BU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is awarded to students who complete the requirements for the degree. Degree recipients (non-R.N.) are then eligible to take the NCLEX licensure examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Students must assume responsibility for their own travel to both inpatient and outpatient/community clinical agencies. Travel may vary from one mile to approximately 40 miles, depending on the nature of clinical experiences.

As the realm of modern health care becomes increasingly complex, this rigorous and demanding program requires potential students to have exceptional leadership and time management skills, self-assurance and critical thinking.

Other factors suggesting potential for success at BU include a strong background in the sciences and algebra as well as very high reading comprehension skills and a strong work ethic. Students enjoy high success on the NCLEX examination, a strong placement rate and continuation of graduate studies after initial work experiences.

BU also offers a MSN program with a wide range of options for nursing professionals. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition, the nurse anesthesia graduate option is accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

The undergraduate and graduate programs are fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

All nursing majors take courses in psychology, anatomy and physicology, microbiology, introductory and physiological chemistry and choose from sociology, contemporary social problems or cultural anthropology.

Professional courses for generic students include professional nursing, nutrition, pharmacology, foundations of nursing practice, health assessment, pathophysiology for nursing practice, nursing research, family nursing, adult health, maternal and child health nursing, community health nursing, psychiatric/mental health nursing and nursing management and leadership.

Those who already have registered nurse (R.N.) status get 36 credits for their professional study and take classes in role development for the nurse generalist, nursing research, community health nursing and nursing management and leadership.

Students work with their adviser to complete their B.S.N. curriculum with elective courses that support individual interests and career goals.

Generic Students

"Generic" is a term used by accrediting agencies and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to designate students who are currently not registered nurses. Four types of candidates fall into the generic category: freshman candidates, external transfer candidates, internal transfer candidates and second degree candidates.

Advanced Placement

The nursing faculty have approved four mechanisms to petition for advanced placement or credit by examination, as outlined in an articulation model available from the Department of Nursing:

• College Level Equivalency Examination Program (CLEP) — All students are eligible to pursue CLEP testing for Bloomsburg University credit. CLEP enables Bloomsburg University to grant course credit for scores earned on written examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board. Information is available from the Coordinator of Testing.
• Credit by Examination (faculty prepared examinations) — Once students have been admitted to the university they may earn credit in selected science, general education or nursing courses by petitioning for the privilege of establishing credit through a comprehensive exam instead of through registration and class attendance.

  Eligibility to petition is based upon student presentation or evidence of adequate experience with the course content through experience other than college attendance or through independent study of the course content. Students wishing to petition for credit in departments other than nursing must contact the chairperson of the respective department.

• Articulation Model — 36 semester hours of advanced placement may be earned by R.N. students through the department's articulation model.
• Transfer Course Credits — Please refer to the transfer policies in the Admissions section. A student applying to transfer courses must fulfill the provisions of residence requirements and graduation requirements.