Are you ready to add to your nursing skill set and become an advanced practice nurse? Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you for the next step in your nursing career with our Master of Science in Nursing–Nursing Practitioner (MSN-NP).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Philadelphia
Saint Joseph’s University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). As the healthcare field grows and new opportunities emerge, Saint Joseph’s BSN degree program is designed to prepare nurses for professional excellence. The BSN program includes a combination of classroom work, state-of-the-art immersive simulation experiences, and clinical and service learning opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding for nursing students.
94.38%
2023-2024 NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate, among the best in Pennsylvania for BSN programs1
11K sq. ft.
Immersive, interdisciplinary, hyper-realistic clinical simulation space
$86,070
National average starting salary for nursing graduates2
What Sets Our Program Apart
Hands-On Experience
Saint Joseph’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Philadelphia provides students with essential nursing experience. The program features 11,000 square feet of cutting-edge skill laboratories, immersive virtual reality simulations, high-fidelity manikins and standardized patient interactions with actors at the nearby Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), about a mile from campus.
Small Classes Paired with Expert Faculty
At Saint Joseph's University, our commitment to delivering a personalized education is reflected in our small class sizes and experienced faculty. This approach fosters meaningful interactions and enhances learning, allowing students to receive individualized support and mentorship throughout their nursing education.
- Personalized Attention: With small class sizes, students benefit from one-on-one interactions with faculty, ensuring tailored guidance and support.
- Expert Faculty: Our experienced instructors bring a wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise and a passion for teaching to the classroom, enriching the learning experience.
- Collaborative Learning Environment: Students engage in collaborative projects and discussions, promoting a deeper understanding of nursing concepts and teamwork.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Faculty serve as mentors, helping students navigate their academic journey and prepare for successful careers in nursing.
- Commitment to Excellence: Our faculty are dedicated to instilling best practices in nursing, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism among students.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
Prepare for a career providing high-quality healthcare with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Joseph’s University. As the healthcare field grows and new opportunities emerge, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to prepare nurses for professional excellence. BSN graduates have gone on to pursue careers as:
- Nurses (in medical facilities, clinics, retirement communities or home settings)
- Clinical Research Nurses
- Nurse Educators
- Forensic Nurses
- Health Coaches
- Travel Nurses
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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The standard tuition and fees for full-time undergraduates for the 2025–26 academic year are:
- Full-year rate (fall and spring): $55,180
- Additional cost per credit beyond 17 credits: $1,838
Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our undergraduate tuition and fees page or contact us for more information.
Financial aid may be available to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our undergraduate financial aid website.
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Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Why Study Nursing in Philadelphia?
By studying nursing at Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll be connected to a deep network within Pennsylvania’s healthcare sector. Surrounded by more than 250 medical facilities, Philadelphia is known for its high concentration of hospitals and healthcare facilities. You will benefit from a nursing school that has been a regional leader for over a century, with experienced faculty leading well-established coursework, simulation-based learning and hands-on clinical experiences in one of the nation’s key healthcare hubs.
Admission Information
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To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
- High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:
- At least four units of English
- At least three units of social sciences
- At least three units of mathematics (two (2) of which are at least the level of algebra)
- Two (2) units of science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (one (1) of which must be biology)
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please contact the Office of Admission for additional information.
- A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:
In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:
- Class rank
- Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
- Community service
- Healthcare-related service
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To apply for this program, complete an application via the common app or via Saint Joseph's. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
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Applications for high school students are available beginning Aug. 1 of your senior year. For a full timeline of deadlines and additional information, visit our admission page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate-level degree that introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the healthcare system.
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The 2023-2024 NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) total pass rate for Saint Joseph’s University’s program is 94.38%, one of the highest among any nursing program in Pennsylvania.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $86,070.
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For the in-person nursing program, excluding off-site clinical courses, the average class size is 40 students.
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Students enrolling in the traditional BSN program can expect to earn their degree in four years.
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According to the American Nurses Association, the highest degree that can be earned is a Doctorate in Nursing (PhD or DNP). A PhD in nursing focuses on research and advanced knowledge in the nursing field. A DNP in nursing is practice-based for hands-on nurses to pursue higher clinical positions with leadership roles and increased pay.
Explore Other Degree Programs
Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) offers the opportunity to expand your clinical nursing skills by pairing rigorous classroom learning with time in Pennsylvania’s most advanced simulation lab. From the day you’re accepted, you are guaranteed clinical placements at some of the area’s leading health care organizations.
Saint Joseph's University's Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for individuals who have an RN license and an associate in nursing. This award-winning program enables busy nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree through flexible, individualized scheduling. For the practicing nurse, we provide courses that build upon your existing professional expertise and provide additional opportunities for personal and professional growth.