Seattle University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing combines foundational biomedical sciences with nursing theory, evidence-based practice and extensive clinical experience. Early coursework typically covers human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment. Core nursing modules focus on medical–surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health nursing, community and public health, gerontology and complex care.

Across the programme students study nursing research methods and statistics, quality improvement, healthcare policy and ethics, leadership and management in nursing, and informatics. Clinical skills are developed in simulation labs and through multiple supervised practicum placements across acute, community and specialty settings, culminating in a senior practicum or capstone project that integrates clinical decision-making, leadership and research or improvement work.

• Foundational sciences: anatomy & physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology
• Core nursing: health assessment, pharmacology, medical–surgical, maternal-child, mental health, community health
• Specialist content: nursing administration, nursing research and evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning for complex patients
• Professional skills: leadership, ethics, interprofessional practice, informatics and quality improvement
• Clinical practicum: simulation-based skills labs and multiple supervised clinical placements across settings

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school completion or equivalent and must meet prerequisite coursework in subjects such as biology, chemistry and mathematics. Admission is competitive and normally requires satisfactory academic achievement in prerequisites, a personal statement or interview, and references. Applicants must also meet professional clinical requirements prior to placement, which commonly include basic life support (BLS/CPR) certification, up-to-date immunisations, a current health check, background check and drug screen where required.

There are commonly alternative entry pathways for applicants who already hold a degree or an associate degree in nursing (RN-to-BSN or accelerated routes). International applicants should demonstrate English language competence in line with university policies. Specific documentation and exact academic thresholds are published by the university and vary by intake and pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit the national licensure examination required to practise as registered nurses and to work across a wide range of healthcare environments. Typical first roles include staff nurse positions in acute care, medical–surgical units, emergency departments, maternal–child services, mental health, community and public health nursing, and long-term care.

With experience and further study, graduates move into clinical specialist roles, nurse educator positions, case management, clinical research nursing, quality and patient-safety roles, and nursing administration or leadership. The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate study (master’s and doctoral programmes) for careers as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse researchers or academic faculty.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University offers a values-driven nursing education grounded in the Jesuit tradition of service and social justice, emphasising person-centred care and working with underserved populations. Teaching combines classroom learning, high-fidelity simulation and diverse clinical placements across the Seattle region, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with a broad range of patient populations and healthcare systems.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, faculty with active clinical experience and mentorship, and academic support designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. The programme’s location in a major metropolitan health hub provides access to varied practicum opportunities and interprofessional collaboration with other health professions.