Second Degree Nursing Program to Launch at Penn State Behrend.
ERIE, Pa. — It is not uncommon for individuals to re-evaluate their career paths after graduating with their baccalaureate degree. For many who view the nursing profession as a fulfilling and secure alternative, the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing’s second-degree option provides an accelerated opportunity to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and enter the healthcare field, said Rae Brown, associate dean of Undergraduate Nursing Education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031—about 203,200 openings each year over the decade. To further the University’s strategic plan to champion healthcare education and address the increasing demand for highly qualified nurses, the college is extending its second-degree option to the Penn State Behrend campus.
"This program joins our already successful second-degree programs at Penn State Altoona and Penn State Harrisburg. Enrollment is competitive and the accelerated format is ideal for adult learners who already have a bachelor's degree," said Mike Evans, assistant dean for Undergraduate Nursing Education at the Commonwealth Campuses. "Cohorts in this program are often comprised of driven, high-performing students who want to join the most trusted profession in America — nursing. We look forward to welcoming our inaugural cohort of students to the Behrend campus during the Fall 2026 semester."
The 16-month, full-time BSN option, designed for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, has been approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is set to launch in the fall semester of 2026.
“Health care and social services are the largest component of the Erie workforce,” Chancellor Ralph Ford said. “There is opportunity here, and the accelerated pace and focused curriculum of the second-degree option in nursing is ideal for graduates who want to refocus or reorient their career path without starting over.”
Students learning in Behrend’s state-of-the-art facilities will integrate knowledge from nursing, sciences, social sciences and the humanities as a foundation for practice. They’ll apply the nursing process to deliver respectful, evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings, collaborate across professions to improve patient outcomes, and use research and technology to enhance patient safety and quality care — and much more — as they prepare to transition into the healthcare field.
“Expanding our second-degree option to the Penn State Behrend campus is an exciting step that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality nursing education across the commonwealth,” said Dean Laurie Badzek, “We are so pleased to be able to open new pathways for those in the Erie region eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
After completing their coursework, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and upon licensure, begin new careers as registered nurses.
Prospective students are invited to a number of information sessions hosted throughout the summer. To learn more and attend, visit the Second Degree program page.
