Learn More About Becoming a Nurse
Penn State supports five different path ways for earning the BS degree in nursing. All of the path ways are fully accredited by the NLNAC, approved by the State Board of Nursing and the BS degrees are also accredited by the CCNE.
Path 1:If you intend to apply for admission to Sharon Regional Health System School School of Nursing, Jameson Hospital Schools of Nursing, or Mercy College at St. Elizabeth's in Youngstown, you may take basic sciences and some general education requirements at Penn State Shenango and complete the nursing courses at the schools of nursing. Sit for the Registered Nurse licensure exam upon completion of the hospital diploma program, of the AD program at Mercy College. Return to Shenango to complete the BS in nursing requirements. All Penn State credits required for the hospital diploma schools and Mercy College count toward the RN to BS program at Shenango. In addition, hospital diploma school graduates receive 33 credits by portfolio for basic nursing courses.
Path 2:Enter Penn State Shenango and take prerequisite courses required for completion of a degree or a diploma program in nursing. Apply for admission to a diploma school or an associate or baccalaureate degree program after successful completion of prerequisite courses. This option is best for students who wish to go to school on a part-time basis or for those with weak high school academic records.
Path 3:Apply for admission to the Penn State associate degree in nursing at the Fayette, Mont Alto, Worthington-Scranton, Erie or Altoona locations. Sit for the Registered Nurse licensure exam upon completion of the associate degree. Return to Shenango to complete the BS in nursing requirements. All credits taken at the associate degree level count toward the BS degree.
Path 4:Students apply for admission to the Penn State BS degree in nursing as freshmen. Students may attend Penn State Shenango for one year and transfer to the University Park campus at the end of their freshmen n year to begin clinical rotations. Clinical rotations occur at the University Park campus and the Hershey Medical Center. Students must provide their own transportation to these clinical sites. Sit for the Registered Nurse licensure exam upon completion of the baccalaureate degree.
Path 5:Students apply for admission to the BS degree in nursing as freshmen and report directly to the University Park campus. Clinical rotations occur at the University Park campus and the Hershey Medical Center. Students must provide their own transportation to these clinical sites. Sit for the Registered Nurse licensure exam upon completion of the baccalaureate degree.
If you are interested, please contact:
Dr. Kathy Mastrian
Associate Professor, Nursing
Campus Coordinator for Nursing Program
Email: kgm1@psu.edu
Phone: (724)-983-2871
For admissions information, contact the Penn State Shenango Admissions Office at
(724) 983-2803.