Nursing Major

Why should I study nursing?

The B.S. in Nursing program is designed for students who desire to work closely with individuals, families, and communities to promote health and provide care for illness and end of life. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses).

What can I do with this degree?

Our graduates are nurses in a variety of settings:

• Hospitals in a variety of units including specialty-care units such as mental health, intensive care, labor and delivery
• Public health agencies
• Schools
• Clinics
• Emergency care settings
• Home care
• Hospice and palliative care
• Missions
• Businesses, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices

Our nurses have completed graduate school for Advanced Practice Nursing Roles (APRN):

• Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Our nurses have completed graduate school to specialize in the following areas:

• Nursing Education (M.S.)
• Leadership (such as MBA)
• Research (Ph.D)

What skills will I develop?

You’ll gain all of the necessary skills for beginning nursing practice. In addition, with your liberal arts foundation here at Bethel, you’ll become a well-rounded nurse, able to:

• Think critically
• Utilize evidence based on research
• Make decisions in ethically challenging situations
• Communicate to a diverse population of individuals
• Understand the complexities of the health care system
• Integrate your Christian faith with nursing practice

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Community Engagement

As part of the undergraduate curriculum, students participate in community engagement experiences. A group of students are assigned to a community agency and work together with community partners to plan health related activities. Students are assigned to the same community agency throughout their five semesters in the nursing program. Many of these agencies serve multicultural populations or groups that are vulnerable or socially disadvantaged.

Bethel Student Nurse Association (BSNA)

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in serving your fellow student nurses, the Bethel community, and our local community through engaging events and projects.

Study Abroad

Nursing majors have the opportunity to participate in Bethel University study abroad experiences.  

Work with Faculty

Our students have worked directly with faculty members, conducting research on topics in the nursing field. At other times, students have assisted with developing articles for publication or in making presentations with faculty.

Bethel gave me an exceptional foundation in nursing. Emphasis was placed on providing holistic, quality care. Upon graduation I was well prepared for bedside nursing as well as pursuing an advanced practice, doctoral degree.

Charitey (Rowden) Robar '10
Current job: Staff Nurse, University of Missouri Hospital- Medical Intensive Care Unit

Bethel's nursing program provides many amazing opportunities! As an undergraduate, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Sandau on research in cardiac monitoring. I met several incredible leaders in nursing research, and had some of my interviews published.

Hannah Peller '11
most recent RN job: Cardiovascular Care, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI

Bethel has strongly prepared me to be an ambassador for Christ in my career as a nurse. The foundation of solid nursing skills and knowledge has prepared me well in caring for my patients and their families.

Daniel Luthi '13
Current job: RN, BSN - Registered Nurse

My experience at Bethel University was an enjoyable and challenging one. The program and professors at Bethel gave me a broader view of nursing and helped prepare me for a better career. I'm forever grateful for the training I received.

Manny Smith '13
Current job: Nurse Manager