nurses and doctor administering care to a patient in a hospital bed

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With us behind you, you are ready to answer your calling

“I interviewed for three jobs, and I was offered three positions. Each interviewer told me specifically that they have had really good experiences with Chamberlain-prepared graduates. It's important to know that your degree is respected in your community.”
Meris

‘21 BSN student, Columbus Campus

3 Ways to Become An RN in Just 3 Years

Nursing BSN Clinical FAQs

Where will I complete my nursing school clinicals?

As a Chamberlain College of Nursing BSN student, you may have opportunities to experience practice settings that include large and small hospitals, long-term care facilities, community and public-health agencies, faith-based service organizations, independent practices, ambulatory care centers, public health agencies, military services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), Veteran’s Administration Medical Centers, schools, home health environments… anywhere healthcare is delivered. 

When do I participate in clinicals if I attend at campus location?

All BSN nursing students begin their hands-on learning in the SIMCARE CENTER™, located on each campus. There, you’ll care for simulated patients dealing with various medical scenarios, including giving birth. You receive feedback from instructors, and grow comfortable with your nursing skills in a safe environment. Once fundamental skills have been mastered and validated, students begin clinicals.

Generally, clinicals last for the duration of the clinical course. Clinical shifts average six to eight hours, one to two days per week. The BS in nursing program has a total of 10 clinical courses.

What are some examples of clinical nursing courses?

Clinical BSN nursing classes include NR-328 Pediatric Nursing, NR 326 Mental Health Nursing and NR 442 Community Health Nursing. View a full sample BSN curriculum plan.

When do I participate in clinicals if I attend BSN Online?

You will begin prepping for your clinicals through virtually stimulated patient encounters using i-Human Patients and in-home health kits. Before moving into in-person clinical experiences you will attend an in person clinical skills check-off. Clinical immersions occur over the final 2 weeks of an 8-week session at locations around the United States. Days and times are subject to change based on clinical course hour requirements and availability at a clinical partner site. Clinical location site is not guaranteed and may require travel.  

chamberlain nursing student

Ask a Student

What is campus life like?

“There was always an opportunity to join an organization on campus, and they did a really good job of including everyone and making their presence known. I thought it was great. There was always something going on.”

Jesse

‘21 BSN student, Houston Campus

Virtual Academic Support
Academic Support

Take advantage of group course content review sessions or one-one-reviews led by content experts. Ask questions of other BSN students, or spend time with an expert going through a recent test to truly understand questions you might have missed.

virtual student
NCLEX-RN® Support

The NCLEX-RN® Exam is too important to cram for. You’ll start to prepare during your courses, with access to tutorials, assessments, practice tests and comprehensive support and planning tools. All are integrated into your BSN curriculum so you feel confident on exam day.

chamberlain nursing student
Virtual simulations through i-Human Patients (IHP)

As a nurse, your patient encounters will require you to perform a history, identify and prioritize issues and interventions, and much more. When you care for a virtual i-Human patient, you’ll get experience with these skills in a safe environment as you work towards your bachelor’s degree.

BSN Nursing Program Locations

Attend a BSN program that works with your life

Online

Combine 100% online classwork with on-site clinical rotations at our partner locations. Check to see if BSN Online is available in your state.  Learn more.

Evening & Weekend Option

Attend nursing school on nights and weekends, and still earn your bachelor’s degree in as few as three years on our Addison, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Irving, North Brunswick, Pearland, Phoenix, Troy and Tyson’s Corner campuses. 

Campus Hybrid

Combine the benefits of online and on campus learning. Fewer hours commuting to and attending campus classes means you get time back – for however you want or need to spend it. Available at most Chamberlain campuses.

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Take a Peek Around Campus

Chamberlain is ready to welcome you to one of our 20+ campus locations. You can feel confident that everyone shares the same goal at Chamberlain - to see you succeed as a nurse. Our 130+ years of educating nurses means we have experience in delivering the support systems you need to complete your BSN and prepare you to take the NCLEX.

Chamberlain Welcomes Transfer Students

Your BSN degree is closer than you think

Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, or have just taken a few classes at the college level, you may be able to earn your BSN degree even faster as a transfer student than the typical three years of year-round study. 

 

Bachelor’s Degree in Another Field*

Thinking of switching to a more meaningful career where you can serve others, or a fresh start in a fresh-growing field? Chamberlain is here to help you achieve it as quickly as possible - request more information to learn more. You’ll have access to: 
 

  • Tailored academic advising that leverages your past education for your future nursing career 
  • A six-session “university seminar” that will help you transition seamlessly back to your education 

*Applicants for the Tyson’s Corner campus must provide a high school/equivalency transcript documenting proof of graduation.

Transfer Students

We welcome transfer students, and encourage you to plan ahead. Here’s how to get started: 
 

  1. Review the full BSN nursing transfer credit requirements
  2. Contact admissions to have your credit evaluation started - this will give you a full picture of what credits will transfer.

Chamberlain Bachelor of Science in Nursing FAQs

Explore frequently asked questions

Does Chamberlain have an LPN to BSN or LVN to BSN program?

Qualifying students with an LPN or LVN license have the opportunity to earn their BSN with up to 9 proficiency credits, following skills validation tests and proficiency exams. Call 877.751.5783 or request more information on this path.

Does Chamberlain accept transfer credits?

Chamberlain welcomes transfer students from other institutions. A credit evaluation will tell you exactly how many courses will transfer into the BSN program. Contact admissions to get started.

How much is the BSN program at Chamberlain?

The average student tuition for the entire BSN program is less than $51,000. This average is based on 49 transfer or proficiency credits, 122 credit hour curriculum, $699/credit hour tuition rate and average institutional aid grant. It doesn’t include books and fees, or apply to the Sacramento, California campus. You can find the total BSN program cost by campus or online option here.

Is Chamberlain University accredited?

Chamberlain is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with multiple program accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).†

BSN Program FAQs

Still have questions? Our admissions team is here to help.

What is a BSN degree?

A BSN degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred nursing degree program, due to employer preference, higher NCLEX-RN® pass rates and improved patient outcomes.

What is the difference between RN and BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the degree you earn. A registered nurse (RN) is a job title or the licensure you are granted through your state to practice. Read more here.

What is the difference between ADN and BSN?

ADN stands for an associate’s degree in nursing, and a BSN is a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both programs are pre-licensure programs that are pathways to become a registered nurse. While an ADN will get you into the workforce quicker, more forces are starting to favor the BSN degree. Find out more here: ADN vs. BSN: Explore the Difference.

How long is nursing school?

This will depend on what educational path you take. An associate’s degree typically takes two years, while a bachelor’s degree in nursing program will usually take 3-4 years.

Required BSN Courses

NR-224: Fundamentals: Skills

Students are introduced to the fundamental skills of professional nursing. An introductory unit of physics provides the basis for understanding concepts such as body mechanics, positioning and mobility. The laboratory component provides practice of selected fundamental nursing skills, as well as psychomotor skills necessary for care of individuals requiring assistance with mobility, hygiene and comfort. Included are basic principles of drug administration, teaching-learning and vital-sign assessment. Students have the opportunity to develop the beginning skills of a professional nurse through experiential learning.

NR-228: Nutrition, Health & Wellness

This course provides an overview of the basic nutrients required by the body for optimal health and wellness. The role that nutrition plays in various phases of the human life cycle and the psychological and sociological implications of food are discussed. Students use scientific thinking to question nutritional information presented in the various media and dispel any common nutrition myths. Students learn how the scientific method of inquiry is used in nutritional science and the health fields. In addition, the application of nutritional concepts to care for patients are studied. Lastly, conditions that are amenable to modification and possible cure by diet therapy and other nursing and medical interventions are explored.

NR-283: Pathophysiology

Select pathophysiologic processes of disease, clinical manifestations, complications and variations in wellness will be explored. Environmental and lifestyle influences are examined as well as other risks and influences on pathophysiological processes.

NR-293: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

This course introduces a comprehensive approach to the clinical aspects of drug therapy, which are emphasized through the use of the nursing process, life span implications and basic principles of pharmacology. The course content includes several classifications of commonly prescribed medications, as well as selected complementary and alternative drugs. Within each classification, representative or prototype drugs are selected for study in terms of their mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses. Students apply knowledge of pharmacological concepts in the context of safe and effective nursing practice, which include methods of administration, safe dosage, side and adverse effects of medications, nursing implications and medication teaching.

NR-324: Adult Health I

The focus of this course is on the needs of adult patients and their families in relation to health promotion and management of conditions that require acute and chronic care. The nursing process is used in the discussion of health alterations affecting selected life processes. Students continue their professional skill development as members of the health team. A variety of populations and settings are used in the experiential learning component of this course.

NR-325: Adult Health II

This course focuses on alterations in life processes, including the effect on the patient’s family. The nursing process is used to make clinical decisions and foster health restoration and maintenance. Emphasis on discharge planning is included. A variety of populations and settings are used in the experiential learning component of this course.

NR-326: Mental Health Nursing

Emphasis is on the dynamics of an individual’s ability to function in society. The course focuses on content relative to anxiety, self concept, thought disorders, mood alterations, addictive behaviors, organic brain dysfunction, abuse and violence issues. It also incorporates health promotion and wellness issues such as stress management and personal growth. Therapeutic communication techniques, individual and group therapy practices and community mental-health resources are also incorporated. A variety of population and settings are used in the experiential learning component of this course.

NR-327: Maternal-Child Nursing

This course focuses on family-centered approaches to maternal/newborn care and incorporates health promotion and wellness issues. The childbearing cycle, including normal experience, high-risk factors, complications and alterations are studied. Additional women’s health issues are included. A variety of populations and settings are used in the experiential learning component of this course.

NR-328: Pediatric Nursing

Family-Centered care of children is the focus of this course, exploring issues of normal child care as well as health alterations of children from infancy through adolescence. Students participate as members of the multidisciplinary health team to provide health promotion, illness prevention, health restoration and maintenance and rehabilitative care to children and families. A variety of population and settings are used in the experiential learning component of this course.