Nursing, BSN

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
 

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
 

Nursing Scholars Program

Alvernia nursing students have access to exclusive loan repayment opportunities through our partnerships with leading regional health systems. Eligible students can receive up to $40,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for an early employment commitment.

After graduation and licensure, selected Scholars will transition into a full-time nursing role within their approved health system with an employment commitment of 2-3 years. Learn more about our health system partners, their sponsorship offerings, and application requirements:

• Lehigh Valley Health Network
• Temple Health
• WellSpan Health
   

Major Notes

• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater throughout the Nursing Program.
• A C+ or better is required in each NUR course. Students may repeat/delete only one nursing course throughout the nursing program.
• Students who receive a grade of less than a “C+” in a nursing course may not progress in nursing courses for which that course is a prerequisite.
• Achievement of a “C” or better is required in the following science courses.
  • BIO 107
  • BIO 117
  • BIO 108
  • BIO 118
  • CHE 106
  • CHE 109
  • BIO 220
• Students may repeat no more than three required foundational science courses as listed above. Students may repeat no single science course more than one time.
• Students who receive a grade of less than “C” in a required science course may not progress in nursing courses for which that science is a prerequisite.
• Students may withdraw from a required science or nursing course without receiving a grade only once.
• Prior to entering NUR 220 (first course with an off-campus clinical education component), a variety of certifications, clearances and background checks are required. Information about these requirements will be provided during the semester before NUR 220 is offered and must be completed before the stated deadline.
• Nursing students are required to undergo substance abuse testing for the presence of drugs or controlled substances immediately prior to clinical rotations. Random and/or drug screening for cause may be required at any time during a student’s enrollment. Students will receive specific information about the mandatory screening in their clinical nursing classes. Costs are covered by student/course fees.
• Nursing students are responsible for additional expenses, which include, but are not limited to: lab fees, evaluation and remediation costs, uniforms, clearance fees, college identification, transportation/parking associated with clinical practice and applications for NCLEX-RN and licensure.
   

Student Handbook

Read the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Handbook.
 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The expansion of the university’s nursing program to the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne provides over 55,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory and simulation learning space. The state-of-the-art simulation facilities enhances Alvernia’s accredited professional undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs.

• International real-world learning immersion experiences are available.
  
   

Accreditation Statements

The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing has full approval from the PA State Board of Nursing.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccrediation.org).

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
 

Career Outlook

An undergraduate degree in Nursing is the foundation for a wide range of advanced studies and career options, including:

• Administration
• Education
• Health Coaching
• Law
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Informatics
• Nutrition and Fitness
• Occupational Health

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 31,900 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage in those professions in 2023 was $132,050.
 

Licensing Exam Performance

Pass rate for Alvernia's pre-licensure nursing students on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

• 2024: 100%
• 2023: 94%
• 2022: 76%
• 2021: 82%
• 2020: 91%
   

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Nursing program, contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Linda Roy at linda.roy@alvernia.edu.