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Nursing

  • Bachelor of Science

A passion for service. A commitment to learning. Your trajectory to a nursing career begins at Saint Vincent College.

There has never been a better time to become a nurse. And there is no better place to earn your BSN than Saint Vincent College. Our forward-thinking, clinically-immersive curriculum prepares you for nursing practice grounded in compassion for all, ethical behaviors, scientific rigor, and spiritual and self-awareness. Our four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is designed for high-school graduates who are ready to apply themselves to the rigors, demands, and responsibilities of professional nursing. Our students, mentored by experienced faculty, pursue academic and clinical excellence in state-of-the-art science and simulation labs, highly recognized health care systems, and community-based agencies. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Successful completion of the examination earns you a license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Guided by Benedictine values and wisdom, you will embrace a life-long personal and professional journey into the rewarding nursing profession.

Undergraduate Programs

Program Highlights

A nursing student monitors a group of participants through a wall-mounted screen while working on a laptop in a lab setting.

Immersive Learning Experiences

Students will practice their nursing psychomotor, communication, and delegation skills with simulation technology, including part-task/low fidelity and high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

A woman delivers a presentation to a group of seated students in a modern classroom setting.

Micro-credentials

Eight tuition-free microcredentials are embedded within selected nursing courses and focus on in-demand practice-related knowledge and skills such as medication mathematics and medical terminology. Microcredentials are recorded on the academic transcript, demonstrating a level of accomplishment and achievement valued by employers.

Two nursing students in scrubs practicing an intravenous catheter insertion on a medical training mannequin.

Practice-ready graduates

There are 1,035 hours of clinical practice in the curriculum, which is equivalent to or exceeds those hours offered in highly ranked BSN programs. In addition to clinical hours, skills labs and simulation learning, you will have preparation for the NCLEX examination with regular testing, faculty guidance, and real-time feedback.

A medical professional demonstrates a procedure to a student during an educational workshop.

Alumni support

We are prepared to champion your professional and personal aspirations through virtual and in person support groups, networking, and other venues.

Medical students engaged in a discussion around a table, with a model of the human anatomy as a focal point in a classroom setting.

Graduate Level Programs

Our Nursing BSN program prepares you for employment in various healthcare settings and further education. Saint Vincent College offers a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). A Direct Entry MSN enables you to become an advanced practice nurse in various specialties, while a DNAP allows you to provide advanced anesthesia care and lead clinical practices.

Living Learning Community

First-year nursing students will have the option to live together in a Living Learning Community (LLC), which is intentionally designed to support the transition to college while gaining connections within the campus and local community. Students living in LLCs have higher average GPAs, attempt and complete more credit hours, and are more likely to stay in college than their peers.

Located in the freshman residence Saint Benedict Hall, the nursing LLC allows our students to form study groups, share interests, and explore common academic aspirations which will augment the regular academic program and provide enriching experiences not normally found in the conventional classroom or residence hall.

Details include:

  • Dedicated, 24-bed on-campus community.
  • Live and learn with other nursing majors.
  • Social activities, including a meet-and-greet reception and monthly activities.
  • Close faculty relationships to help establish you in your first year.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth, community service, and program specific events and activities designed to engage and introduce students to the nursing profession.
  • Interactions with nurses actively practicing in different clinical specialties.
  • In-hall academic advising and tutoring throughout the year.
  • Participate in the Freshman Seminar that is tailored for nursing students.

 

 

Careers after Saint Vincent

A BSN is the entry degree into professional nursing practice. The demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses is growing rapidly in Pennsylvania, the United States and globally. Having a bachelor’s degree from Saint Vincent College prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities in roles such as:

Alumni will go on to successful careers in:

  • Ambulatory Care Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Home Health
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Public Health
  • Telemedicine
  • Hospice Care
  • Case Management
  • Education
  • Telemedicine

  • Acute Care
  • Critical Care
  • Rehabilitative Care
  • Long Term Care
  • School Health
  • Information Technology/Health Informatics
  • Palliative Care
  • Forensics
  • Leadership

 

Alumni are also prepared to continue their education by entering a graduate nursing program for an advanced nursing practice specialty such as leadership or education, or advanced nursing practice roles to become a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife. Saint Vincent offers the following graduate programs in nursing: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and Direct Entry - Master of Science in Nursing

 

Student Success Stories

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    Lily Arnold C 28

    ”The nursing program at Saint Vincent equips students with the correct skills to become a wonderful nurse through a well-designed curriculum. I appreciate how the program opens many doors to opportunities, preparing us to excelnot only in a hospital setting.”

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    Conner Bauerline C 28

    “The professors and Dr. Burns do a great job helping students with whatever they need. The curriculum and schedule are made in a way that allows for students right out of high school to be able to succeed in a high level nursing program.”

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    Meegan Williams C 28

    “The SVC nursing program is a very special program that I am extremely proud to be a part of. All the staff, especially Dr. Burns, strive to help us feel confident, competent, and comfortable in our abilities as nurses. I believe SVC nursing is the place where I and all others invested in the nursing profession, can fulfill our potential and flourish in the healthcare field.”

Required Curriculum

The nursing major is part of The Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.

Our 124-credit, forward-thinking BSN nursing curriculum, grounded philosophically in Benedictine tradition, prepares you for a professional nursing career and personal transformation. This rich fabric of spiritual connectedness is embodied within the teaching and learning atmosphere, empowering you to realize your values and life purpose in service to others.

 

 

  • BSN Nursing Curriculum Courses

    Course Number

    Course Title

    Credits

     

    Core Courses

    CORE 1400

    Listening Seminar: Health, Wellness, and Self-Care

    3

    CORE 1500

    Core Writing 

    3

    CORE 1100

    Elective

    3

    CORE 2500/CA120

    Public Speaking

    3

    CORE 1203

    Introductions to Sociology

    3

    CORE 2600/AN 285

    Foundations of Public Health

    3

    CORE 11600/PL 218

    Bioethics

    3

    CORE 2400

    Learning Seminar

    3

    CORE 2100

    Elective

    3

    CORE 2200

    Health Policy and Social Justice

    3

    CORE 1507

    Science Writing

    3

    CORE 3400

    Loving Seminar

    3

     

    Humanities and Science Courses

    PY 218

    Life Span Development

    3

    MA 107

    Quantitative Reasoning                                                

    3

    CH 125

    Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

    3

    CH 127

    Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry Lab

    1

    MA 121

    Basic Applied Statistics

    3

    HSCI 222

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I

    3

    HSCI 223

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

    1

    BL 295    

    Fundamentals of Microbiology

    3

    BL 296         

    Fundamentals of Microbiology Lab

    1

    HSCI 224

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II

    3

    HSCI 225

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

    1

    BL 299

    Pharmacology

    3

    BL 297

    Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan I

    2

    BL 298

    Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan II

    2

     

    Nursing Courses

    NUR 110

    Principles of Applied Nutrition

    3

    NUR 211

    Introduction to Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice I: Health Assessment

    2

    NUR 221

    Introduction to Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice I: Practicum

    1

    NUR 212

    Perspectives on Nursing

    2

    NUR 213

    Introduction to Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice II: Fundamentals of Assessment, Nursing Care, and Clinical Practice

    2

    NUR 223

    Introduction to Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice II: Practicum

    1

    NUR 214

    Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Science

    2

    NUR 311

    Nursing Care of Adults with Acute and Chronic Disorders

    3

    NUR 321

    Clinical Reasoning and Personalized Care in the Nursing Care of Adults with Acute and Chronic Disorders: Practicum

    3

    NUR 312

    Nursing Care of Women, Newborns, and Families

    2

    NUR 322

    Clinical Reasoning and Personalized Care in the Nursing Care of Women, Newborns, and Families:  Practicum

    2

    NUR 313

    Genetics and Precision Health

    2

    NUR 314

    Nursing Care of Vulnerable Populations

    2

    NUR 324

    Clinical Reasoning and Personalized Nursing Care in the Nursing Care of Vulnerable Populations:  Practicum

    2

    NUR 315

    Nursing Care of Children, Adolescents, and Families

    2

    NUR 325

    Clinical Reasoning and Personalized Nursing Care of Children, Adolescents, and Families: Practicum

    2

    NUR 316

    Applied Epidemiology in Nursing

    1

    NUR 411

    Nursing Care of Individuals with Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Mental Health Conditions

    2

    NUR 421

    Clinical Reasoning and Personalized Care of Individuals with Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Mental Health Conditions: Practicum

    2

    NUR 412

    Nursing Care of Populations

    2

    NUR 422

    Clinical Reasoning that Addresses Population Health: Practicum

    2

    NUR 413

    Leadership in Systems of Care

    2

    NUR 414

    Nursing Care of Adults and Populations with Multiple and Complex Health Disorders

    2

    NUR 423

    Professional Nursing Immersion - Leadership in Systems of Care

    8

    NUR 415

    Application of Data Analytics, Informatics, and Healthcare Technology

    1

    NUR 416

    Senior Capstone

    1

    Total Credits= 124; Total Clinical Credits = 23/1035 hours

      

    Micro-credentials

    Micro-credential

    Introduction to Systems Thinking Science

    0

    Micro-credential

    Medication Mathematics

    0

    Micro-credential

    Medical Terminology

    0

    Micro-credential

    Professional Development for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    0

    Micro-credential

    TeamSTEPPS (Patient Safety)

    0

    Micro-credential

    Palliative and End-of-Life Care

    0

    Micro-credential

    Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Nursing

    0

    Micro-credential

    Organizational Excellence in Quality and Safety

    0

  • Key Courses

    Genetics and Precision Health

    This course explores fundamental principles of genetics, genomics, and the utilization of integrated biological clinical tools. Topics explored include the importance and impact of genetic variation, the influence of genetics in multifactorial conditions, and the impact of social determinants of health in driving disparities in disease burden, genetic research, and precision medicine efforts.

    Leadership in Systems of Care

    Students synthesize theories of nursing roles, care management, leadership, organizational excellence, interprofessional communication and collaboration across the care continuum into nursing practice for ensuring high quality and safe care delivery to individuals, families, communities, and populations.

    Professional Immersion: Leadership in Systems of Care

    This practicum occurs in a variety of clinical settings across the care continuum to facilitate the transition from student into practice-ready graduate. Students increase their accountability and responsibility for the delivery and delegation of nursing care to groups of clients while mentored by a registered nurse preceptor.

     

Facilities and Resources

Architectural rendering of a modern building complex featuring multiple angled roofs and large glass elements.

Rhodora and John Donahue Hall

Donahue Hall will feature a nursing skills lab, a virtual reality suite, simulation labs, a telehealth suite, home health/hospital-at-home space, conference rooms, and flexible classrooms to support the distinctive elements of the nursing curriculum. Immersive learning and simulation experiences will allow for collaboration among undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and local healthcare providers.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2025 and is expected to be completed in April 2026.

 

Medical students in scrubs collaborating around a simulated patient in a clinical setting.

Simulation and Skills Labs

Simulation and Skills Labs Our simulation and skills labs provide a controlled, realistic environment where nursing students practice clinical skills and decision-making using high-fidelity mannequins, interactive technology, and real-world scenarios to enhance their learning and preparedness for practical patient care.

Click here for a virtual tour.

Medical students collaborating in a surgical setting, wearing protective gear and preparing a sterile surgical drape.

The Ralph H. Liberatore Human Anatomy Suite

The Liberatore Anatomy Lab is a state-of-the-art lab with six surgical stations for anatomical research and medical training. It supports health sciences programs and offers advanced audio-visual capabilities, a conference room, lab prep space, refrigerated storage, and locker rooms.

 

Two individuals in white scrubs are engaged in a virtual reality exercise, wearing VR headsets and holding controllers in a modern, bright space.

Virtual Reality Lab

Our Virtual Reality Lab, powered by Echo HealthCare, will offer cutting-edge 3D immersion experiences for medical training and education. The lab features advanced VR technology to simulate realistic clinical scenarios, enhancing learning and skill development for healthcare professionals.

Coming is 2026.

 

Applying for Admission in the SVC BSN Program

Admission to the SVC bachelor’s degree in nursing is highly selective and competitive. We will review and accept students who match the following criteria in addition to fulfilling Saint Vincent College’s general acceptance criteria: 

High school graduates:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • 3.2 GPA in all science courses
  • Minimum SAT score of 1060
  • Minimum ACT score of 21. 

Internal transfer applicants (students transferring from other schools within the College): 

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • 3.0 GPA in all science courses.  

External transfer applicants (students transferring from colleges and universities other than Saint Vincent College):

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • 3.0 GPA in science courses. 
  • Credit transfer is based on the Saint Vincent College academic credit transfer policy. Nursing courses completed at other institutions are not accepted for transfer credit. 

Test Optional Applicants:

  • Submit an essay (750 words or fewer) that addresses: why nursing is chosen as a major and what the applicant can contribute to the nursing profession.
  • Participate in an in-person or virtual interview with a College admission representative.
  • Submit any additional information or testing as deemed necessary. 

Submit your application or schedule a visit today!

 

 

  • Mandatory Disclosures

    Applicants are advised that clinical agencies utilized by the Department of Nursing require criminal background checks and/or drug testing prior to acceptance of the student into clinical facilities. Upon enrollment, Act 33/34 (Criminal Record Check/Child Abuse History) Clearances, FBI Fingerprinting, a drug screen and/or additional testing will be required by clinical facilities. Students who do not pass the criminal background and/or drug test will not be able to attend clinical courses and therefore will be unable to complete their program of study, resulting in course failure or withdrawal from the Program.  Any fees or costs associated with background checks and/or drug testing are the responsibility of the student. 

    Accommodation Requests

    Students requesting accommodation should contact the Saint Vincent College Office of Disability Support at (724) 805-2062 or academicsupport@stvincent.edu. 

    PA State Board of Nursing Licensure Information

    Please note that the PA State Board of Nursing reserves the right to deny a license to any candidate who has been convicted of any felonious act. Conviction includes a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere, probation without verdict, or incomplete Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). Further, the Board shall not issue a license to any applicant who had been:

    1. Convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64) known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act; or
    2. Convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory, or country unless;
      • At least 10 years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
      • The applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the Board, significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that the license should not create a substantial risk of further violations; and
      • The applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in this act.

BSN Program Approval and Accreditation

The Program meets the requirements set forth by the PA State Board of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing [BSN] Education as a fully approved program within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Program is seeking national program accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 

 

Undergraduate Programs
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