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Nursing B.S.N. at Penn State Harrisburg

Nursing B.S.N. at Penn State Harrisburg

Penn State Harrisburg offers The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing's Second Degree Program, a B.S.N. program intended for those interested in a career in nursing who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. In this video, recent grad Chitra Patel offers her insights into this intensive pre-licensure program and the many benefits of the cohort model.

Penn State Harrisburg offers The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing's Second Degree Program, which is intended for those that desire to begin a career in nursing and have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. This intensive pre-licensure program is offered in a cohort format (all cohorts start in the fall semester) and requires sixteen months to complete. Students take 14–17 credits per semester for a total of 60 credits.

The application cycle for fall 2026 is expected to open on August 1, 2025. Learn more at a virtual Information Session!

  • Wednesday, 4/2/25, 6-7:15pm
  • Thursday, 7/10/25, 8-9:15am
  • Monday, 8/18/25, 12-1:15pm
  • Tuesday, 9/16/25, 6-7:15pm
  • Wednesday, 10/15/25, 8-9:15am
  • Thursday, 11/20/25, 12-1:15 p.m.

Contact Ronda Stump for details and to sign up!

At the completion of their course work, graduates will be able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and upon licensure, begin new careers in professional nursing.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map. 
Degree Conferred: This program is for attaining PA teacher certification.

Accreditation for The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

The Penn State Harrisburg nursing program is offered through the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the largest educators of pre-licensure students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with over 2200 undergraduate and graduate students on 13 campuses. Our College is positioned to lead the next generation of nurses and nurse scientists while enhancing the health of all people through quality care and education.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

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