The Direct Entry B.S.N. at Bethel University
At Bethel University, you don't wait to become a nursing major. You are one from day one. Our direct entry B.S.N. admits qualified first-year and transfer students straight into the Nursing major, so your path to becoming a nurse begins your first semester, with a clear road from orientation to the NCLEX-RN.
From there, Bethel prepares you to meet the demands of modern healthcare with a program built on clinical excellence and patient-centered care. You'll develop a strong foundation in nursing theory, pharmacology and evidence-based practice, then put it to work through hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, clinics and community health settings. Along the way, experienced nursing faculty provide the kind of personalized instruction and mentorship that's only possible at a university where professors know your name.
With a 92% five-year average first-time NCLEX pass rate, a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio in the Nursing Department and clinical partners including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Bethel nursing graduates leave ready.
When you graduate, you'll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and prepared to step into practice as a registered nurse, grow into nurse leadership or continue on to graduate study.
At Bethel University, nursing is more than a profession. It's a calling to serve with skill, integrity and heart, and we walk that calling with you from your first day on campus.
What You’ll Learn
The B.S.N. program combines rigorous academic instruction with extensive clinical experience, equipping you with the knowledge, compassion and clinical judgment today's complex healthcare environment demands. Rooted in Christian values and evidence-based practice, the program emphasizes leadership, ethical decision-making and holistic patient care across the lifespan.
As a Nursing major at Bethel University, you will:
- Build a comprehensive foundation in human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology that prepares you for real clinical decision-making.
- Sharpen your health assessment, critical thinking and care planning skills through classroom instruction and hands-on simulation labs.
- Learn to deliver safe, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations in acute, community and long-term care settings.
- Gain direct patient care experience in hospitals, clinics and community health agencies under the guidance of licensed professionals.
- Study the professional standards and ethical frameworks that guide nursing judgment, cultural competence and compassionate care.
- Strengthen the communication, leadership and teamwork skills that make nurses indispensable on interdisciplinary care teams.
- Prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN and earn licensure as a registered nurse, supported every step by Bethel's dedicated faculty and clinical partnerships.
Direct Entry Nursing Admissions
Getting started is simple: apply to Bethel as a Nursing major. That single application does double duty. Once your file is complete, you'll receive your admission decision to the University first, and the Department of Nursing will then make a separate direct entry admission decision based on the same application. No extra forms, no waiting until junior year to find out whether nursing is in your future.
Apply as a Transfer Student
First-Year Admission Requirements
To qualify for direct entry into the nursing program, new first-year students must meet one of the following requirements:
A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
An ACT composite score of 20 or higher, or an SAT score of 1030 or higher
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer students qualify for direct entry based on credit hours completed:
Fewer than 24 credit hours:
A cumulative college GPA of 2.75
A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, an ACT composite score of 20 or higher, or an SAT score of 1030 or higher.
24 or more credit hours: A cumulative college GPA of 2.75
Career Possibilities
A Bethel B.S.N. opens doors well beyond your first job. Registered nursing is just the starting point. Our graduates boast a 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate for the 2025 class, a five-year average first-time NCLEX pass rate of 92% and 100% of graduates seeking employment have found it.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools.
- Typical Education Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $86,070
- Job Outlook (2022–2032): 6% growth
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who assess patients, diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans. They often serve as primary care providers and may specialize in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics.
- Typical Education Requirements: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN)
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $128,490
- Job Outlook (2022–2032): 45% growth
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice nurses who provide expert advice and support in specialized areas of healthcare, such as oncology or critical care. They help improve patient outcomes by influencing nursing practices and healthcare systems.
- Typical Education Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing
- Median Annual Wage (2023 Estimate): $96,000
- Job Outlook (2022–2032): 7% growth
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach aspiring nurses in academic or clinical settings and may also conduct research or contribute to curriculum development. They play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
- Typical Education Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing education
Median Annual Wage (2023): $84,180
Job Outlook (2022–2032): 9% growth
Accreditation & Licensure
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
Bethel University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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