Nursing student smiling while holding a book bag on her shoulder and a clipboard in her hand. Other nursing students appear to be in the background.

Earn Your BSN in Four Years at SRU

SRU's Nursing BSN (1+2+1) allows you to complete your degree efficiently and effectively by partnering with CCBC and AHN. Learn more!

Nursing BSN (1+2+1)

Offered by: Nursing

The 1+2+1 nursing program at SRU is a unique and innovative model designed to help students complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This pathway offers an accessible and flexible route to becoming a registered nurse. The program allows students to spend their first and fourth years at Slippery Rock University and their second and third years at the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), where they earn an associate of science degree in nursing (ASN) OR Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Schools of Nursing, where they earn a diploma degree in nursing. Upon successful completion of the third year of study, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and begin working as registered nurses (RNs). The BSN degree is completed in an online format that accommodates the schedule of a working professional.

Why Choose the Nursing BSN?

You should choose the SRU Nursing BSN for the following reasons:

  • Personalized Support: Benefit from access to dedicated faculty mentors, career advisors, and support services at both institutions.
  • Close-knit Community: Develop a strong sense of community through engagement with faculty, peers, and local healthcare professional.
  • Extensive Clinical Training: Students gain direct care experience in diverse healthcare settings through clinical rotations at both community college or diploma schools of nursing and university partners.
  • Preparation for NCLEX-RN: Strong clinical preparation ensures readiness for the RN licensure exam and entry into the workforce.
  • High Demand for Nurses: The healthcare industry is experiencing a nursing shortage, making this program an excellent opportunity for job security upon graduation.
  • Early Entry into Workforce: Students can start working as RNs earlier than traditional four-year BSN graduates, giving them a head start in their careers.

What Will You Learn?

The 1+2+1 program is designed to prepare future registered nurses (RNs) for successful careers in a variety of healthcare settings. With a focus on evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and compassionate care, the curriculum prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession.

The program includes clinical experiences in hospitals, community health settings, and other healthcare facilities. Students gain real-world experience by working with diverse patient populations.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to enter the workforce as competent, compassionate RNs, take on leadership roles in healthcare, and pursue advanced degrees in nursing and related fields.

Careers In Nursing

Nursing is one of the most versatile and in-demand professions, offering opportunities in various settings, specialties, and roles such as:

Clinical Roles:

  • Hospital Nursing: Work in various departments such as emergency, surgery, intensive care, pediatrics, or maternity.
  • Primary Care: Provide care in clinics, doctor's offices, or urgent care centers.
  • Home Health Nursing: Care for patients in their homes, often focusing on chronic illness management or post-surgery recovery.
  • Long-Term Care and Nursing Homes: Provide care for elderly patients or those needing extended recovery.

Specialized Nursing Fields:

  • Pediatric Nurse: Work with children in hospital or clinic settings.
  • Critical Care Nurse: Care for patients in intensive care units (ICU) or emergency rooms (ER).
  • Oncology Nurse: Work with cancer patients, assisting with treatments like chemotherapy.
  • Surgical or Perioperative Nurse: Assist in operating rooms, both during and after surgery.
  • Psychiatric Nurse: Provide care for patients dealing with mental health issues in hospitals, psychiatric clinics, or outpatient settings.

Administrative and Leadership Roles

  • Nurse Manager: Supervise nursing staff in hospital departments or long-term care facilities.
  • Director of Nursing: Oversee nursing operations in a healthcare facility.
  • Healthcare Administrator: Manage hospital departments, clinics, or entire healthcare organizations.

Travel Nursing

  • Travel to different regions or countries to fill temporary nursing shortages. Travel nurses enjoy flexible schedules and competitive pay.

Research and Education

  • Nurse Researcher: Conduct research to improve healthcare practices, treatments, and patient outcomes.
  • Health Policy Analyst: Work with governmental or non-governmental organizations to shape healthcare policies and regulations.
  • Occupational Health Nurse: Provide care in corporate or industrial settings, focusing on workplace health and safety.

Non-Clinical Roles

  • Nursing Informatics: Work at the intersection of nursing and technology, helping to implement and improve healthcare software systems.
  • Healthcare Consultant: Provide expertise to healthcare organizations on improving patient care or administrative efficiency.
  • Public Health Nurse: Work in government or community organizations to promote health education and disease prevention.

SRU NURSING ADMISSION CRITERIA

First-Year Students must have the following:

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • Successful completion the following high school courses: Mathematics - 2 units (1 unit of Algebra required), Science - 2 units w/a lab (Biology & Chemistry preferred), English - 4 units, & Social Studies - 3 units.
  • SAT score - minimum 1250 (waived for the Fall 2025 class only).
  • TEAS Exam - minimum 80% on reading comprehension.

Transfer Students must have the following:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • TEAS Exam - minimum 80% on reading comprehension.

Earn your BSN at SRU!

Slippery Rock University's Nursing BSN (1+2+1) program offers an innovative and affordable pathway to achieve your dreams of working in the healthcare industry. Our faculty can't wait to meet you. Interested in learning more? Request more information today!