School of Nursing

second option is the accelerated program for those who have a degree is some other discipline. This program requires 15 months of full time study with the number of credits dependent on your previous undergraduate/graduate degree. The final option that we have is the RN to BSN program that is offered to those who hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse but wish to pursue a BSN degree. This online option requires completion of 120 credits with two weekend on campus requirements, and 84 clinical practice hours at a site in your local community. Regardless of which option you select, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills essential for the practice of professional nursing as well as to provide a springboard for moving on to graduate education. These programs all focus on the development of critical thinking and leadership skills as well as the ability to work as an integral member of a healthcare team. The uniqueness of our program lies in our simulation labs which provide opportunities to work with medical equipment in a practice setting prior to actual clinical experiences in hospitals. Our skills lab coordinators have developed case scenarios that will not only tax your critical thinking skills, but also test your manual skills in manipulating medical equipment to achieve positive patient outcomes on our simulation manikins.

Students pursuing a Master’s degree have the opportunity to specialize in multiple advanced practice professional specialties such as clinical nurse specialist (Adult, Pediatric, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing) or focus on Health Services Administration. Both of these specialties are available in an online format. If one is seeking an advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner, we offer family and adult nurse practitioner concentrations. We also offer a neonatal nurse practitioner option in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University. A final online program that we offer is the RN to MSN. This program requires completion of 134 credits of prescribed coursework, and 518 clinical hours. The specialties in this program are: adult health, pediatrics and mental health nursing. For those who already have a Master’s degree in nursing all of these advanced practice roles are available as post-master’s certificates.

Our faculty is outstanding and hold key leadership positions in local, state, national and international organizations. We are dedicated to your success. Our School offers a rich environment for interdisciplinary research, a wealth of educational resources to refine your learning, and a small town atmosphere to enhance your well being. We are here to work with you as you begin your journey towards one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in today’s workforce: Nursing! Come join us and see how we can change your life!

Welcome Statement from the Director