Nurses are a vital part of the medical team. As the medical field continuously changes, there is an increased demand for nursing leaders who can improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.

These leaders must combine their solid clinical skills with cultural competency, appreciation for research and innovation, effective communication and strong critical-thinking skills to meet these needs.

Research shows that bachelor’s-prepared nurses demonstrate better professional integration of these aspects into their clinical practice. As a result, medical facilities have noted lower mortality rates, shorter hospital stays and lower healthcare costs. 

Penn State’s RN to B.S.N. program meets current healthcare demands by expanding and enhancing nurses’ existing education, preparing students to advance their practice as clinical leaders and nurse managers, and preparing students for entrance to graduate degree programs.

What to expect

The RN to B.S.N. program is offered at Penn State Beaver through a partnership with Penn State Shenango. It is designed for individuals who hold a valid United States R.N. license and graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or AS program. As a student, you can expect the following:

  • Flexible scheduling of courses to accommodate working RNs, including: 
    • Part-time or full-time study
    • Hybrid, in-person, and web-based classes
    • Evening course schedules
    • Independent study opportunities
    • Courses offered at both the Shenango and Beaver campuses
  • RNs employed at qualifying health systems receive a 20 percent discount on tuition
  • "Credit by Portfolio Assessment" enables students to receive credit for certain prescribed nursing courses based on their RN licensure (up to 33 credits) 
  • We accept transfer courses from accredited colleges or universities to meet curriculum requirements (C or better required, must provide official transcripts); most students enter the B.S.N. program with 57 credits.
  • The RN to B.S.N. program is fully accredited by CCNE.

You might like this program if... 

You are currently licensed as a RN with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma and want to advance your theoretical and clinical skills while making yourself more marketable in the current healthcare industry.

Additionally, you may wish to continue onto an advanced nursing graduate degree program and need your B.S.N. in order to be eligible to apply for graduate school.

The Penn State RN to B.S.N. program is the right choice for nurses wanting a B.S.N. degree from a nationally-recognized institution with a reputation for academic excellence.

Accreditation 

The College of Nursing is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.

Licensure

Many states and territories require those seeking certain jobs to have professional licensure or certification. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.