University of Michigan

What you'll study

The BSN curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory and extensive clinical experience. Early years typically cover human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan development, statistics and liberal arts prerequisites. Core nursing modules include health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing practice, adult medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and public health nursing, and nursing ethics.

Across the programme students engage with evidence-based practice and nursing research, learning research methods, biostatistics and how to translate research into practice. Leadership and management content covers healthcare systems, quality improvement, healthcare policy, finance and human resource issues relevant to nursing administration.

Clinical learning is delivered through a combination of simulation lab work, skills workshops and supervised placements in hospitals and community settings. Students complete progressive clinical practicum hours that increase in complexity and responsibility, culminating in integrative practicum or capstone projects. Electives and guided pathways enable deeper focus on areas such as nursing administration (leadership practicum, organisational behaviour), nursing research (research practicum, honours projects) and advanced clinical nursing (specialty clinical rotations, advanced assessment).

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed secondary education with strong preparation in sciences and mathematics. Typical prerequisites include biology with lab, chemistry with lab, and coursework in mathematics or statistics; coursework in English and social sciences is also expected. Admissions to the nursing programme are competitive and consider academic record, prerequisite performance, relevant healthcare or volunteer experience and a personal statement.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong communication skills, evidence of teamwork and coping with clinical environments, and professional suitability for nursing. Typical additional requirements include up-to-date immunisations, CPR certification, and the ability to pass background checks and health screenings required by clinical partners. Applicants with prior college credit or as registered nurses seeking a BSN follow tailored pathways and should check specific course equivalency and admission steps with the School of Nursing.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to sit required national licensure exams to practise as registered nurses and commonly begin careers in acute care hospitals, community health agencies, primary care clinics and long-term care facilities. With clinical experience, graduates often progress into specialty bedside roles (critical care, emergency, oncology, paediatrics, maternity), advanced clinical practice (with further graduate study), or roles in case management and care coordination.

Those who concentrate in nursing administration move into charge nurse, nurse manager, unit director and other leadership positions overseeing teams, budgets and quality improvement initiatives. Graduates who focus on nursing research commonly work as clinical research coordinators, quality improvement analysts or pursue graduate study leading to nurse researcher roles in academic, hospital or industry settings.

The degree also provides a foundation for further professional development — many alumni pursue master's and doctoral nursing programmes (MSN, DNP, PhD) to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse leaders or faculty.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is embedded within a large research-intensive university and benefits from strong clinical partnerships with Michigan Medicine and a network of regional healthcare providers, offering access to diverse clinical placements and research opportunities. Students learn in high-fidelity simulation labs and through interprofessional education initiatives alongside medicine, pharmacy, social work and allied health disciplines.

Faculty at the School combine clinical expertise and research scholarship in areas such as health systems, chronic disease management, ageing, mental health and implementation science. The school supports student-led organisations, leadership development programmes, community engagement and opportunities for interdisciplinary research and global health experiences, all of which prepare graduates for varied career trajectories in nursing and healthcare leadership.