2021 Best RN-BSN Nursing Schools In the United States

Texas State University is located in San Marcos, Texas.  The St. David’s School of Nursing is ranked #2 of the “Best Nursing Schools in the State of Texas.”  Their most recent 2016 BSN graduates had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.  They offer a traditional BSN program, with 100 students being admitted yearly.

California State University – Long Beach is located in Long Beach, California.  For BSN nursing, they offer a traditionl nursing program, designed for students without a prior nursing license, and a “registered nurse student” program which is designed for students already holding an RN license.  They also offer a DNP program.

The Mississippi University for Women offers a 4-year BSN program in addition to an Advanced Placement RN to BSN program, ideal for registered nurses who are interested in advancing their nursing careers. Though the school’s name implies that it offers single-sex education, since 1982 men have been welcome to attend.

The school’s BSN program focuses on preparing students to be skilled leaders who are agents for change in illness prevention and patient care. Those who graduate from the program will have a comprehensive educational foundation that opens the doors to opportunities for further study, such as a master’s degree in nursing.

The BSN program is aware of the continually changing world, and places a focus on the prevention of illness, maintenance of health, and a responsibility for managing long-term and terminal disruptions to health.   Additionally, the Mississippi University of Women emphasizes the nurse’s role as a client advocate and an important liaison on healthcare teams. Students can enroll in the summer, as well as in the fall.

University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, South Carolina.  USC has been rated #1 in the nation by US News and World Report for their online education Master’s programs.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program, in addition to a wide variety of post-graduate options.

Thomas Edison State College is located in Trenton, New Jersey.  They have several degree options; there is a BSN option, an RN to BSN option, an RN to MSN option and an accelerated BSN option (available for students with a prior bachelor’s degree).  Thomas Edison State College has a rolling admission, meaning that students can enter any time of the year and go at their own pace through their chosen program.

Trinity Christian College is a private Christian college located in Palos Heights, Illinois. The nursing school offers a four-year BSN program that comes with an integrated minor in science. Trinity’s nursing program is the only nursing school in the Chicago area with a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2015 and 2016 and has continued to earn that perfect score each consecutive year.

The program prepares students academically and clinically for the patient’s physical, spiritual, and mental needs. The coursework incorporates knowledge from the humanities and the natural, social, and nursing sciences to cultivate a holistic understanding of nursing care. The program offers small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a comprehensive and hands-on experience grounded in a Christian environment. Trinity Christian College’s nursing program has an excellent reputation in Illinois, attracting a strong, albeit small yet dedicated group of students. The college offers a robust program and is accessible to most interested students with an 88% acceptance rate.

Saint Anselm College is located in Manchester, New Hampshire.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. They have a state-of-the-art simulation lab, with the latest in simulation technology, including Simbaby, Simman, Birthing Mother and a Pyxis.  They also are proud to boast that they have 8 to 1 student to instructor ratios.

Florida Gulf Coast University is located in Fort Myers, Florida.  FGCU offers a BSN program.  At this time, they do not offer an RN to BSN program.  RNs may enroll in their program but they must attend the full program along with all other BSN students.  They do offer BSN to DNP , MSN to DNP, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs.

Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky.  EKU offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program.  They also have a wide variety of post-graduate options for those who want to continue their education after graduating with their BSN degree.

The University of Mississippi School of Nursing was founded in 1948, and has developed and expanded their offerings ever since. Today, their offerings are extensive. On the Bachelor’s level they offer a BSN, Early-Entry BSN, Accelerated BSN, and an RN-BSN program. On the Master’s level they offer an MSN and Post-Masters, RN-MSN, and RN-MSN Early Entry program. On the Doctoral level they offer a DNP, BSN-DNP, Post-Masters DNP Early Entry, PhD in Nursing, and BSN-PhD.

Their School of Nursing develops nurse leaders through evidence-based practice and research, innovative local partnerships, and unique community-based systems. They believe that nurses should be versatile, knowledgeable, life-long learners who are able to advocate for their patients.

The traditional BSN program admits students annually in the fall, though the RN-BSN admits students for the spring, summer and fall semesters. For master’s programs the application deadlines and enrollment times vary based on program concentration. The University of Mississippi’s nursing program boasts a strong faculty with a diversity of skill and experience, as well as state-of-the-art equipment for their students.

The University of Tennessee – Martin is located in Martin, Tennessee.  UTM offers a traditional BSN program and an online BSN program.  UTM also recognizes nursing student excellent with Sigma Theta Tau (Pi Tau Chapter), which is an international honor society for nursing.

Colby-Sawyer College is located in New London, New Hampshire.  They offer a BSN program and a MSN program.  Colby-Sawyer has a partnership with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), which allows students to do the majority of their clinical rotations onsite at their facility.  They also actively seek the graduates of Colby-Sawyer for employment.

Western Governors University is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  They offer many options for nursing students, from the bachelor’s level to master’s level.  They offer a prelicensure BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  WGU is a non-traditional university and their education is based on competencies, which means that their approach allows the students to learn things they do not already know, taking into consideration past education and work experience.

Gardner-Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.  The Hunt School of Nursing has had an ADN program since 1965 and has expanded to include a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an MSN program, which includes either education, FNP, or administration, and a DNP program.

University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky.  Their College of Nursing had over 1,500 students enrolled in 2015.  They offer a traditional BSN, an LPN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program.  The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is to promote health and well-being through excellence in nursing education, research, practice and service while fostering diversity and inclusion.

Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas.  Carr College of Nursing was founded in 1975; their graduates are now working throughout the world.  Carr College of Nursing produces nurses who are not only prepared for entry-level nursing positions, but are also Christian servants.  Their students have the opportunity to join a Health Care Missions Program, with local and international experiences.

The University of Tampa is located in Tampa, Florida.  University of Tampa offers a BSN program and a MSN program.  Their BSN program is highly competitive and students are accepted for fall, spring and summer semesters.  Their program is designed for students without nursing credits.

Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee.  They offer two avenues towards a nursing degree – the traditional BSN degree, which is 8 semesters over 4 years, or the accelerated BSN degree, which is 8 continuous semesters.

Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina.  The Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) is unique in that their only BSN program is an accelerated BSN (ABSN) – it is designed for adult learners with a prior bachelors degree.  DUSON’s primary focus is on educating nurses to advanced degrees; in fact, aside from the ABSN degree students, they graduated their last BSN students in 1983.

Montana Tech is located in Butte, Montana.  They offer two BSN programs – a pre-licensure and a post-licensure.  The pre-licensure program is for students without a prior degree.  The post-licensure program is for students with a prior RN degree.  Montana Tech’s nursing program is the first four-year nursing program to be approved by Montana in the past 78 years.

Delta State University is a public university in Cleveland, MS, in the Mississippi Delta. Established in 1924, Delta State has blossomed into a diverse college with a plethora of offerings for its students. The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing has several programs. They offer a BSN track, in addition to the following online offerings: RN to BSN, MS in Nursing, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Delta State prides itself for its skilled faculty within the nursing school, who have various nursing specialities and are committed to providing high quality education in the classroom, online, as well as in clinical environments. Simulation practicals are also incorporated into the program, facilitated by their extensive Skills and Simulation Labs. These labs include a variety of mannequins, supplies and equipment, including mannequins with abdominal, heart, lung sounds, wounds, and nursing care applicability. Students may enroll in the fall and in the spring.

University of New Hampshire is located in Durham, New Hampshire.  UNH offers a BSN program.  Their nursing department has a simulation laboratory that offers its students a clinical experience; the sim lab has mannequins, task trainers and other clinical equipment.  Nursing students who excel and maintain a high GPA are considered “honors in major” students and graduate with Honors in Nursing on their diploma.

Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee.  They offer a variety of undergraduate options for their nursing students – an ASN program, a BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is offered completely online.

California State University – Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California.  They offer a variety of BSN programs – a traditiona BSN program, an RN to BSN program and an LVN to RN 30-unit option, non-degree program.  The non-degree program serves the LVN who wants to work as an RN but may not have time to complete an ADN or BSN degree.  On the downside, they do not have a degree after completion and their nursing license may not transfer state-to-state.

Oklahoma Baptist University is a private university that was founded in 1910 in Shawnee, OK. They offer a four-year BSN program, an LPN to BSN track, and an online RN to BSN/MSN track, all of which are CCNE accredited. OBU’s programs infuse principles of the Christian faith and worldview into nursing education. Unique to OBU is their RN to BSN/MSN track, offering a flexible opportunity for nurses seeking to advance their careers with a 2-year program that they may exit upon earning the BSN, or may continue to finish with an MSN.

The traditional BSN track fosters a collaborative and supportive environment with close faculty to student interaction. OBU’s nursing school further educates nursing students to understand civic and regulatory processes as well as fiscal and Human Resources management. This is an integrative program resting on pillars of faith, collaboration, and excellence. Students may apply twice a year for enrollment in the fall or in the spring.

Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. WKU offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN program.  The second degree BSN program allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to become an RN in 4 semesters.  This program is separate from the RN to BSN program..

Lander University is located in Greenwood, South Carolina.  The William Preston Turner School of Nursing offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an online RN to BSN program and an MSN for Clinical Nurse Leader program.

The University of Southern Mississippi has multi-level nursing programs within their CCNE accredited College of Nursing and Health Professions. They offer a 4-year BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, as well as various programs on the master’s and doctorate levels. On the master’s level they offer nursing degrees with different specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. On the doctorate level, USM offers nursing degrees with concentrations on clinical nursing, leadership, and anesthesia. The master’s level concentrations are applicable to the doctorate level as well.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions places a strong emphasis on innovative and evidence-based learning and teaching. USM has cultivated an academically robust nursing school that challenges its students with ethical and legal implications, professionalism, research, and leadership. The program also has a simulation lab, giving students hands-on experiences with high-fidelity mannequins.

Students can enroll in the fall, though eligible transfer students can  enroll in the spring.

University of Sioux Falls is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  They offer three nursing tracks: a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The online RN to BSN program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, California.  Sonoma State University offers “pre-licensure BSN” and “post-licensure” BSN programs. The pre-licensure program is designed for traditional BSN students, where as the post-licensure BSN program is designed for students who hold an ADN degree and their RN license.

UTMB is located in Galveston, Texas.  They are a health system that also offers several healthcare education options, such as nursing.  They offer a BSN program, an MSN program, a DNP program, and a PhD program.  The BSN program offers the traditional BSN option and an RN to BSN option, which is an online option.

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina.  Their nursing department offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an accelerated BSN program (allowing a student with a prior bachelor’s degree to obtain a BSN degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is an online program.  Their programs are also offered at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville, North Carolina; this location offers only a selection of majors, nursing being one of the few.

Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, Ohio.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN completion program.  Their RN to BSN program is just 12 months; students meet once weekly for 4 12-week terms, in addition to two clinical experiences.

Cedar Crest College is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  They offer a BSN program and an BSN Completion Program for RNs.  Unique to Cedar Crest College is the School Nurse Certification that is offered; it can be completed on-campus, online  or a combination of the two.  It can be completed in 18 months to 2 years.

East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina.  They offer several BSN degree options – a traditional BSN degree, an accelerated BSN degree (for second degree students), an an RN to BSN degree.  East Carolina University has been in existence since 1908, when it broke ground as a teachers training institution.

Indiana University – Northwest is located in Gary, Indiana.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer an online RN to BSN program.  They also offer a BA/BS to BSN program, which allow those already holding a bachelor’s degree to become a BSN.

Rhode Island College is located in Providence, Rhode Island.  For BSN students, they offer a basic program, an accelerated program for second degree students and an RN to BSN program.  They also offer several post-graduate options for students, after graduating with their BSN.

Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program.  The traditional program is for pre-licensure students and students with a prior bachelor’s degree. The online program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Bryan College of Health Sciences is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.  They offer a BSN and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is a hybrid program – it is a mix of online and traditional, on-campus courses.  Bryan College of Health Sciences is a college devoted entirely to educating healthcare professionals, from nurses to sonographers.

The University of Arizona is in Tuscon, Arizona.  Their nursing program has a lot to boast about – they are #20 in the “Top 30 Cutting-Edge Nursing Schools.”  In addition, they are #1 in the state of Arizona for program outcomes according to the Arizona State Board of Nursing.  Their programs are also offered online, which caters to non-traditional learners, especially veterans, earning them #32 among “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans.”

Allen College is located in Waterloo, Iowa.  Allen College is unique in that it is a college that provides only healthcare education.  The following degrees are available: Associate of Science in Radiography, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education degree programs.

Concordia College is located in Bronxville, NY and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. They offer a CCNE accredited BSN program that fully incorporates a liberal arts foundation with nursing theory and clinical experience.  With a focus on familiarity with advanced technology used in healthcare settings as well as the needs of the whole person, students will be prepared to provide quality care to diverse populations in various settings. The curriculum includes education on cultural sensitivities and the tailored approaches of care that many patients require.

They also offer an accelerated, 2-year program for students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. Students will receive hands-on practice in mental health facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals in the New York metropolitan area and Westchester County. The student-to-teacher ratio is small, and the nursing faculty is committed to nurturing a supportive environments in which students can flourish.

Brigham Young University is located in Provo, Utah.  BYU offers a BSN program.  They have a clinical simulation laboratory where they can practice nursing skills prior to working with actual patients.  As part of their global health course, students have the opportunity to travel to distant areas, such as Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, and Ghana.

University of Charleston is located in Charleston, West Virginia.  They have several undergraduate nursing options – an ADN degree, a BSN degree and an RN to BSN option.  The RN to BSN degree is completed online and can be finished in as little as 12 months.

Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 in Fairfield, CT. SHU is a private Roman Catholic school, and since 1980 they have committed to providing excellent nursing education. Today they offer three CCNE accredited nursing trajectories: a BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, and an online RN to MSN program. The online RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs are designed to be flexible and convenient. These programs offers six start dates each year, allowing students to choose how to balance their coursework with their other commitments.

Those seeking to enroll in the traditional four year program must be first-time full-time undergraduate students who begin the application process during their senior year of high school. SHU fosters a close-knit on-campus community, though they do encourage their nursing students to experience and understand the nursing field globally. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical field experiences in Guatemala, Antigua, Jamaica, or Kingston, where they will gain hands-on practice as a member of a nursing team. They further offer a nursing leadership course on Sacred Heart’s campus in Dingle, Ireland, allowing students to explore the Irish healthcare system.

Nebraska Methodist College is located in Omaha, Nebraska.  Their college educates healthcare professionals, from nurses to respiratory therapists to occupational therapists.  Their nursing program is extensive, offering everything from BSN programs to DNP programs.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an RN to BSN program and an LPN to BSN program.

Colorado State University – Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado.  This university offers various options for their BSN students – they offer a traditional option and an ADN to BSN option.  However, they also have an LPN to BSN program, a Degree Plus to BSN option (allows students with prior degrees to obtain a BSN degree) and a paramedic to BSN option.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  Their RN to BSN program is offered entirely online; at this time, their online program is available only to PA residents but they are seeking to expand to non-PA residents in the very near future.

William Carey University is a private, Christian school that offers three tracks towards earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). They have a pre-licensure BSN program, LPN Advanced Placement program, and an RN to BSN program. On the graduate level, WCU offers an MSN, an MSN and MBA dual program, and a Doctor of Philosophy, which concentrates on Nursing Education and Administration.

William Carey operates on a trimester system, meaning that there are fall, winter, spring, and summer trimesters, each being 10 weeks long. WCU’s BSN program takes six trimesters to complete, and students can enroll in the fall and in the spring.

The LPN Advanced Placement program is an opportunity for LPNs to strengthen their educational and career advancement. The program is part time, allowing working nurses to incorporate further education into their schedule. The part time program takes ten trimesters, or thirty months to complete. Students can enroll in the fall only. The RN-BSN program is an online program to meet the needs of working RNs and takes twelve months to complete. Students may enroll in the fall and in the spring.

University of Miami is located in Coral Gables, Florida.  Their post-graduate programs for nursing are highly awarded by US News & World Report – their doctorate of nursing program is rated #38, while their master’s of nursing is rated #40 in their respective divisions.  For a bachelor’s level of education, they offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.

Stephen F Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas.  The Richard and Lucille Dewitt School of Nursing They offer a BSN degree and an online RN to BSN degree.  SFA’s first BSN students were accepted in 1981; their program prior was primarily an ADN education.  The school has since adopted a BSN curriculum.

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing is located in Richmond, Virginia.  They offer a traditional BSN degree and an online RN to BSN degree.  The online program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis and is designed with the working nurse in mind.  The college has a Clinical Simulator Center, which offers an 8-bed Med/Surg unit, an adult critical care unit, a pediatric unit and a maternal/child unit.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing is located in Rockford, IL. Their health sciences facility is located on the campus of Rock Valley College, which provides for an interdisciplinary campus and student experience. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN track. All programs are CCNE accredited. Saint Anthony’s additionally offers high school students the chance to reserve a seat in the BSN program beginning in the fall, two years after high school graduation. Students must take general education and pre-nursing requirements at other institutions before enrolling into the BSN program at Saint Anthony’s.

The RN to BSN program is 18 months long and offers classes during the evening and afternoon, making it possible for RNs to incorporate an academic curriculum into their schedules. The school is owned and operated by OSF HealthCare, and provides nursing education that deeply integrates Christian values and the example of Francis of Assisi. OSF HealthCare has a rich and extensive history for its efforts to care for those in need and saving lives.

The University at Buffalo was founded in 1846 as a private medical school, but since 1962 it has been part of the SUNY system. The University at Buffalo School of Nursing offers three baccalaureate programs, a traditional 4-year track, an accelerated 1-year track, and an RN to BSN program. The traditional program offers enrollment once annually in the fall. Students will complete 700 hours of clinical rotations, and has a unique three week preceptorship at the end of a student’s course of study. These are one-on-one experiences with nurses in clinical settings in Buffalo or New York City.

The accelerated BSN option is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. This 12 month program is intensive and demanding, even giving students the ability to earn up to even graduate credit hours. The accelerated program enrolls students annually in the spring. The RN to BSN program has a one-year track and a two-year track in an online learning environment that allows practicing nurses to balance their careers with the advancement of their education. Applications for this program are considered on a rolling basis.

Spring Hill College is located in Mobile, Alabama.  Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the US.  They boast that their student to faculty ratio is 13:1.  In addition, nursing students comprise 9% of their student population, which is pretty outstanding when their are 46 majors available.

Anderson University is located in Anderson, Texas.  Anderson University is a Christian university.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered online and can be completed at the student’s pace.  The students with at least 59 college credits, or a previous bachelor’s degree, are eligible for the ABSN degree.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in Birmingham, Alabama.  Their RN-BSN program is unique in that it can be tailored to fit the needs of the student.  If the student chooses to attend school full-time, it can be completed in two semesters.  However, for the student who may have to work full-time, they can opt for a decelerated program and attend for as long as five semesters.  In addition, the bulk of the coursework can be completed online, with professors being accessible via the Internet as well.

Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, Tennessee.  The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and an RN to BSN program.  Their RN to BSN program is an online program and is one of the most affordable options available, at $365 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $661 per credit hour for non-resident students.

University of Southern Indiana is located in Evansville, Indiana.  They offer a BSN program and a RN to BSN program.  Their nursing programs are unique because they partner with local hospitals and specifically, partner with certain nursing units – Designated Education Units (DEUs).  These DEUs allow students to spend a duration of their clinical practice with the same staff to “ensure consistency with clinical skill progression.”

West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, West Virginia.  The cost of WVU is below the national average, at $7,992 per year for in-state tuition.  They offer a BSN degree; their degree requires that their students log 1,100 clinical hours, 950 of which must take place in an Academic Medical Center with Level I Trauma designation.  They also boast that their 2014 graduating class had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.

The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, New Jersey.  The College offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  Their programs are traditional programs, meaning they are offered on-site.  They are currently evaluating the need for distance learning and online programs.

Sentara College of Health Sciences is located in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Sentara College is a division of Sentara Healthcare; it seeks to educate healthcare professionals in a variety of careers, but especially nursing.  Not only do they offer a BSN program, but they offer an online RN to BSN program, an option for LPNs to join their BSN program and they also allow for early entrance into the program for college freshman.

University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  They offer several options for their nursing students – a traditional BSN degree, an accelerated BSN for students with a prior bachelor’s degree and an RN to BSN track.  The RN to BSN program is utilizes “distance learning” and faculty from the nursing department will arrange for clinical experience with a facility in the student’s area.

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  They boast that they were the first public college of Alabama, founded in 1831.  They are also proud to say that their NCLEX-RN pass rate has been between 96% and 100% since it began in 1976.  They offer an RN to BSN program and an RN to BSN/MSN program.

College of the Ozarks is located in Point Lookout, Missouri.  C of O is a Christian college; their nursing program is biblically-based and students must take courses that satisfy these requirements in addition to nursing requirements.  The nursing department’s mission is: “to present a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, character-driven nursing education program while preparing qualified individuals for a spiritual role as a professional nurse providing service to Christ and humankind.”

Their BSN program focuses on the moral character that nurses must possess to earn patient’s trust. They cultivate this by honing on critical thinking, communication techniques, and compassionate care. There’s also a strong focus on the well-being of the nurse’s mind and body, as those two components must be in balance in order for a nurse to handle the situations they may be presented with in their roles. The BSN program is 4 years long, and includes clinical work in the Ozark Mountains. Students may work in rural or metropolitan healthcare facilities, exposing them to the various settings of care, and the needs of diverse patient populations.

Alcorn State University’s nursing department was founded in 1977 and is located in Lorman, MS. They offer an ADN program, a BSN program, as well as an MSN program. All of ASU’s nursing degrees are ACEN accredited and rooted in a three-pillared foundation of scholarship, teaching, and service. The faculty at ASU is committed to fostering a tight-knit community of scholars and experts, supporting students each step of the way.

There is further emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the nursing role, which ASU views as both a science and an art. Students will build their education up from the humanities as well as psychological and sociological coursework before delving into nursing theory and science. ASU’s campus community is vibrant and diverse, offering a collaborative environment to maximize learning and professional outcomes. Students can enroll into ASU’s nursing programs in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Farmingdale State College is part of the SUNY system and is located in East Farmingdale, NY. They offer a CCNE accredited BSN program, with a 3-year advanced standing option and an online RN to BSN program. The online program starts in the fall only, as well as the traditional 4-year track. The 3 year program starts in the spring. The program has a focus on ethics, culture, and aesthetics, as well the integration of information technology, self care, and critical thinking. Applicants to the online program must have a 3.0 GPA from their ADN coursework to be considered for admissions.

Farmingdale State College takes a student centered approach to nursing education, with a sensitivity toward the individual needs of each student and accommodates diverse learning styles. In a similar vein, undergraduate coursework also reflects the needs and trends of society-at-large, as well as region-specific needs. FSC’s faculty promote a culture of scholarly excellence, community service, and holistic clinical nursing practice.

University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, Florida.  UCF has a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a Concurrent ASN to BSN Program.  The Concurrent ASN to BSN program allows ASN students from selects colleges simultaneously attend school for both their ASN and BSN degrees; this allows the student to first complete their ASN degree, but get their BSN degree shortly after.

California State University – Bakersfield is locate in Bakersfield, California.  The BSN degree has been offered at CSUB since 1970, when the university was founded.  Since that time, over 2000 nurses have graduated from their nursing program.  Their nursing program expanded in 1987, and began a master’s in nursing administration program.  It has since expanded and now includes family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical nurse leaders, and nurse educators.

The University of Texas Health Science Center is located in Houston, Texas.  The school is a branch of University of Texas and operates a variety of teaching hospitals.  It educates healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and dentists.  They offer several undergraduate options: a BSN degree, an RN to BSN degree and a pacesetter BSN.  The pacesetter option is when the nursing theory courses are taken during the first three semesters and the clinical experiences are offered in the fourth.  They also offer a veteran’s-BSN program, which takes into account military experience.  This program accepts 10 students per year.

Union College is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Their nursing program has been in existence since 1896 – it is the oldest BSN program in the state of Nebraska.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an LPN to BSN track and an RN to BSN track.  They have also began to offer an early admission for new college freshmen.

Bradley University was founded in 1897 and is located in Peoria, IL. They offer a BSN degree, as well as on-campus and online graduate programs. BU’s location is amidst a blend of urban and rural landscapes, which in turn exposes nursing students to the various needs within these healthcare facilities and different patient populations. Students enrolled in the BSN program will participate on small clinical teams, gaining hands-on experience and practice.

Bradley University has a significant alumni network, and there are several nursing-specific student organizations, such as the Bradley Nursing Student Association and the Nurses Christian Fellowship. They offer 11 semester hours of credit for qualified LPNs seeking to earn their BSN degree, and RNs may earn up to 66 hours in transfer credit. Studying at Bradley is certainly a valuable choice for students, as it is located in a thriving medical community with several major hospitals and specialized facilities. Nurses are in high demand in Peoria, making it an attractive program to consider.

Stony Brook University is part of the SUNY consortium and enrolled its first students in 1957. This research university has a robust health science and medicine department, which also includes the School of Nursing. It’s one of six schools in the Health Sciences Center, and has full-time and part-time programs. They offer a CCNE accredited BSN program, as well as graduate opportunities to earn an MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing.

The BSN program has four different options of entry. There’s the traditional 4-year on-site program for those with no nursing experience, a 12-month accelerated on-site program for students who hold a bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline, a hybrid RN to BSN program, as well as a hybrid RN to MSN program, which is designed for those with either an ADN or BSN degree. Students are enrolled once annually in the fall for the traditional BSN program, and once annually in the summer for the accelerated program as well as the RN to MSN program. Those interested in the RN to BSN bridge program may enroll bi-annually in the spring and in the summer.

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Viriginia.  JMU offers a tradtional BSN degree and an online RN to BSN degree.  The RN to BSN program can also be utilized for students looking to earn a second bachelor’s degree.  The program can be done full-time, in one year, or part-time, in two years.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public research university. They offer a traditional BSN track, an accelerated BSN track, and an RN-BSN track. Their curriculum is designed to prepare nurses who are responsible, accountable, and critical thinkers. The 4 year track is for students who do not hold another bachelor’s degree or RN license. For those who do have a bachelor’s degree, but do not have an RN license, the accelerated track is ideal. RNs who want to obtain their BSN may enroll into the program full or part-time. The bridge program is fully online, tailored to working registered nurses.

Students who enroll into the accelerated BSN program will complete 1,200 clinical hours in under two years, as well as spend significant time in the nursing skills laboratory and high-fidelity simulation center. Those embarking on the 4-year track will have the same opportunities, but at a slower pace. Unique to these nursing programs is the incredible importance that is placed on applying knowledge. Students will spend 300 hours at an internship in various healthcare settings, and will interact with patients in urban and suburban settings.

University of North Florida is located in Jacksonville, Florida.  Their nursing department offers multiple options; they have a prelicensure BSN, for students without a nursing degree, an accelerated prelicensure BSN, for students without a nursing degree but with a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN degree, for students holding an RN with an ASN degree.

University of Nevada – Las Vegas is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.  UNLV offers a BSN program as well as various graduate level nursing programs and post-graduate certificates.  They also offer an RN to BSN pathway; if elected, they may take three courses within the MSN program, which would ultimately shorten the graduate pathway by six to nine credits.

Troy University is located in Troy, Alabama.  Their RN to BSN program also offers a pathway for students to enter directly into an MSN program, allowing the nurse to continue to their advanced nursing degree immediately following completion of their BSN degree.  Students can also take the majority of their coursework online.

Clarkson College is located in Omaha, Nebraska.  Clarkson College is devoted entirely to educating healthcare professionals.  Their nursing program was established in 1888.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is offered entirely online.  They are also the only college in Omaha to offer a Nurse Anesthesia program.

Avila University is a  private university in Kansas City, Missouri that offers a CCNE accredited BSN program. This four-year baccalaureate track is designed around four pillars: discover, understand, participate, and assume. “Discover” entails the understanding and appreciation of the human responses and varied perceptions of life experiences; “Understand” focuses on the comprehension of the nursing role in socially and globally responsible health care; “Participate” encourages teamwork to achieve optimal patient-centered care, and “Assume” addresses and prepares students for the prospective nursing roles that graduates will assume.

Avila’s BSN program includes preparation in the liberal arts, behavioral, biological, and natural sciences, communication, technology, and inquiry based thinking. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the the values of caring and continuous professional development, and recognition of varied perceptions of and responses to life experiences that people encounter. Senior Avila Nursing Students complete a trauma simulation using the school’s high fidelity simulators. Students may enroll in the program in the fall.

California State University – Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, California.  They have the ability to boast that they are ranked on US News & World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Master’s list.  Their nursing department offers a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an ADN to BSN program and multiple post-graduate options.  In addition, they have collaborative agreements with various community colleges, allowing ADN graduates to segue into their programs easily.

Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina.  Clemson’s School of Nursing is among only 35 nursing programs nationwide to be recognized since 2004 as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN, which is a 16-month curriculum for second-degree learners, and an online RN to BSN program.

West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, Texas.  They also a BSN program.  They also two options for RNs seeking advanced degrees: an RN to BSN program and an RN to MSN program.  They also offer an LVN to BSN degree option.

Morehead State University is located in Morehead, Kentucky.  They have a variety of nursing option.  They have an ADN degree, a paramedic to ADN option, a post-licensure program (this allows an RN to become a BSN) and a pre-licensure program (this allows a traditional student to become a BSN).

Hampton University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated LPN to BSN and RN to BSN, MS and PhD

Auburn University is located in Auburn, Alabama.  Its BSN program was formed in 1979, graduating its first group of students in 1981.  Per their website, admission into their nursing program is extremely competitive; it does require a minimum GPA of 2.5 but in reality, the minimum GPA is most likely much higher.  In addition, applicants must undergo an interview process in order to be accepted into the program.

University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa.  Their College of Nursing offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  For the BSN who chooses to continue his or her education, they also offer an extensive graduate program.

Missouri State University is located in Springfield, Missouri. The division of nursing offers two BSN tracks: a two-year BSN and a four-year BSN. The four-year BSN is akin to most traditional BSN programs. The two-year option is a transfer-friendly program, tailored to those who wish to complete their college career at Missouri State if they’ve already completed college credits. This also applies for those who have already earned an ADN degree or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Students can enroll into the nursing program twice a year for full-time study.

During the four-year BSN programs, students will be immersed in a traditional college environment whilst still engaging with clinical programs. MSU’s program is community-based, giving students exposure to different local environments in which nurses practice. This provides a valuable overview of the possibilities a nurse’s future may hold. The program is selective, but student-centered, allowing students to receive an education from dedicated faculty members who take a student-centered approach.

MSU’s mission is to prepare graduates who are equipped with the skillset to provide excellent care with a deliberate approach in a multitude of settings. Additionally, there’s an emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and therapeutic nursing intervention skills, as well as the incorporation of a liberal arts core.

University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a BSN and an RN to BSN program.  It is their belief that professional nursing begins with a Bachelor of Science degree, so their curriculum “offers a research base for nursing practice that promotes the ability of the nurse to effect change needed to improve health.”

University of Rochester is located in Rochester, New York.  Their nursing program is extensive and has options for many different types of learners.  For example, they offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer accelerated bachelor’s and master’s programs for non-nurses.  They have an RN to BSN program, and also an RN to BSN to MSN program, in addition to many post-graduate options.

The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, Florida.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  Their RN to BSN program is open to students who hold an RN license and have either an ASN degree or a diploma RN.

Simmons College is a private school in Boston, MA that was founded in 1899. Though all undergraduate programs are women-only, they do offer co-educational graduate programs. The nursing school offers a BSN program as well as a BSN to MSN program. The traditional four year program is centered around compassionate and skillful applications of nursing principles. With simulation labs, a core curriculum and a clinical education program, students at Simmons will be immersed in a full-time, supportive experience.

For adult learners they offer a special program: the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program, which is a BSN track that is to be completed in 16 months or two years. This program is open for those who are 24 or older. The 16 month option is ideal for those with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to complete the program at an accelerated pace. The 2 year option is for those desiring a part-time program that does not require the student to hold a previous bachelor’s degree.

The school also offers a unique mentoring program entitled the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring program which is tailored to the needs, experiences, and prospective success of Native American, Asian, Latina, and African American students who are part of the nursing program.

Fairfield University was founded in 1942 by the Society of Jesus in Fairfield, CT. It has retained its religious affiliation as a Jesuit university, and in 1970 the Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies was established. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs that are fully CCNE accredited. In addition to a traditional BSN program, they also offer a second degree program, which takes 15 months to complete. Their facilities for learning include a fully equipped intensive care unit, complete with simulation mannequins. Fairfield has a strong faculty team behind its nursing programs that focus on academic excellence, career planning, and individualized attention. Needless to say, small classes are the norm.

Fairfield has local community partnerships with nearby hospitals and health centers that offer students a diversity of experiences in clinical settings. There are also additional workshops and specialty trainings in trauma and resilience available. Nursing students may even choose to do a study abroad in Nicaragua, Australia, or Ireland. Fairfield’s nursing department has an excellent reputation both locally and nationally, and admissions are competitive.

Salisbury University is located in Salisbury, Maryland.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer a 2nd degree BS in nursing and an RN to BSN program.  They are proud to have clinical experiences with an eight to one, student to preceptor ratio.  Classroom teachers also supervise corresponding clinicals, so concepts are reinforced.

Walla Walla University is located in College Place, Washington.  They offer a BSN degree.  Although they do not offer specific career ladder programs, they offer individualized options for students interested in an RN to BSN degree or an LPN to BSN degree.

Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois and was founded in 1857. The Mennonite College of Nursing has a BSN program that extends over 4 semesters of full-time studies in traditional nursing. They also offer an accelerated second degree program and an online RN to BSN program. They offer various graduate programs as well. Their facilities include an extensive simulation lab that looks just like a real hospital, complete with four patient rooms, crash carts, a patient call system, a medication dispensing system, and a nurses station.

The college has a vibrant student community, with a nurses association as well as a specific group for men in nursing, providing extra support for a minority demographic in the nursing field. Students enrolling in the traditional program can do so annually in the fall. The RN to BSN program has spring and fall start options, and the accelerated program begins in May, and ends fifteen months later.

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia.  They offer a BSN program, which is available to residential students, and an online RN to BSN program.  Most students complete the program in 2 years.

Research College of Nursing is located in Kansas City, MO. This specialized school is small, private, and fully-accredited. RCN offers a BSN program, as well as various graduate opportunities. The BSN program has several options. There is a 1-year accelerated track, where applicants must hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, there’s a 2-year transfer track for those with pre-requisite credits from another institution. Important to note is that there is not a 4-year track offered here. All students that enroll have completed prerequisite coursework elsewhere or obtained a non-nursing bachelor degree.

RCN offers nursing-only coursework and clinical preparation, designed to be intensive and in-depth. The college’s mission is to prepare students who are ready to take on nursing roles with professionalism and skill, with an infallible ability to provide safe and high quality care. Students attending Research College of Nursing will do scholarly work and research, while simultaneously developing leadership and critical thinking skills. There’s a small student-to-faculty ratio, providing for a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who are paving their way towards a satisfying career as a nurse.

Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, Illinois.  They offer a BSN program.  Their program is unique because they encourage their nursing students to study abroad in Barcelona.  A transcultural experience is also offered for travel to Hawaii.  Nursing students are also given the opportunity to minor Human Services Management or Spanish.

Mississippi College is a private Christian institution in Clinton, MS. It offers a CCNE accredited BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, as well as an online MSN program. The four-year BSN track consists of 30 hours general education courses, 37 hours of nursing prerequisites, and 63 hours of nursing courses. MC’s nursing curriculum is grounded in faith-based practices, preparing students to deliver patient-centered, quality care to diverse populations.

The accelerated BSN program is ideal for those who have already completed a first undergraduate degree from an accredited college. Students who are enrolled in the accelerated track will complete the course of study in 4 semesters. The 12 month online RN to BSN program offers flexible courses in a supportive online learning environment, aiming to develop compassionate and knowledgeable nurse leaders.

The online MSN program fosters the further education of nurses, who want to earn the CNL distinction to elevate their careers and nursing capabilities. Students can apply for enrollment into the nursing programs twice a year, for the fall and spring semesters.

Florida Atlantic University is located in Boca Raton, Florida.  Their nursing department offers a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and a freshmen direct admit program, which allows high school seniors to apply for the nursing program and gain entrance into the nursing program their freshmen year of college.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in Chapel  Hill, North Carolina.  UNC offers a bachelor’s degree.  Unique to their program is the RN to MSN option that they offer, in addition to various other graduate and doctoral options.  UNC’s BSN program originated in 1950, and was the first baccalaureate nursing program in North Carolina.  They were also the first to offer an MSN program in North Carolina, in 1955.

College of Coastal Georgia is located in Brunswick, Georgia.  Their nursing department offers an ASN program, a prelicensure BSN program, which is designed for student without an RN license and an RN to BSN program, designed for students already holding their RN license.

Tennessee Wesleyan College is located in Athens, Tennessee.  They boast that their student to faculty ratio is 12:1.  92% of their classes have 30 or fewer students.  The Fort Sanders Nursing Department has a partnership with Covenant Health and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, providing extensive resources for clinical experience.  They offer a BSN degree.

Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Their nursing programs are unique; their traditional BSN option is not so traditional.  Students are eligible for 3 paid, 6-month cooperative education experiences.  They also offer an accelerated BSN option, which is available to students with a prior bachelor’s degree.  This can be completed in 11 months for students attending full-time or 24 months for students attending part-time.

Bloomfield College is located in Bloomfield, New Jersey.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program; the RN to BSN program is an accelerated program that has one day of on-site coursework, with the rest of the work being completed online.  They also offer a certificate in gerontology, which is a six credit certificate that can be completed after a BSN is earned.

Lewis University is located in Romeoville, Illinois.  Their nursing department offers a few options for its nursing students: a pre-licensure program, which is a general BSN program, a pre-licensure accelerated program, which is designed for students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program.

University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado.  UNC has a diverse student population; 87% of its population is from Colorado, with 58 of its 64 counties represented.  47 out of 50 states currently have students studying there.  In addition, 34 countries are represented at UNC.  In addition, their nursing program is over 50 years old.  Their nursing program offers a BSN option and an RN to BSN option.

University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida.  UF graduates the largest amount of nursing students in Florida each year.  They also had the first master’s and doctorate of nursing programs in the state of Florida.  Their College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an accelerated program, designed for students holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Concordia University is located in St. Paul, MN.  They have a BSN program.  Beginning in 2016, they began an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, allowing students with prior college credits to earn their BSN in 16 months.  A CNA license is required prior to entrance into either BSN program.

University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in Wilmington, North Carolina.  They offer a prelicensure BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is offered online.  The RN to BSN program has six start-times throughout the year, making it a desirable option for the working nurse.

University of South Florida (Main Campus) is located in Tampa, Florida.  Their nursing program offers a variety of options for its students.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, an on-campus RN to BSN program, a second degree sequence, which is designed for students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and a veteran to BSN, which is designed for military medics or corpsmen to become BSNs.

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas.  The Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate options for nursing students.  They offer a traditional BSN program and a FastBacc BSN program.  The FastBacc program allows a student with a prior bachelor’s degree to earn their BSN degree in 12 months.

Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Fayetteville State University offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program has two options – a full-time option that is 2.5 semesters and a part-time option that is 5 semesters.  The traditional program requires students to attend on a full-time basis.

The University of Connecticut was founded in 1881; its nursing school is located in Storrs, CT. They offer a BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD program, all of which are CCNE accredited. Nursing students here will have extensive collaborative and interdisciplinary learning experiences in the University of Connecticut Health Center, which is located nearby in Farmington. The BSN program is a 4-year track that enrolls students once annually in the fall. Those who hold a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree can take an accelerated curriculum to earn their BSN from UConn, which only takes about one year to complete. This program is offered at four UConn campuses: Waterbury, Stores, Avery Point, and Stamford.

All full-time faculty members hold doctoral level degrees, and the school has partnerships with many nearby healthcare facilities to provide diverse exposure to the field in addition to their own health facility. Research is encouraged in graduate nursing programs, and UConn’s Homer Babbidge Library ranks in the nation’s top 30 for research resources. They have extensive collections in the nursing field as well as in the physical and social sciences.

Texas A&M International University is located in Laredo, Texas.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN option.  With the RN to BSN option, RNs are admitted to the BSN program during the spring semester on a space available basis.

Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Their nursing program has been in existence for more than 70 years and they are a regional leader in nursing education.  They offer a BSN program and an accelerated BSN program.  They also offer training in parish nursing; a parish nurse is “…a licensed registered nurse who faciliates the holistic health of the congregation, thus reclaiming the healing ministry of the church. The parish nurse focuses on the spiritual, emotional, physical and social dimensions of people as they strive to achieve healing and wholeness.”  Augustana College also offers a nursing student exchange program in Norway.

San Juan College is located in Farmington, New Mexico.  San Juan College offers both ADN and BSN programs.  The BSN program is actually in partnership with University of Mexico; students first earn their ADN degree, then subsequently earn their BSN degree – only 30 credits are completed at the University of Mexico.

Texas Woman’s University is located in Denton, Texas.  The majority of their students are women, although there are some men in attendance.  They offer a traditional BSN program, which is also available to second degree students, and an online RN to BSN program.  They also offer an evening/weekend program, although this is located only at their Dallas campus.

Nevada State College is located in Henderson, Nevada.  Their nursing program has multiple options; they offer a regular track, which is a BSN program for the “typical” student.  They offer a part-time track, which allows a pre-licensure student to attend school for their BSN on a part-time basis.  They also offer an RN to BSN program, which is completed online.  They accent 48 new students each spring and fall, and 32 students each summer.

Truman State University is a public university located in Kirksville, Missouri, United States. They offer two tracks toward completion of their BSN program. In addition to a traditional 4 year curriculum, they have designed an accelerated BSN program, ideal for students with college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Students can enroll into either program annually in the fall.

Truman’s nursing department offers high-tech nursing simulation in their Nursing Simulation Center. This simulation-heavy focus aims to enhance the students’ critical-thinking and decision-making skills by practicing on life-sized anatomical models. As students continue on the BSN path, their knowledge and simulation-based practice will be enhanced by field experience in various clinical settings. This allows students to gain a greater understanding of applying their knowledge when dealing with real patients. There are also ample research opportunities, as well as study abroad offerings for BSN students.

Nursing majors at Truman State University also benefit from an active community. There are many clubs and organizations for nursing majors that foster a community of people with an interest in the nursing field.

The Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers undergraduate (BSN), master’s (MSN), and doctoral programs (DNP and PhD) in nursing. All programs are CCNE accredited and fairly competitive, with a 55% acceptance rate.

The BSN program is designed to prepare generalist nurses who can deliver quality and professional care. Students are expected to gain comprehensive knowledge from liberal arts, sciences, and nursing science as a solid basis for professional nursing practice. Graduates are additionally culturally competent, and are able to integrate levels of prevention, quality, and safety principles into their position within a healthcare team.

The MSN program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills to prepare them for leadership roles in inter professional healthcare delivery. This further education shifts its lens to scientific findings in nursing, healthcare, and biopsychosocial fields. Additionally, graduates will be well-prepared for effective leadership, with a strong fluency in ethical and critical decision-making, workplace relations, and systems.

The DNP program offers advanced practice nurses with the highest level of knowledge and skill to provide innovative leadership in the nursing profession. Graduates will have mastered an area of nursing practice and have advanced levels of ethical and moral judgment and decision-making.

The PhD in Nursing is designed to matriculate individuals who are able to initiate a beginning program of research that expands nursing and healthcare knowledge, in addition to a thorough understanding of social, cultural, political, economic, and ethical considerations.

University of New Mexico is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The College of Nursing offers a traditional BS program and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online. They also offer the dual degree option, which allows students to complete classes for both the ADN and BSN concurrently.

University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The 2017 US News & World Report noted that Penn Nursing was second in the nation, with the university as a whole ranking number nine.  Their undergraduate nursing program offers a BSN degree.  They also offer a second degree program, where students can obtain their BSN degree if they already have a bachelor’s degree.  They also have a unique option – a dual degree, where the student attends for their BSN degree and Healthcare Management degree simultaneously.  The degree in Healthcare Management is obtained through a partnership with The Wharton School.

Indiana University-Purdue University – Fort Wayne (IPFW) is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  IPFW boasts that it is the largest university in northeast Indiana.  It also educates approximately 13,000 students at a time.

Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee, with 2 other campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville.  They are proud to boas that their student to faculty ratio is 10:1 and 85% of their faculty have the highest degree possible in their field.  Their nursing program offers state-of-the-art equipment to practice skills and the opportunity to take ministry trips internationally.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an LPN to BSN program, which takes two years to complete, an RN to BSN program, which is completed online in 8 months, and a First Step to BSN program, which is designed for adult learners with little college experience, readying them for the accelerated BSN program.  The ABSN program is designed for students of the First Step program and students with  prior bachelor’s degree.

Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, MO. They offer two programs, a BSN program and an RN to BSN online program. Both of them are CCNE accredited. Unique to SMSU is that there’s no such thing as in-state or out-of-state tuition rates; instead, all students pay the same price.

SMSU boasts a highly educated nursing faculty, who all hold a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing. The program has a small faculty-to-student ratio, allowing for more personalized attention. Furthermore, students are well prepared for the NCLEX as the program includes a full semester of preparation for the exam. After completion of the first two years of the program, students will gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, including schools, long-term care facilities, and major hospitals.

The RN to BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses, allowing them to combine work with further education. The online program is very flexible in terms of scheduling, which is ideal for those with busy schedules, and also allows students to schedule field experiences that are in their local area.

The University of Texas at Austin is located in Austin, Texas.  They have been ranked #17 in the nation for best graduate nursing program by U.S. News & World Report.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program.

Emporia State University is located in Emporia, Kansas.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  ESU students enjoy smaller class sizes and ample scholarship/financial aid opportunities.  Their campus also has a patient simulation laboratory.

University of Nebraska Medical Center is located in Omaha, Nebraska.  UNMC is focused on educating healthcare professionals, from nurses, to pharmacists, to dentists.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, an an RN to BSN program, which can be completed either full-time or part-time.

Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, Utah.  They offer a prelicensure BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program accepts 35 students per year.  Students attend class on day per week, with clinical experiences offered in Cedar City and throughout Southern Utah.

Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia.  They offer an ASN degree through a partnership with St. Mary’s School of Nursing and Marshall University.  They also offer a BSN degree, which is the largest BSN program within a university setting in the region.  They also offer an online RN to BSN option.

Northern Kentucky University is located in Highland Heights, Kentucky.  They offer a BSN program and an accelerated BSN program.  The accelerated BSN program is strictly for second degree students; at this time, they do not offer an RN to BSN program.

The University of Texas at Tyler is located in Tyler, Texas.  They offer several undergraduate options for their nursing students – a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an accelerated BSN program, which is available to students with a prior bachelor’s degree.

Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Valparaiso University offers a BSN program.  They also offer an RN to BSN program.  They have a variety of advanced nursing degrees; unique to their program, they have an RN to MSN degree option.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is located in Olathe, Kansas. They offer a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an RN to MSN program (and various other master’s level programs) and an accelerated BSN program.  The accelerated program allows students with previous college experience to complete the BSN program in 12 months.  In addition, MidAmerican Nazarene University is proud to boast that they have a new Virtual Patient Center, which allows its students to practice skills necessary for the RN.

Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio.  OSU offers a BSN program and an online RN to BSN program for students with a Diploma inn Nursing or an ADN degree.  OSU’s RN to BSN accepts students into their program twice yearly, Spring and Autumn semesters.

Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska.  Their College of Nursing has extensive options for nursing students; they offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in one year, provided the student has a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is an online program and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Trinity College or Nursing and Health Sciences is located in Rock Island, Illinois.  This college is unique in that it is small and houses only health science degrees – nursing (associates of nursing, bachelor’s of nursing, master’s of nursing, bachelor of science in health science, associate of applied science in radiography, and associated of applied science in respiratory therapy).  They also offer the EDGE Program, which allows high school seniors early entry into their programs.

Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  MTSU has multiple simulation labs where students may practice their nursing skills; the labs have low-, medium- and high-fidelity simulators that mimic real-life situations.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.  They have a traditional BSN option, BSN for second-degree students and an RN to BSN option.  Their nursing program “is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education—one of just three in North Carolina.”

SUNY Downstate is a public medical school and hospital. It is located in Brooklyn, NY and offers a CCNE accredited accelerated BSN and RN to BSN program. Due to their location within a hospital, they offer an inter-professional, collaborative learning environment where students receive education from highly qualified faculty and can take advantage of an extensive network of clinical affiliations. The nursing division’s mission statement is “to influence healthcare and health outcomes and promote equity for all populations by educating current and future diverse, nurse leaders who are at the forefront in the delivery of outstanding care and contribute to the advancement of the discipline of nursing.”

The accelerated BSN program is 15-months long and is designed for those who hold a degree in a non-nursing field. The program emphasis illness prevention, population health, evidence-based practice and research, as well as collaboration within organizational leadership structures. Students may enroll in the fall and in the spring.

Gannon University is located in Erie, Pennsylvania.  The Villa Maria School of Nursing offers a BSN degree, an RN to MSN degree and a School Nurse Certificate.  The RN to MSN program is suggested to RNs with leadership skills and who have advanced experience as a nurse.

MacMurray College is a private Christian institution located in Jacksonville, Illinois that offers a four-year, CCNE accredited BSN program, as well as an online RN to BSN program. MacMurray’s BSN program is a unique program that integrates a liberal arts core while preparing graduates for professional nursing practice, graduate education, and ongoing career development.

The program’s focus lies in the extensive development of students’ knowledge, values, and competencies that ensure they can provide safe, high quality nursing care for diverse populations in various settings. The coursework further equips students with the clinical reasoning, communication skills, understanding of healthcare policies and systems, and management technology necessary to be a strong member of a healthcare team.

To be admitted to the MacMurray’s nursing program, the applicant must met the following minimum requirements: 2.75/4.00 high school GPA, ACT composite of 20 or 1020 on the SAT, 2 semesters of chemistry with a grade C or better within the last 5 years. Students can enroll twice a year, in the fall or spring semester.

University of Hawaii at Manoa is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Their nursing department offers many options for its nursing students.  They offer a general BSN degree.  They also offer a high school direct entry option, which allows an incoming freshmen entrance into the program.  There are also a variety of RN to BSN options; there is a specific RN to BSN program for those entering from certain community colleges.  There is also a generic RN to BSN program and a RN to BSN program for those RNs with more than two years of nursing experience.

University of Scranton is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  BSN students have several options at Scranton University; they offer a traditional BSN degree, an LPN to BSN option, an RN to BSN option, an accelerated BSN (for students with a prior bachelor’s degree) and an RN to MSN option.

Bellarmine University is located in Louiseville, Kentucky.  The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated 2nd degree option and an RN to BSN option.  They also offer various master’s level and doctoral programs for students who desire to further their education after graduating with their BSN degree.

St. John Fisher is a private college in Rochester, NY. The Wegmans School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, as well as an accelerated BSN to MSN program and an Online RN to BSN program. All programs are CCNE accredited. Students who are enrolled in the on-site programs will participate in clinical opportunities in the Rochester area, and there are also various health care mission trips abroad. The school has a simulation center, offering hands-on training and experience.

The BSN to MSN program is available to current nursing students at St. John Fisher College, offering specific graduate-level courses to be taken, shortening graduate degree requirements without compromising the necessary baccalaureate clinical experience. The online program has a flexible online format, which is ideal for those with busy schedules. Students will have 24/7 access to online tutoring services, and the program tends to be completed within 12-18 months.

Florida State University is located in Tallahassee, Florida.  Their nursing department offers a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program for students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and a veterans BSN program, which targets corspmen and medics who seek to earn their BSN degree.

Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, North Dakota.  They offer an associate of applied science practical nursing (AASPN) program and a BSN program.  Unique to their program is the BSN completion program, which is actually an LPN to BSN program, designed with their LPN students in mind.

Bethel College – Indiana is located in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Their nursing program offers a variety of programs to fit the needs of their students – they have an ADN program and a BSN program.  The also have an RN to BSN program.  Their RN to BSN program can be completed in 12 or 20 months, by attending classes one night per week or two nights per week.  Classes can also be attended on campus or online.

University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, Arkansas.  Their BSN program was founded in 1967 in response to the closure of a neighboring school’s BSN program.  They currently offer a BSN program, an LPN to BSN program, an RN to BSN programa, and an RN to BSN/MSN program.  In addition, they have an MSN program that is subdivided into Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty (NECS).  Their MSN program is ranked 8th in the nation by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration.

Northwestern College is located in Orange City, Iowa.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program.  Students in their traditional BSN program have an advantage as their Nursing Arts Laboratory is located in a former hospital, which has a nurses station, patient rooms with beds, IV equipment, hospital-based computerized medication system and an electronic health record simulation program.

Jacksonville University is located in Jacksonville, Florida.  Their BSN program is unique and offers some unique options that not a lot of other university BSN programs offer.  They offer a freshman acceptance program, where the nursing student is accepted in their senior year of high school.  They also offer a traditional BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, an on-campus RN to BSN program, and a BSN program that is designed specifically for veterans of the armed forces.

Lincoln University is a public university in Jefferson City, Missouri. Founded in 1866 as an institution for black Americans, Lincoln University continues to uphold its traditions as a historically black college. They offer an AAS, BSN, and RN to BSN bridge program. All three nursing degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), in addition to full approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The AAS nursing program has a part-time evening curriculum. Having classes during these timeframes is specifically designed for active duty military personnel who don’t have conventional schedules. Each fall, Lincoln University enrolls a class of 40 students into its AAS program, comprising of 50% military, or military affiliated students, as well as 50% civilian students. Licensed practical nurses may be eligible to enroll with advanced standing.

The BSN degree prepares students in a multitude of ways for their roles in diverse healthcare settings. Lincoln University’s program focuses on leadership, community, and excellence within the nursing field. The program offers on campus classes, in addition to online courses.

The RN-BSN track is a hybrid program that offers online general education courses and nursing courses on-campus. For those who hold an ADN and wish to further their education, Lincoln’s hybrid program may be a good fit. Those enrolled in the hybrid program must participate in on campus activities, projects, and presentations.

University of Washington is located in Seattle, Washington.  They offer a BSN program and an accelerated BSN program; for students seeking an advanced education, they also have several lucrative post-graduate nursing options.  Their nursing department has been in existence since 1918, with their BSN program beginning in 1923.

University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Their nursing department is vast – they have several options for their students.  They have an ASN degree program, an LPN to ASN program, a BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is offered online.

North Dakota State University is located in Fargo, North Dakota.  They offer a BSN degree with two options: a pre-professional option and a professional option.  The pre-professional option is for new students, whereas the professional option is for students who already have their RN license.

Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, Connecticut.  WCSU offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, a Masters program and a doctorate program. All of their programs are CCNE accredited. WCSU fosters a close-knit community with a low faculty to student ratio that ensures each student is guided and completing the curriculum at a good pace.

Admissions to WCSU’s undergraduate nursing program is once annually in the fall, though the online program admits students on a rolling basis. WCSU does require all nursing applicants to go through a dual enrollment process. Once students are accepted, they will have to apply for admissions to the Department of Nursing during the spring semester of freshman year.

The RN to BS program is taught in a hybrid format or entirely online, depending on the student’s preference. In-person classes are scheduled during the afternoons and evenings, which allows RNs to fit their career advancement into their busy schedules.

South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, South Dakota.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an online RN to BSN program.  They also offer LPN and RN refresher courses for those nurses who have been out of practice and need to brush up on their skills.

Saint Louis University is a private Roman Catholic school, located in St. Louis, Missouri. SLU offers a traditional BSN program, as well as an accelerated one-year BSN track, RN-BSN track, in addition to graduate opportunities. All programs are CCNE accredited.

Saint Louis University has a long history in nursing education, and has been preparing students for roles in the healthcare industry since 1928. Their program takes a three pillared approach: strength, spirit, and compassion. These three qualities are developed and enhanced in each nursing student, as SLU’s philosophy harps on the necessity of possessing them to be an effective, competent nurse. SLU’s campus has well equipped facilities and clinical laboratories, as well as various study abroad experiences, and a low student-to-faculty ratio. SLU nursing students receive one-on-one attention and guidance from academic advisors and faculty members. Students are also given opportunities to take on internships and fellowship programs in local hospitals.

Aurora University is located in Aurora, Illinois.  They offer both a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  Incoming freshmen may apply for direct admission into the BSN program if they have an ACT score of 23 and a GPA of 3.2.

Becker College is located in Worcester, MA. Their nursing division was established in 1982, and today they offer 3 ACEN accredited programs: an ADN program, a BSN program, an RN to BSN program as well as an LPN advanced placement option. The ADN program is a two-year track that fosters a close-knit learning environment to prepare students to deliver quality care in various healthcare settings. Licensed Practical Nurses may be eligible for advanced placement standing. The four-year BSN program is for those students who just graduated from high school. It incorporates a core foundation in the liberal arts with nursing science and clinical work. For busy nurses looking to advance their credentials, Becker College’s RN to BSN program is completely online. This flexible curriculum is compatible with full-time work schedules.  This is a four-semester program that can be completed at any desired length of time (up to 5 years).

Students studying on campus will benefit from the simulation lab in a collaborative environment. The nursing school at Becker College is highly competitive and offers a caring and highly qualified community of faculty and students.

Gonzaga University is located in Spokane, Washington.  They offer a BSN degree.  For RNs seeking advancement, they also offer an online RN to MSN degree.  They also offer several other online post-graduate nursing options.  They offer a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), which readies the nurse with a BSN degree to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

Walsh University is located in North Canton, Ohio.  The Byers School of Nursing offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  They also offer an RN to MSN program; this program is offered in a hybrid format.  Students may elect to return to the RN to BSN program at any time.

Pacific Lutheran University is located in Tacoma, Washington.  They offer a BSN degree, in addition to several graduate degree options.  They also offer an LPN to BSN degree option.  Highly qualified high school seniors may apply for freshman entry into the program.

Baldwin Wallace University is located in Berea, Ohio.  BWU offers an accelerated BSN program; this program is offered to students with prior college credits.  Their program is designed to be completed in 12 months, 3 semesters.  It is described as intense and students are advised that they will have little time for working during this timeframe.

The University of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1890 in Edmond, OK. The first class of nursing students graduated in 1972, and today the nursing department offers three CCNE accredited programs: a BSN, MSN, and RN-to BSN track. Nursing education at UCO is comprised of multi-disciplinary research, an awareness of healthcare trends, scholarly inquisition, and diversity. Further emphasis is placed on the dynamic nature of a nursing career, an essential profession in an ever-changing world. Thereby the nursing department at UCO aims to educate students in a transformative manner, while instilling the importance of being lifelong learners with sharp clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will furthermore be prepared to practice with evidence-based strategies and professional communication techniques.

The RN to BSN track is comprised of 8-week course blocks with full and part time options. If students opt for full time, the program can be completed in 2 semesters. Students may apply to all programs in the fall and in the spring.

University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, South Dakota.  They also have multiple campuses throughout the state.  Their nursing program offers an LPN to RN program at the Watertown campus.  Otherwise, they offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online.  The programs are offered at most of their campuses.

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, University.  They have several nursing options; they offer an ASN degree, a BSN degree and a BSN degree.  They also offer several “bridge” options for students, such as the RN to BSN program and an ASN with BSN completion option, allowing for the student to earn first their ASN degree then their BSN degree.

Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, South Carolina.  BJU is a Christian college and they offer a biblical approach to nursing education.  Their education is largely focused on clinicals – they have a 3-year Clinical Program.  Students also have the opportunity to serve on mission trips, such as in Peru or Africa.  They offer a BSN program.

Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas.  They offer a bachelor’s degree.  They also offer two interesting options for ADN-prepared RNs – an online RN to BSN program and an online RN to MSN program.  The online RN to MSN track allows the RN to eliminate 9 credit hours that would have been taken if earning the BSN and MSN separately.

University of Colorado Denver is located in Denver, Colorado.  They offer a few different options for their BSN students.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer an RN to BSN program, which is an online program.  This online program is also available to non-Colorado residents.  They also offer their “integrated nursing pathway” program, which is a collaboration with various local community colleges.  This allows students with an ADN to take their first two semesters of their BSN program at their local college, finishing up at the main campus.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is located in Indiana, Pennsylvania.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer an LPN to BSN program.  Per their website, “The track for licensed practical nurses provides an alternative curriculum accounting for prior work completed in a practical nursing program.”  This program is an ideal option for LPNs seeking a BSN degree.

University of Nevada – Reno is located in Reno, Nevada.  The Orvis School of Nursing offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program, along with multiple graduate level options.  The RN to BSN program can be completed online.

Linfield College is located in Portland, Oregon.  The Good Samaritan School of Nursing has been providing nursing education since 1892.  It was originally a diploma program, and became a BSN program in 1982.  They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in 15 months and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online.

Temple University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  They currently offer a BSN program with an RN to BSN option.  Freshman students are eligible for entrance into the BSN program if they are highly qualified.  They also have a DNP option.  Their MSN program is not currently taking applications.

Maryville University offers a BSN program that focuses on in-depth knowledge of nursing theory and practical experience. MU has well equipped practice labs, as well as a supportive community of faculty and students who have similar goals. MU’s BSN program prepares students who are confident, capable, and knowledgeable with the ability to provide high quality care in various healthcare settings.

Students may choose one of three tracks: the on-campus undergraduate program, the on-campus fast track program, or the on-campus evening and weekend program. Each track is tailored to accommodate student schedules. The fast track program is ideal for those who have completed 65 hours of general education courses, and the evening and weekend program is designed for adult-learners seeking to incorporate a nursing education into their busy lives. There is also an online RN to BSN program, which accommodates registered nurses who seek to advance their career and professional development.

MU’s program combines advanced technology, critical thinking and analysis, and clinical experience to cultivate a comprehensive preparation for careers in the nursing field.

University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, Wyoming.  The Fay. W. Whitney School of Nursing offers a basic BSN, BRAND (bachelor’s reach for accelerated nursing degree) and an RN to BSN completion program, which is offered online.  University of Wyoming participates in Wyoming’s ReNEW program, which began in the fall of 2016 and seeks to advance the education of the nurses in Wyoming.

Winona State University is located in Winona, Minnesota.  They offer a pre-licensure program (a BSN program) and an RN-BSN completion program.  They are proud to note that 96% of their 2012-13 graduates have job placement as RNs.

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) School of Nursing is located in West Hartford, Connecticut and offers prospective students many pathways to become a nurse, including: a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an accelerated second degree (ASD) – BSN program.

The traditional BSN program requires students to apply in the fall of their sophomore year, and also requires CPR certification to be completed prior to application.

The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and allows nurses with an associate degree and a valid Connecticut nursing license to complete 30 credit hours of online coursework to earn their BSN.

A unique offering of USJ, the ASD program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and allows a student who has previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to earn their BSN in just 15 months. The program begins a new class every May, and the application deadline is February of the anticipated year of starting.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina.  UNC Pembroke was founded in 1887 as the Croatan Normal School and educated American Indian teachers.  Today, 62% of the student population is a minority.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program; they also partner with local community colleges in the RIBN program.

Central Methodist University is a private college in Fayette, MO. CMU offers a BSN program that places a focus on honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility. Student skills are honed through a two-part approach, combining rigorous academic coursework with diverse clinical experience. CMU’s Thogmorton Center for Allied Health is where most of the nursing program is taught. This facility is well-equipped with advance technology and simulators, allowing students to gain hands-on experience. Coursework covers many arenas of the nursing profession, including human anatomy, management, family nursing, and pharmacology.

There is also an accelerated BSN program as well as an RN to BSN program. The accelerated track is designed for students who hold a previously earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This program can be completed in 14 months. The RN to BSN bridge program is in-person, and provides RN’s with career advancing knowledge and faculty interactions that’ll strengthen their network within the nursing field.

Millikin University is located in Decatur, Illinois.  They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  They also offer a school nurse certification.  The school nurse certification is allows the BSN to become a K-12 nurse in the state of Illinois; this certificate can be obtained at only four universities in Illinois, with Millikin University being one of the four.

Carroll College is located in Helena, Montana.  Carroll College has a BSN program.  They do offer a select few pre Direct Entry nursing students in their freshman year of college.  They also will accept transfer nursing students if their is space.  Their program is unique in that clinical experiences begin in the second year of the program as opposed to the third year.

Concordia College is located in Moorhead, Minnesota.  They offer both a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program; their accelerated BSN program is offered to students with a prior bachelor’s degree.  Their program is unique in that students occasionally get to travel abroad as a nursing outreach program.

Belmont University is located in Nashville, Tennessee.  Belmont was named as the “Most Innovative” university by US News & World Report.  It is a Christian university that “…brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.”  They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.

Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado.  They offer a pre-license BSN program (designed for students without a nursing degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online.  This program is offered online as a courtesy to its students, so that they do not have to travel to class as these students often have busy lives.

Coe College is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Their nursing program’s slogan is, “The nursing program is elite, selective, and known for educating outstanding nurses. We are not a typical BSN program!”  Their program is unique in that their students have the opportunity to travel abroad, are paired one-on-one with nurse experts, and participate in highly interactive classrooms.

The University of Texas at Arlington is located in Arlington, Texas.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an online BSN program.  The online BSN program is an accelerated program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree; it can be completed in 15 months.  They offer an online RN to BSN program.  Unique to UT is the pathways programs they have developed with neighboring community colleges – these programs allow ADN students to simultaneously complete their ADN requirements and their BSN requirements

The Medical University of South Carolina is located in Charleston, South Carolina.  MUSC is unique because it offers only the classes needed for the degrees – students must earn their prerequisites elsewhere.  They offer an accelerated BSN and an RN to BSN program.  The accelerated BSN is available to all students – all students require a minimum of 60 prerequisite credits for entrance.

Pace University is located in New York, New York.  They offer a BSN program, in addition to multiple post-graduate opportunities.  Their nursing department is state-of-the-art, with a Clinical Education Lab (CEL) that utilizes Skill trainers, Human Patient Simulators and Standardized Patients (actors who portray actual patients), students get a “real-feel” for healthcare.

Montana State University is located in Bozeman, Montana.  Their nursing department is proud to boast that it is the only one in he state to offer master’s degree in nursing.  It is also the oldest state-support institution offering nursing education in Montana; it has been offering its BSN program since 1937.

University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  They offer a BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and multiple post-graduate options, from a variety of MSN options to a DNP.  The College of Nursing is also home to the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program, which offers degrees and certificates in gerontology.

Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, South Dakota.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  Not only do they offer an RN to BSN program, but they also offer an LPN to BSN program.  The LPN to BSN program is located at their Sioux Falls campus and the RN to BSN program is an online program.

University of Louisville is located in Louisville, Kentucky.  They have BSN degree options in various campuses.  Their RN to BSN degree option is offered online.  Their graduate options are unique; for example, they have a DNP that is offered for the BSN student; the BSN student can pursue it after graduation, rather than pursuing an MSN first.

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is located in St. Louis, Missouri.  The school has its origins in 1902 at the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing and was one of the first schools in the nation to be accredited by the National League of Nursing.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program.

University of Delaware is located in Newark, Delaware.  Their school of nursing opened its doors in 1962, awarding its first BSN degrees in 1966.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an accelerated nursing program, for bachelor degree holding students seeking a BSN degree, and an honors nursing program.

Samford University is located in Birmingham, Alabama.  Their Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing was originally founded as a diploma nursing program in 1922.  It was the first nursing program in Alabama to be accredited by the National League of Nursing.  The school merged with Samford University in 1973, and moved to its campus in 1988.  To date, the school has graduated more than 5,000 RNs.

Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, South Carolina.  The College of Nursing offers a BSN program and an online MSN program (Nurse Educator emphasis or Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration emphasis).

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana.  Their nursing department offers a variety of options.  They have a basic baccalaureate track.  They also have an LPN  transition track, which allows an LPN to transition to a BSN degree.  They also offer an RN to BSN program and a second baccalaureate degree program, which allows those holding a prior bachelor’s degree to become a BSN.

Oral Roberts University is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  ORU is a Christian university with courses taught by Christ-centered professors.  The Anna Vaughn College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program.  The online RN to BSN program is offered entirely online.

University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, Kansas.  They have an expansive nursing program.  They offer a traditional BSN program. Their RN to BSN program is online and is designed to be flexible so that it can accommodate the needs of its students; it can be completed as quickly as one year, or students can opt to take as long as five years.

Boston College is a private Jesuit university in Chestnut Hill, MA. The Connell School of Nursing offers a CCNE accredited BSN program, a BSN to MSN program, as well as an MSN, DNP and PhD program. The four year bachelor’s program is an immersive, traditional college experience where students are fully engaged with the campus community and receive a robust liberal arts foundation.  The nursing program focuses on the graduate’s ability to apply their skills and knowledge in all kinds of environments and circumstances.

Boston College has a vibrant community of students that participate in competitive sports, organizations, international study, and social justice initiatives. Nursing students are no different; they are encouraged to partake in all aspects the college experience, which BC emphasizes as a crucial component of undergraduate education. Students enrolled in the BSN program may apply for the BSN to MSN track after sophomore year. If eligible and accepted, they will be allowed to take graduate courses during their final 2 years.

Nyack College is a private Christian school located in New York City. They offer a CCNE accredited BSN program that has a strong Christian foundation and clinical focus. The School of Nursing has a small student to faculty ratio, offering personalized one-on-one attention and guidance. There are also study abroad and mission trips available to nursing students . Students enrolled in the program will take courses in math and sciences, as well as biblical courses and nursing theory courses.

Applicants must take the Kaplan Nursing School Entrance exam, which tests math, science, English, and reading skills. Nyack College’s School of Nursing has strong partnerships with nearby healthcare facilities, offering diverse clinical experience and increased job opportunities at partner locations. Students may apply for enrollment twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.

University of Rhode Island is located in Kingston, Rhode Island.  They offer a BSN degree and also an RN to BSN online program, as well as on-campus.  They also offer multiple graduate school options, such as MSN with an emphasis in family medicine, acute care and adult/gerontology, a DNP program and a PhD program.

Minot State University is located in Minot, North Dakota.  They offer a traditional BSN program and an online BSN completion program for RNs.  The BSN completion program can be completed on a full-time basis or a part-time basis and accepts new students twice yearly.

Newman University is located in Wichita, Kansas.  They offer a BSN program, an RN to BSN program and an LPN to BSN program.  They also offer a “Direct Admit Program”, which is designed to allow exceptionally high-achieving high school seniors into the BSN program.

University of St Francis is located in Joliet, Illinois.  The Leach College of Nursing is offers undergraduate and graduate programs.  Undergraduate programs include a traditional BSN program and two RN to BSN programs.  They offer an RN to BSN program online and an RN to BSN program as a fast track program with Joliet Junior College.

Quinnipiac University was established in 1929, and is located in Hamden, CT. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs in their nursing school, one of twelve schools nationally endorsed by the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation. This means that their nursing education focuses on the whole person, meaning that a patient must be cared for with consideration of spiritual, lifestyle, cultural, and psychosocial factors. Nursing students at Quinnipiac will further experience a very collaborative environment with the School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences.

Students have over 300 clinical settings to choose from where they will gain hands-on experience and exposure to the field. Their facilities on campus have advanced and interactive equipment for student learning and practice. Their simulator mannequins aren’t one and the same—they have an adult, pediatric, and neonatal simulator. Volunteer work is another major component of Quinnipiac’s program, and they encourage their students to be advocates and inquisitive learners.

National University has 19 locations throughout California, with 4 military learning centers.  They have multiple types of nursing programs, from BSN, LVN to RN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, doctorate of nursing practice, master of science in nurse anesthesia and master of science in nursing.

St. John’s College of Nursing is located in Springfield, Illinois.  They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program for those students already holding a bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program.  They also have an early admit option for high school seniors.

Neumann University is located in Aston, Pennsylvania.  They offer a BSN degree.  Neumann University is proud to note that their student to faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing professors to give personal attention to their students.

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The Beth-El College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN option and an Allied Health Completion Program, which allows those who hold a degree in an Allied Health to enroll for a BSN degree.