Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to school part-time or full-time?
Students can take courses part-time or full-time in any course sequence as long as prerequisite courses are met. However, nursing courses must be taken in semester sequence, and prerequisites for courses must be fulfilled prior to enrollment.
When will my clinical hours be scheduled?
In addition to classroom study, students are scheduled clinical hours in the nursing lab and in healthcare agencies in the Erie area. Students will be scheduled for twelve to fifteen clinical hours per week.
Clinical hours will vary according to the course requirements and may occur in the day, afternoon, evening, and weekend. This schedule is dependent on the availability of clinical agencies and on course requirements. Students will be given an opportunity to choose clinical times that accommodate their other coursework and personal needs.
Where will the clinical experience be held?
Penn State Behrend is committed to offering students quality clinical experiences. As part of that commitment, the campus has a state-of-the-art nursing lab and simulation center for nursing students to establish competencies in nursing skills and critical thinking. Students also spend a significant amount of time with supervised experience in direct patient care at all the major healthcare providers in the Erie area.
I have a B.S. degree in another major. Is there a way to complete a B.S.N. in nursing?
Many of your credits from your first baccalaureate degree will likely apply to your B.S.N. in nursing. However, each situation is unique, so it is recommended that you call 814-898-7583 to set up an appointment with the nursing program adviser to discuss your situation. You may also visit the Penn State College of Nursing website for additional information.
What courses will transfer from other academic institutions?
Penn State accepts many credits from other colleges and universities. Please refer to the Penn State Admissions page discusses credit transfer policies.
Can I start taking classes now?
Yes, you can take any course as a non-degree student or as a student in the Division of Undergraduate Studies while you are submitting an application to the nursing program. Non-degree students may take up to 18 credits until they are admitted into a program. Note that your nursing application will follow the same academic evaluation for admission as outlined in the admission requirements section.
What courses can I start taking?
The courses you need for the degree are listed on the Nursing suggested academic plan. Any non-nursing course can be taken. Many courses are the same or have different names. You may erroneously take a class you already have, so you need to be cautious. If you have courses from another university or college, contact our Admissions Office or the Division of Undergraduate Studies to speak to an adviser prior to registration to determine if you still need a particular course.
View additional Frequently Asked Questions on the College of Nursing's website.