FAQs

We offer a range of nursing programs tailored to meet the needs of students at various stages of their educational journey. These include a traditional BSN program, and graduate-level options such as the MSN, post-graduate certificates, and DNP tracks. We also offer a Nurse Aide Training program.

Our program stands out for its faith-based mission, small class sizes, dedicated faculty, clinical partnerships, simulation labs, highly desired students & graduates, as well as excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates. We emphasize leadership, service, and whole-person care, preparing students for practice in a variety of healthcare settings from a Christian worldview.

We do not have a pre-nursing track. Students are admitted directly to the nursing major if they meet the admission criteria. Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria may be admitted to the Pathway to Nursing program, which provides an opportunity for students to take nursing courses. Pathway students who meet the nursing student progression criteria will be admitted to the major. We also accept transfer students.

Specific information for transfer students applying to nursing in the University catalog. Transfer students must have an earned cumulative GPA of 3.3 in previous college work to enter the nursing major.

A variety of credits may be transferred into the nursing program. Generally, nursing credits do not transfer easily, but general education credits and support courses may be transferable. Interested students who wish to apply and transfer credits should contact a transfer admissions counselor for more detailed information and an evaluation of their previous college work. Cohort placement depends on amount of transfer credits accepted.

This depends on the number and type of college credits a prospective student has successfully completed. Some prerequisite courses are required before beginning clinical. Prospective students who wish to transfer credits should contact a transfer admissions counselor.

The nursing program maintains clinical contracts with a diverse range of clinical sites in the Harrisburg area. Most are within a 20-30 minutes travel time from the campus. Sites include hospitals, university medical centers, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and more. Clinical opportunities are provided in pediatrics, maternity, long-term care, medical-surgical, critical care (adult and pediatric), emergency department, operating rooms, outpatient clinics, in-home nursing care and more. Population health sites include schools, prisons, soup kitchens, hospices, low-income housing facilities, wellness centers, and more. We also have clinical opportunities in Macha, Zambia!

The curriculum has ~800 clinical hours, ranging from 9-12 hours per week. Additionally, the Senior Capstone course includes 120 hours of concentrated clinical experience in a clinical area of their interest.

Nursing students are required to have access to their own transportation beginning in the spring of their sophomore year. Students are often able to carpool with other students but will occasionally attend individual experiences.

Clinical groups typically consist of 6-9 students per faculty member, with 4-6 students being on the unit with an instructor at a time.

No, absolutely not! The faculty strive to support all admitted students toward success in the nursing program; however, the nursing program has rigorous standards and high expectations. Faculty are always available for advisement and counseling to assist students in meeting their educational goals.

No, the baccalaureate degree in nursing is at a generalist level. However, we can customize Senior Capstone Clinical to each student's area of interest, allowing them to develop more skills in a particular nursing specialty prior to graduation.

While there are some general education evening courses, nursing courses are offered during the day - with day and evening clinical experiences.

Yes, part time study is available; however, courses are offered during the day with clinical experiences during the day or evening. Please contact nursing@messiah.edu for more information.

Specific information and guidance are provided to students to help them prepare for the NCLEX-RN. An integrated testing and remediation software package is incorporated throughout the nursing curriculum to prepare for the NCLEX. A review course is provided to senior nursing students to prepare them for the NCLEX. Our NCLEX success is a testament to the level of preparation our students receive for this important exam! Our pass rates are excellent; students will be well-prepared!

Yes, there are a number of nursing scholarships and loans available. Please visit Nursing Scholarships and Loans or contact a counselor in the Office of Financial Aid for more details on our scholarships and loans.

Yes, many nursing majors have played a variety of varsity sports. Nursing faculty and coaches work collaboratively to assist students who wish to play sports.

Yes, nursing majors can participate in semester-long off-campus programs during the fall semester of their sophomore year or during the Population & Global Health course in the spring semester of their senior year. Students interested in a semester-long international study opportunity should discuss their interest with their academic advisor as soon as possible, ideally during their first semester. Nursing students have studied in Rwanda, Spain, Australia, Rome, New Zealand, Uganda and Belize, among other locations. The Agape Center for Local and Global Engagement offers students a comprehensive range of information on international study options. Interested students should contact this office for more details and a complete list of international opportunities.

Yes, many graduates from the nursing program are well-prepared for graduate study, including master's and doctoral studies. A few examples: nursing education, nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, business and nursing administration, medicine, school nurse certification, ministry/missions, midwifery, and others.

Yes! We offer Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing degrees. Please see our Graduate Programs in Nursing page for more information.