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BSN/MSN Gateway Program for Registered Nurses Overview

"I highly recommend Villanova University. The seamless program allowed me to pursue my professional goals while maintaining my career path. I was treated as a professional by professionals"

Maureen Turner, BSN, RN
BSN ‘99

Villanova's BSN/MSN Gateway Program for Registered Nurses is the perfect way to advance your career. We make the course of study convenient and flexible for the busy RN student to move forward with earning a bachelor of science and a master of science in nursing degree. The benefits of attending the program are many, including:

  • Individualized learning programs ... most courses are for RNs only and you can customize your BSN/MSN experience
  • The required clinical course is tailored to meet RN needs
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Opportunity to network with distinguished faculty and RN students
  • 30% tuition reduction
  • You may only need to take 24 credits at Villanova.

Villanova recognizes your achievements. How?

  • 44 credits in nursing are credited toward the BSN degree upon successful completion of four exams, or through a combination of associate degree nursing credits and credit by exam
  • Two required nursing courses have been developed exclusively for RN students
  • Learning experiences in three other required nursing courses are individualized enabling faculty and student to plan meaningful experiences for the student
  • Faculty advisors for RNs are matched to your specialty

Start earning your MSN while you are here.

"Getting your BSN opens many doors. Getting it at Villanova opens up your mind and lets you see the possibilities."

Rosalinda Alfaro-LeFevre, MSN, RN
BSN & MSN graduate

Students may apply for admission to the MSN program when they are within 18 credits of completion of the BSN requirements. Students register for statistics and are encouraged to take the 8904 research course (graduate level) instead of 3110. Click here to see a full list of graduate level course offerings that may be taken during the BSN phase of the program.

First comes life.
Schedule your courses around it.

  • Both part-time and full-time study is possible.
  • Most nursing courses are web-based.
  • Most courses are offered in both day and evening sections, except for NUR 3000 which is a partially on-line course. You will be given the schedule of seminars and presentation dates well in advance.
  • Many required courses and electives are included in summer sessions scheduling.

How can you plan ahead? It's easy.

  • The required nursing courses can be completed in two semesters. A typical part-time schedule extends through 4 to 6 semesters.
  • Most RNs will need to complete general education requirements as well as nursing courses. The time needed for this will vary and is planned on an individual basis.
  • The MSN degree is 45 credits. It can be completed in 4 semesters, with enrollment of 9 to 15 credits each semester.

Looking for more information or schedule an appointment to have your transcript reviewed? Contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Patricia Haynor, BSN/MSN Gateway Program for Registered Nurses.