Examine What Makes Our BSN Programs Better.

Carlow University offers the most affordable nursing programs in the Pittsburgh region. More importantly, we provide the mentorship, support, advising, simulation-based training and clinical experience you need to pass the NCLEX exam—and pass it on the first try.

Carlow prepares nurses to lead fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We’re ready to help you do the same.

BSN Pre-Licensure Programs At-A-Glance

Programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Nursing: Traditional BSN

This is the traditional 4-year path that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN).

Nursing: Second Degree BSN

Once pre-requisite courses are complete, this 15-month program allows someone with a bachelor’s degree in another field of study to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN).

How Carlow Compares

Among Pittsburgh’s top BSN programs, Carlow’s stack up extremely well.

Best

First-Time Board Exam Pass Rate

Lowest

Net Cost

Highest

Acceptance Rate

BSN Program Highlights

Top NCLEX pass rates
State-of-the-art simulation center
Vast clinical experience opportunities
Pre-requisites built into pre-licensure BSN

Region-Leading Exam Pass Rates

Carlow has been the region's leader in pass rates for the State Board Examination in Nursing (NCLEX-RN) in recent years. In the latest exam period, 95% of Carlow’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates passed the NCLEX exam on their first try.

Why a BSN?

Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Increased Opportunity

Better Patient Outcomes

Greater Nurse Satisfaction

Increased Opportunity

Hospitals and state agencies continue to advocate a BSN for at least 80% of all nursing staff. Your BSN degree gives you more and better career options.
Better Patient Outcomes

Studies confirm that hospitals with higher percentages of BSN staff produce better patient outcomes.
Greater Nurse Satisfaction

Studies find higher job satisfaction among BSN credentialed nurses.

The complexity of nursing care requires transitioning from skill-based competencies to critical thinking, evidenced-based practice, and complex decision making and leadership. BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to manage this complexity.

Institute of Medicine

Your Carlow Advantage

As an urban institution with a hands-on and longstanding connection to culturally diverse communities, Carlow University educates nurses to bring an unmatched awareness for cultural competence and an abiding sense of social justice to the bedside.

Pittsburgh: Medical Innovation Center

Pittsburgh offers world-class medical research, dozens of medical startup companies, and two large academic medical centers: Allegheny Health Network and UPMC Health System. Breakthroughs in breast cancer diagnosis, organ transplantation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), drug discovery, and the first successful polio vaccine all began here.

A sampling of Carlow’s Clinical Nursing Opportunities

Allegheny Health Network hospitals
UPMC Children’s Hospital
UPMC Magee Womens Hospital
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
VA Pittsburgh Health Care

Carlow’s Teaching/Advising Difference

State-of-the-art simulation center
High community involvement
Deep cultural awareness
Invested faculty advisors
Hands-on curriculum
Team-based clinical practice
Strong alumni network
Center for Academic Achievement
- Peer tutors
- Academic coaches

Ready to learn more?

Complete the form and receive more information, including the Your Future in Nursing guide.