Bachelor of Science in Nursing

HomeAcademicsCollege of Education and Allied Health ProfessionsBachelor of Science in Nursing

Discover a rewarding career serving people and a world in need

Our traditional Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program delivers a strong liberal arts foundation combined with rigorous and holistic nursing coursework designed to prepare graduates to practice in diverse healthcare settings.

Students learn in some of the best-known healthcare entities in the St. Louis area – Mercy, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, SSM Health, and others. In addition, simulation experiences are integrated throughout the program to offer students opportunities to develop essential clinical and critical thinking skills.

The four-year program provides a robust and relevant curriculum to prepare graduates to sit for the National Certification and Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam and modern practice as professional nurses.

Program Highlights

Experienced faculty who provide an inclusive classroom and clinical environment where students feel comfortable, valued and supported.
Small class sizes to allow for personalized instruction and support. Our student-to-teacher ratio is unmatched by any other program in the area.
State-of-the-art simulation labs lend hands-on experiences to the nursing theory learned in the classroom.

Proactive advising provides guidance and support to students in managing academic and personal challenges.
Self-Care Initiative for Student Nurses recognizes that compassionate care begins with the emotional well-being of those providing the care.

Careers in Nursing

For the 20^th year in a row, nurses have been named the most trusted profession (Gallup Poll, 2022). Registered Nurses (RNs) are in an excellent position for job growth in the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook projection for registered nurses at the national level is 12% between 2018-2028. In the state of Missouri, the projected need for registered nurses during the same time period is 16.2%. For more information visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website here!

Nursing Faculty

Our award-winning nursing faculty consistently demonstrate the values and ethics of the nursing profession – caring, compassion, and respect.

Learn more

Admission Requirements

The selection process for admission to the Department of Nursing in the College of Education and Allied Health Professions at Fontbonne University is based upon a review of applicants’ personal and academic records.

Learn more

Program Curriculum

The faculty has carefully designed the curriculum to blend nursing theory with clinical application, preparing graduates who can practice as generalists, in a diverse spectrum of health care settings.

Learn more

Medical Humanities

The medical humanities minor at Fontbonne University is an excellent way for nursing graduates to distinguish themselves from other job candidates. Courses in the humanities minor apply to the general education requirements for Fontbonne University, so students can pursue this minor in addition to the nursing major by completing only one additional course.

Experts suggest that incorporating medical humanities training in nursing education enhances professionalism, empathy, communication, ethical reasoning, teamwork, and critical thinking. In addition, educating nurses in medical humanities is an effective way to strengthen the resilience of clinicians, which can reduce the high burnout rate experienced by health care providers.

View the Curriculum here.

FAQ

Nursing Skills Fundamentals

Nursing students can practice a variety of skills, procedures, and competencies in a safe, risk-free setting. The lab is outfitted with authentic and state-of-the-art equipment and supplies that simulate acute hospital and long-term care settings. Students may lend tactile credibility to the nursing theory learned in the classroom.

Health Assessment

Students focus upon the separate body systems singularly and gain proficiency in properly assessing each through physical examination techniques across a variety of cultures and life spans. Cultural competency and professional assessment provide the basis for learning in this lab.

Skills Simulation

Equipped with high-fidelity, computer-controlled manikins, along with medical equipment and supplies, scenarios can be conducted ranging from realistic everyday situations to more complex modules that emphasize emergency procedures. Critical thinking is the basis for this vital learning lab.

Fontbonne currently has clinical partnerships with:

Barnes Jewish Hospital
Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Mercy Health – Mercy St. Louis, Mercy South, Mercy Rehab
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Nazareth Living Center
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
SSM Health – SLU, DePaul, Cardinal Glennon, St. Clare, St. Mary’s
St. Luke’s Hospital
Veterans Health Administration
Visiting Nurse Association

Accreditation

Fontbonne University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The BSN program has initial approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing program is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
Additionally, the varying colleges, departments, and programs of Fontbonne University are accredited by related and respective governing bodies. The affiliated clinical agencies of the Department of Nursing are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments in writing directly to CCNE (thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org) no later than August 23, 2023.

Program Learning Outcomes

*Please note according to Section 335.066, RSMo of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act that admission and completion of the BSN program does not guarantee eligibility to take the licensure examination.

Contact

Questions about the nursing program?

New students are encouraged to contact you admission counselor.

Current students should speak to their academic advisor.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Fontbonne University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in employment or in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, educational programs, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other programs and activities. Furthermore, Fontbonne University prohibits retaliation against anyone who either opposes unlawful discrimination, assists, or participates in an investigation of a complaint of discrimination, or exercises that person’s rights under any law that forbids discrimination.

Resources

Admission & Financial Aid

Discover a rewarding career serving people and a world in need

Program Highlights

Careers in Nursing