Earn your undergraduate BSN from a leader in nursing education.
Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a transfer student, or a college graduate looking to earn your BSN degree, we can help you become the nurse you are meant to be. GMercyU’s BSN degree program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commissions on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
One of the most established undergraduate nursing programs in Philadelphia, GMercyU’s Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions has built a reputation for innovation and leadership in nursing that spans more than 60 years. We have a long history of preparing excellent nurses who not only have outstanding clinical skills, but are known for providing compassionate care that focuses on the whole patient.
We are incredibly proud of how our nursing graduates have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic – read their stories on our Griffin Heroes page.
As one of the top nursing schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, GMercyU offers a combination of educational advantages you won’t find elsewhere. With personal attention in and out of the classroom from experts in the field, you will develop your sense of professional ethics as well as the leadership, interpersonal, and technological skills you need to be a well-rounded nurse.
We offer:
Licensure: This program was designed to meet national licensure requirements. Carefully review the process of your home state’s licensure requirements. For more information, please visit our Program Licensure Requirement page.
In addition to your general education requirements, you will complete the following courses as part of your undergraduate bachelor's degree in nursing.
NUR 208 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 credits |
NUR 209 | Fundamentals of Nursing Practice | 4 credits (3 classroom / 1 lab) |
NUR 212 | Health Assessment in Nursing | 3 credits (2 classroom / 1 lab) |
NUR 219 | Nursing Medication Mathematics | 1 credit |
NUR 324 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Integrated Concepts | 4 credits |
NUR 307 | Nursing Care of Adults | 6 credits (4 classroom / 2 clinical) |
NUR 313 | Contemporary Issues in Professional | 2 credits |
NUR 316 | Nursing Care of Clients with Alterations in Behavioral Health | 4 credits (3 classroom / 1 clinical) |
NUR 317 | Nursing Care of Women, Children, and Families | 5 credits (3 classroom / 2 clinical) |
NUR 319 | Nursing Care of Adults with Complex Health Care Problems | 5 credits (3 classroom / 2 clinical) |
NUR 413 | The Older Adult | 3 credits |
NUR 417 | Genomics in Nursing | 3 credits |
NUR 419 | Synthesis of Learning for Nursing Practice | 6 credits (3 classroom / 3 clinical) |
NUR 422 | Health and Illness in the Community | 5 credits (3 classroom / 2 clinical) |
NUR 423 | Global Health & Health Policy | 2 credits |
NUR 460 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 credits |
NUR 4001 | Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing: Capstone | 3 credits |
NUR Electives | 414: Complementary and Integrative Healthcare 415: Selective Health Problems of Women and Children 459: Patient Education in Healthcare 490: Community Health Nursing in Ireland |
Each 3 credits |
Total Credits = 127 credits
General Education = 63 credits
Nursing = 64 credits
A minimum of 127 credits is required for the bachelor of science in nursing degree.
This program requires a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, certain immunizations, and other health-related clearances in order to participate in clinical experiences. See the undergraduate
Increase the value of your BSN degree by adding an undergraduate minor. GMercyU offers a wide variety of minors so you can choose the one that best meets your personal and professional goals.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, at 202-887-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Wondering what your courses will look like as a BSN major? Here is a closer look at a few, including two electives.
NUR 209 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of nursing practice. Students will utilize the nursing process as a framework to apply nursing knowledge, diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes to individuals. Course concepts are grounded in evidence-based practice to promote, maintain, and restore health. Topics related to safety, oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, perfusion, ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination, urinary, movement, sensory input and the nurse patient relationship and the roles of the professional nurse are explored. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge and practicing skills in the nursing skills lab, simulation lab, and clinical setting.
NUR 307 Nursing Care of Adults
This course focuses on the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural forces that influence the health of the adult population. Students will utilize the nursing process as a framework to apply nursing knowledge. Course concepts are grounded in evidence-based practice to promote, maintain and restore health. Topics related to safety, oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, perfusion, ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination, regulatory, urinary, sensory input, movement and the nurse patient relationship. Emphasis is placed on application in the adult health clinical setting and simulation laboratory.
NUR 317 Nursing Care Women, Children and Family
This course examines the childbearing and childrearing families in contemporary society. The nursing process is applied to provide holistic nursing person-centered care within the context of the family. Topics are related to safety and normal and altered physiologic processes as it affects the childbearing and childrearing families. Experiences in the classroom and clinical setting enable the student to integrate cultural sensitivity, clinical reasoning, communication skills, and therapeutic nursing interventions for women, children and families.
NUR 419 Synthesis of Learning for Nursing Practice
This course focuses on preparing the graduating nursing student for transition to professional nursing practice. Preparation is achieved through synthesis of acquired knowledge with emphasis on reflective practice and application of learning. An understanding of professional nursing standards, ethical problem solving, evidence-based practice and a commitment to lifelong learning will be provided. This course provides an integrative, theoretical and clinical experience.
NUR 423 Global Health & Health Policy
This course examines globalization and its impact on the health of all populations. Emerging diseases, environmental safety and health risks are addressed. Health care policy and the socioeconomic, geopolitical, ethical and cultural variables that influence health are explored. Critical analysis of selected global and national problems is examined within the framework of professional nursing practice. The importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical judgment are emphasized.
NUR 414 Complementary & Integrative Health
This course will provide a comprehensive and clinical relevant coverage of complementary and alternative medicine. It will cover the history, philosophy, and mechanisms of alternative therapies and includes a thorough review of the clinically controlled trials, indications, and contraindications of each therapy.
NUR 490 Community Health Nursing in Ireland
This course explores the healthcare of individuals, families and aggregates in a variety of community settings in Ireland. The concepts of community health nursing and the roles of the professional nurse in the community of Ireland are critically analyzed and compared to the US Public health System. The impact of the health care delivery system of Ireland is presented. Health promotion, health protection and disease prevention are examined. Critical thinking is emphasized in assessing the community of Ireland. A variety of community settings as observational experiences are utilized including home care, hospice, extended care facilities and population focused settings.
For all GMercyU BSN program course descriptions, please see the undergraduate catalog.
Position: Dean, Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions
Did You Know? Dean Phalen is passionate about neonatal nursing and is certified as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Learn MorePosition: Associate Dean and Professor, Nursing
Did You Know? Professor Hermann’s clinical background spans intensive care and medical surgical nursing.
Learn MorePosition: Professor, Nursing
Did You Know? Professor Lewis coordinates GMercyU's nursing simulations, including our annual disaster simulation.
Learn MoreThe Griffin Edge is comprised of five touchpoints -- Excellence, Engagement, Experience, Empathy, and Encouragement -- that become the cornerstones of your Distinctive Mercy Experience as a full-time undergraduate student.
The Griffin Edge includes an e-portfolio for documenting your GMercyU educational and extra-curricular experiences (no matter your major), reflecting on those experiences, and receiving feedback from faculty. It's designed to help you take ownership of your educational journey and chart the right career path for you. It will also help you learn how to talk about your college experiences in meaningful ways — and that can make all the difference in a job interview.
For example, a student might say in a job interview: "I conducted research at the undergraduate level."
A Griffin Edge student might say: "The opportunity to conduct my own research alongside expert faculty taught me the importance of being exact in my data collection and analysis. I was even able to present my findings at our annual research conference! I know this is the career for me."
Learn more about the Griffin Edge here.
Through GMercyU’s 100+ regional health care affiliations, you’ll benefit from diverse, real-world clinical preparation featuring actual patient care and interaction with health care professionals in a variety of specialties and settings.
Here’s where our undergraduate nursing students have recently completed clinicals – and landed jobs after graduation:
A perfect time to pursue a nursing degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment growth of 12 percent for nurses through 2028, much faster than the national average. Consider continuing your education to expand your personal career growth potential.
Registered Nurse
Description: Registered nurses work with physicians and other health care specialists to provide and coordinate patient care. They offer emotional support to patients and their family members, and they educate patients and the public about health care.
Degree Requirements: Hospitals prefer a bachelor’s degree in nursing over an associates degree
Salary Range: The national median salary is $73,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Source
Nurse Manager/Supervisor
Description: These nurses have administrative duties – hiring and managing staff, maintaining schedules and budgets, ensuring that hospital protocols are followed, and more.
Degree Requirements: A bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree preferred
Average Salary: The national median salary is $100,980, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Source
Nurse Practitioner
Description: With advanced clinical skills, nurse practitioners provide primary care. They assess and diagnose patients, treat illnesses, and can prescribe medications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that of all nursing career paths, nurse practitioners have the fastest rate of employment growth and is projected to be one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations in the U.S. economy.
Degree Requirements: Master’s degree
Average Salary: The national median salary is $109,820, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Source
*Some of these specialties require additional education.
GMercyU’s undergraduate four-year BSN degree provides you with the quality education and clinical experience you need to succeed.
Current Position: Registered Nurse at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
A BSN major, Maria also played volleyball at GMercyU and was active in Campus Ministry. After participating in an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Cincinnati – where she worked in shelters for survivors of domestic abuse and other dire situations – Maria was inspired to launch her own non-profit called Baby Bundles. The organization’s mission was to ensure and restore dignity and hope to expectant mothers, especially those on the margins of society, by offering beautifully packaged “bundles” of newborn necessities. Maria was awarded the 2019 Alumni Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student. After graduation, she successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and accepted a job at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
"If you put in the hard work, you’re going to see the results and you’re going to be able to achieve your dreams." Learn more about Maria’s GMercyU experience.
Read more Griffin Success Stories.
Meet our Griffin Heroes.
Nursing Students Triage Simulated Disasters on Campus
Nursing, Social Work Students Participate in GMercyU’s Poverty Simulations
GMercyU Donates Medical Supplies to Support Local Hospitals’ COVID-19 Efforts
4 Reasons Employers Want BSN-Trained Nurses
Types of Nursing Specialties: 20 Fast-Growing Nursing Fields
After graduation, build upon your BSN degree to expand your career opportunities and earning potential!
GMercyU offers a variety of nursing degree options. Depending on the program you choose, you can earn your degree on our main campus in Gwynedd Valley, Pa. or on a satellite campus in Center City, Philadelphia or Bensalem, Pa. Some programs also are offered in an accelerated and/or online format.
Learn more about what it's like to be a Nursing major by exploring our viewbook!
Three-Year Program: Through a special degree completion program, transfer students with 24 to 35 (or more) transferable credits can earn a BSN in just three years. Please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5510 to see what courses are transferrable.
You also may be eligible for a special transfer student scholarship when you enroll on our Main Campus.
Learn more about our transfer nursing programs or check out all transfer program options.
Have questions about GMercyU's admissions requirements? Contact us! Our Admissions staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying to GMercyU’s BSN Program.
Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510
At GMercyU, we strive to make a quality education accessible to all through financial aid, scholarships, and grants. As a military-friendly university, we welcome service members and participate in all VA educational benefits programs.
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As a bachelor's in nursing student at GMercyU, you will work closely with faculty and other students who share your passion for providing exceptional nursing care. And you will develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to become a leader in the nursing profession, which is why we are ranked as one of the top nursing schools in Philadelphia.
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing with GMercyU. Get started today!
Office of Admissions
admissions@gmercyu.edu
800-342-5462
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