Dartmouth University

What you'll study

Because Dartmouth does not offer a direct undergraduate nursing degree, students who plan a career in nursing usually combine a standard Dartmouth major with a focused programme of pre‑health coursework and clinical experience. Typical academic elements students complete include:

• Foundational sciences: biology (cell and molecular biology), human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and organic chemistry or biochemistry to meet professional school prerequisites.
• Quantitative and behavioural sciences: statistics, developmental psychology, and courses in public health or epidemiology to support evidence‑based practice.
• Nursing‑relevant electives: coursework in health policy, healthcare ethics, gerontology, pain management, and community health that complement clinical training in professional programmes.
• Research methods: introductory and advanced modules in research design, data analysis and critical appraisal to prepare students for nursing research or administration roles.
• Clinical exposure and practicum: structured volunteer placements, internships, or summer clinical experiences organised through Dartmouth’s pre‑health office and local healthcare partners (including opportunities at Dartmouth Health), providing patient contact and observational experience in acute care, long‑term care and community settings.
• Capstone and seminars: senior seminars, independent research projects or honours theses that allow students to investigate topics such as clinical decision‑making, health systems, or nursing management.

Entry requirements

Admission to Dartmouth is through the College’s general undergraduate admission process; there is no separate entry for a nursing bachelor’s. Prospective students should present a strong academic record suitable for rigorous science courses. For students aiming to move into professional nursing programmes after Dartmouth, typical expectations include:

• A completed undergraduate degree (any major) with a competitive cumulative GPA and successful completion of prerequisite coursework for the nursing programme or accelerated BSN they intend to apply to (often including biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology and statistics).
• Clinical exposure through volunteering, paid work, or internships demonstrating direct patient contact and familiarity with healthcare environments.
• Letters of recommendation (often including at least one from a science faculty member or clinical supervisor) and a personal statement describing motivation for nursing and relevant experience.
• Successful performance on any additional professional‑school application requirements (for example, interviews, supplemental essays, or standardised tests when required by the target nursing programme).

Career prospects

Graduates who move into nursing after Dartmouth typically enter one of several pathways: traditional BSN programmes, accelerated BSN programmes for graduates of other majors, or direct entry master’s programmes that prepare students for registered nurse (RN) roles. Common career destinations include:

• Clinical nursing practice: staff nurse positions in hospitals (medical/surgical, critical care, emergency, paediatrics), community health nursing, and specialty clinics.
• Nursing research: roles assisting clinical trials, health services research, or working with academic groups to develop evidence for practice improvement.
• Nursing administration and leadership: unit management, quality improvement, case management, and roles in healthcare operations after additional experience or graduate study.
• Advanced practice and specialisation: pursuing nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator or nurse anesthetist routes through postgraduate training.
• Policy, global health and public health: roles in health policy, advocacy, and population health that draw on Dartmouth’s strengths in public health and interdisciplinary research.

Why study at Dartmouth University

While Dartmouth does not grant a baccalaureate in nursing, the College provides a strong foundation for future nurses through rigorous science instruction, close faculty mentoring, and robust pre‑health advising. Key advantages for aspiring nurses include:

• Small class sizes and faculty access: close interaction with faculty in both the sciences and humanities helps students develop critical thinking and research skills valued in nursing education and leadership.
• Pre‑health support and clinical links: dedicated pre‑health advisors, organised clinical placement opportunities, and connections with Dartmouth Health and regional hospitals facilitate hands‑on experience and professional networking.
• Interdisciplinary training: the liberal‑arts environment supports combined study in areas such as ethics, health policy, economics and statistics—preparing graduates for leadership, administration and research roles in healthcare.
• Research and internship opportunities: access to undergraduate research, summer fellowships and internships helps students build competitive applications for BSN, MSN and other professional nursing programmes.

Prospective nurses should use Dartmouth as a platform to complete prerequisites, gain clinical experience, and prepare competitive applications for accredited nursing programmes or graduate entry routes leading to registration as a nurse.