Alumni will go on to successful careers in:
- Ambulatory Care Centers
- Hospitals
- Home Health
- Outpatient Clinics
- Public Health
- Telemedicine
- Hospice Care
- Case Management
- Education
Nursing Program
- Bachelor of Science
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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 the Saint Vincent College nursing program. 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 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 healthcare 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). Click here to view our BSN Nursing Curriculum Plan.
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
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.
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.
Practice-ready graduates
There are 1,035 hours of clinical practice in the curriculum. 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.
Alumni support
We are prepared to champion your professional and personal aspirations through virtual and in person support groups, networking, and other venues.
Graduate Level Programs
Saint Vincent College offers two graduate-level programs to continue your nursing education. Our Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DE-MSN) enables you to become an advanced practice nurse in various specialties. Our Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) allows you to provide advanced anesthesia care and lead clinical practices.
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:
- 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
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.”
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.”
Curriculum Plan
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 plan, 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.
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Required Courses
Listing of required courses with course numbers and credits.
For a semester-by-semester curriculum plan, click here.
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
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Key Courses
Genetics and Precision HealthThis 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 CareStudents 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 CareThis 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
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 expected to be completed in April 2027.
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.
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.
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 2027.
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:
Test Submission Applicants
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
- 3.25 GPA in science courses (Chemistry and Biology OR Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology)
- Students may be admitted into Pre-Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75-3.24
- Minimum SAT score of 1060, or
- Minimum ACT score of 21, or
- Minimum CLT score of 67
Test Optional Applicants (if not submitting test scores):
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
- 3.25 GPA in science courses (Chemistry and Biology OR Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology).
- Students may be admitted into Pre-Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75-3.24.
- Must participate in an in-person or virtual interview with the freshmen nursing coordinator.
- Submit any additional information or testing as deemed necessary.
Internal transfer applicants (students transferring from other schools within the College):
- 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- 3.0 in all science courses
- Students may be admitted into Pre-Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75-2.99
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 in all science courses
- Students may be admitted into Pre-Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.75-2.99
- Credit transfer is based on the Saint Vincent College transfer policy. Nursing courses completed at other institutions are not accepted for transfer credit.
- Interview with Dr. Helen Burns, Inaugural Director of Nursing
Submit your application or schedule a visit today!
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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:
- 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
- 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing as a fully approved program within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Saint Vincent College is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
As you may know now, the Department of Nursing is seeking CCNE accreditation. In accordance with CCNE accreditation procedures, we extend the opportunity to our communities of interest, i.e. faculty, students, alumni, clinical partners, consumers and community at large to submit written comments regarding our academic programs. Please see the attached letter for instructions and take some time to help us along with this process.
Our Faculty
Director, Center for Excellence & Innovation in Nursing | Instructor
Nursing
724-805-2143 | Dupré Science Pavilion W102
Director, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Nursing
724-805-2631 | Dupré Science Pavilion W221
Rev. Owen Roth, O.S.B., Inaugural Director of Nursing
Nursing
724-805-2613 | Latimer Library 109
Administrative Assistant
Nursing
724-805-2829 | Latimer Library 109
Director, Direct Entry - MSN Program
Nursing
724-805-2676 | Dupré Science Pavilion N164
Program Distinctives
Nursing Program Mission Statement
The Saint Vincent College Department of Nursing, through an interprofessional learning model, will graduate healthcare professionals who will be prepared to provide safe, quality, holistic, scientifically sound, and patient-centered care while optimizing the health and well-being of diverse populations and communities for the betterment of humanity.
Nursing Program Vision StatementThe Saint Vincent College Department of Nursing aims to be a leader in interprofessional education preparing the next generation of health care nursing professionals. The Department of Nursing will incorporate the diverse academic programs and infrastructure of Saint Vincent College, as well as the significant clinical activities and educational resources of diverse organizations across the surrounding region.
Expected BSN Program OutcomesThe BSN program is designed to prepare graduates who, upon graduation:
- Are competent, compassionate nurses who provide equitable, evidence-based, culturally sensitive care to individuals, families, groups, and communities, including vulnerable populations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the context in which professional nurses practice, including the biobehavioral, cultural, political, environmental, economic, ethical, legal, scientific, and spiritual dimensions.
- Exhibit commitment to self-development and the advancement of the profession of nursing through participation in educational, community, and organizational activities.
Integrate knowledge from the biophysical and behavioral sciences, humanities and Benedictine wisdom into the evolving art and science of nursing practice.
Deliver person-centered nursing care to individuals and families across the life span and spheres of care that is grounded in evidence, compassion and ethical conduct.
Participate in community organizations and partnerships to deliver equitable population-based health care that promotes health, diversity, inclusion, and manages disease, and respects social and health traditions and choices.
Contribute to the application of evidence in nursing care delivery, the translation of evidence into practice and the generation of new evidence to improve health care delivery and nursing practice.
Collaborate with health care professionals, individuals, families and others to deliver outcomes-driven care, with attention to diverse, vulnerable and under-served and under-represented populations.
Demonstrate leadership skills that implement, coordinate, and evaluate safe, equitable, and quality care delivery within a variety of settings.