The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Scranton combines education in nursing skills and a firm grounding in the liberal arts. In keeping with the mission of this Jesuit university, students take classes in philosophy and theology and must complete 40 hours of community service in their first two years of college. The curriculum allows students who wish to study abroad can do so for a semester in their sophomore year without falling behind in the nursing coursework. Clinical experiences at several nearby hospitals begin in the latter half of the sophomore year upon completion of foundation science courses in chemistry, nutrition and microbiology. Juniors and seniors can take elective courses such as a two-semester series in forensic nursing, which deals with the nursing care for both crime victims and perpetrators.
Department of Nursing
The University of Scranton
800 Linden St.
Scranton, PA 18510
570-941-7673
academic.scranton.edu/department/nursing/
Penn State offers a BSN program at its main campus in University Park. As part of the required clinical coursework, students practice nursing skills on mannequins in a simulation lab. Built in 2009, the lab features lifelike mannequins that can be programmed by instructors to display symptoms of almost any illness or condition, from heart attacks to psychiatric emergencies to childbirth. Students must spend the junior or senior year in Hershey for clinical training at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center, a medical campus that includes a children's hospital, psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation center. The school sponsors short-term programs in Sweden, South Africa and Central America for those who wish to study abroad.
School of Nursing
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Health and Human Development E.
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0245
hhdev.psu.edu/nurs/undergrad/BSprogram.html
The University of Pittsburgh's BSN program integrates students into the School of Nursing from the first day of their freshman year. First semester students take a seminar on the basics of the nursing profession and the skills needed to succeed in college. In the second semester, another introductory course focuses on the roles of today's nurses around the world. Freshmen and sophomores may pair up with a junior or senior 'mentor' who can give them advice and guidance. Upperclassmen learn clinical skills at sites around Pittsburgh, including Children's Hospital and the Pittsburgh Veterans Administration Hospital.
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
Victoria Building
3500 Victoria St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-4586
nursing.pitt.edu/index.jsp