Nursing
School of Health Sciences
Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. W219 · (570) 327-4525
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the nursing degree options available to me at Penn College?
- Are there prerequisites for the nursing program?
- How does the selection process work?
- Can a transfer student be accepted into the nursing program?
- Where are the nursing clinical sites located?
- Who should I contact if I need additional information?
Q: What are the nursing degree options available to me at Penn College?
A: For those interested in nursing, the College offers four different options. The first is the Practical Nursing certificate major, a three-semester curriculum which prepares students for licensure as a practical nurse. A secondary aim of this major is to prepare the graduate for transfer into an associate- or bachelor-degree nursing major or other health-related field of study. Practical nurses share in the care of the sick, in rehabilitation, and in the prevention of illness while under the direction of a physician, dentist, or registered professional nurse.
The Nursing associate degree major prepares students for licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates with an associate’s degree are prepared to assume positions as staff nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-related agencies. The graduate has the foundation to pursue a baccalaureate degree and/or enter the work force when licensed.
Penn College also offers a bachelor of science degree in Nursing. The BSN Completion major affords Licensed RNs the opportunity to choose nursing and related electives, which contribute to individual educational goals. Nontraditional scheduling, personalized advising, and online courses help students prepare for the graduate education, career enhancement, and personal/professional growth. Full- and part-time options are available. The BSN Traditional major is designed to prepare individuals (with no prior health care education) with the opportunity to provide professional holistic nursing care to clients in a variety of health care settings. Graduates of this major will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for Registered Nursing.
Q: Are there prerequisites for the nursing program?
A: All applicants who have not previously completed college-level course work must take the placement examinations, and must remediate any deficiencies identified through their performance on those examinations prior to being ranked for admission into a nursing major. Additionally, to be considered for enrollment in an associate-degree nursing major, the applicant must have completed high school general chemistry or a college level chemistry course within the last 10 years, with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
Q: How does the selection process work?
A: All candidates in the practical nursing and associate-degree majors are initially accepted as pre-nursing students. Typically, the student completes one year of general education courses as a pre-nursing student while earning points to make him/her competitive for admission to the nursing major of interest. During the pre-nursing phase, the student takes courses such as BIO 115, 125, 201, ENL 111, PSY 111, and MTH 124, or higher, as well as courses in other disciplines as required by the major.
In January and June of each year, students are selected for the major and offered admission. All students begin in August regardless of when the selection occurs. Those students with the highest number of points are offered admission until the admission quota is reached is each major: 40 (practical nurse), 56 (registered nurse), and 25 (traditional B.S).
Visit our Special Admission Requirements page for more information.
Q: Can a transfer student be accepted into the nursing program?
A: Each year, the program has accepted students who transfer to Penn College from other institutions. As a transfer student, the number of possible points earned is limited; Penn College students are given preference.
Q: Where are the nursing clinical sites located?
A: Students have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in their clinical skills by providing care to patients in acute, intermediate, and long-term care agencies in Lycoming, Clinton, Northumberland, Columbia, and Union counties. Clinical practice begins within the first month of the associate and practical nursing majors.
Q: Who should I contact if I need additional information?
A: Further questions about the nursing program, the selection process, or the point system can be directed to the Director of Nursing at (570) 327-4525. Questions about the status of your application, receipt of transcripts, or other parts of your application should be directed to the Admissions Office at (570) 327-4761 or (800) 367-9222.