Become who you’re meant to be. In Bethel’s nursing (B.S.N.) program, you’ll gain a mastery of technical knowledge and critical thinking, competence in nursing theory and process, and skilled use of evidence-based practice. You’ll learn in state-of-the-art labs, engage in cross-cultural service opportunities, and be prepared for graduate programs. You’ll take your faith in Christ and integrate it into everything you learn—all so you can accomplish incredible things in your career, in your community, and in your world.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
You’ll gain all the necessary skills for beginning nursing practice, and Bethel’s liberal arts foundation will help you become a well-rounded nurse. Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses).
Critical thinking
Analyze complex patient situations, identify priorities, and implement effective interventions to ensure optimal outcomes.
Utilize evidence based on research
Integrate the latest scientific evidence into clinical practice, providing evidence-based care that aligns with best practices.
Make decisions in ethically challenging situations
Consider moral principles, professional standards, and patient preferences to navigate complex decision-making processes ethically.
Communicate to a diverse population of individuals
Convey information clearly and foster therapeutic relationships with patients and families, regardless of cultural or linguistic differences.
Understand the complexities of the health care system
Navigate healthcare delivery effectively, advocate for patients, and facilitate seamless care coordination across settings.
Integrate your Christian faith with nursing practice
Promote healing and well-being in alignment with Christian principles. Faith will be a core component in all of your nursing undergraduate classes.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain on-the-ground clinical experience. Bethel’s size and welcoming, vibrant community will allow you to connect to other students, and faculty and alumni mentors, right away.
Learn abroad
Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Choose from 600+ partner sites, or join a trip designed specifically for students in healthcare to gain clinical experience and serve others internationally.
Hands-on clinical opportunities
You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working in a clinical setting that matches your career goals. Our nursing department has strong connections with over 30 clinical agencies in the Twin Cities and 7+ public health departments, giving you the chance to experience different specialties and environments.
Student organizations
Join the Bethel Student Nurse Association, the Nurses’ Christian Fellowship, and the Chi-At-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a nursing degree?
With a B.S.N. from Bethel, you’ll be prepared for a vibrant career caring for others, and you’ll be well-equipped to continue your studies in graduate school. When you complete the nursing major, you’ll also be ready to take the NCLEX® licensure examination.
Hospital work
Work in a variety of units, including specialty-care units such as mental health, intensive care, labor, and delivery.
Public health agencies
Work on community health initiatives to promote wellbeing.
Schools
Offer healthcare services to students and staff and health education to foster a healthy school environment.
Clinics
Deliver primary and specialized healthcare services alongside physicians, operating in settings like primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, and outpatient surgical centers.
Emergency care settings
Provide rapid assessment, intervention, and crisis management for patients with acute illnesses or injuries.
Home care
Provide services to patients in their homes, addressing chronic illnesses, disabilities, and post-operative care.
Hospice and palliative care
Offer compassionate end-of-life care, focusing on pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support for patients and their families.
Missions
Provide healthcare services in underserved communities globally, participating in medical missions, disaster relief, or community development projects.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll experience close mentorship alongside supportive and knowledgeable professors who always have an open-door policy. You’ll also get to learn in a state-of-the-art nursing complex that includes two skills labs and four life-like simulation labs.
Diane Dahl Ph.D., M.S.N., RN
Interim Dean of Healthcare Programs and Dean of Nursing; Chief Nursing Administrator
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently asked questions
- A bachelor's degree (or "baccalaureate degree") in nursing is a four-year degree that signifies you’ve been equipped with all the skills and competencies you need to offer excellent patient care. It includes nursing-specific coursework as well as Bethel's signature general education courses, all taught within a supportive, Christ-centered environment. Upon graduation from the program, you’ll have earned a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
- A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nursing professional who has passed the NCLEX. The minimum education for an RN is a two-year associate's degree, but a four-year BSN includes broader, foundational learning; additional clinical hours; and more advanced nursing experience. A BSN is preferred for many positions, and some require it. Nurses with a BSN will also have the option to move into leadership positions or pursue graduate school.
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Any Bethel student may choose pre-nursing as a major (with the designation PRN) and begin taking general education courses that apply to the nursing major. Once you're a student, you must meet the following criteria and be accepted to the nursing program:
- Be admitted to Bethel University
- Achieve a cumulative Bethel GPA of 2.75, including in the required prerequisite science courses
- Earn a C or better for all prerequisite courses
Here's a complete timeline for admission to the nursing program, and the Bethel Catalog lists the current prerequisite courses for enrollment in the nursing major. If space is limited, not all qualified applicants may be admitted.
- Healthcare is booming right now, and nursing is one of the most flexible career paths within this sector. With a bachelor's degree in nursing, you can serve in hospital roles, public health, schools, clinics, emergency rooms, home care, hospice and palliative care, or even the mission field. Because of the high demand for nurses in these diverse settings, you may be able to fit your role or schedule to your different interests of stages of life.
- A BSN is typically a 4-year undergraduate degree. Beginning college with PSEO or other credits, studying abroad, double-majoring or minoring may change your actual time to completion. Once you're a Bethel student, you'll work with a faculty advisor to map out required coursework and other experiences you'd like to incorporate into your Bethel journey, and estimate when you'll be able to graduate.
- There are some online BSN courses offered nationally, although most require an associate's degree before enrolling. Bethel offers a blended postbaccalaureate nursing program for those who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and wish to switch professions. The hybrid format includes a mix of online and in-person experiences.
- Earning your BSN instead of a two-year associate's degree will provide you with a variety of benefits that aren’t always available to nurses with only their LPN or RN certifications. Employers often prefer to hire nurses with their BSN, and nurses with a BSN typically have higher earning potential, more career advancement opportunities, and ultimately a more comprehensive education, which results in better patient care.
- Yes! Bethel offers a separate post-baccalaureate nursing program designed for those who already have an undergraduate degree and wish to pivot to nursing. After graduation from this accelerated nursing program, you'll take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and apply for your nursing license in the state you intend to practice nursing.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) shows 2023 median pay for registered nurses as $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour. The industry is growing faster than average, with an additional 200,000 nurses needed nationally within the next decade.
- Bethel's nursing programs have been specifically created to prepare students well for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which tests standard nursing skills and knowledge and provides licensure for a career in nursing. Bethel has a 40-year track record of excellence in nursing, plus robust academic support services, tutoring, and study sessions, so you'll be well-equipped for the NCLEX!
- Yes! Bethel recently repositioned and simplified its undergraduate tuition, bringing the cost down for most students. There are also academic scholarships (based on GPA), legacy scholarships (for students who have a family member who has attended Bethel), federal grants and loans, and a number of donor-funded scholarships specifically for Bethel nursing students. Use Bethel's handy Net Price Calculatorto estimate what you'll pay in Bethel University's nursing program.