Widener's renowned school for nursing prepares nurses to excel in the ever-expanding health care industry. We educate undergraduate and graduate nurses with the knowledge, skills, and leadership experiences to get good jobs and quickly advance in their careers. 

Recognized & Respected as One of the Best Schools for Nursing in Pennsylvania

Located in the Greater Philadelphia region, we offer an array of nursing programs including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing education and nursing practice.

We're one of only six schools recognized by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center of Excellence in Advancing the Science of Nursing Education, and in 2020 we were also designated as a Center of Excellence in a second category in the area of Enhancing Student Learning and Professional Development. That means, you'll be studying at one of the top nursing schools in the country. 

With unique powerhouse programs in undergraduate and graduate nursing, two convenient locations in Chester and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a number of flexible, accelerated program options, you're on your way to carving out a distinguished path to a successful and fulfilling career in the nursing profession.  

Anne Krouse Dean, School of Nursing, Widener University
Anne M. Krouse, PhD, MBA, RN-BC
Dean of School of Nursing

Explore Nursing Degree Programs

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing BSN students receive Faculty Mentorship in School of Nursing Sim Lab

Undergraduate Program

High school students can enter the 4-year nursing program as a freshman. Accelerated options also exist for advanced transfer students, and registered nurses.

Graduate Nursing Student in Widener University School of Nursing Sim Lab

Graduate Programs

Offered in hybrid format and in person, our master's and doctoral programs prepare graduates to excel as leaders in nursing practice and education.

Widener University School of Nursing Founder's Hall through Cherry Blossoms

Main Campus Programs

Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, our Main Campus offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral nursing degrees. 

Widener University School of Nursing Harrisburg Campus Aerial

Harrisburg Campus Programs

For Central Pennsylvania residents, our Harrisburg Campus brings many of our renowned programs to a more convenient location for you.

Recent News

Kelsey Byrd poses in front of the Widener University sign in cap, gown and stethoscope.

All in the Family: Nursing Graduate Becomes Third Generation Widener Nurse

Four years ago, we met Kelsey Byrd, a freshman who followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother to enroll in Widener’s nursing program. Now, as a member of the Class of 2022, Kelsey reflects on her transformative college experience and what it means to be the newest Widener nurse in the family.

View All Nursing News Noteworthy Updates

What Makes Widener One of the Best Schools for Nursing?

Widener School of Nursing Crisis Simulation for BSN students. If you're looking for one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania, come and explore Widener

Our Nursing Programs Offer Hands-On Experience

Our students are immersed in clinical experiences, both on and off campus in the Greater Philadelphia region, applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations, benefiting from dedicated faculty who provide individualized support and guidance, and developing leadership skills that lead to successful, fulfilling careers.

Widener School of Nursing Students present at Research Symposium—Widener is considered one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

Our Students and Faculty Are Involved in Industry-Shaping Research

Our faculty and graduate students have a passion for innovation and research. Widener nursing research has made significant contributions to the science of nursing, improving health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities and generating a body of evidence to improve outcomes in nursing education.

School of Nursing Highlights

2020 National League for Nursing Center of Excellence

For enhancing student learning and professional development

2020 Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education
Nursing students in clinicals

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 16th in the Mid-Atlantic region and 8th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

1 of 6

schools nationwide designated as a Center of Excellence for Advancing the Science of Nursing Education.

More about NLN Centers of Excellence designations
Founders Hall, home to Widener's School of Nursing, at dusk

Top 50 in Nation

Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #46 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.  

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

 

2 Convenient Locations

Programs offered at both our Main Campus and Harrisburg Campus.

Explore our programs

Accredited Programs

Our bachelor's, master's, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

More about CCNE accreditation
Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Best Master of Science in Nursing

Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

Source: Intelligent

96%

of our graduates are practicing RNs within 1 year of graduation.

Lab and Clinicals

With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio in clinical settings, you'll practice in a supportive, individualized learning environment.

NAFC 2021 Gold Standards rating nursing clinic

2021 Gold Rating

Earned by the Widener Community Nursing Clinic at CityTeam two years in a row for its delivery of high-quality health care to underinsured and uninsured members of the community.

NAFC Quality Standards Program

Partnership Hospitals

Students learn from experienced nurses and advanced practice registered nurses across the Delaware Valley. Clinical experiences at partner institutions offer students the opportunity to get real-world experience at these institutions, preparing them to be practice-ready when they graduate.

  • Crozer-Chester Medical Center
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children
  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
  • Temple University Hospital
  • Cooper Medical Center

Upcoming Events

Founders Hall

Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Information Session

06
Jun
-
Zoom

Join us to learn more about the Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) program at Widener University. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about curriculum, speak with program faculty and ask questions with admissions staff. All attendees will be offered an application fee waiver!

All School of Nursing Events

More School of Nursing Highlights

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing BSN students receive faculty mentorship in School of Nursing Sim Lab—Widener is considered one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

Faculty Who Invest in Your Success

In a recent survey, the majority of nursing graduates credit faculty as the best part of their experience at Widener. Here, faculty are more than just teachers. Students learn from full-time faculty (not just TAs) who guide and genuinely care about each student's success.

BSN Degree nursing student learns in Widener University School of Nursing State of the Art Nursing Facilities—Widener is considered one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology

We give students the opportunity to learn in an environment that simulates realistic clinical experiences that prepare them for real-world situations. The simulation labs allow students to learn hands-on skills, giving them opportunities to make mistakes without harming anyone, strengthening critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making abilities.

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing BSN student Works in School of Nursing Community Clinic in Pennsylvania. Pursue a BSN degree and earn a nursing BSN at one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

Gaining Experience While Serving the Community

In partnership with Cityteam, we operate a community nursing clinic in Chester, Pennsylvania that provides free health care to those without insurance. Our undergraduate and graduate nurse practitioner students gain hands-on experience while serving those in need.

Widener School of Nursing BSN Nursing degree student studies abroad—Widener is considered one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

Global Experiences

Undergraduate nursing students have the opportunity to experience health from a global perspective with study abroad experiences in Spain, Peru, and Honduras.

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