Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Nursing Programs Offered

BSN Program Details

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.

MSN Program Details

BU's Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program prepares nurses to function as an Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner (42 or 53 credits), Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health and Illness, Community Health with a focus on Administration or School Health ( 39 credits), Administration (42 credits) and Nurse Anesthesia (66 credits) specialization.

-Nurses who are already certified and currently practicing as a C.R.N.P., C.N.M., or C.R.NA. may receive credit for their previous education and complete a M.S.N. with 30 credits of coursework.
-Nurses who are certified and currently practicing in PA as a school nurse may receive credit for their previous education and complete a MSN with 33 credits of coursework.
-Nurses who have a MSN may take courses required for Nurse Practitioner certification.
-Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for national certification examinations.