La Roche University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a professionally oriented undergraduate degree that prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses and for roles in administration, research and clinical specialisms. The curriculum mixes core nursing theory, pathophysiology and pharmacology with liberal arts courses to support critical thinking, ethical practice and communication.

• Foundations of Nursing: introductory nursing concepts, health assessment, fundamentals of patient care and professional roles and responsibilities.
• Clinical Sciences: anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology that underpin safe clinical practice.
• Medical–Surgical Nursing and Specialties: adult health, maternal–child nursing, paediatrics, mental health and community/public health nursing across acute and ambulatory care settings.
• Clinical Practice and Simulation: progressive clinical placements in affiliated hospitals and community agencies accompanied by simulation lab experiences to develop hands-on skills, clinical judgment and interprofessional teamwork.
• Nursing Administration: courses in leadership, healthcare systems, finance and quality improvement for students pursuing management and supervisory roles.
• Nursing Research: research methods, evidence-based practice and statistics with opportunities to participate in faculty-led studies or complete a research project.
• Advanced Clinical Practice: in-depth clinical reasoning, care coordination and specialty practicum experiences for students focusing on advanced bedside skills or preparation for graduate study.
• Capstone and Professional Development: culminating practicum or capstone project that integrates clinical learning, research literacy and transition-to-practice readiness.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet general university admission criteria and the specific prerequisites for the nursing major. Entry is competitive and typically assessed on academic preparation, relevant coursework and evidence of readiness for clinical study.

• High school diploma or equivalent with satisfactory performance in core science and mathematics courses; college transfer applicants should supply official college transcripts.
• Prerequisite coursework in biology (with lab), chemistry (with lab), anatomy & physiology and often introductory psychology; exact prerequisite lists should be confirmed with the admissions office.
• A minimum cumulative GPA as specified by the nursing programme; competitive applicants commonly present strong academic records.
• Documentation of health requirements for clinical placement, which may include immunisations, physical examination, TB screening and CPR certification.
• Background check and drug screening as required by clinical partners; students must be eligible for clinical placements to complete the programme.
• Applicants may be asked to provide letters of recommendation, a reflective statement of interest in nursing, and to participate in an interview or screening process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination to become registered nurses and to enter a wide range of clinical and non-clinical roles. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in nursing and related health professions.

• Staff nurse roles in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long-term care and community health settings.
• Clinical specialist roles and opportunities to pursue certification in areas such as critical care, oncology, maternal–child health or psychiatric nursing.
• Leadership and management positions including charge nurse, nurse manager or roles in healthcare administration.
• Research support and coordinator roles in clinical research settings, or progression to graduate study leading to nurse researcher or clinical scientist careers.
• Education and training roles, including opportunities to move into academic or staff education positions with additional qualifications.
• Public health, case management and care coordination roles across community and population health programmes.

Why study at La Roche University

La Roche offers a nursing education grounded in a liberal arts tradition and informed by a mission of service and ethical practice. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, close faculty mentorship and a hands-on curriculum designed to build clinical competence, leadership and professional judgement.

• Strong clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and healthcare agencies that provide diverse practicum placements across acute, ambulatory and community settings.
• Modern simulation facilities that allow students to rehearse complex scenarios and refine technical and communication skills before clinical placements.
• Faculty with active clinical backgrounds who integrate current practice, research literacy and interprofessional collaboration into teaching.
• Opportunities to engage in nursing research projects, quality improvement initiatives and community outreach consistent with the programme's emphasis on evidence-based practice and service.
• A supportive campus environment that includes academic advising, career services and resources to help transition into professional practice or further study.