We educate nurses with the knowledge, skills, and leadership experiences to get good jobs and quickly advance in their careers. 

Recognized. Respected.

Widener's School of Nursing is nationally recognized and respected for preparing nurses to excel in the ever-expanding health care industry.

We're one of only seven schools recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Advancing the Science of Nursing Education, which 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 M. Krouse
Anne M. Krouse, PhD, MBA, RN-BC
Dean of School of Nursing

Explore School of Nursing Degree Programs

Nursing Students in Sim Lab

All Programs

See our undergraduate and graduate nursing degree and certificate programs.

Faculty Mentorship in Sim Lab

Undergraduate Programs

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

Graduate Nursing Student in 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.

nursing student meets with faculty

Post-Graduate Certificates

Enhance your master's or doctoral degree to prepare for new roles in research, education, and practice. Certificates can be completed in 18 to 24 months of part-time study.

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. 

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.

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Hands-On Clinical Experiences

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.

Nursing Research Symposium

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.

Roaring Success

Our nationally recognized programs will lead you into a successful education, career, and future.

Nursing students in clinicals

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 24th in the Mid-Atlantic region and 10th 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

2 Convenient Locations

Programs offered at both our Main Campus and Harrisburg Campus.

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Accredited Programs

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

More about CCNE accreditation

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.

2020 Gold Rating

Earned by the Widener Community Nursing Clinic 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

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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.

State of the Art Nursing Facilities

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.

Nursing Clinic

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.

Nursing Study Abroad

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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