
School of Nursing
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.
Explore Nursing Degree Programs

All Programs
See our undergraduate and graduate nursing degree and certificate programs.
Our flexible, Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN program and Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing (BSN) are also available.

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 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.

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.
Post-Master's Certificate Options
Post-Doctoral Certificate Options

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

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

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.

Disaster Simulation Prepares Nursing Students for Emergency Response
Nursing students put their emergency preparedness and response skills to the test during a live disaster simulation on campus.

Student Research in the Spotlight at Honors Week 2022 Presentations
Students in different majors presented their research during Honors Week 2022, including a junior nursing student who raised awareness about human trafficking, and how nurses can help.
What Makes Widener One of the Best Schools for Nursing?
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.

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
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

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!
More School of Nursing Highlights

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 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.

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.

Global Experiences
Undergraduate nursing students have the opportunity to experience health from a global perspective with study abroad experiences in Spain, Peru, and Honduras.
Keep Exploring
Information For
Additional Resources
Get in Touch
School of Nursing Dean's Office
-
Founders Hall, 1st Floor
- 610-499-4213
- school.nursing@widener.edu
School of Nursing Harrisburg Campus Office
-
3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9742
- 717-541-1947
- krsheikh@widener.edu