Slippery Rock University is responding to a critical need in healthcare with the launch of a new four-year, pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, beginning in Fall 2026. The program aims to provide a clear, affordable, and hands-on pathway for students seeking a career in nursing, a field facing significant workforce shortages across Pennsylvania and the nation. This expansion builds on SRU’s existing commitment to nursing education, including a long-standing RN-to-BSN program and a unique 1+2+1 pathway.
The new BSN program is designed for students entering SRU as first-year students, offering a traditional, campus-based college experience with early immersion in nursing coursework. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and enter professional practice. The program’s structure emphasizes clinical judgment, critical thinking, and professional identity development, culminating in extensive laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences.
The decision to introduce this program comes as healthcare systems grapple with a growing demand for qualified nurses. Within a 150-mile radius of Slippery Rock University, there’s a documented shortage of over 1,200 BSN-prepared nurses, and the statewide deficit exceeds 2,500 annually. Nationally, projections estimate a need for more than 193,000 new registered nurses each year through 2032, with a projected shortage of nearly 338,000 nurses by 2035. Addressing this shortage is a key driver behind SRU’s expansion of its nursing offerings.
Building on a Legacy of Nursing Education
Slippery Rock University has a history of over 50 years in nursing education. The new four-year program complements the university’s existing RN-to-BSN program, which was one of the first in the nation to be offered fully online, having produced 763 graduates in the last decade. In Fall 2025, SRU also launched a 1+2+1 nursing program, allowing students to earn their RN at a partner institution during their second and third years before completing their BSN at SRU. This innovative pathway was created to address the nursing shortage and provide more flexible options for aspiring nurses.
The SRU Advantage: Affordability and Quality
SRU aims to make a BSN degree accessible through competitive tuition rates. In-state tuition is currently $7,994 per year, with a total cost of attendance for Pennsylvania undergraduates under $26,000 annually. This affordability is coupled with the potential for increased earning power. Graduates with a BSN earn an average base salary of $96,000 annually, approximately $20,000 more than registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree, potentially adding over $500,000 to lifetime earnings.
The university is also investing in its facilities to support the new program. Plans are underway to renovate existing space in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall, providing students with access to a state-of-the-art learning environment. The program’s curriculum is designed to meet rigorous national standards, and SRU’s baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2034, ensuring quality and continuous improvement.
A Promise to the Community and Healthcare Partners
Christine Karshin, dean of the College of Health Professions, emphasized the program’s broader impact. “With the launch of our four-year BSN program, Slippery Rock University is asserting itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of nurses,” Karshin said. “Our region urgently needs these highly skilled professionals, and our communities deserve the best care from people trained locally. This program represents a promise to our health care partners to enhance the workforce, to our students who are called to careers of purpose and service, and to families seeking an affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful, life-changing work. SRU is not just responding to the nursing shortage—we are helping to shape the future of health care in western Pennsylvania, and beyond.”
The economic impact of training more nurses extends beyond individual earnings. Each new healthcare professional in Pennsylvania contributes more than $200,000 in total economic output, considering their purchasing power and other economic exchanges within the community.
The new four-year BSN program received approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing in January 2026, ensuring alignment with national standards, including Nurse of the Future competencies, NCLEX-RN content areas, and CCNE accreditation expectations.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2026 semester, with a limited enrollment cap of 40 first-year students. Current SRU students and transfer applicants will be eligible to apply beginning in Fall 2027. The university anticipates expanding the program to accommodate over 80 students by its fifth year.
More information about the program, including admission requirements and curriculum details, is available on the SRU nursing program website.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about educational opportunities and career paths in nursing. It is not intended to provide medical or financial advice. Readers should consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
The launch of SRU’s four-year BSN program represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in western Pennsylvania. The university will continue to monitor enrollment and workforce needs to ensure the program effectively addresses the evolving demands of the nursing profession. The next key milestone will be the evaluation of the first cohort’s performance on the NCLEX-RN exam in Spring 2030, providing valuable data for program refinement and future growth.
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