Bachelor of Science in Nursing: BSN Degree
Why a BSN at Valpo?
Ranked among the best in the nation for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Valpo’s direct-admit undergraduate bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program has a reputation for its competitive and comprehensive curriculum.
Our four-year program encourages students to think critically and radiate integrity – both in and out of the classroom. With multi-faceted clinical experiences, a versatile liberal arts core curriculum, and supportive faculty, Valpo BSN students graduate second-to-none in all areas of healthcare. The result: a rich, meaningful life that is not only professionally rewarding, but also a multi-faceted journey of joy and spiritual awakening.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions also offers both an accelerated BSN program and an online RN to BSN program – keeping quality education within reach of Beacon of all backgrounds.
Nursing Highlights
Nursing Abroad
Valpo nursing students lend their light all over the world — places like China, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Nicaragua, and Thailand – through life-changing service-learning trips, expanding their worldview, learning about different healthcare systems, and strengthening cross-cultural communication skills.
96% Pass Rate
Valpo’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate consistently exceeds the national average, with an average score of above 90% for first-time takers and 96% within a year of graduation.
Clinical Experience
Students gain real-world skills through clinical rotations and practicum in the Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) and hi-def Simulation Lab, where they master procedures using interactive mannequins, medical equipment, and the latest healthcare technology – including virtual reality.
BSN Major Requirements
Valpo’s four-year BSN program requires a minimum of 124 academic credits, purposefully merging nursing practice with a strong liberal arts foundation that encourages students to explore themselves, their vocation, and place in the world.
All first-year students, transfer students, and registered nurses who want to earn a baccalaureate degree – and who have declared nursing as their intended major of study – will be directly admitted into the program.
In step with Valpo’s values, the College of Nursing and Health Professions strives to foster humble servant leaders through intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. Starting year one, our rigorous nursing curriculum complements the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) initiative to deliver a wide-range of foundational courses in natural and social sciences and the liberal arts.
To successfully fill academic requirements for Valpo’s bachelor of science in nursing, the student must complete the following curriculum:
| Nursing: 64 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| NUR 201 | Professional Role in Nursing | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 203 | Health Assessment | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 210 | Therapeutic Interventions for the, Professional Nurse | 4 Cr. |
| NUR 325 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 341 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 351 | Gerontological Nursing | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 354 | Nursing Care of Adults I | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 356 | Nursing Care of Adults II | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 415 | Introduction to Nursing Research for, Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 425 | Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 458 | Complex Healthcare Needs of Adults | 4 Cr. |
| NUR 460 | Public Health Nursing | 5 Cr. |
| NUR 470 | Management and Leadership Strategies for, The Professional Nurse | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 480 | Professional Role Practicum | 5 Cr. |
| Interprofessional Education: 6 Credits | ||
| IPE 213 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 Cr. |
| IPE 318 | Global Health Issue | 3 Cr. |
| Arts and Sciences: 49 Credits | ||
| VUE 101 | Valparaiso University Experience: Exploring Values | 4 Cr. |
| VUE 102 | Valparaiso University Experience: Finding Your Voice | 4 Cr. |
| THEO 100 | The Christian Tradition | 3 Cr. |
| ENGL 205 | Writing for Health Sciences | 3 Cr.* |
| XS 101 | Wellness and Stress | 1 Cr. |
| Upper Level Theology: 3 Credits | ||
| Humanities | ||
| BIO 151 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 Cr. |
| BIO 152 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 Cr. |
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 Cr. |
| BIO 260 | Human Nutrition | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 110 | General Psychology | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 Cr. |
| PSY 215 | Life Span Development | 3 Cr. |
| One course from the Following Options: | ||
| CHEM 111 | Introduction to Chemistry | 4 Cr. |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry I | 4 Cr. |
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I for Chemistry Career | 4 Cr. |
Please note: No more than four credit hours in applied music – including ensemble – and no more than four credit hours of KIN 101-149 may be applied toward a bachelor of science in nursing. Additionally, no more than six credits may be baccalaureate nursing credits. A letter grade of C (2.000) or better is required.
Nursing Career Outcomes
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow 6% through 2032, with a median pay of $86,070 per year reported in 2023.
On top of growing demand, students of the College of Nursing and Health Professions enjoy a 97.1% graduate outcomes rate, meaning they are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within just nine months of graduation.
Careers for registered nurses (RNs):
- Clinical educator
- Home health specialist
- Hospice care provider
Many Valpo graduates step into their careers with internships and residencies in prestigious healthcare systems like the Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and Northwestern Medicine. Others enroll in graduate programs that prepare them for careers as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
