Nursing programs

A needed profession in need of new recruits

The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing at ��ֱ�� prepares future nursing professionals to enter the field ready to provide skillful, compassionate healthcare in virtually every setting, from community health clinics and hospitals to schools and nursing homes to emergency and disaster relief sites. Combining theory with clinical practice, the curriculum develops the skill set necessary for nurses to not only address the physical and psychological needs of their patients across the lifespan, but also to educate and advocate, counsel, research and problem solve with sensitivity and understanding.

In 2024, the program achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for its pre-licensure nursing students. This significant milestone highlights the university’s continued dedication to preparing highly skilled nursing professionals ready to meet the demands of modern healthcare. In addition to the NCLEX success, ��ֱ��’s nursing programs for the fifth consecutive year. The BSN program was also recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as a top-600 program in the country.

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Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers an undergraduate degree in nursing, which is the foundation for a wide range of advanced studies and career options.

RN to BSN Completion Program

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is widely considered a requirement for RNs seeking broader professional responsibilities and career opportunities. Alvernia's RN to BSN Completion Program is designed for registered nurses. It caters to graduates of diploma or associate degree nursing programs, whether new graduates just taking the NCLEX-RN examination or experienced RNs.

Master of Science in Nursing

Alvernia's Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for professional nurses who seek to advance their career in nursing education or leadership/administration. The program offers multiple tracks, preparing professional nurses for advanced roles in educational, administrative or primary health care positions. Each track prepares students to function with confidence in rapidly changing health care and education settings.

Application Instructions

To apply:

Speak to an enrollment counselor
Complete an application
Provide evidence of high school completion/graduation. Documentation may include high school transcript, diploma, GED scores, or equivalent.
Submit official transcripts of all previous college work (if applicable)

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, and visit our FAFSA page to stay up to date on the latest from federal student aid. ��ֱ��’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Career Outlook

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the RN to BSN Completion Program will prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

Emergency Room Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
Nurse Care Manager
Pediatric Nurse
Nurse Navigator
Trauma Nurse
Staff Nurse
Nurse Educator in Collegiate setting
Occupational Health
Nutrition and Fitness
Health Coaching

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, about the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2023 was $86,070.

The Master of Science in Nursing will prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

Leadership and Healthcare Administration Track

Nurse manager and supervisor positions in hospitals, outpatient facilities and long-term care settings
Quality improvement leaders and project managers
Magnet® coordinator
Nurse recruitment and retention roles
Home care service supervisors and managers
Case management positions
Staffing agency leadership positions
Leadership roles in government agencies, nursing associations or nonprofit organizations

Education Track

Nursing faculty positions in LPN, ADN and BSN programs, including classroom, laboratory and clinical roles
Teaching positions in programs offering online education in pre- and post-licensure nursing programs
Staff development education roles in hospital, long-term care or outpatient settings
Clinical nursing instructor
Nurse residency coordinator
Product educators for medical devices and equipment
Representatives to educate, train and market services of simulation services and equipment
Educational product development

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Track

Office practices serving adults from 18 to elders
Freestanding urgent care facilities
Family care clinics
Women’s health services
Hospital-based healthcare practices
Specialty clinics (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, etc.)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2023 was $129,480. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. The median annual wage in 2021 was $110,680.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The expansion of the university’s nursing program, a key component to the second phase of the renovation of the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, will address the need for nurses in the local healthcare industry by relocating, expanding and modernizing ��ֱ��’s John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing. The project will add over 25,000 square feet of classroom and lab space, including a new Healthcare Simulation Center. The state-of-the-art simulation facilities will enhance ��ֱ��’s accredited professional undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs.
Education and leadership track students includes precepted experiences in clinics, hospitals and community health agencies. Students learn through participation with experienced nurse leaders and interprofessional teams on leadership and quality improvement projects to make a positive difference in health care delivery. Faculty assist students to arrange practicum experiences in healthcare facilities near student locations, including Tower Health and Penn State Health affiliated sites.
The new adult-gerontology nurse practitioner track will involve clinical experiences in clinics, private medical practices and other primary care facilities through Tower Health, Penn State, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Wellspan Health and others. The faculty will work with students to assure quality clinical placements where students will gain hands-on experience in the APRN role. Students will learn evidence-based holistic care to promote health and to manage acute and chronic conditions.

Program Accreditation

The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing has full approval from the PA State Board of Nursing.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at ��ֱ�� has received 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. ().