Cost & earnings at Benedictine University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor in Registered Nursing at Benedictine University prepares students for professional practice as registered nurses, combining liberal‑arts breadth with intensive clinical and laboratory training. The programme suits school leavers and working RNs seeking a baccalaureate qualification, and supports progression into clinical specialisms, leadership or graduate study.
The BSN curriculum blends general education with progressive nursing theory, clinical practice and research methods. Early study builds foundational sciences and concepts in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry and pharmacology, followed by focused nursing coursework in medical–surgical care, maternal–child health, paediatrics, mental health/psychiatric nursing and community/public health.
Core nursing topics typically include pathophysiology, health assessment, clinical decision making, evidence‑based practice, nursing ethics and professional issues. The programme includes simulation laboratory work and multiple supervised clinical placements in acute, ambulatory and community settings to develop hands‑on assessment, technical and communication skills.
Advanced and integrative modules cover leadership and nursing administration, quality improvement, research methods and application of research to practice, preparing students for roles in clinical nursing, administration and participation in research projects. A capstone or practicum experience synthesises clinical, managerial and research learning, and may include population health projects or organisational improvement initiatives.
Applicants for the pre‑licensure BSN are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and to have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry and sometimes anatomy & physiology and college‑level mathematics. Admissions typically consider academic performance (high school or college GPA), completion of required science prerequisites with satisfactory grades, and any required application materials such as references, a personal statement and documentation of immunisations.
Because nursing programmes involve direct patient contact, admitted students must meet health and safety requirements including up‑to‑date immunisations, current basic life support (BLS/CPR) certification, and successful completion of background checks and drug screening. Some cohorts may require a standardised nursing pre‑admission test (for example, the TEAS) and/or an interview or assessment day.
Registered nurses seeking a BSN (RN‑to‑BSN) should hold an active, unencumbered RN licence and submit transcripts from prior nursing education; advanced standing or credit for prior learning is commonly available for qualified RNs.
Graduates with a BSN from Benedictine University are prepared for licensure as registered nurses and for employment across the health‑care system. Common first destinations include medical‑surgical units, emergency departments, intensive care, maternity and neonatal units, paediatrics, mental health services and community/public health organisations.
Beyond bedside practice, the programme’s emphasis on research, leadership and administration opens pathways into nursing administration, case management, quality improvement, clinical education and research assistant roles. A BSN is also the usual prerequisite for graduate study (MSN, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) and for many leadership and management positions in health services.
Benedictine University combines a liberal‑arts foundation with professional nursing preparation. Students benefit from relatively small class sizes, accessible faculty with clinical backgrounds, and hands‑on learning in simulation labs that mirror hospital environments. The university’s location provides access to a wide range of clinical placement sites across the local health‑care network, supporting diverse clinical experiences.
The programme emphasises ethical practice, community engagement and evidence‑based care, reflecting Benedictine’s mission to form competent, compassionate professionals. Support services such as academic advising, clinical skills coaching and career services help students progress to licensure and employment, while RN‑to‑BSN and accelerated pathways provide flexibility for working nurses and career changers.
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