Undergraduate Major

Nursing, BSN

The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing at Alvernia University prepares future nursing professionals to enter the field ready to provide skillful, compassionate healthcare in virtually every setting, from community health clinics and hospitals to schools and nursing homes to emergency and disaster relief sites. Combining theory with clinical practice, the curriculum develops the skill set necessary for nurses to not only address the physical and psychological needs of their patients across the lifespan, but also to educate and advocate, counsel, research and problem solve with sensitivity and understanding.

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Achieve More With a Nursing Degree at Alvernia

Career Options

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

100% NCLEX Pass Rate

In 2025, for the second straight year, the program achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for its pre-licensure nursing students. This significant milestone highlights the university’s continued dedication to preparing highly skilled nursing professionals ready to meet the demands of modern healthcare.

Colleges of Distinction Honor

In addition to the NCLEX success, Alvernia’s nursing programs have again been honored by the Colleges of Distinction. The recognition celebrates the university’s dedication to delivering high-quality, student-centered education. Alvernia's nursing program continues to stand out for its hands-on learning experiences, high student satisfaction, and strong graduate outcomes. The BSN program was also recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as a top-600 program in the country.

Fast-Growing Profession

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 2024 was $132,050.

Program Overview

See the Curriculum

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:

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.

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.