Widener University Nursing School Review

Widener University (WU) in Pennsylvania strives to provide more than just academics. The metropolitan university provides programs anchored in the liberal arts and sciences integrated with career-building skills and a community service focus. Widener is proud to produce alumni dedicated to remaining in their community and providing much-needed services.

WU’s  School of Nursing offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate level degree programs to meet the requirements of nursing students at all stages of their careers.

Nursing Program Review

Widener University’s Nursing Program is an ideal choice for students interested in careers in the dynamic field of nursing. The healthcare system of today is experiencing a major deficiency in skilled professional nurses due to constant changes in features and policies as well as the shifting face of medical care including lengthening of life expectancy and a return to holistic care. Widener prepares students to fill these roles at many levels. Students have many options for their educational path, including progressing through several degree programs to reach personal and professional goals. The Nursing Program boasts a passionate faculty devoted to the encouragement of these students and state-of-the-art instructional facilities.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is the entry level course of study offered at Widener. This four-year program introduces students to fundamental Nursing concepts in their first semester, immediately integrating theory and clinical instruction into the liberal arts-enhanced program. The clinical experiences in the first and second years are offered in the form of simulations to prepare students for the more strenuous real-life applications in the junior and senior years. These clinical rotations are offered in various area medical settings and expose students to several specialty areas including psychiatry, maternal-child and geriatric care. Students are given the opportunity to select their own specialty area for the final clinical rotation. The program can be followed in a full-time or part-time basis. Completing this program will qualify students to sit for the NCLEX exams and earn licensure as Registered Nurses.

RN to BSN Program

Increasing credentials is how nurses remain at the top of their field. One manner in which Registered Nurses can strengthen their resume is through enhancing a previously earned Associate or Diploma Program by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Widener’s RN to BSN Program offers RNs the opportunity to earn this more advanced degree in a flexible time frame. The program is hybrid in nature, featuring both classroom and online instruction. This course of study does not have a clinical component, as students are credited for the experience afforded by their daily work responsibilities. Earning the BSN not only increases the reputability and attractiveness of the nurse, but also prepares him for a Master Degree Program should he wish to pursue furthered opportunities.

RN to MSN Program

This program is designed for already-licensed Registered Nurses who have completed the necessary course work for a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Nursing. These students are able to “bridge” into the Master of Science in Nursing Program through the completion of three specific Nursing courses. While completing these courses students select which of the graduate-level specialty areas they will pursue and apply on a conditional basis to the Master Program. Once the bridge has been successfully passed students will be admitted into the formal program.

Master of Science in Nursing Program

The comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Widener University offers students many opportunities for achieving advanced roles within the field of nursing. Students can elect to specialize in the Family Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist fields. These programs offer instruction into complex Nursing concepts and intensive clinical experiences. Full-time students are able to complete these courses of study in 20 months, and part-time students can finish in 24 months. Completing these programs prepare students to sit for Certification exams that can earn advanced credentials in these specialty areas as well as others.

Doctoral Degree Program

Exceptionally motivated students compelled to reach the peak of Nursing education can enroll in the Doctoral Degree Program at Widener. This program offers two options for highly advanced training: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree. The PhD Program is for those students aspiring to careers in Nursing Education and Research. Graduates from this program are prepared for critical roles in the development of education, research and mentorship within the field of nursing. The DNP Program is the most intensive training opportunity for clinical nurses. Students with this degree are able to obtain roles of great leadership and impact on the individual patient as well as entire treatment systems.

Contact:
Widener University
One University Place,
Chester, PA 19013
1-888-WIDENER