Receive your bachelor's degree in nursing from a nationally-ranked, accredited program. No matter where you are on your journey to becoming a nurse, Widener's undergraduate nursing program will help you transform your personal education goals into a reality.
In our bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, you’ll join a tradition of nursing excellence that spans more than 50 years. Here, you'll experience the power of hands-on coursework taught by faculty mentors who will be by your side throughout your academic journey connecting you to valuable clinical experiences and preparing you for your future in health care.
No matter where you study, Widener's BSN program will meet you where you are and help you go further, faster—whether it's your first time taking college-level courses, you've taken a few, or you're a seasoned academic with an RN or bachelor's degree in another subject.
Unsure which path to take next? Contact our undergraduate program director for help. We'll look at your academic history and career goals together to determine which pathway is right for you.
Earn your degree in one of two locations:
Chester Campus located 20 minutes from both Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE.
Harrisburg Campus located five miles from the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
You may be eligible to transfer coursework credits into Widener's BSN nursing program. Upon acceptance, you will join the full-time, traditional undergraduate nursing major track as a freshman or sophomore, depending on the number of accepted transfer credits.
Program Details
Full-time, 3-4 year program depending on accepted transfer credits
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in previous course work with a pattern of academic success, particularly in the science courses
Letter of good standing from the dean/director/chair of the nursing program for students whose transcript contains evidence of nursing courses, including a statement indicating the student is eligible to return to the school
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Visit the How to Apply as a Transfer Student page for more information about transferring into Widener, how transfer credits are evaluated, and scholarships especially for transfer students.
As an experienced college student, you may be eligible to propel your nursing education and transfer into our traditional day program as a junior. This unique, full-time program allows you to complete your BSN degree in as little as 5 semesters.
Program Details
Full-time coursework starts in the summer and spans 5 semesters
Reduced tuition for your first semester of summer coursework will save you around $6,000!
Summer tuition at the start of the program is offered at the reduced general Adult & Continuing Studies rate. All other semesters will be billed at the traditional, full-time undergraduate rate. Keep in mind, starting your fall semester, you may be eligible for a transfer scholarship.
You have the option to complete up to 3 graduate-level courses as part of your curriculum giving you the option to complete an MSN degree faster.
60 credits completed; including 4 sciences (chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology I, and anatomy and physiology II), stats, and nutrition courses
3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in previous course work with a pattern of academic success, particularly in the science courses
Letter of good standing from the dean/director/chair of the nursing program for students whose transcript contains evidence of nursing courses, including a statement indicating the student is eligible to return to the school
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Visit the How to Apply as a Transfer Student page for more information about transferring into Widener, how transfer credits are evaluated, and scholarships especially for transfer students.
Waiting List Details
Seat availability for the nursing program is limited. Once seat capacity is reached, students may be placed on a waiting list and they will be notified as seats become available and as soon as possible. Admission into the program is not a guarantee for students placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is not deferred to the next available intake, but students can apply again if so desired.
As a college graduate, you may be eligible to transform credits earned while completing your first bachelor's degree into acceptance into our accelerated second-degree nursing program. This unique, full-time program allows you to complete your BSN degree in as little as 4 semesters.
If you have an associate's degree in nursing from a community college or are a registered nurse (RN) from a diploma program, you may be eligible to join our Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN program. This unique, program can be completed part- or full-time and is offered fully online—no clinical hours or on-site residencies required. As part of the program, you'll complete three graduate courses which grants you the option to fast-track into an accelerated master's program.
Students enrolled in the traditional BSN program—including transfer students—can apply for the 4+2 MSN program in their junior year. The program offers two enrollment options: immediately following baccalaureate graduation from Widener, or within 3 years following baccalaureate graduation from Widener.
Admissions criteria
A maintained minimum 3.5 BSN GPA
Pass the NCLEX exam by the first fall semester following the baccalaureate graduation
Students must remain in progression throughout their undergraduate semesters to be eligible for the scholarship program and be provisionally admitted to the MSN program
Continue your graduate education at Widener through the School of Nursing's robust program offerings which includes master's, doctoral (PhD/DNP), and post-graduate certificates.
of our graduates are practicing RNs within 1 year of graduation.
Hands-on Learning in State-of-the-Art Facilities
No matter where you study, you'll experience hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art facility. At our Center for Simulation and Computerized Testing facilities, you'll problem solve clinical scenarios and learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
Clinical Rotations within Our Network of Top Hospitals
Get matched within our network of more than 60 of the region’s top hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical rotations in your junior and senior year. Whether in a large teaching hospital or small agency environment, you'll gain real-world clinical experience in a variety of specialties.
Community-Based Service Learning
Expand your education beyond the classroom through community-based service learning. Experiences take place in various settings, including Widener's Community Nursing Clinic which offers pro bono medical care to uninsured or underinsured community members, partnerships with local schools and organizations to for local outreach projects, a senior citizens' apartment complex, adult day care centers, schools, and even clients' homes.
Study Abroad and Still Graduate in 4 Years
Widener's unique full-time traditional nursing program offers an opportunity that's hard to find within many other nursing programs—study abroad. Through a partnership with the Universidad San Pablo CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, you can experience your fall semester of sophomore year in Madrid, Spain.
The program includes:
Choice to live with a local host family or in a student dorm
Healthcare-specific visits around Madrid
2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
Excursions and cultural events organized on weekends
Our full-time faculty are committed to your professional and personal success. You’ll benefit from close faculty mentorship from professors who aren’t just teaching the courses but are creating the science of nursing education.
"As a teacher, my role is to help students go beyond the facts. It is equally important to help students grow as people, support their professional and intellectual development, and to expand their world views. Through this growth process, students better understand themselves, their clients, and the clients' experiences."
"My goal is for students to challenge themselves to become life-long learners who contribute new knowledge to this wonderful profession. Both novice and experienced nurses should take risks to seek out new learning experiences that ignite their passion for nursing and drive them toward improving outcomes for their clients."
"My teaching philosophy has its roots in Bandura's Theory of Self-Efficacy. I believe that students learn (and clients change behaviors) through observing others perform activities, doing the activities themselves, having positive feedback provided, and having their anxieties decreased."
There are many ways to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Widener’s program offers an assortment of degree tracks that meet students where they are to help them graduate into the health care field or take the next step in their careers.
Despite unpredictable circumstances created by the pandemic, Widener’s clinics and centers remain committed to serving its constituents through virtual connections and support.
Live and learn with your classmates in the N.E.T (Nurses Educated Together) LLC, while exploring the real-life experiences of nurses and spending time with nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success.
Nursing students can join Widener's ROTC program to help develop leadership abilities by learning critical-thinking skills; the value of character; competence and courage; self-discipline; and team building. ROTC Cadets are eligible to apply for generous scholarships.
I will be so ready for the real world because of the experiences Widener has given me and the professional experiences. I know I will be ready to tackle anything that’s thrown at me.
To visit Widener is, more often than not, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
When comparing costs, we encourage you to look beyond sticker price. Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our exceptional nursing education within reach. For traditional, undergraduate students, review the undergraduate tuition and fees information. Tuition information for other specific pathways can be found in the admissions pathway section of this page.
Our financial aid team takes the guessing game out of applying for financial aid. To determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants, apply and complete the financial aid process. You might be surprised at how much we can offer in assistance.
Next steps to apply
Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward earning your bachelor's degree in nursing. When applying, select "nursing" as your major, regardless of which nursing BSN pathway you desire to pursue.