Nursing Program Degree Options and Student Services

Flexible Options

The RN/BS option provides opportunities for the student to identify clinical experiences and to meet personal and professional needs. Students can earn up to 33 credits by portfolio or verification, if School of Nursing criteria are met. Students may also transfer courses of C or better earned at other accredited institutions. Other options for earning credits include CLEP Exams and distance education.

Option 1 - RN to BS

Nursing is a learned art and science. Our philosophy of nursing recognizes the individual as a major stakeholder in his/her care and that the nurse is an integral part of the health care team.

The RN to BS Option Bachelor Of Science, Major in Nursing Program is designed for the working registered nurse who wishes to complete the necessary requirements for a baccalaureate degree, major in nursing. The 120-credit curriculum is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Our program is designed to assist students meet the changing needs in the health care industry.

The RN to BS Option Program is designed for Registered Nurses with either an associate degree or a diploma from a nursing school. The program is specifically designed to build on the student's previous nursing experience. You will have opportunities to identify clinical experiences. It is our goal to help you meet your personal and professional goals. You can earn up to 33 credits by portfolio or verification, if School of Nursing criteria are met. If you have already earned college credits at another accredited institution, Penn State will consider them for transfer (C or better). Other options for earning credit include CLEP (Consult your adviser about this option).

Our classes are designed to meet the challenging time constraints and demanding schedules of today's working nurse. We offer day, evening, weekend, accelerated, web-based, and distance education classes. You may pursue full-time or part-time study and there is no time limit on completion. We are committed to creating an enriching, inviting, and intellectually stimulating learning environment. As you struggle to juggle the myriad of tasks in your daily work routine, come back to school and let us help you put some focus back to your career and life. We'll help you remember why you love being a nurse!

Take The First Step To Earning Your Bachelor of Science, Major in Nursing Degree:

O.K. You've given this a lot of thought. You've come up with lots of reasons why this isn't a good time, but will there ever be a "right" time? Although nursing shortages will persist, good jobs in the field are becoming more competitive. It’s time to look to your future. It’s time to jump your practice to the next level.

You crave the opportunity to talk with other nurses about the trends and happenings in the field. You want to open up and expand your professional opportunities. Are you looking to try something different or become more skilled at what you do now? The RN to BS Option Program helps you expand your critical thinking  and leadership skills -- two areas you need more than ever in today's industry. We'll help you refine your skills, but even more importantly, we'll help re-energize your love of nursing and expand your thought processes. We'll help prepare you for your next step on your career ladder, whether it is for promotion, graduate school, or personal growth. So, let's get started.

Yes, I do want to continue my education! What do I do first?

  • Step 1: Call and schedule an appointment with an advisor. Plan to meet about 4 weeks after your call, so you have time to gather your transcripts.
  • Step 2: Review this web site. Familiarize yourself with the program.
  • Step 3: Call or go on-line and request all your official college transcripts, school of nursing transcripts (if applicable), and high school transcripts.
  • Step 4: Make copies of your current RN license (front/back for wallet size -- be sure you've signed the signature line) and CPR card.
  • Step 5: Bring all transcripts to your appointment. Bring your checkbook. If you plan to enroll, you will need to provide a $50 non-refundable check (made payable to The Pennsylvania State University) when you complete your application.
  • Step 6: At the appointment, relax and just enjoy yourself. Get all your questions answered (don't be afraid to ask!). This isn't an interview. Remember, the advisors are on your team. They want to help you succeed (See this sample check sheet that the advisor will explore with you).
  • Step 7: Complete the application and mail it back to your advisor. Do NOT send it directly to University Park. Do not complete the on-line application. Our team will review your application prior to sending it to University Park. Refer to the Admission Checklist to make sure you've sent everything.
  • Step 8: Schedule a check-up. Get your health exam filled out at your check-up.
  • Step 9: When you receive your admission acceptance packet, send back a letter stating your intention to enroll for the upcoming semester and your refundable $200 deposit. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! You are only officially admitted once the University receives your acceptance letter and deposit.

NOTE: YOU MUST TAKE A COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY THE SEMESTER YOU ACCEPT ADMISSION.

I've been offered admission to the RN to BS Option Program! Now, what do I do?

  • Your acceptance will be sent to you via your Penn State email, which you should check regularly or have forwarded to your private or other email inbox. You will need to go to the webite in that email to accept admission to the major and pay your $200 deposit fee at that time (by check, or online option for payment may be available).
  • Call or meet with your advisor to schedule upcoming classes (unless you did that during your initial appointment). If you already know what classes to take, call 717-948-6735 for a copy of the schedule.
  • Prior to classes starting, you will need to get
    • a parking pass in the Security Office in the Swatara Building.
      717-948-6006, 8am - 6 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am - 5 pm Friday.
    • a picture ID at the Housing Office, Room 122, Olmsted Building (first floor, behind the Food Court).
      717-948-6241, 8am - 6pm Mon-Thurs., 8am - 5pm Friday. You will need to take your picture ID to the Library or General Computer Lab (Olmsted Building) and get your computer access account started.
  • Call or go to the Bookstore on campus to get your books.

RN to BS Course Catalog

General Education

ENGL 015 (GWS) Rhetoric and Composition, or Penn State equivalent
ENGL 202 (GWS) Effective Writing, or Penn State equivalent
CAS 100 (GWS) Effective Speech, or Penn State equivalent
PSY 100 (GS) Introductory Psychology, or Penn State equivalent
SOC 001 (GS) Sociology, or
SOC 005 (GS) Social problems, or Penn State equivalents
General Humanities (GH) (6 credits), or Penn State equivalent
General Arts (GA) (6 credits), or Penn State equivalent
Math (GQ) (3 credits, college-level algebra), or Penn State equivalent (examples: MATH 017, MATH 021)
Electives (2-5 credits)

Prior work at Penn State or other college/university may qualify for these credits. Check with an advisor.

Studies for the Major (NURN)

STAT 200 (GQ) Elementary Statistics, or Penn State equivalent
NUTR 251 (GHA) Introductory Principles of Nutrition, or Penn State equivalent
HD FS 129 (GS) Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies, or Penn State equivalent
MICRB 106 (GN) Elementary Microbiology, or Penn State equivalent
MICRB 107 (GN) Elem. Microbiology Lab, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 129 (GN) Mammalian Anatomy, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 141 (GN) Physiology, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 142 (GN) Physiology Lab, or Penn State equivalent
CHEM 101 (GN) Introductory Chemistry, or
CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I, and
CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I, or Penn State equivalents

Prior work at Penn State or other college/university may qualify for these credits. Check with an advisor.

Studies in the Major (NURN)

NOTE: These are listed in the recommended sequence.

NURS 390 ( US) Transition & the Professional Nurse Role
NURS 251 Health Assessment
NURS 357 Introduction to Computing and Nursing Informatics. NOTE: It is strongly recommended that this be taken early in the program.
NURS 200W Introduction to Nursing Research. NOTE: Statistics is re-requisite.
NURS 465 Adult Health Concepts. NOTE: NURS 390 is a pre-requisite to all clinical courses.
NURS 417 (US; IL) Family & Community Health Concepts. NOTE: NURS 390 is a pre-requisite to all clinical courses.
NURS 475 Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice of Family & Community Health Concepts. NOTE: NURS 390, NURS 200W, NURS 351, NURS 465, and NURS 417 are pre-requisites.
Nursing elective (400-level or above)
Nursing elective

Note that the The RN to BS Option for the BS in Nursing requires NURS 215, 230, 205, 301, 302, 310, 320. Credit for these courses will be awarded based on review of prior nursing study at and graduation from an accredited school of nursing. The credit by portfolio is awarded after completion of NURS 390 and in consultation with your academic advisor. The award is 33 credits.

If you have questions about prior work and whether it qualifies, or if you have questions about planning a course of study, please contact our Admissions Advisor in the RN to BS Option Program at Penn State Harrisburg, (717) 948-6735.

Important information

Students are required to have all of the following on file when enrolled in clinical courses:

  • Current RN license

Other certifications, such as criminal background checks and child abuse clearances may apply, depending on the institution/clinic. Note that clinical experiences in the RN to BS Option are based on the requirements stated in each course syllabus, with input from the student to satisfy both the course requirements and the learning goals of each student. Private Professional Liability Insurance is strongly recommended (your work policy does not cover you when you are acting as a student).

RN to BS FAQs

I haven't been in school in years, can I really do this?

answer Of course, you can! Remember, you aren't in this alone. We are here to support you, but you've got to make the personal commitment.

I wasn't a great student in high school. What do you mean I need to collect my high school transcripts?

answer  Although the Admissions Office will look at your high school transcripts, they are most interested in your transfer credits. How did you do in your associate degree program? Probably, pretty well. Instead of fretting, come in and meet with us and we'll give you our best unofficial evaluation of your credits.

How many credits do I have to take?

answer  That is up to you. There is no minimum credit requirement per semester. The University likes to see you progressing toward your degree, so it is recommended that you take a minimum of three credits each fall and spring semester. If you do not, you will need to pay a nominal re-enrollment fee to come back when you return.

Students re-enrolling in the NURN major (RN to BS Option) are considered adult learners. Write ADULT LEARNER on top of your form and do not enclose the $20 re-enrollment fee. Reenrollment forms are available online.

Where can I get copies of the health form I need to complete?

answer  The Pre-Entrance Health Examination form is a requirement for all University students. We are aware that some returning students may have some questions about the vaccination section, especially if you were born before 1957. For more info go to the University Health Services web site, Compliance Section and click on Immunization Requirements and Sample Form for information on how to negotiate reconsideration of vaccination requirements in special circumstances. (If a login box appears, just click "Cancel"; you can still view the material without logging in.) You can also contact the Campus Coordinator about this. The Annual Health Examination Form is required for attendance at clinical.

Who can I call for more information?

answer   Please refer to the main program page where contact information can be found on the top of the page.

Where do I go for my clinicals?

answer  Clinical experience may be demonstrated in a variety of settings - hospitals and community settings. They are designed to meet the objectives of the course and the educational needs of the student. Clinical experiences are collaborative designed with the faculty.

How long do I have to finish my degree?

answer  The University has expectations of your finishing in approximately 10 years. If you must take some time off, you will need to complete a re-enrollment form (fee-waived) when you return to classes.

Option 2 - The Accelerated Second Degree Program

This option is available to applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. All applicants must have completed the required pre-requisite coursework (details follow). The program is 16 months and full time only.

Key Dates:

  • Next cohort class start date: This is a cohort-based program. Each cohort begins in the fall semester. If you are returning to the program at Harrisburg Campus after interrupting your studies at Harrisburg or Altoona, you need to discuss this with the Campus Coordinator.

  • Next application cycle:Applications online are typically accepted beginning September 1 for the following year’s cohort.

  • Deadline for applications:November 30. Application must be made via the online portal and applications must be complete by the deadline. Incomplete applications will be sent back.

  • New applicants, Re-enrollments, changes-of-major: If you never attended Penn State, you need to apply via the online portal. If you have attended or graduated from Penn State, you need to complete a campus re-enrollment form. If you are graduating from Penn State in the fall of the year you are applying, or if you graduated but are currently taking PSU courses you need to complete a change-of-major form for the campus.

  • Pre-application review:It is recommended that you have your past college transcripts evaluated by our pre-admissions adviser. This can occur any time prior to to after you have applied, however doing so beforehand helps to ensure that your prior or current coursework will meet School requirements.


IMPORTANT!

  • If you have been offered and accepted admission:
    All second degree students are required to complete the following documentation after May 1 and submit to the Nursing Office (Olmsted W344) by the end of June. All requirements must be current for the entire academic year (valid through June 30 of the next year). Students are responsible for all fees incurred. If you have some of this documentation associated with another agency or employer and it is no older than March of the current year, it may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. This policy is necessary to maintain legal complicances current for all students throughout their clinical studies.

  • Important information on Scholarship Opportunities & Required paperwork for Second Degree Program to be started after May 1st!

  • Deadline to post grades for pre-requisites: Mid-December

  • Candidate Review: January

  • Expected notification for class selection: Late January through February, the class for Fall is selected and application for that cohort is closed. A Spring/Summer wait list is pending.

  • Mandatory orientation: Students accepted into the program will be asked to attend an orientation in June of the summer prior to the cohort start date in August. That date will be provided to such students in March. Orientation includes program expectations, a review of progress with required legal compliances for clinical practice, uniform fittings and purchase, and other activities.

The accelerated Second Degree Program is a 16-month, full-time nursing program that prepares students for a career in nursing. Successful graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and licensed graduates are also eligible for graduate study in nursing or other fields. A competitive admissions process begins with a  review of applicants’ transcripts. The program consists entirely of nursing courses, thus applicants must have satisfied all pre-requisites prior to the class selection meeting. (Note: applicants completing required coursework after the class is selected may be offered admission contingent on successful completion of that coursework in the spring or summer, if there are seats remaining. Alternatively, such applicants may be wait-listed, and offered admission if other accepted applicants have declined to participate). The pre-admission review is very important but not required. Although some general education courses may not appear to match those listed in the University-approved curriculum, substitutions can be petitioned. This is why it is suggested that all interested applicants contact the local campus adviser before applying formally at Undergraduate Admissions.

Applicants will be selected to fill available seats based on the following:

  1. Transcript must show that the applicant has achieved a grade of C or better:
    • Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits equivalent and including laboratory)
    • Microbiology, including laboratory
    • Human Development and/or Family Studies (usually a Psychology course)
    • A general chemistry course (laboratory optional)
    • Statistics (if none, selection based on how much other math is shown on transcript)
  2. Introductory Psychology University Requirements:
    • Applicants must meet admission requirements as stated in Undergraduate Admissions, high school requirements. Most students will already have satisfied these. Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis.
  3. Transcripts of applicants who have met the above will be sorted by Grade Point Average: GPA has been shown to predict how successful students will be in a rigorous academic program.

Applicants meeting the requirements will be offered the opportunity to apply to the University. The University will offer admission, and students must then accept admission on the website provided in the notice. At this time a deposit will be required, and instructions are included with final notification of acceptance. Applicants who secured a “contingent” offer from the School of Nursing will be asked to notify the Campus Nursing Coordinator by email, of their intention to continue. Such applicants must successfully complete their pre-requisite coursework. Once those grades are recorded (if taken at PSU) or submitted (if taken elsewhere) for transfer, the formal University offer will be made. In any case, once we select a slate of eligible candidates, and have gotten replies of acceptance, we will be in contact with you on a regular basis.

Some Notes on the Demands of the Program

Nursing is a demanding discipline. Students will be enrolled in 14-17 credits of coursework per semester. In addition, much of the work is clinical. Students will be assigned to clinical based on site availability and course objectives. Although we endeavor to maintain consistency in clinical assignments, students will also need to be available for alternative clinical assignments due to inclement weather, problems such as public disasters that affect hospital staffing, competition with other schools for clinical resources, and other issues. Moreover, there is much to be gained by seeing the routine of different facilities, so don’t ask or expect to be assigned to the same facility throughout. Nursing licensure is based on satisfying a minimum number of clinical contact hours, not just on classroom study and passing an exam. Be prepared to have the work of this program occupy most of your time throughout. Although it is possible to work part-time, we advise against it. Those who need to maintain full-time employment are unlikely to be successful and should consider other career or education alternatives. Many second degree students have families, and the faculty understand that and will work with students to a limited extent, and not beyond the point at which family issues prevent mastery of the material or satisfaction of state-required clinical hours.

Experience with our program and observations from other second degree faculty at other colleges has suggested that the most common reasons for withdrawal are lack of financial resources and an inability to sustain the level of work and concentration needed to successfully complete the program. We welcome applicants to talk with us about whether or not this situation is right for them, but the bottom line is this: expect to work very hard learning a lot of material in a short period of time. Informal surveys of other campuses and colleges with such an accelerated nursing program suggest that students can expect to spend about 80 hours per week on class time, clinical time, and private/group study. We will support you, but be prepared for a very challenging 16 months!

How much will this cost? Applicants can access the Penn State Tuition Calculator and enter data for each semester’s credits as advanced standing students (link to Rec Academic Plan). In addition, students can expect to spend approximately $2,200 on textbooks and references, uniforms, and the required NCLEX Review Course at the end of the program.

Is it worth it? I believe it is, and feel fortunate to have chosen this profession. As a graduate student travelling to Philadelphia from Harrisburg, I tackled a similarly compressed, full time, rigorous nurse practitioner program, as well as a more traditional basic nursing program a decade before. It can be done! You will have to make adjustments to your lifestyle for a time. We will work hard to keep the program fair, interesting, and comprehensible, as well as respect your prior learning experiences. You will be studying with faculty doing research about and practicing in nursing. It is a rewarding profession, and we want you to be a successful participant in the program so that you too can be called “Nurse.”

-- Eric Doerfler, PhD, CRNP

The Accelerated Second Degree Program Course Catalog

General Education

ENGL 015 (GWS) Rhetoric and Composition, or Penn State equivalent
ENGL 202 (GWS) Effective Writing, or Penn State equivalent
CAS 100 (GWS) Effective Speech, or Penn State equivalent
PSY 100 (GS) Introductory Psychology, or Penn State equivalent
SOC 001 (GS) Sociology, or
SOC 005 (GS) Social problems, or Penn State equivalents
General Humanities (GH) (6 credits), or Penn State equivalent
General Arts (GA) (6 credits), or Penn State equivalent
Math (GQ) (3 credits, college-level algebra), or Penn State equivalent (examples: MATH 017, MATH 021)
Electives (2-5 credits)

Prior work at Penn State or other college/university may qualify for these credits. Check with an advisor.

Studies for the Major (NURN)

STAT 200 (GQ) Elementary Statistics, or Penn State equivalent
NUTR 251 (GHA) Introductory Principles of Nutrition, or Penn State equivalent
HD FS 129 (GS) Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies, or Penn State equivalent
MICRB 106 (GN) Elementary Microbiology, or Penn State equivalent
MICRB 107 (GN) Elem. Microbiology Lab, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 129 (GN) Mammalian Anatomy, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 141 (GN) Physiology, or Penn State equivalent
BIOL 142 (GN) Physiology Lab, or Penn State equivalent
CHEM 101 (GN) Introductory Chemistry, or
CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I, and
CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I, or Penn State equivalents

Prior work at Penn State or other college/university may qualify for these credits. Check with an advisor.

Studies in the Major (NURS/SCND)

NOTE: These are listed in the recommended sequence.

NURS 200W Introduction to Nursing Research. Note: Statistics is re-requisite.
NURS 225 Pathophysiology
NURS 230 Introduction to the Fundamentals of Nursing
NURS 250 (US) Professional Role Dev I: Intro to Professional Issues in Nursing Practice and Nursing Informatics
NURS 251 Health Assessment
NURS 301 Nursing Care of the Adult Client Requiring Medical-Surgical Intervention
NURS 305 Introduction to Pharmacological Concepts
NURS 306 Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents
NURS 310Therapeutic Nursing Care of the Older Adult Client in a Variety of Settings
NURS 320 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family and Gynecological Client
NURS 350 Professional Role Development II: Ethics, Legal and Genetic Issues
NURS 405A Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part A
NURS 405B Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part B
NURS 415 (US;IL) Community and Family Health Nursing
NURS 420 Mental Health Nursing
NURS 450A Professional Role Development III: Leadership and Management
NURS 450B Professional Role Development III: Clinical Capstone

Note: Students admitted to the program will be required to satisfy “clinical compliances” in order to attend clinical courses. These include health insurance, liability insurance, CPR certification, and various clearances. These are detailed in the Second Degree Program Handbook staring on page 42.

Option 3 - Other Options

We frequently get questions about whether or not one can study to become and RN at Penn State Harrisburg. This campus has only the options shown above. However, there are several options to becoming an RN at Penn State if you don’t fit one of our programs. Penn State continues its flagship general Bachelor of Science, major in Nursing Program at the University Park Campus. For nearly half a century, Penn State’s BS in Nursing has prepared students to practice at the highest level of professional practice. To apply go directly to the program through Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions site.

In an effort to alleviate the shortage of nurses in past decades, Penn State created several Associate Degree - granting nursing programs in which students can complete the basic education to become an RN in about 2 years. Click the link for more information and a list of campuses that offer the ADN. For some students, this is a good option because it allows students to become nurses and start earning while having the option to go on for the bachelor’s degree in a part-time setting in an RN-to-BS program.

Is There Any Difference in Tracks?

In most states, students can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) if they have completed a state nursing board-approved program, regardless of whether it is at the baccalaureate level, associate level, or in a hospital-based vocational program. For many years it did not seem to matter which program students graduated from. Most all found jobs, and promotions to management were not wholly dependent on educational level, although in some management positions and in some hospitals, bachelor’s-prepared RNs had a competitive edge. Several things have come together to change the picture somewhat. The “Magnet Hospital” movement arose from a program to improve hospital quality, and Magnet Hospitals were shown to demonstrate better patient outcomes overall. Magnet hospitals must staff with a majority of RNs prepared at the bachelor’s level, and this has created a tendency for some hospitals to hire RN’s with bachelor’s degrees over those with associate degrees.

Second, a series of studies published since 2003 have shown that patient outcomes improve when staffing mixes are majority bachelor’s prepared RNs, regardless of their education track—that is, regardless of whether they went through a generic bachelor’s program or got their bachelor’s from a bachelor’s completion program. Penn State has 13 campuses that offer the RN-BS Program Option*. This has led to some facilities selecting bachelor’s-prepared graduates over others with associate degrees or hospital diplomas. This is more common in urban areas like Philadelphia and Baltimore, than in more rural areas, where hiring of ADNs remains fairly strong.

Finally, the recession of 2008 has brought many retired and part-time RNs back into the workforce, creating a temporary increase in the pool of experienced RNs, and this has led to both some selectivity in hiring as well as some local fall in demand for RNs. However there are still projected to be serious shortages of RNs in the near future. This is partly because those same people who came back to the workforce will exit again when the economy improves. More important is that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 will bring some 30 million more Americans into the health care system. Moreover, millions of “baby-boomers” are about to retire. Who will care for them? Nurses, whose roles are expanding every year, and Advanced Practice Nurses such as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Specialists, Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. Penn State also offers graduate study in Nursing.

The industry is moving toward an all-baccalaureate nursing model. Hospitals are requiring managers and even staff nurses to go back to school if they do not have the bachelor’s degree. States are looking at requiring new graduates to return as well (although existing licensees will not be required to do so). We recommend that applicants consider either general bachelor’s degree or a “2 and 2” program of associates degree with a return for part-time bachelor’s study. In many cases, employers will provide assistance with the RN-BS program tuition.

* The World Campus is wholly online.

List of requirements:

  1. Health Examination: Entrance Health Exam Form (student handbook) (All students will require the Annual Exam form the following year)
  2. Malpractice Insurance ($1,000,000/$6,000,000) (may be obtained for a variety of vendors)
  3. Health Insurance (copy of insurance card or policy; all PSU students are required to have health insurance)
  4. CPR  certification, ONLY the following is accepted: American Heart Association Health Care Provider
  5. Criminal background checks and child abuse clearances.
  6. Fingerprinting (Act 171) may be required for some clinical sites (this will be updated for you shortly)

For more details on exactly how to fulfill these requirements, go to the Second Degree Student Handbook.


NOTE: If the Nursing Office has not received all of the above information by the due date, an academic hold will be placed on the student’s account and nursing courses will be dropped until the documentation is complete. Students will be notified via their PSU email of the account hold.

Some this may take several weeks to process, so begin immediately after May 1. No exceptions will be made! If you need further information review the Student Handbook.

Scholarship Opportunities (Deadlines for Application!)

The Health Resources Service Administration may award the Penn State School of Nursing funds for a scholarship program. You will automatically be considered for a scholarship if you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (this is what you complete for student loans too). You will be advised through the usual notification channels if you have been awarded.

Student Services

Counseling and Advising

Counseling and advising services are important elements for the returning adult student. All prospective and matriculated students have access to faculty/staff knowledgeable about the nursing program who can be helpful prior to and following enrollment.

Prospective students should call the RN to BS Option Program Office at 717-948-6735 for information or to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Our advising team is comprised of caring, devoted professionals committed to helping you meet your personal and professional goals. We are committed to helping you make the transition back to school and the road while you are here a smooth one. We are delighted to meet with students in the early stages of your nursing education as well as veteran RN's in the field for years. Here are just a few of the students we routinely meet:

  • New first or second year students at local community colleges (like Harrisburg Area Community College) who are trying to select courses that will meet A.D.N. requirements, as well as future admission requirements to the RN to BS Option Program. Please see Transfer Guides on the top right of the program page.
  • Recent graduates of A.D. programs looking to immediately continue. Once you have successfully completed your AD in Nursing program and have passed your state nurse licensing board (RN) you are eligible to apply for admission to the RN to BS Option Program.

Our Advising Efforts: Our advising team makes every effort to make your return to school easy. We maintain flexible office hours, so we are available when you are. We have met with students at work sites, at Harrisburg. While we can not accommodate everyone's schedule, we maintain a strong commitment to flexibility and meeting your needs. We also understand there are times when you simply can't make an appointment and then we will try phone advising or email. Give us a chance to show you how easy it can be to get started and finished!

Student Life Staff

The Student Life Staff is comprised of professionals serving students through services and programs that support and challenge students to achieve educational, career, professional, and personal goals. For example, Student Life can assist you with developing sound academic habits, reducing stress in your life, designing resumes and job search strategies, developing leadership skills, or joining a student organization (like Alpha Sigma Lambda, the adult student honor society). In addition, Student Life provides cultural programming and social activities.

Student Assistance Center

As a Penn State Harrisburg student, you have access to many resources that can complement and enhance your academic experience. The professionally trained staff help provide personal, career, academic, educational, group, and individual counseling. Some nursing students are worried about study skills and taking specific classes (like math or speech).

The Student Assistance Center houses

The Center offers services and counseling to all students, including commuters, returning adults, students with disabilities, and international students. The Non-Traditional Student Affairs Office has been established to assess and meet the needs of our non-traditional student population. Non-traditional has been defined as:

  • 24 years of age or older
  • Veterans of the armed services
  • Returning to school after 4 or more years of employment or other activity
  • Assuming multiple roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.

Many of our nursing students fit the criteria of a non-traditional student. Contact this office for more information on how they can help you make the move back to school a smooth one.

The Learning Center

The Learning Center offers a variety of services to students at NO CHARGE. Individual professional tutoring in writing, mathematics, and science is available by appointment. Individual peer tutoring is available for specific courses as requested. Drop-in math clinics are scheduled throughout the week. Course-specific clinics or major-specific workshops are also offered. Individual or group study space is also available. The Learning Center is located in C-216, Olmsted Building at Penn State Harrisburg. Day and evening hours are available.

The Financial Aid Office

Penn State Harrisburg offers financial aid in the forms of loans, scholarships, grants, and employment. Students applying for financial aid must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Students enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) are eligible to apply for financial aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office (717) 948-6307 for additional details and deadline dates.

Housing

Students in full-time residence study may elect to live in on-campus housing. Selections for available housing are made in December, so apply early (for both the program and the housing). Penn State Harrisburg will have double the housing available soon.

 Many other services are available for students. Please visit this site for a list of campus office locations and phone numbers.