get career defining exposure to diverse specialties through clinical experiences at all types of healthcare facilities within a one-hour radius of campus. And in the final semester, you’ll further define your specialization with a preceptorship experience at a facility of your choice.

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (30)

Student Experience

The community as their classroom

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Role-playing students get perspective on patients’ real-life struggles

Nursing students participated in a simulation in that made them think about the choices they would make – and that many of their future patients will face – given the constraints of poverty.

During a “poverty simulation,” studentswere assigned to families with specified incomes and adhered to rules such as: working; caring for children; paying for transportation and bills;and providing adequate food, clothing and health care for their dependents.

Read More

Accreditation

The baccalaureate nursing program at Pennsylvania College of Technology located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is continuing accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/

View Nursing, B.S.N. (B.S.)

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (32)

More Information

Thebaccalaureate nursing program atPennsylvania College of Technologylocated inWilliamsport, Pennsylvania is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for thebaccalaureate nursing program is continuing accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program athttp://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

5-Year NCLEX BSN Pass Rates

Anyone desiring entrance into this major must first gain admission to Penn College. Acceptance into this selective admission major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission. Details are available on the Selective Admission Criteria and Process webpage.

All students offered a reserved seat in this major are required to maintain a math/science grade calculation of 2.5 or greater and a cumulative graduation GPA of 2.5 or greater prior to entering the first nursing course. If a student does not maintain the required grade calculations, the student will relinquishtheir seat and be placed into the pre-nursing major. Re-selection into the major will be required during the next selection period and will follow the current selective admission criteria.In addition, all students must earn a “C” (2.0) or higher in all NUR, CHM, and BIO courses; if a lower grade is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated.

The following grading system is applied to all nursing courses in this major. There is no rounding of grades:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89.99
C = 75-79.99
F = 74.99 and below

Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required for this major as established by clinical affiliation agreements. Agencies can prohibit students from participating in clinical experiences at their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Pennsylvania College of Technology students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to complete clinical, fieldwork, or intern educational experiences will result in the inability to meet course and program outcomes. For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing advises that a drug-related conviction and/or conviction of a felonious act or two misdemeanors might result in denial and/or revocation of a license to practice nursing. In accordance with the Professional Nurse Law, Act of 1951, P.L. 317, No. 69, as amended, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless at least 10 years have elapsed from the date of the conviction.

Penn College complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Pursuant to this Act, all forms of marijuana, including medical marijuana, are classified as prohibited controlled substances. Additionally, alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs obtained without a prescription, or which may impair a student’s ability to perform his/her educational responsibilities are strictly prohibited. Students are subject to drug screening at various phases of the program. Please note that a positive drug screening for marijuana will be deemed a positive test and will result in a student being dismissed from the program, even if the student has been lawfully certified to use medical marijuana and/or possesses a valid medical marijuana identification card issued in accordance with applicable state law.

This major will follow the transfer standards established by the College which requires a minimum of a "C" grade in transfer courses. Official transcripts must be sent to the Pennsylvania College of Technology Admissions office. The College may also request official high school transcripts or an official GED score report. Students seeking acceptance for spring must submit official transcripts by December 1st and Fall acceptance by June 1st. Applicants transferring from other colleges will have their nursing credits evaluated by a Penn College Nursing official afterthey have been accepted into the major. International health credentials/licensure, science courses, and most math courses will not be accepted to satisfy requirements of this major.Please seefor additional information.

View general transfer information

The traditional nursing, program at Pennsylvania College of Technology meets the state education requirements for a registered nursing license in the state of Pennsylvania. The College has not determined if the nursing, LPN to RN program at Pennsylvania College of Technology meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Students accepted into this major will incur expenses for tools/instruments, a custom nursing kit (can be purchased at the College Store) uniforms, malpractice insurance, clearances, certifications, etc. Refer to equipment and estimated cost list .

Technical Requirements

  • Laptop Computer Required
  • Windows 10 or higher, macOS 11 or higher (recommended)
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended)
  • 8+ GB RAM (recommended)
  • 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended)
  • Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required)
  • Laptop must include a wireless network card (required)
  • Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required)
  • Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services - Service Desk available for assistance)
    • Chromebooks and other devices running ChromeOS are prohibited

Operating Systems:
P.L.A.T.O. (Platform for Learning and Teaching Online) is Penn College's implementation of Desire2Learn/Brightspace LMS. It is a Web-based course management system that allows instructors to post course materials online, facilitate course communication, gauge student progress, and extend learning beyond the classroom.

Browsers:
The fully supported browsers for PLATO are: Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari

Some items are available for purchase throughThe College Store.

  • Program Review Executive Summary
  • Students must meet Essential Functions for Nursingestablished by the Nursing Program, as well as health and safety requirements including, but not limited to, immunizations (MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, annual influenza vaccination, PPD), medical examination, 10 panel drug screen, CPR certification, and background clearances as established by clinical affiliation agreements.
  • Ms. Sharon Adams, RN, BSN, Manager, Patient Care ED & M/S Unit, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Wendy Batschelet, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Geisinger
  • Ms. Cinde L Bower-Stout, RN, '94, Level 1 Heart Attack Nurse Coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center
  • Mr. David Brundage, Pediatric Clinical Educator, Bayada Pediatrics Home Health Care
  • Danielle Forker, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN, PHRN, '98, Director of Nursing, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy
  • Ms. Kathy Harris, RN, BSN, MHA, '00, '13, Manager of Compliance/Quality Outcomes, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Jill Meredith, RN Infection Preventionist and Wound Care Certified Nurse, The Williamsport Home
  • Mr. Jonah Milliken, Associate Director, Bayada Pediatrics
  • Ms. Tamara F Persing, MS, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Evangelical Community Hospital
  • Chelsea Reichard, '10, Director of Nursing/Campus Administrator, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital
  • Ms. Dawn Shaffer, Health Careers Instructor, Lycoming Career and Technology Center
  • Ms. Katelyn Sheesley, Critical Care and Intermediate Care Nurse Educator, Evangelical Community Hospital
  • Ms. Heather Stafford, MHA, BSN, CIC, Clinical Director of Nursing Education & Infection Prev. & Control, UPMC Susquehanna
  • Ms. Katherine Vastine, '91, CARES Leadership Coordinator, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
Contact

Admissions Office

  • DJG, Rm. 1068
  • 570.327.4761
  • 800.367.9222
  • admissions@pct.edu
  • Admissions Staff
Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) (2024)

FAQs

Nursing, B.S.N. | Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)? ›

With that in mind, should you go for a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)? While both undergraduate degrees will provide a strong academic foundation, a BS is a more general science degree while a BSN prepares graduates specifically for furthering their careers in nursing.

Is a bachelors of Science in nursing the same as a BSN? ›

Despite the difference in name, the curriculum is essentially the same. If the BSN acronym is used, the institution awarding the degree has a School of Nursing. For institutions that do not have a School of Nursing, the university itself presents the degree, thus awarding a BS in Nursing.

What is nursing Science BS? ›

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, also known as a BSN, is a four-year undergraduate degree intended for students who want to pursue a career as a registered nurse (RN) or beyond. It's the foundational undergraduate degree for most careers in clinical nursing.

What does BS stand for in nursing? ›

BSN is an undergraduate degree which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Completing a BSN program is one way to start your career in nursing and obtain your RN license.

Is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing worth it? ›

Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Yes, this takes a lot of time and effort to obtain, but the payoff can be considerable. The potential benefits range from higher pay to increased specialty options and even personal confidence and satisfaction.

Which is a higher degree BSN or RN? ›

Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS degree? ›

While a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree usually focuses on general studies, along with subjects like the arts, communication and sociology, a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree delves into topics such as business, technology and healthcare.

What's the pay difference between an RN and a BSN? ›

RN Vs. BSN Salary
IndustryRN SalaryBSN Salary
Hospitals$76,000+$82,000+
Physician's Offices$66,000+$72,000+
Home Healthcare$70,000+$76,000+
Nursing Care Facilities$66,000+$72,000+
1 more row
6 days ago

What is an example of a nurse scientist? ›

Nurse scientist and practitioner Nalo Hamilton, for example, studies the risk of developing breast cancer among certain ethnic groups of younger women. She hopes her research will help medical professionals develop more effective therapies that target breast cancer cells in aggressive cases.

Does BSN go before RN? ›

There are no official regulations on how to write your RN BSN signature. In fact, there are situations when you should display your nursing degrees and accreditation differently. Here are Professor Maier's takeaways on whether you write RN or BSN first. In either instance, list your certifications last.

What does BS mean in medical terms? ›

Common Medical Abbreviations
A
A.A.R.O.M.active assistive range of motion
bsbowel sounds
BSbreath sounds
B/Sbedside
251 more rows

What does BS stand for in healthcare? ›

BS is typically when more analysis is needed in vital signs, and can reference either Blood Sugar or Breath Sounds for respiratory patients.

Which bachelor degree is best for nursing? ›

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is considered the preferred entry level to registered nurse practice by healthcare institutions and professional organizations.

What are the disadvantages of BSN? ›

One of the most obvious “cons” of a bachelor's degree is that it requires more time to complete. Entry-level BSN programs are about four years in length. This means BSN students often need to wait four years to get their license, start earning money, and begin building experience in the field.

Why is a BSN nurse better? ›

BSN-holders can expect higher pay, more job opportunities, and career advancement. In fact, many acute care hospitals and public health agencies will only hire BSN nurses. Students can complete a BSN program in four years, while ADNs and diplomas take 1-2 years.

What is the full form of BNS in nursing? ›

Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.N.S.)

What is the difference between BSN and associate's in nursing? ›

A BSN is a higher educational credential than an ASN and requires approximately four years to complete. BSN programs cover the same material as an ASN curriculum, but with greater depth and added training in leadership, case management, information management and more.

What is the full form of BSC? ›

The full form of B.Sc is Bachelor of Science.

References

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