BSN

Where nursing careers begin with confidence. Learn, practice and grow within a real healthcare system.

Young male nursing student in front of classroom whiteboard Young male nursing student in front of classroom whiteboard

Prepare for practice. Build your foundation. Begin your nursing career.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at St. John’s College of Nursing prepares students for entry-level professional nursing practice through strong clinical preparation, faculty support, and hands-on learning. Students complete extensive clinical experiences in acute care, specialty units, and community settings, supported by simulation-based learning and small class sizes.

The BSN students, as part of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), learn within a fully integrated academic–practice environment that supports a seamless transition from education to professional nursing roles.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Embedded within Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) for direct access to real-world clinical learning.
  • 600 hours of hands-on clinical practice across hospitals, specialty units, and community settings.
  • Guaranteed clinical placements with priority access through HSHS partnerships.
  • Advanced simulation and skills lab with high-fidelity technology.
  • NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently above the national average.
  • NCLEX-RN−licensed graduates are workforce-ready and highly employable, many within HSHS.

Program Details

The BSN program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person instruction with online coursework to offer both structure and flexibility. 

The BSN program is a four-semester (20 months) hybrid program for students who have fulfilled the general education requirements. It blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical experience across acute-care hospitals and community settings. 

Our small classes, personal attention, and affiliation with HSHS—one of the largest healthcare providers in Illinois and Wisconsin—contribute to a rich educational experience that prepares students to assume the role of a professional nurse confidently. 

Highlights

  • Patient-centered nursing practice that promotes compassionate and ethical care
  • Collaborative, interprofessional learning experiences that reflect contemporary healthcare environments
  • Integration of research and evidence-based practice across the curriculum
The BSN program is a four-semester (20 months) hybrid program. 
  • Estimated Tuition: $47,000 for the nursing program 
  • Additional costs may include books, clinical fees, uniforms, and technology 
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available
Learn More About Financial Aid
To be considered for programs at St. John's College, applicants must meet certain admission requirements.
To be considered for the BSN program, applicants must meet specific general education requirements.
Semester 1
  • NSG 332 Foundations  
  • NSG 333 Adult Health Assessment  
  • NSG 358 Pathophysiology I  
Semester 2
  • NSG 344 Nursing Inquiry  
  • NSG 356 Adult Health I  
  • NSG 368 Pathophysiology II  
  • NSG 443 Community Health Nursing  
Semester 3
  • NSG 403 Mental Health  
  • NSG 418 Pharmacology  
  • NSG 426 Adult Health II  
  • NSG 434 Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice  
Semester 4
  • NSG 423 Maternal Child
  • NSG 444 Transition to Practice  
  • NSG 446 Professional Practice Immersion 
The St. John’s College of Nursing BSN program prepares graduates for entry-level professional nursing practice and provides a foundation for continued academic and career advancement. Graduates may continue their education at St. John’s College of Nursing through:
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – a generalist graduate degree with focused preparation in leadership and nursing education
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – preparing nurses for the highest level of innovative nursing practice and leadership
 
BSN graduates are prepared to begin practice in settings such as:
  • Acute inpatient care, including medical-surgical units and specialty care areas
  • Mental health and community-based nursing settings
 
Because the College is part of HSHS, graduates have direct access to employment opportunities across HSHS hospitals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® examination and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Explore Career Paths
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Academic accommodations are coordinated through the Dean of Students and must be renewed on a semester-by-semester basis. 

Accessibility Services
Yes. Students complete 600 hours of supervised clinical experience in both hospital and community settings, including rotations with our HSHS healthcare partners. 
Yes. We accept transfer credits for general education coursework that meets our requirements. If you’re still completing courses, updated transcripts must be submitted upon completion. 

Some students work part-time while enrolled, especially during early semesters.

Due to the program’s academic rigor and clinical demands, we recommend reducing work hours to prioritize your success, especially during intensive clinical rotations. 

Learn More About Job Opportunities

Yes. Scholarships, federal financial aid and payment plans are available to help make your education affordable.

You may begin in the fall or spring semester. 
 
Yes. Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse in Illinois or other U.S. states.