Bachelor of Science Degree

There are three programs to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree: General, Second Degree, and RN to B.S.

The General B.S. program began in 1965 and is a four-year program that includes a broad liberal arts and science foundation, and an extensive range of nursing courses. The B.S. program prepares nurses to provide nursing care in varied settings, which include hospitals, private practice, long-term care, clinics, and other health care and community agencies. Students gain experience in diverse settings, which include Hershey Medical Center, rural hospitals, community health agencies, and other health care settings (e.g., Rockview Prison). After earning a B.S., students are eligible to take the national examination for licensure as a registered nurse (NCLEX).

Program Goals

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science Program in Nursing the students will be able to:

• Evaluate principles, models, and theories from nursing and related
  disciplines for applicability in clinical practice.
• Apply the nursing process with individuals, families, and groups of
  diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds in a variety of health
  care settings.
• Collaborate with colleagues from nursing, other disciplines, and
  consumers to facilitate desirable outcomes in clinical practice.
• Critically analyze research studies and apply to clinical practice.
• Demonstrate accountability in the delivery of professional nursing
  care.
• Participate in activities that advance nursing as a profession and
  self as a professional.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the baccalaureate program in nursing have a vast array of employment opportunities open to them. Employment settings include trauma centers, community hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, hospice agencies, schools, industrial and organizational settings, and the military to name a few.

In addition, the B.S. degree is required to pursue an advanced degree in nursing, which prepares the nurse for roles such as nurse educator, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse administrator and nurse researcher. The nursing profession encompasses opportunities for a lifelong and rewarding career.

Credit Requirement

The program for the bachelor of science degree must include a total of at least 120 credits as outlined in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Location

The General B.S. degree is only offered at Penn State University Park. Students may complete their first year at a campus other than University Park but must move to University Park for their sophomore year.

First-year Nursing students at campuses other than University Park must complete a Change of Campus form before moving to University Park. This change of campus must be discussed with the adviser at the student's first-year campus.