The Penn State School of Nursing
Program transition announced
A.S. program in Nursing transitioning to B.S. program in Nursing
The national picture of nursing education is changing. As a leader in the field, Penn State is transitioning the associate of science (A.S.) degree to a baccalaureate of science (B.S.) degree in Nursing at the Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, and Worthington Scranton campuses. This transition aligns with the future of nursing practice and projected employment patterns.
The fall 2014 semester will be the final opportunity for admission to the two-year associate of science (A.S.) program in Nursing, and the first opportunity for admission to the four-year baccalaureate of science (B.S.) program in Nursing at these five campuses.
Programs of Study
The School of Nursing features a complete range of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing.
Associate Degree
The associate degree program prepares graduates for the registered nurse licensure examination and for employment in a variety of acute and long-term care settings.
Baccalaureate Degree
The baccalaureate degree program has three options for study:
- the B.S., for those students who are entering the four-year program of study for an initial professional degree
- the Second Degree program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field
- the RN to B.S. for RNs who wish to complete the B.S. degree.
Revised B.S. Nursing Admission Process Effective Fall 2012
The four-year general B.S. program in Nursing is through first-year admission only. Students may not change majors into the four-year program.
Master’s Degree
Our master's programs include an M.S.N. program with six options for advanced nursing roles. Two options—Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator—are offered fully online through Penn State World Campus. There is also a B.S.–Ph.D. program that incorporates an M.S. degree as preparation for the Ph.D.
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program
The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in nursing develops clinical scholars, faculty, and researchers who can teach and provide leadership through scientific inquiry and innovative practice. Individualized plans of study allow each student to develop depth of expertise and research capability within a specialized area that promotes career goals. The first two years of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program are fully funded.
School of Nursing Highlights
– Offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to more than 2,500 students annually at 13 Penn State campuses
– Prepares more students each year for nursing careers than any other program in Pennsylvania
– 1 of 9 schools nationwide selected to host a John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
Research and Graduate Program
– 17th in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research dollars awarded to schools of nursing nationwide
– 25% of Ph.D. students have predoctoral fellowships
– All full-time Ph.D. students eligible for full funding
– 100% NP certification pass rate (2008–2011)
– 65% of primary care nurse practitioner students receive full or partial funding for their education (50% are fully funded)
– Totally online M.S.N. options for Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator
Undergraduate Programs
– Overall 96% NCLEX pass rate for 2012 (100% for second-degree students)
– Highest incoming-class GPA among all Penn State colleges (2011–12)
– 37% of students in top 10 percent of high school class; 15% in top 5 percent
– 14% of undergraduate students are members of an underrepresented ethnic group
– Nursing students consistently represented in all 3 Penn State branches of Reserve Officer Training Corps (Air Force, Army, Navy)
– Totally online RN to B.S. program
Outreach and Continuing Education Courses Available
The School of Nursing announces a new portal for online continuing education courses for nurses. These courses are offered continuously for Online CE. In addition, RNs can earn up to seventy contact hours in the school's state-of-the-art simulation lab. Learn more.
Diversity Statement
The faculty and staff of the School of Nursing value and are committed to fostering diversity in the classroom, the University, and the profession. By respecting differences in culture, age, gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, differing abilities, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation, we enrich the learning environment; improve the practice and profession of Nursing; and enhance personal creativity and professional growth.
The School of Nursing also maintains a special relationship with The College of Health and Human Development.
