Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is for those interested in becoming a Registered Nurse. Upon graduation from WCU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program our graduates will be able to function as a self-direction professional and should have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career as a profession nurse.

In addition to meeting West Chester University entrance requirements, applicants for nursing must have completed work equal to a standard high school curriculum, consisting of a minimum of 16 units.

Specifically, a student should have four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of mathematics (one of which must be algebra), and two units of science with a related laboratory or the equivalent. A combined score of at least 1000 is expected on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1).

Student Program Outcomes

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 1 80% of students will pass NCLEX on their first attempt Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 2 90% or students will receive a NSL412>73 Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 3 80% of students who submit NSG411 Consumer Issue Paper will receive a grade of 73% or greater Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 4 85% of students who submit NSL 411/412 Evidence Based Practice Paper will achieve a grade of >73% Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 5 70% of NSG412 pre-licensure students will receive an 850 or > on the RN Exit Exam Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 6 80% of Communication Scores on the RN-Exit Exam will exceed 700 Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 7 80% of Critical Thinking Scores on the RN-Exit Exam will exceed 700 Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 8

80% of RN-BSN students will receive a NSL 412 grade of 73 or greater as evidence of adequate critical thinking skills

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Retention 1 80% of students who successfully complete NSG/NSL 212 will graduate with a BSN Program Quality & Effectiveness - Retention 2 80% of RN-BSN students who begin NSG/NSL 311 will graduate with a BSN Program Quality & Effectiveness - Preparation 1 75% of graduates will indicate that they have jobs within one year of graduation Program Quality & Effectiveness - Preparation 2

90% or baccalaureate employers who respond to the Employer Survey, will score 4 (on a 1-5 scale) that the WCU graduate "collaborates" with client and/or appropriate personnel to establish goals & devise plans to meet biopsychosocial health care needs

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Growth 1 30% of respondents to the Alumni Survey will indicate involvement in professional organizations Program Quality & Effectiveness - Growth 2 20% of BSN graduate respondents will indicate achievement of specialty certification Mission & Governance - Student

Students will participate in program governance through inclusion on Curriculum Committee, Curriculum Sub-Committees, Student Affairs Committee, Level III (Junior) and Level IV (Senior)

Mission & Governance - Faculty
  1. Handbook & bylaws
  2. Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog Submissions
  3. Nursing Student Handbook
  4. Meeting attendance
Information Literacy

Students will ethically manage data, information, knowledge, and technology to communicate effectively, will provide safe and effective patient care; and use research and clinical evidence to inform practice decisions.

High school students or graduates interested in the BSN Program:

High school students who are interesting in applying to the nursing program are advised to take biology (including anatomy and physiology), chemistry, and psychology courses if they are available.

If you have questions about the admissions process please contact the Admissions office or call 610-436-3411 .

Students wishing to enter WCU in the Fall of next year should have their applications submitted for admission to the Nursing major as early as you can.

The Admissions Department will screen applications and then extend offers to the most qualified applicants. If you are not offered admission to the Nursing major, but are offered admission to another major or undeclared major please be aware that transferring into the program later is unlikely to occur .

Interest in nursing is currently very high so admission to the major will be very competitive.

WCU Undergraduates or External students wishing to transfer to Nursing

We occasionally can accept a few internal change of majors to nursing in the BSN program. Please view the announcements on the homepage for upcoming Information Sessions.

Historically, we have not had space for external transfers into the traditional BSN program. If you have a bachelor's degree in another discipline our Advance 2 BSN program may be for you.

If you are currently a registered nurse you may be interested in obtaining a bachelor's degree in our BSN for the RN program.

Clinical Experiences & Career Outlook

Students in the BSN program have a wide variety of clinical experiences including acute care, community health, day care centers, schools, retirement centers, nursing homes, and veterans hospitals. Individualized instruction is provided in the clinical setting with a 1:8 faculty/student ratio. A learning laboratory is available on campus to allow students to practice their psychomotor skills prior to actual contact with clients. BSN graduates have obtained jobs in many settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, physicians' offices, etc. Most BSN graduates continue on with graduate study after a few years of experience as a professional nurse.

Please see the WCU Undergraduate Handbook for special requirements for clinical practica.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information about the occupational outlook for Registered Nurses.

The American Nurses Association has documents summarizing the Employment and Earnings of Registered Nurses as of 2010 and a discussion on the Nurse Hiring Outlook and Industry Trends .

Advance-2-BSN (Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program)

The Advance-2-BSN program is for the student with a previously earned baccalaureate degree to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon successful completion of the program graduates are then be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council on Licensure Examination for the RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse. This intensive 18-month program builds upon the student's previous education.

Advance-2-BSN Program Information