Nursing - Traditional
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing / major
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Nursing
Program Contact
- Timothy Meyers
-
Executive Director School of Nursing
330-972-5722
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at The University of Akron prepares students to become confident, compassionate, and career-ready registered nurses. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on simulation experiences, and clinical placements at top regional health care facilities, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's fast-paced health care environment. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce as licensed professionals, or continue into advanced practice or graduate-level nursing education.
Admissions Requirements
University of Akron students who have completed prerequisite coursework apply for the BSN degree through their academic adviser during a specified period of spring semester to be considered for fall admission into the nursing major.
BSN degree-seeking students must meet the minimum criteria below. Students are separated into categories for admission consideration.
2.75 Prerequisite GPA. All prerequisites must be completed by the end of spring semester.
2.75 Prerequisite Science GPA (Intro to Gen., Organic, & Biochem I and II lecture/lab, Anatomy & Physiology I and II lecture/lab, and Microbiology). Ranking in each admission category will be by science GPA.
No grade less than a "C" in any prerequisite course (grades of "C-" must be repeated; refer to the repeat policy).
Important: Completion of all admission criteria does not guarantee admission into the nursing major. Entry is competitive.
REPEAT POLICY
If College of Health and Human Sciences Pre-Nursing students or Advising Center intended-nursing major students do not successfully complete the science prerequisite courses the first time, they are allowed to repeat the course for a change of grade one time only. Students who take a science course for a third time to earn a grade of "C", will no longer be eligible for the nursing major until the first science course is five years old.
More information about the nursing program is available in the 2025 Prenursing and Nursing Student Baccalaureate Handbook
Career Outcomes for BSN Graduates
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) opens the door to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies, and more. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with the clinical skills, leadership training, and critical thinking abilities that employers seek.
Registered nurses are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 193,000 openings for RNs each year through 2032. In addition to job security, nurses enjoy competitive salaries—the median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 in 2023.
Graduates of the BSN program are well-prepared to:
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain licensure
Begin clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings
Pursue specialized certifications or graduate study in advanced nursing practice, leadership, or education
A BSN isn’t just a degree—it’s a strong foundation for a lifelong career in health care.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The University of Akron are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The Best Nurses Wear Blue & Gold
Learn more about what sets UA’s School of Nursing apart.
Ordinarily, students aren’t admitted into nursing programs until after their first year of general education studies, or later.
But UA's School of Nursing is special! If you have a 3.00 GPA and 22 ACT or a 1030 SAT, you may be eligible to be directly admitted into the School of Nursing, right out of high school. Seats in the program are limited.
Combine that with the opportunity to get firsthand experience at nationally recognized hospitals within walking distance of campus, and you’ve got a nursing education that’s hard to beat.
Direct admit new high school graduates must meet the following criteria:
- 3.0 high school GPA
- 22 ACT minimum or 1030 SAT minimum
- Core curriculum for nursing (Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry)
A one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school graduates who aspire to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), this special program provides high achieving students with opportunities for mentoring and direct admission into UA's highly competitive Post-BSN-CRNA program.
At The University of Akron, BSN students have access to a wide range of experiences that go beyond textbooks and clinicals. These opportunities help build leadership skills, professional networks, and a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.
🔹 Attend Nursing Conferences
Gain insight into emerging trends in healthcare, present student research, and connect with professionals at regional and national nursing conferences.
🔹 Advocate for the Profession
Travel to Columbus or Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators, learn about healthcare policy, and advocate for the future of nursing.
🔹 Join Student Organizations
Participate in student-led groups like the Student Nurses Association to build community, volunteer locally, and develop leadership skills. (Link to child page about student orgs in SON)
These experiences enhance your education, strengthen your resume, and empower you to make a difference before graduation.
Supportive Culture, Empowered Students
The School of Nursing fosters a positive, supportive culture where students feel encouraged, valued, and empowered to succeed. Whether in the classroom, lab, or clinical setting, students are surrounded by peers and mentors who uplift and inspire one another every step of the way.
1:10 Faculty: Student Ratio in Lab
Our low faculty-to-student ratio in nursing labs ensures personalized instruction, hands-on guidance, and meaningful feedback. With more direct access to experienced faculty, students build confidence, master clinical skills, and receive the support they need to succeed in real-world healthcare settings.
2 Convenient locations to learn
The BSN can be completed at both the Akron Main and Wayne campuses. The teaching faculty are the same and the labs are both well equipped.
Retention and Success
90/90
Our nursing program is deeply committed to student success, offering personalized support, academic resources, and early intervention to help students thrive. This investment leads to an approximately 90% retention rate and 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate, demonstrating our focus on guiding students from day one through graduation and into professional practice.
Cutting-Edge Nursing Labs
Explore our state-of-the-art labs designed for hands-on, real-world clinical training.
New Nursing Student Lounge
Relax, study, and connect in our newly renovated space just for nursing students.
Get Help Paying for College
The School of Nursing awarded over $325,000 from 48 distinct scholarships to 98 students in the School of Nursing for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.