Valparaiso University

What you'll study

The BSN at Valparaiso University combines foundational sciences and liberal-arts coursework with progressive, hands-on nursing courses and supervised clinical experiences. Early coursework typically covers human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan development, and statistics. Core nursing modules focus on health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing practice, medical–surgical nursing, maternal–child and paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and public health nursing, and senior-level integrative care.

Students also complete courses in nursing leadership and management, nursing research and evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and ethics. Many students choose emphasis areas such as nursing administration, nursing research or advanced clinical practice, which shape senior practicum placements and capstone projects. Throughout the programme, learning is reinforced by simulation-based training, skills laboratories and multiple clinical rotations across ambulatory, acute-care and community settings.

Entry requirements

Admission to the nursing programme requires a high-school diploma (or equivalent) and completion of college preparatory coursework including biology and chemistry; additional recommended prerequisites include anatomy & physiology, mathematics and English. Applicants are expected to present a competitive academic record and may be required to submit standardised test scores or results of a nursing pre-admission assessment, depending on the entry pathway.

Once admitted to the university, progression into the professional nursing sequence typically depends on meeting prerequisite course grade thresholds, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA, and completing any programme-specific requirements. Prior to clinical placements students must satisfy health and safety requirements such as immunisations, CPR certification, background checks and drug screening.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for registered nurses and begin practice in a wide range of settings. Typical entry-level roles include staff nurse positions in medical–surgical units, critical care, emergency departments, maternal–child and paediatrics, psychiatric services and community/public health agencies.

With experience and additional education, alumni commonly move into roles in nursing administration and leadership, case management, clinical education, quality improvement, and research coordination. Many BSN graduates pursue graduate study (MSN, DNP or PhD) to specialise in areas such as nurse practitioner practice, nurse-midwifery, nursing administration, clinical nurse specialist roles or academic and research careers.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers a nursing programme built on a liberal-arts core and a mission-driven emphasis on service and ethical practice. Students benefit from small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship, enabling personalised feedback in clinical skills and professional development. The university maintains partnerships with regional hospitals and community health providers, giving students access to diverse clinical placements across care settings.

Instruction is supported by modern simulation and skills laboratories that allow students to practise complex clinical scenarios in a controlled environment before entering patient care. The curriculum’s combination of leadership, research and clinical preparation equips graduates both to provide high-quality bedside care and to pursue advanced roles in administration, education or research.