BSNExpress Graduates share why they chose Villanova

Liz Frace, BSN, RN
BS in Health Education and Behavior
Boca Raton, FL

"Villanova's exceptional reputation for its College of Nursing was a major factor in initially looking into the BSNExpress Program. After meeting with the faculty and learning more about this program there was no doubt in my mind that Villanova was the place for me. The program is one of the most highly regarded of its kind and even though it is only 14 months, the students have the same amount of classroom and clinical hours as the traditional 4-year students. Other than the high quality of the curriculum itself, the advisors and faculty are what really set Villanova above the rest. Passion for nursing floods the halls, and every professor I had has not only been highly qualified with vast knowledge and experience to share but has also had a genuinely caring attitude toward their students. It is clear that they are here to be both teachers and mentors and their dedication to teaching and nursing is inspiring. The faculty's commitment to their students' success is extraordinary. Although challenging, the professors truly wish for the students to learn, to ask questions and to become just as passionate about nursing as they are. It worked--I couldn't be happier with my choice of Villanova or the profession of nursing."

Laura Wilkins, BSN, RN
BA in Advertising and PR
Plymouth Meeting, PA

“Switching career paths was a huge decision. After researching schools, I found that Villanova offered an exceptional nursing program designed for second degree students. It was important to me that I received an education that would prepare me for my new career. The nursing professors are extremely knowledgeable and have successful nursing careers. The Villanova program also utilizes the top hospitals in the surrounding Philadelphia area for clinical rotations. Along with a beautiful campus in the suburbs of Philadelphia, it created an ideal situation. Villanova made my huge decision an easy one!”

Adena Siderer, BSN, RN
BA in Liberal Arts
Philadelphia, PA

“I chose Villanova to pursue my nursing career for a number of reasons. First, Villanova has an excellent reputation and high academic standards, something which was very important to me in my educational pursuit. Additionally, I especially liked the small and warm feeling of the program. The faculty members take the time to get to know each student and personally care for the success of every individual. But what won me over was Villanova sensitivity to my religious observance…The ease with which they dealt with my religious needs exceeded my expectations. From the very beginning Villanova welcomed me with open arms and made me feel very at home.”

Katherine Thamer, BSN, RN
BA in History
Callahan, CA

"Villanova's nursing school is fantastic!! The resources at your finger tips are truly amazing and provide for a wonderful learning environment. I moved from CA after working in surf industry for a year. I have a background in American History. Needless to say, I had to make a huge transition to the east coast and the world of nursing science. However, I am so pleased that I did. And I am so pleased I selected Villanova as the environment to complete a second degree. I am a huge advocate for my program!"

Julia Pray, BSN, RN
BA in Spanish
Perkasie, PA

“I chose to look into Villanova because the nursing program has such a good reputation and once I began speaking with some of the staff I chose to come to Villanova because of their helpfulness and interest in the students and their lives. Also, Villanova has a worldly view on nursing, it's not just focused on the United States, but on the world as a whole.”

Meredith Jones, BSN, RN
BS in Chemistry and BA in Italian
West Chester, PA

I am currently working at HUP in the MICU and loving it...I love how much opportunity there is to learn and grow here. I cannot imagine having gone to another hospital and I feel very lucky to be on my unit! I am so happy that I chose Villanova to pursue my BSN degree and think you all did a phenomenal job at preparing us for a career in nursing.

Kate Ferrell, BSN, RN
BA in Government
Arlington, VA

"I can tell you first hand that it is an exceptional program with the most caring and knowledgeable faculty, outstanding clinical placements and incredible facilities! I just graduated in July and am now working at Georgetown Hospital on their solid organ transplant unit. I feel that Villanova prepared me very well for my first nursing position!"

Julie Lassig, BSN, RN
BS in Health and Wellness
Doylestown, PA

“Going back to school for my nursing degree was an idea that I toyed with for many years. I was looking for an accredited BSN program for second degree students that was fast track but reasonably paced. I wanted to get through quickly but also wanted to keep my sanity in the process! I wanted a program that had clinical affiliations with flagship hospitals to experience the newest technology in a positive, student friendly environment. Faculty is the most important aspect of any program. I knew I would be older than most of my other comrades so I was interested in finding teachers who would be supportive, respectful, knowledgeable, and credible. When I attended the Open House at Villanova, I sensed there was something different about this University - something special. The event was very well organized with staff welcoming potential students.

Another advantage of the Villanova program is that the clinical rotations corresponded with class topics, which is not always the case with other schools. The program is challenging but not impossible. The faculty is incredibly supportive. My clinical rotations have been terrific learning experiences and very rewarding. I have been especially impressed with my clinical instructors. They are some of the best teachers I have had the privilege of working with. My fellow comrades in the BSN Express are a very cohesive and supportive group as well. I have made some great friends and look forward to sharing experiences in the future."