Nursing
Nursing is more than a career. It is a calling that demands knowledge, compassion, sound judgment, and the confidence to act when it matters most. At PennWest, our nursing programs prepare you to become a skilled, compassionate professional who is ready to make a difference from day one.
Whether you choose the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the two-year Associate of Science in Nursing, you will build a strong foundation through science-based coursework, hands-on learning, and real clinical experiences. Guided by expert faculty who are invested in your growth, you will practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs, serve in community-based settings, and gain the preparation needed to succeed on the NCLEX and in today’s healthcare environment.
"The professors are great in walking you through it here. Every professor I’ve ever
had here I’ve loved.”
Colin Zerbe
Nursing student
This program is for you if...
- You are drawn to a career that blends science, compassion, and service.
- You want more than lectures — you want hands-on experience that prepares you for real clinical settings.
- You are looking for faculty and staff who will support your growth every step of the way.
- You want to leave college ready to care for others with confidence.
“The number one thing at PennWest that we always pride ourselves in is that we don’t
just lecture to students. We give them hands-on opportunities.” — Dr. Randilyn Lewis,
Nursing Faculty
What You'll Study
In the nursing programs at PennWest University, you'll study a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with essential nursing skills and knowledge. The BSN program integrates professional nursing courses with foundational sciences, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice. You'll engage in hands-on clinical experiences and complete a capstone project to explore various nursing specialties. The ASN program focuses on holistic, patient-centered care, ethical behavior, and clinical competence, preparing you for the fast-paced demands of healthcare environments. Both programs ensure you’re ready for the NCLEX exam and a successful nursing career.
| Degrees, Certificates, Minors | Offered at... | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Clarion | Edinboro | Global Online | |
| Nursing, ASN | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Nursing, BSN | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
How You'll Learn
This program is offered in-person at our Clarion and Edinboro campuses. An in-person degree emphasizes traditional in-person courses at one or more of our locations.
What You'll Become
At PennWest, you’ll prepare for the first and most important step in your nursing career: becoming a Registered Nurse. Through hands-on clinical experiences, simulation-based learning, and support from expert faculty, you’ll build the knowledge, judgment, and confidence to care for patients and contribute as a trusted member of the healthcare team from day one. PennWest nursing graduates are prepared for the NCLEX and ready to begin their careers in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, and other patient-care environments. Based on the current page, that language would align closely with the existing emphasis on clinical experience, simulation labs, expert faculty, and NCLEX readiness.
Career Paths
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Public Health Nurse
- Nurse Leader or Charge Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Advanced practice pathways such as Nurse Practitioner
Fraternal Twins Share Identical Passion for Caretaking
Hannah and Isabella Gorrell have shared a lot of big moments – from taking their first steps to starting kindergarten, celebrating birthdays and finishing high school in the midst of a global pandemic. On May 4, the Gorrell twins reached another milestone as they walked across separate PennWest stages to earn bachelor of science degrees in nursing.
How We'll Help You Succeed
At PennWest, success in nursing means more than passing classes. It means building the knowledge, confidence, and support system you need to grow into a capable, compassionate nurse. From your first semester, you’ll learn with faculty, clinical instructors, and staff who are invested in your progress and ready to guide you through both the academic and hands-on sides of the program. Through simulation labs, clinical experiences, and classroom learning, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning in real-world settings while strengthening the skills you’ll need for patient care, the NCLEX, and your first nursing role. And with academic support, success coaching, and career resources behind you, PennWest helps you move forward with confidence every step of the way.
4.2 Million
Number of Registered Nurses in the U.S. today.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at PennWest Clarion are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE,
Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding this program at the ACEN website.
View AccreditationCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at PennWest Edinboro is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-887-6791
Fax: 202-887-8476
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: 717-783-7142
Fax: 717-783-0822
ST-NURSE@pa.gov
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.