Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The BSN is a comprehensive four‑year programme that combines foundational liberal arts and sciences with progressively advanced nursing coursework and clinical practicum. Core topics include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, evidence‑based practice, nursing ethics and population health.

• Clinical Nursing track: adult health, paediatrics, maternal‑child nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, critical care and acute care nursing with multiple supervised clinical rotations in hospital and community settings.
• Nursing Administration track: leadership and management in nursing, healthcare finance, quality improvement, human resources for healthcare, organisational behaviour and policy for those preparing for supervisory and administrative roles.
• Nursing Research track: research methods, biostatistics, design and conduct of clinical studies, data interpretation and translation of research into practice; students are encouraged to participate in faculty‑led projects.

Students also benefit from simulation‑based learning in advanced clinical skills labs, interprofessional education with medicine, dentistry and social work students, and progressively responsible clinical placements at affiliated hospitals and community partners. The curriculum includes preparation for licensure as a Registered Nurse and emphasises evidence‑based practice and cultural competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet Case Western Reserve University’s general admission standards. Typical prerequisites for the nursing programme include courses in biology (with lab), chemistry (general or organic, with lab), human anatomy and physiology, and college‑level mathematics or statistics. Strong academic performance in science courses and a competitive overall GPA are expected.

• Submission of transcripts from secondary education (and any college coursework).
• Personal statement or essay describing motivation for nursing and relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested as part of the holistic review.
• Some applicants will have to demonstrate completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and meet standard health requirements (immunisations, TB screening) prior to clinical placements.
• Background checks and drug screening are routine requirements before clinical rotations.

Standardised test requirements and specific GPA thresholds can vary; prospective applicants should consult the school for current admissions criteria and for information on transfer or accelerated entry routes for those with prior college credits or degrees.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination to become Registered Nurses and typically begin careers in acute care hospitals, community health centres, primary care clinics, long‑term care, public health agencies and home health services.

• Clinical roles: staff nurse, charge nurse, critical care nurse, emergency or acute care nurse, paediatric or neonatal nurse.
• Administration and leadership: nurse manager, unit coordinator, quality improvement specialist or clinical operations supervisor (often with additional experience or postgraduate study).
• Research and academia: clinical research coordinator, research assistant or, with graduate study, nurse researcher and faculty positions.
• Other pathways: nurse educator, policy analyst, case manager, occupational health nurse and roles in healthcare consulting or industry.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study (MSN, DNP, PhD) to specialise further, advance into leadership, or pursue nurse practitioner and advanced practice roles.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve’s nursing programmes are delivered through a research‑intensive university with close clinical partnerships, offering students access to large teaching hospitals and diverse clinical placements. The school emphasises interprofessional education, enabling nursing students to work alongside medical, dental and allied health students on patient‑centred projects.

• Strong clinical affiliations provide a wide range of practicum sites across acute, community and specialty care settings.
• Robust simulation facilities and skills labs let students practise procedures and decision‑making in realistic, supervised environments.
• Opportunities for undergraduate research and collaboration with faculty in nursing science and interdisciplinary health research.
• Curriculum that integrates leadership, quality improvement and evidence‑based practice to prepare graduates for both bedside care and organisational roles.

The programme aims to produce graduates who are clinically competent, research‑informed and prepared for the evolving demands of healthcare delivery and leadership.