Villanova University

Villanova University offers a comprehensive nursing education with programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Choose from traditional on-campus, 100% online, or hybrid delivery formats. The university is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and clinical practice, preparing students for successful nursing careers.

Programs Offered

• BSN (Traditional)
  On Campus | $220,000 total | 48-month program | 88% graduation rate
• DNP
  Online + Campus | $63,000 total | 36-month program | 88% graduation rate
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  On Campus | 36-month program
• MSN – Nursing Administration & Leadership
  On Campus | 24-month program
• MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
  On Campus | 24-month program
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
  Online + Campus | $48,375 total | 24-month program | 88% graduation rate
• MSN — Nursing Education
  Online | $38,700 total | 24-month program | 88% graduation rate
• PhD in Nursing
  On Campus | 48-month program
• RN to BSN
  Online | $21,750 total | 18-month program | 88% graduation rate

Key Statistics

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
• Clinical Access Score: 83/100
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Clinical Training & Hospital Partnerships

• Affiliation with over 70 hospitals and healthcare systems for clinical placements.
• Students do not find their own clinical sites; placements are coordinated by the College of Nursing.
• Simulation and Learning Resource Center with extensive labs and SSH accreditation.
• Community-based clinical experience at Unity Clinic in South Philadelphia.

Named hospital & health-system partners: Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Admissions Requirements

Traditional BSN (first-degree) program: No official admissions rate or minimum GPA published.

Second-Degree BSN (accelerated programs):

• Alternate Sequence Curriculum: GPA of 2.75 or higher; GPA below 2.75 may be considered if performance in science courses is 2.75 or higher. Required prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology (6–8 credits), Chemistry with organic component (3–4 credits), Cell Biology/Genetics/Microbiology (3–4 credits), plus Nutrition or Statistics (3 credits).
• BSNExpress (14-month accelerated): GPA of 3.0 or higher; GPAs below 3.0 may be considered if science coursework is 3.0 or higher. Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology (6–8 credits), Chemistry with organic component (3–4 credits), Cell Biology/Genetics/Microbiology (3–4 credits), Developmental Psychology (3 credits), Nutrition (3 credits), Pathophysiology (3 credits), Statistics (3 credits), and Theology/Religious Studies (6 credits).

Graduate nursing programs (master’s, DNP, Nurse Practitioner/Anesthesia tracks):

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above required for most tracks.
• Specific programs may require a GPA above 3.0.

Program-Specific Details

• DNP: Minimum GPA 3.2. Evening synchronous classes.
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Minimum GPA 3.2. Designed for working professionals with full-time, part-time, and flex options.
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner: Minimum GPA 3.2. Evening synchronous classes.
• MSN — Nursing Education: Minimum GPA 3.2. Online delivery with synchronous classes one night per week.
• PhD in Nursing: Minimum GPA 3.2. Hybrid format: fall and spring semesters via synchronous distance learning; summer sessions on-campus.

Schedule & Format Flexibility

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s DNP): Offered in a “flex” format with online delivery including synchronous classes one night per week (occasional semester-dependent adjustments).
• Traditional BSN: Fully on-campus.
• DNP programs: Evening synchronous classes (6:30–8:30 pm ET), with start in early summer and on-campus residencies in fall, spring, and summer (1 day in fall/spring, 1–3 days in summer).

Why Choose Villanova University for Nursing?

• Accreditation: CCNE-accredited, ensuring the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education quality.
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Consistently exceeds the national average of 87–89%.
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong network of over 70 hospitals and healthcare systems for diverse clinical placements.
• Career Prospects: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage of $93,600 for registered nurses as of May 2024, with 189,100 RN job openings projected each year through 2034.

What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

• Accreditation: Ensure programmatic accreditation from CCNE or ACEN, in addition to regional institutional accreditation.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Look for programs that consistently meet or exceed the national average (87–89%).
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong partnerships ensure diverse, high-quality hands-on experience.
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success.
• Career Placement: Some schools maintain partnerships with healthcare employers to facilitate hiring of new graduates.