Widener University

What you'll study

The BSN curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory and progressive clinical experiences. Early coursework typically covers human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Core nursing modules focus on health assessment, fundamentals of nursing practice, adult and paediatric care, maternal‑newborn nursing, mental health nursing and community/public health.

Advanced and pathway-specific study areas include:

• Clinical Nursing: complex care management, critical care nursing, advanced clinical practicum and simulation lab experiences to develop assessment, intervention and clinical reasoning skills.
• Nursing Administration: leadership and management in healthcare, healthcare policy, finance and human resources, quality improvement and organisational behaviour.
• Nursing Research: evidence‑based practice, research methods, statistics for nursing, data appraisal and a capstone or project that applies research to clinical problems.

All students complete progressively supervised clinical placements in hospitals, community settings and specialised units, supported by simulation and interprofessional learning activities. The programme culminates in a practicum or capstone experience aligned to the student's pathway or career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent with strong preparation in sciences and maths. Typical prerequisites include high school biology and chemistry and coursework in algebra or statistics; some programmes request college‑level equivalents if available.

Admissions criteria commonly include a competitive academic record (high school GPA or college transcript where applicable), a personal statement or interview, and references. Successful clearance for clinical placements is required and usually involves background checks, immunisation records, health screening, CPR certification and a drug screen.

Applicants who are already licensed practical nurses or who hold an associate degree in nursing should consult Widener for advanced‑placement or RN‑to‑BSN pathways and specific transfer requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination to become Registered Nurses and to work across acute care, community health, long‑term care and outpatient settings. Clinical pathway graduates commonly pursue staff nurse roles in medical‑surgical, emergency, intensive care, paediatrics or obstetrics units.

Those who focus on nursing administration move into charge nurse, unit manager or healthcare coordinator positions and can transition into roles involving policy, quality improvement and operations. Graduates with a research emphasis can work as research nurses, clinical trials coordinators or move into academic and evidence‑based practice roles.

Many alumni continue to postgraduate study (MSN, nurse practitioner programmes, DNP or PhD) to specialise clinically, enter advanced practice, leadership or academic careers.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a nursing programme characterised by small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and extensive simulation facilities that prepare students for real‑world clinical decision making. The curriculum is integrated with clinical placements across a network of regional hospitals and community providers, enabling exposure to diverse populations and care settings.

The nursing programme is accredited by the recognised national nursing accreditor, and faculty bring clinical and research experience from a range of specialities. Widener also emphasises interprofessional education and provides student support services for licensure preparation, clinical skills development and career planning.

Whether your aim is bedside clinical practice, leadership in healthcare organisations, or research and academic work, Widener's BSN pathways provide a structured, practice‑focused foundation and clear routes to postgraduate advancement.