BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is for those interested in becoming a Registered Nurse. Graduates of the program are eligible to take their state's NCLEX-RN Registered Nurse licensure exam.

The BSN curriculum of West Chester University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2019.

If you are a high school student or graduate interested in the BSN Program:
You may apply online at this link: WCU Online Application. You should direct WCU Admission questions to the Admissions office or call 610-436-3411. Be sure to read the Admissions Requirements and Procedures. WCU nursing does not require a pre-admission exam or interview. All admissions applications are processed by the Admissions office.

Students wishing to enter WCU in the Fall of next year should have their applications submitted for admission to the Nursing major as early as you can, and no later than by November 1st of this year.

The Admissions Department will screen applications and then extend offers to the most qualified applicants. If you are not offerred admission to the Nursing major, but are offered admission to another major or undeclared major please be aware that transferring into the program later is unlikely to occur.

High school students who are interesting in applying to the nursing program are advised to take biology (including anatomy and physiology), chemistry, and psychology courses if they are available.

Interest in nursing is currently very high so admission to the major will be very competitive.

If you are an undergraduate WCU student interested in changing your major to Nursing (Internal Transfer):

We are unable to accept internal change-of-major into Nursing during the Spring 2012 Semester.
We are conducting informtional sessions for possible Fall of 2012 acceptances.
Meetings will be in Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center:
February 23, 2012: 1-2 pm in Room 116D
March 20, 2012: 3-4 pm in Room 116E

BSN Undergraduate Program Details

BSN Course Sequence (120k .pdf)

The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing . A student graduating with this degree should be able to function as a self-directing professional, should have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career as a professional nurse, and should have an educational foundation that will allow him or her to hold leadership positions in the health care community.

The Department of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

In addition to meeting West Chester University entrance requirements, applicants for nursing must have completed work equal to a standard high school curriculum, consisting of a minimum of 16 units. Specifically, a student should have four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of mathematics (one of which must be algebra), and two units of science with a related laboratory or the equivalent. A combined score of at least 1000 is expected on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1).

Clinical Experiences

Students in the BSN program have a wide variety of clinical experiences including acute care, community health, day care centers, schools, retirement centers, nursing homes, and a veterans hospital. Individualized instruction is provided in the clinical setting with a 1:10 faculty/student ratio. A learning laboratory is available on campus to allow students to practice their psychomotor skills prior to actual contact with clients. BSN graduates have obtained jobs in many settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, physicians' offices, etc. Most BSN graduates continue on with graduate study after a few years of experience as a professional nurse.

Please see the WCU Undergraduate Handbook for special requirements for clinical practica.

Last update: 17 February 2012