Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Traditional Four-Year Track is designed for students entering the program as a first-year student.
Shenandoah’s nursing program is special because it has direct admission. Many schools do not admit students into their nursing programs until the junior year after they re-apply. At Shenandoah, you know you are in the nursing program on day one upon admittance to the university. That also means that you can start taking core nursing classes earlier than programs elsewhere. Additionally, nursing students are assigned a nursing faculty advisor in their first semester of courses. Technology in the nursing program is integrated throughout the curriculum, and all nursing students participate in Shenandoah’s all Apple® technology program.
Our program allows you to gain the experience necessary for the provision, management and coordination of general nursing care for individuals, families, groups and communities so you may launch a career that leads to personal and professional fulfillment.
We prepare our students for success – that’s why our first-time NCLEX pass rate is consistently above the national average. Our NCLEX first-time pass rate for the ’23-’24 academic year is 100% (to date) — one the highest among Virginia nursing programs.
Nursing has challenged me to change the way I think about daily tasks and I have become passionate about helping people in any way I can.
Our cohort transformed into a little family and we relied on each other to support one another through all of the difficulties in nursing school. I couldn’t have gotten through it without them or our amazing professors.
Mackenzie Dierberg ’23 | Bachelor of Science in nursing
Learn More About This Program
As a first-year student, you’ll find yourself launching head-first into a rigorous curriculum. With the support of an experienced nursing faculty adviser, you’ll receive academic and professional guidance throughout your four years in the program. Our state-of-the-art, specialized nursing labs create an environment that prepares you exceptionally well for what you will experience in your clinical rotations. You will also have direct access to a full range of student-life activities on and off campus. After you’ve completed your studies, you’ll sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to apply for entry-level professional nurse positions.
At Shenandoah, our role is to help you prepare for success in this challenging and satisfying career. Shenandoah University enjoys a strong reputation locally, regionally and nationally. Our nursing graduates are recognized within the health care community as knowledgeable, capable and able to excel in the workplace. In addition, many return after graduation to pursue master’s degrees, post-master’s certificates and doctoral degrees.
Come study in our state-of-the-art, 71,000 square-foot Cecil Pruitt, Jr. Health & Life Sciences Building. The Pruitt HLSB offers premier academic classrooms and specialized nursing labs. Students practice and hone their skills in our specialized labs prior to starting clinical rotations, which enables them to learn the most from their clinical preceptors. It’s also where students, faculty, staff and community members come to meet and learn together in study rooms or faculty offices, as well as in the rotunda, which is used for special events and to showcase student and faculty research.
Hands-on Learning
Simulation Experiences
Shenandoah uses high- and low-fidelity simulation equipment in laboratories that enhance student learning. Simulation technology, in the form of human models/manikins, allows faculty members to design specific events or scenarios that simulate actual clinical situations and events. This technology provides an interactive, educational approach to teaching theory, assessment, technology skills, pharmacology and decision-making in a safe environment that allows you to apply and integrate knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
Clinical Experiences
Shenandoah University enjoys collaborative relationships with many regional hospitals and, in addition to our full-time faculty, our clinical preceptors are some of the finest practitioners in the region. Clinical locations can vary and typically include:
Winchester Clinical Locations:
- Valley Health System hospitals including Winchester Medical Center, Warren Memorial Hospital, Shenandoah Hospital
- WVU East Berkeley Medical Center
- Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- INOVA Health Systems
- Varied community settings including Blue Ridge Hospice, Public Health Departments, Sinclair Free Medical Clinic
Loudoun Clinical Locations:
- INOVA Health System hospitals including Loudoun, Fair Oaks, Fairfax, and Alexandria
- Reston Hospital Center
- Virginia Hospital Center
- Children’s National Medical Center
- Fauquier Hospital
- Novant Hospitals
Interprofessional Experience
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing fosters interdisciplinary learning and practice through collaboration with our other health care programs, including pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, public health and music therapy.
I loved all of my clinicals. I did most of my clinicals at various units at Winchester Medical Center and Berkeley Medical Center, which allowed me to find what patient population I liked. I did a nurse externship at Level 1 Trauma Center York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania (my home area)! I worked in a cardiac step-down unit and in the post-anesthesia care unit. This externship made me realize the different types of nursing that are out there in the world! The favorite thing I did was observe electroconvulsive therapy, which is a psychiatric electroshock therapy that provides temporary relief and makes the brain ‘rewire’ itself for any patients that have certain mental disorders.”
Nicole Kunkel ’20 | Bachelor of Science in nursing/public health minor
What is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
After you’ve completed your studies, you’ll sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), prepared with the skills and knowledge to apply for entry-level professional nurse positions.
Shenandoah’s first-time NCLEX pass rate is consistently above the national average pass rate. Our NCLEX first-time pass-rate are consistently among the highest in the state of Virginia!
Our nursing student’s last semester includes a NCLEX preparation course.
Graduates from our BSN programs are eligible to apply for licensure/registration across the country. Once the NCLEX is successfully completed, graduates are designated as registered nurses.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Nursing is the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. and the demand is expected to rise. Graduates enjoy high starting salaries and flexible schedules in terms of hours and locations. As a nurse, you’ll have numerous opportunities for specialization and career advancement.
The BSN degree is the entry-level degree for many health care organizations. It prepares you to perform clinical practice in today’s high tech health care environment, using clinical reasoning and critical thinking along with a caring demeanor.
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing prepares you to deliver, manage and lead nursing care in a variety of health care settings and participate in personal and professional development. You will be ready to do this in many settings across the nation, such as hospitals (acute care), clinics, medical practices, health departments, hospice and the military. You can work in international care, home care, trauma care or school nursing (you may teach in vocational LPN programs) and pursue graduate studies in advanced practice nursing, nursing education and research.
Salary information for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can be found at BSN Payscale.com
I am a Registered Nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I work on a Cardiology Progressive Care Unit, specializing in inpatient medical intervention of heart diseases. It is very special to me that I get to work with these patients to help resolve or reduce their medical needs. I was also given the opportunity to work with COVID-19 patients and take part in cutting edge research that helps treat COVID-19 patients worldwide.
Benjamin Crowder ’20 | Bachelor of Science in nursing
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Our nursing program has small classes, and faculty with expertise in a variety of specialties. Our curriculum includes core nursing courses, nursing ethics and genomics, nursing research and evidence based practice and Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief courses. Nursing students are also prepared in our campus learning facilities to develop knowledge, skills, clinical judgment and confidence.
BSN Program Outcomes:
- Synthesize knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences, and nursing science as a basis for professional nursing practice
- Apply evolving information technology to monitor healthcare outcomes
- Integrate concepts of illness prevention/wellness, quality, safety, ethics and leadership into professional nursing practice within complex healthcare systems
- Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families and inter-professional teams
- Deliver safe, compassionate, and holistic person-centered nursing care to diverse populations
- Advocate for institutional, professional, and governmental policies to influence positive healthcare outcomes of diverse populations
- Translate research into evidence-based nursing practice to provide quality care for patients, families, and communities
- Examine the influence of social determinants of health on the delivery of equitable care to diverse populations/communities
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Year One – Fall 1 | |
| General Biology I & Lab (prerequisite to BIO 231, 232, and 260) | 4 |
| English Composition | 3 |
| Going Global First Year Seminar (FYS) (only offered first semester-fall) | 3 |
| Sociology | 3 |
| Psychology | 3 |
| Year One – Spring 1 | |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I (Lab) (prerequisite to BIO 232) | 4 |
| Microbiology (Lab) | 4 |
| Navigating Difference – Cultural Understanding | 3 |
| Creative Expression | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Year Two – Fall II | |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology II (Lab) | 4 |
| General Chemistry (Lab) | 4 |
| Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| NOTE: Must be met prior to starting Nursing classes in Spring of Year Two: All prerequisites, Year-One Shen Ed requirements, overall GPA of 3.0, science GPA of 3.0, and completion of TEAS exam. | |
| Year Two – Spring II | |
| Foundations of Professional Nursing Concepts and Practice | 3/1 |
| Health Assessment | 3/1 |
| Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Pharmacology | 3 |
| NOTE: Nursing courses are designed in a sequenced curriculum. Continued progression requires the completion of all courses in one semester prior to progressing to the next semester. | |
| Year Three – Fall III | |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 3/1 |
| Nursing Care of Adult Health I | 3/2 |
| Nutrition Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| Advancing Nursing Practice and Clinical Judgment | 1/1 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Year Three – Spring III | |
| Theory, Research & EBP | 3 |
| Nursing Care of Childbearing Families | 3/1 |
| Nursing Care of Adults II | 3/2 |
| Ethics & Genomics in Nursing Practice (fulfills Shen Ed Navigating Difference – Ethical Reasoning) | 3 |
| Year Four – Fall IV | |
| Nursing Care of Children & Adolescents | 3/1 |
| Nursing Care of Adults III | 3/2 |
| Leadership & Management in Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Nursing Elective | 3 |
| Year Four – Spring IV | |
| Community and Population Health | 3/1 |
| Senior Nursing Capstone | 0/3 |
| Advancing to Professional Practice | 3 |
| Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 121 |
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Join the Honors Program
The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.
Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.
Meet the Faculty
We have a low faculty-student ratio with small classes and clinical groups so you’ll receive personal attention from faculty. The result is a close-knit, collaborative community of nursing students, faculty and clinical preceptors.
There’s a special bond between Shenandoah University students and their professors. You’ll enjoy close relationships with faculty members who will mentor you in and out of the classroom. This remains a hallmark of our nursing education.
Shenandoah’s experienced and practicing faculty take every opportunity to provide you with the academic foundation you’ll need to meet the standards and rising expectations for practice in the nursing profession. They provide an environment where you can be inquisitive, grow and excel.
Meet Yvonne Braithwaite, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs on main campus
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admissions materials, and find our admissions standards.
I chose SU for two main reasons: the small class sizes and direct admission into the nursing program. I was able to shadow a nursing student while in high school and being able to experience SU before committing really helped my decision. Being accepted directly into the nursing program was the deciding factor that made me want to commit to SU.
Alice Davenport ’19 | Bachelor of Science in nursing
Graduate Program Assured Admission
Beginning Fall 2024, the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing at Shenandoah University will offer assured graduate program admission to its BSN or MSN alumni who are interested in earning an MSN, post-master’s specialty certificate, and/or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Alumni must meet minimum admission requirements to the MSN, post-master’s, and DNP programs, and will be required to submit an application by the application deadline. Alumni are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of February 15 to secure placement within their desired cohort.
School of Nursing alumni are assured entry into the following graduate programs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN
- Nurse-Midwifery (NM) MSN
- All Post-Master’s Certificates – FNP, PMHNP, NM
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
We encourage alumni to learn more about this benefit and our graduate programs. For more information, please contact Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing Programs Robbie McCauley, DNP, at rmccaule87@su.edu.
*Students in our BSN program must graduate and obtain their RN license. They must complete 2080 direct patient care hours prior to starting the specialty courses.
What is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS Exam)
Students in the traditional four year BSN program must complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before entry into nursing courses in their sophomore year. A maximum of two attempts is permitted to achieve a minimum overall score of 65 percent (may be subject to change) to continue in the nursing program.
For more information about the TEAS Exam and how to register, please click this link TEAS Exam Information
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks, you will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Nicole Kunkel ’20 | Bachelor of Science in nursing/public health minor
