Villanova University

Named after its location, Villanova University is the nation’s sole Augustinian Catholic university. This liberal arts institution of higher education was founded in 1842. Its M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing develops nurses who are problem solvers and independent thinkers. In fact, it received a Center of Excellence recognition from the National League for Nursing. Moreover, the said college has a Driscoll Hall wherein students will have access for state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Students will also experience clinical simulation experience as early as first year in the program through the college’s Simulation and Learning Resource Center which has 10 simulation labs and patient simulators, among others.

Nursing (BSN) - Villanova university has several options for obtaining a BSN degree depending on the student's educational background. The traditional BSN option can be completed in four years with the first two years focused on science and liberal arts courses. Meanwhile, students with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees can enroll through the Second Degree Accelerated BSN. It comes in two options—The 23-Month Flex Track or the much-faster 14-Month Express Track. Lastly, students who completed college level courses or who possess a two-year associate degree can obtain a BSN through the BSN transfer.

Master of Science in Nursing - The MSN programs at Villanova University can also be taken as a post-master's certificate. Core courses are delivered both on-campus and online. Offered tracks are in: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Ph.D. in Nursing - With options for distance and non-distance learning, this program offers flexibility. Distance learning approach is utilized in the spring and fall semester. Meanwhile, on-campus sessions are required during the summer term. A personalized learning experience is given emphasis in the curriculum.

Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice Track - Designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, this DNP program is offered in partnership with the Prospect Medical Holdings – Crozer Keystone Health System. The core of the curriculum is on theoretical knowledge foundation and clinical experience in the practice of anesthesia and professional leadership.

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Track - This practice-focused program is fully accredited by the CCNE. The method of delivery is through online synchronous sessions. Graduates are equipped with the needed advanced knowledge and skills needed in the healthcare system. 

The nursing school at Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Its nursing programs are accredited by ACEN, ACME, CCNE and COA.

Degree types you can earn at Villanova University include Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nursing, and the school provides its offerings to students via campus, hybrid and online formats. The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include Accelerated BSN, Bachelor Degree, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Ph.D. and Post Master's NP Certificate level degrees.

For nursing students in Pennsylvania, the state average NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is 88.56% and for BSN programs is 90.79%. The average national NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is N/A% and for BSN programs is N/A%.

Out of 93 nursing schools in Pennsylvania, the nursing program at Villanova University ranks #6 in the state, and out of more than 1,700 nursing programs nationally, it ranks #109. It's 3-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 95.56%, giving the Villanova University an overall grade of A.

Nursing Program Stats at a Glance for Villanova University

• Grade: A
• NCLEX-RN Passing Rate Average: 95.56%
• Pennsylvania State Rank: 6
• National Rank: 109

Best Online Nursing Programs for Pennsylvania Students

In-state nursing schools are preferable to out-of-state programs as your tuition and logistics for attending school will be considerably less than if you attended school out-of-state. Online nursing schools are also an option.

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