Nursing (BSN)
Build a meaningful career in nursing.
Prepare to make a real difference in people’s lives with York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program. This 121-credit, four-year degree combines classroom learning and extensive clinical experience across multiple subfields of nursing.
You'll graduate ready to deliver compassionate care and advance quickly in your nursing career, backed by five semesters of clinical rotations. Whether you’re starting your journey or expanding your opportunities, York’s B.S.N. program gives you the experience and confidence to thrive in today’s healthcare environments.
About the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Major Curriculum and Requirements
Nursing majors at York College complete a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
- Science, Nursing, and General Education Courses: These form the academic foundation.
- Clinical Rotations & Practicums: Essential for hands-on experience and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
- Core Nursing Courses: Cover key areas such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing.
For students with prior college credit, there may be opportunities to reduce course and clinical requirements.
Other Nursing Program Tracks
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing take many forms other than the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing for first-time college students:
- Our online Registered Nurse (R.N.) to B.S.N. pathway grants students already registered as nurses 56 credits, completing the bachelor’s degree program in as little as one year.
- Our Accelerated B.S.N. (A.B.S.N.) track is a pathway for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Admission to Pre-Nursing
To major in Nursing, you need to have a 3.4 GPA or SAT score. If you don't meet all the admission criteria, you might still qualify as a Pre-Nursing student. The Pre-Nursing track is a bachelor’s-level pathway that prepares new students for the Nursing major by having them complete initial courses in early semesters.
Transfer Admission Requirements
To transfer into the B.S.N. program from another institution, please note the following:
- A limited number of transfer students are accepted each semester.
- Applications are reviewed individually upon receipt.
- You may transfer up to 75 credits from associate degree programs.
- There is no limit on credits accepted from baccalaureate programs.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from previous coursework is required.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in all science courses is required.
Salary and Outcomes
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bachelor’s degree-educated Registered Nurses earn an average of $93,600 annually, or $45 per hour. Graduates of York’s B.S.N. program are prepared for a wide range of roles in healthcare, including:
- Critical Care Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Pediatric or Maternal-Child Nurse
- Mental Health or Geriatric Nurse
- Medical-Surgical or Orthopedic Nurse
- Nursing Educator or Consultant
Your coursework connects directly to your future career, advanced practice, and graduate study. York nursing graduates are highly sought after by employers in hospitals, clinics, family practices, hospice care, and global health organizations.
Nursing Licensure Preparation
YCP's B.S.N. degree program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, covering all core clinical skills and competencies. Our first-time test-takers achieve a 96.74% NCLEX pass rate (October 2024-September 2025), well above the national average. Passing this exam is part of becoming a registered nurse in Pennsylvania and other states.
(Note: If you are considering initial licensure in a state other than Pennsylvania, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your state for information on requirements before beginning the nursing program.)
Continue Nursing Training
Your Nursing major at York College prepares you for advanced degrees, like a master's in nursing, through strong research opportunities. The College's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program and Doctor of Nursing (DNP) in Nurse Anesthetist program offer opportunities for career advancement in nursing.
Clinical Experience
The BSN program at YCP includes five full semesters of clinical coursework. We collaborate with leading medical facilities to assign students to clinical rotations that provide exposure to various aspects of patient care in different specialties.
Students must meet clinical agency requirements, including background checks, physical examinations, and immunizations, before starting clinical experiences. These requirements may involve associated costs.
Clinical courses begin either in the spring of sophomore year or the fall of junior year:
Spring Clinical Progressions
| Fall Clinical Progression
|
Curriculum Sequences Fall and Spring
Nursing Facilities
Nursing students on campus benefit from extensive hands-on experience through technology and simulated real-world scenarios. Beyond fulfilling clinical requirements in actual medical and healthcare environments, on-campus labs and simulations further enhance learning and foster the development of students' personal and professional skills.
Expert Faculty
Faculty at The Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions are vital to the region's health. Experienced nurses and educators, they provide individual advising for Nursing students and manage clinical partnerships, addressing the demand for skilled nursing and healthcare professionals. The School offers diverse degree programs in nursing, health, and medicine, elevating all disciplines.
Clubs and Leadership Opportunities
Nursing students at York College of Pennsylvania are highly involved in community service and partnerships. Add to your volunteer and leadership experience as a complement to clinical and academic training with:
- SNAP: Student Nurses Association of PA
- WellSpan hospital system partnerships
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ClubHealth Professions Association
- Pre-Medical and Allied Health Society
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at York College of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Nursing Scholars Program
York College of Pennsylvania nursing students can earn help paying for their education through Nursing Scholars Programs. Eligible students could receive up to $40,000 to help pay for their education loans.
After graduating and getting their license, selected Scholars will become full-time nurses at their approved health system, committing to work there for 2–3 years.
Learn more about the Scholars Network and how it connects students with healthcare employers to reduce student debt while launching your career.
Find out more about employers in the Scholars Network, their sponsorship deals, and how to apply:
More Scholarships and Grants
At York College of Pennsylvania, we’re committed to making a high-quality nursing education affordable. We’ll help you and your family find the right mix of financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships, so you can focus on your future in healthcare.
Visit our Scholarships and Grants page to explore the different funding options available to you.
Nursing Courses
Your class schedule as a Nursing major in the B.S.N. program will include general education, core classes, and clinical experiences.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of General and Organic Chemistry | CHM 122/123 | 4 Credits |
| Pharmacology for Nurses | NUR 203 | 2 Credits |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | BIO 220/221 | 4 Credits |
| Research and Professional Nursing Practice | NUR 314 | 3 Credits |
B.S.N. Careers
Students graduate confident to enter various nursing specialties for the first time or elevate their careers to leadership roles.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
Emergency Room Nurse
Geriatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Travel Nurse
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
A traditional B.S.N. takes four years of full-time study. Some students, such as those entering as Pre-Nursing, might need extra courses. Others, like transfer students, may finish sooner.
YCP Nursing majors explore diverse specialties through clinical rotations and electives—including pediatrics, maternal-child, critical care, community health, and global nursing experiences. Graduates often find their passion during these rotations.
A B.S.N. is a traditional four-year degree for first-time college students. The Accelerated B.S.N. (A.B.S.N.) is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing faster, typically in 12–16 months.
Yes—nursing is currently and historically one of the most in-demand healthcare careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth through 2034 (faster than average) with especially strong demand for nurses knowledgeable in geriatric care, outpatient care, residential care, and chronic disease care.
With a B.S.N., you’ll qualify for roles in hospital care, public health, outpatient clinics, education, and management. Many graduates advance into specialty or leadership positions, or continue to graduate school for nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist programs.
Meet the Faculty
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Related Programs
Accelerated Nursing
York College of Pennsylvania’s Thornton Accelerated Nursing (ABSN) program is an excellent opportunity for students with previous college education to earn baccalaureate-level nursing credentials in as little as 17 months. Students in the accelerated BSN program learn from faculty who are active professionals in the field, take advantage of our strong clinical partner organizations, and practice in state-of-the-art simulation laboratory facilities.
Nursing (RN to BSN)
Registered nurses who graduated from an accredited program, and meet program requirements are eligible for direct articulation into the Nursing program.
Health Sciences
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Sciences degree program trains students interested in professional medical careers like physical therapist or pharmacist, those interested in administrative healthcare positions, and students seeking careers in community settings and human services.
Medical Laboratory Science
From collecting data to analyzing laboratory results, students in York College’s Medical Laboratory Science program are gaining the skills they need to make an impact in the world of medicine. Whether you see yourself developing new medications for the pharmaceutical industry, conducting medical research in a hospital lab, or finding new ways to bring comfort to animals through veterinary studies – York College can give you the tools to get there.
Medical Imaging
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Imaging degree program helps students embark on rewarding healthcare careers. From learning how to operate an x-ray theater to using technical equipment, students in the Medical Imaging program become experts in the imaging sciences, develop a high standard of patient care, and learn alongside working professionals.
Premedical Sciences
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Premedical Sciences degree program prepares students academically and holistically for competitive pre-professional programs in medicine. If you aspire to pursue a career in medicine, this premed major program offers a comprehensive education in the essential sciences and the foundation necessary for the rigors of medical school, dental school, PA school, pharmacy school, and more.