Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This major prepares registered nurses as professional practitioners in areas of health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation. The major in Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The major is offered in two options: 1) Post-license: baccalaureate completion for RNs, and 2) Pre-license: accelerated second baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Nursing students may be required to carry liability insurance, and be certified in adult and child CPR, and/or may be required to obtain criminal background checks and other clearances when enrolled in clinical courses, depending on the clinical setting. Students also are responsible for their own transportation to clinical settings and may need the use of a car. These requirements vary by option (carefully read the requirements for your option on that page).

For the B.S. degree in Nursing, a minimum of 120 credits is required.

Career Opportunities

Job Settings

Nursing is the largest health care occupation, with more than 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. Specific places registered nurses may work include hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, health maintenance organizations, private offices and clinics of doctors and dental surgeons, private and public schools and colleges, government agencies, insurance companies and the military, visiting nurse associations, private practice in offices and clinics, home healthcare agencies, temporary help agencies or self-employment in areas of medical training and wellness.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of U.S. Labor Statistics projects nursing to be one of the 10 occupations to have the largest number of new jobs. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations and, because the occupation is large, many new jobs will result. There will always be a need for traditional hospital nurses, but employment within hospitals will not grow as rapidly as it will in other areas of nursing. A large number of new nurses will be employed in home health, long-term, and ambulatory care. Technological advances will drive this faster-than-average growth in patient care and the increasing number of older patients. Opportunities will be especially good for nurses who continue with advanced education and training, such as nurse practitioners.

Nursing Program Degree Options and Student Services

This section includes flexible options such as RN to BS option, accelerated second degree option, and other options. In addition, this  section provides various useful information about student services including counseling and advising, student assistance center, and more.

This page is not a part of the official Penn State University Bulletin.

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