Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing 

The B.S.N. program, established in 1965 by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, is a four-year nursing program that combines a broad liberal arts and science foundation with an extensive range of nursing courses.

See Academic Plan for Nursing 

The nursing degree program prepares students to provide nursing care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practice, long-term care, clinics, and health care/community agencies.

Students gain experience in diverse settings such as academic medical centers, rural hospitals, community agencies, schools, and prisons. After earning the B.S., students become eligible to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses, known as the NCLEX. At Penn State Scranton, we are committed to supporting our students' success by offering comprehensive NCLEX exam preparation, ensuring they are fully equipped and confident to excel on the exam.

Inquire about the B.S.N.

Check out our modern state-of-the art nursing education facilities.

student in nursing scrubs with stetescope simulates taking blood pressure of a child mannequin in a lab that looks like a hospital room

A fourth-year student assesses "Sim Junior" a pediatric patient simulator in a simulation lab at Penn State Scranton.

Credit: Shannon Williams
two students in scrubs take the vital signs of a mannequin in a lab that looks like a hospital room

Nursing students, Katrina and Tenisha, assess patient simulator, "Sim Mom " in the labor and delivery simulation room at Penn State Scranton. Behind them is the faculty control room.

Credit: Shannon Williams
four students in scrubs attend to a pregnant mannequin in a lab that looks like a hospital room

Fourth-year nursing students with "Sim Mom" in the labor and delivery simulation room, with a view of the faculty monitor in the control room.

Credit: Dekka Studios
four students in scrubs stand around an aged mannequin in a lab that looks like a hospital room

Fourth-year nursing students learn about cataracts and wound care as they work with "Sim Annie" a geriatric patient simulator in one of the medical/surgical simulation rooms at Penn State Scranton.

Credit: Dekka Studios
large brightly lit classroom with six hospital beds and privacy curtains, looks like a hospital setting

Spacious skills lab at Penn State Scranton. 

Credit: Revette Studios
8 people in scrubs sit around a conference room table

Fourth-year students in the NURS 405A medical/surgical nursing course meet with nursing faculty, Dr. Khalid Almasloukh, to debrief after a simulation exercise.

Credit: Dekka Studios
5 students in scrubs use laptops at a comfortable looking seating at tables in a brightly lit area

Nursing students collaborate in the study space located in the Nursing Suite lobby.

Credit: Shannon Williams

SEE MORE ABOUT NURSING FACILITIES

Why a four-year nursing degree? 

A four-year education helps nurses navigate the increasingly complex medical field. In its report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the Institute of Medicine recommends that 80 percent of all nurses have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree by 2020. 

  • Hospitals applying for Magnet status employ a larger percentage of nurses with a B.S. degree than those without.
  • Many institutions have higher pay grades for baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
  • A four-year degree is also the foundation for the advanced education needed for advanced practice positions (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist) and other advanced nursing roles (administrator, educator, or researcher).
John Evans smiling

What I love the most about the nursing program is how small the class sizes are, so I am able to work with all of my fellow classmates and learn with them through both coursework and clinicals. The professors are also amazing at teaching both lectures and life lessons for when it comes to the real the world of nursing. After college I plan on becoming a pediatric nurse, hoping to work in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit.)

John Evans, Nursing

For more information, please call:

  • Admissions 570-963-2500
  • Registrar 570-963-2505 

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. 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.  

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