Nursing
Our bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program encourages students to think critically and radiate integrity – both in and out of the classroom.
About Our Nursing Program
Valparaiso University’s nursing program is one of the most comprehensive and competitive in the country, with multiple degree pathways including a direct admit BSN, accelerated BSN, and an online registered nurse (RN) to BSN option.
General Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow 6% through 2032, with a median pay of $86,070 per year reported in 2023.
On top of growing demand, students of the College of Nursing and Health Professions enjoy a 97.1% graduate outcomes rate, meaning they are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within just nine months of graduation.
Careers for registered nurses (RNs):
- Bedside clinical nursing
- Home health specialist
- Hospice care provider
Many Valpo graduates step into their careers with internships and residencies in prestigious healthcare systems like the Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and Northwestern Medicine. Others enroll in graduate programs that prepare them for careers as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
All first-year students, transfer students, and registered nurses who want to earn a baccalaureate degree – and who have declared nursing as their intended major of study – will be directly admitted into the program.
In step with Valpo’s values, the College of Nursing and Health Professions strives to foster humble servant leaders through intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. Starting year one, our rigorous nursing curriculum complements the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) initiative to deliver a wide-range of foundational courses in natural and social sciences and the liberal arts.
To successfully fill academic requirements for Valpo’s bachelor of science in nursing, the student must complete the following curriculum:
| Nursing: 59 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| NUR 101 | Seminar: Healthcare Profession of Nursing at Valpo | 1 Cr. |
| NUR 201 | Professional Role in Nursing | 3 Cr.* |
| NUR 203 | Health Assessment | 3 Cr.* |
| NUR 210 | Therapeutic Interventions for the Professional Nurse | 4 Cr.* |
| NUR 325 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 341 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 351 | Gerontological Nursing | 3 Cr.* |
| NUR 354 | Nursing Care of Adults I | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 356 | Nursing Care of Adults II | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 415 | Introduction to Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Cr.* |
| NUR 425 | Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 458 | Complex Healthcare Needs of Adults | 4 Cr.* |
| NUR 460 | Public Health Nursing | 5 Cr.* |
| NUR 470 | Management and Leadership Strategies for the Professional Nurse | 3 Cr.* |
| NUR 480 | Professional Role Practicum | 5 Cr.* |
| Interprofessional Education: 6 Credits | ||
| IPE 213 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 Cr.* |
| IPE 318 | Global Health Issue | 3 Cr.* |
| Arts and Sciences: 49 Credits | ||
| VUE 101 | Valparaiso University Experience: Exploring Values | 4 Cr. |
| VUE 102 | Valparaiso University Experience: Finding Your Voice | 4 Cr. |
| REL 100 | Religion and Society | 3 Cr. |
| XS 101 | Wellness and Stress | 1 Cr. |
| ENGL 205 | Writing for Health Sciences | 3 Cr.** |
| BIO 151 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 Cr.* |
| BIO 152 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 Cr.* |
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 Cr.* |
| BIO 260 | Human Nutrition | 3 Cr.* |
| PSY 110 | General Psychology | 3 Cr.* |
| PSY 201 | Statistical Methods | 3 Cr.* |
| PSY 215 | Life Span Development | 3 Cr.* |
| Humanities | 3 Cr. | |
| Second Religious Studies Course | 3 Cr. | |
| One Course from the Following Options: | ||
| CHEM 111 | Introduction to Chemistry | 4 Cr.* |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry I | 4 Cr.* |
| CHEM 131 | General Chemistry I for Chemistry Career | 4 Cr.* |
| Electives: 10 Credits | ||
Please note: No more than four credit hours in applied music, including ensemble, and no more than four credit hours of KIN 101-149 may be applied toward a bachelor of science in nursing. Additionally, no more than six credits may be baccalaureate nursing credits.
* A letter grade of C (2.000) or better is required.
** RN-BSN students will fulfill this requirement by taking NUR 275.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Valparaiso University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20001
Tel: 202.887.6791
www.ccneaccreditation.org
Accelerated BSN Program
Accelerated nursing programs are developed for devoted and ambitious students who are passionate and ready to concentrate on the nursing curriculum. The accelerated nursing program at Valparaiso University is designed for transfer students who have general education and science credits and for individuals seeking a second degree. It leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 15 months.
Admission to the ABSN program at Valparaiso University is competitive and based upon a defined set of criteria. Minimum criteria for admission into Valpo’s accelerated BSN program includes the following:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA in previous college coursework.
- No grade of less than a C in any science course.
- A minimum of 76 transfer credits.
If you are interested in having your transcript reviewed to determine your eligibility for the accelerated nursing program, contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions at 219.464.6335 or email Jessica Segally, academic advisor, at .
The curriculum can be completed in as little as 15 months. The time frame is applicable to students who have completed all prerequisite study and begin the program during Summer Session I, which begins in May. If students have not completed all prerequisite courses prior to starting the program or choose to start at another time, the program length will vary.
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 4 Cr. |
| Life Span Development | 3 Cr. |
| General Psychology | 3 Cr. |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II | 8 Cr. |
| The Human Experience | 8 Cr. |
| Human Nutrition | 3 Cr. |
| Humanities | 3 Cr. |
| Microbiology | 4 Cr. |
| Statistical Methods | 3 Cr. |
The ABSN program requires that students complete at least 67 credit hours of study to earn their degree. Students begin with basic nursing courses focused on the professional role in nursing, health assessments, therapeutic interventions, and social determinants of health.
As students progress throughout the accelerated BSN program, they learn about caring for diverse segments of populations, such as children, adults, and elderly patients. The curriculum also provides students in the accelerated nursing program with courses focused on mental health, public health, global health, and management strategies.
To learn more about the course requirements and credit hours for earning a degree from Valpo’s ABSN, explore the table below.
| Summer Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing 201 | Professional Role in Nursing | 3 Cr. |
| Nursing 203 | Health Assessment | 3 Cr. |
| Nursing 210 | Therapeutic Interventions for the Professional Nurse | 4 Cr. |
| Interprofessional Education 213 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 Cr. |
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing 325 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 351 | Gerontological Nursing | 3 Cr. |
| Nursing 356 | Nursing Care of Adults II | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 415 | Introduction to Nursing Research | 3 Cr. |
| Religious Studies 100 | Religion and Society | 3 Cr. |
| Spring Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing 341 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 354 | Nursing Care of Adults I | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 425 | Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 458 | Complex Healthcare Needs of Adults | 4 Cr. |
| Summer Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing 460 | Public Health Nursing | 5 Cr. |
| Nursing 470 | Management/Leadership Strategies for the Professional Nurse | 3 Cr. |
| Nursing 480 | Professional Role Practicum | 5 Cr. |
| Interprofessional Education 318 | Global Health Issues | 3 Cr. |
Total Credits: 67
Online RN to BSN Program
Further Your Impact, Advance Your Career
Deciding to become a nurse comes from a clear dedication to improve the lives of those around you. At Valpo, we understand that dedication, and we put it into action through our RN to BSN degree. Our program is specially curated, fully online, and fit to coincide with the busy schedules of working RNs. We offer the most versatile program without compromising the quality of education that our university is known for. This program is designed to advance RNs in their careers, equip them to better serve in the healthcare field, and give them the skillset to make them more marketable to employers.
Because our program is fully online, enrolled nurses can expect to complete the program in 16 months without ever setting foot on campus. We also offer individualized assistance in identifying program prerequisites, and ensuring they are fulfilled before the start of the program. RNs who have graduated from an accredited ASN or Diploma program are encouraged to enroll in the program with proof of an unencumbered registered nursing license.
Everyone at Valpo works hard to provide the highest quality of education, and our RN to BSN online program is no exception. At $250/credit hour, you can be sure you are getting the best possible education for the most affordable price statewide.
Become a leader in your field and advance your nursing career.
| Fall Semester | 7 Credits |
|---|---|
| NUR 275 – Transition to Professional Nursing | 4 Cr. |
| IPE 390 – Wellness and Resilience in the Health Professions | 3 Cr. |
| Spring Semester | 8 Credits |
|---|---|
| NUR 415 – Introduction to Nursing Research | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 460 – Introduction to Public Health | 5 Cr. |
| Summer Semester | 9 Credits |
|---|---|
| REL 100 – Religion and Society | 3 Cr. |
| NUR 470 – Management and Leadership Strategies for Professional Nursing | 3 Cr. |
| IPE 318 – Global Health Issues | 3 Cr. |
| Fall Semester | 6 Credits |
|---|---|
| NUR – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare | 3 Cr. |
| HCL 302 – Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues | 3 Cr. |
- ASN from Accredited Program
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- Active RN License
The following courses must be completed prior to starting the RN-BSN Program:
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry with lab | 4 Cr. |
| Anatomy and Physiology I with lab | 4 Cr. |
| Anatomy and Physiology II with lab | 4 Cr. |
| Microbiology with lab | 4 Cr. |
| English Composition | 3 Cr. |
| Philosophy or History | 3 Cr. |
| Humanities | 3 Cr. |
| General Psychology | 3 Cr. |
| Life Span Psychology | 3 Cr. |
| Statistics | 3 Cr. |
| Nutrition | 3 Cr. |
In addition to the above courses, the student will need elective credits to bring a total number of transfer credits to 48 credits.
To Acknowledge Previously Earned Nursing Credit
On successful completion of NUR-275 with a GPA of 2.5 or above, 47 undergraduate nursing credits will be awarded.
A New Career Accelerated
Hala Filipowicz ’20 spent just 15 months in Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, but its mission made a lasting impression on how she viewed her role in the medical field.
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Program Rankings and Highlights
nursing
Meet Our Faculty
Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.
College of Nursing and Health Professions
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