Bachelor of Science in Nursing | St. Ambrose University Apply Now Bachelor of Science in Nursing Next semester starts 05/18/2026 Apply now Request information What is a Nursing degree? Explore anatomy, patient care, and critical health issues in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program–available both online and in person through our Presentation Sisters Department of Nursing. Guided by dedicated faculty, focus on holistic care that fosters human dignity, autonomy, and a patient-centered approach. This degree equips you with the skills to deliver essential care, address diverse health challenges, and advocate for patient well-being. Complete our request form to receive details about our program. If you have further questions, contact a member of our nursing staff Explore our tracks In-person LPN to BSN RN to BSN Program at a glance On campus or online 124 credits 33 gen ed credits 64 nursing credits 27 elective credits Group clinicals and simulations 1 one-on-one preceptorship 1 capstone project Max transfer credits 90 Accredited and recognized Reduce tuition by up to $24k Explore ways to reduce the cost of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Get the details Why earn a BS in Nursing? Nursing students at SAU experience the dynamic healthcare arena alongside holistic care that centers patients’ physical, spiritual, psychosocial, and cultural health. As a graduate, you’ll excel in clinical judgment, approaching care with a foundation of ethical reasoning and interprofessional problem solving. Hands-on experience Experience learning in real clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers throughout the Midwest. Learn online or in person Earn your degree online through one of two tracks: RN to BSN, and LPN to BSN. Or join classes in person on our Iowa campus. Cutting-edge technology Our state-of-the-art simulations and clinical skills labs allow students to practice their skills before working with real patients. Holistic nursing SAU graduates provide holistic, client-centered care to patients, centering their human dignity, autonomy, and social justice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion enhances patient outcomes, fosters trust, and promotes a supportive environment for everyone. Spanish-language certification Earn a Certificate in Spanish for Health and Human Services Professionals with just 18 additional credits in SAU’s Spanish department. What you’ll learn in your Nursing program You will develop into a holistic nurse who uses ethics, and standards of care to guide your practice. You will also cultivate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to establish a strong sense of professional identity, fostering personal growth, ethical decision-making, and excellence in patient care. Person-centered, holistic approach to patient care Legal/ethical aspects of safe nursing practice Ability to navigate complex healthcare delivery systems Integrate the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of palliation and supportive care with theoretical nursing knowledge Pharmacological concepts and principles Global healthcare systems, population health framework, and their influences on health outcomes Patient-centered approach “The Nursing program is more than simply passing a test. It’s understanding the human body and mind, and being able to safely care for patients and act as a leader in a healthcare setting and the community.” -Carrington Curphy ‘21 BS in Nursing Start my degree Pathways to your Bachelor of Science in Nursing SAU offers three distinct pathways to your nursing degree. Our in-person program guides incoming students and transfer students through a four-year degree program on our Davenport, Iowa campus. Credentialed professionals can earn their degree online, at their own pace, through our LPN to BSN and RN to BSN programs. Online students complete clinicals at SAU's partner health centers. Earn your BSN in-person at SAU in Davenport, Iowa Incoming first-years and transfer students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing on St. Ambrose's campus in Davenport, Iowa. Students on this track access the benefits of student life, from classes in our fully-equipped Center for Health Sciences Education to on-campus housing and dining options. Request information Explore nursing courses On-campus BSN students complete a total of 124 credits, including 33 gen ed credits, 64 core credits, 27 elective credits, several group clinicals, 1 one-on-one preceptorship, several simulations, and 1 capstone project. BS in Nursing Course Sequence How much does a BS in Nursing cost? The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses, including Nursing Fees and Supplies (pdf). Explore total cost of attendance. Full-time student living on campus Expense By Semester By Year Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* $19,674 $39,348 Housing** $4,313 $8,625 Food*** $3,135 $6,270 Technology fee $150 $300 Total direct charges (billable) $27,272 $54,543 *Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. Additionally, o n-campus nursing students are charged fees by the credit hour for nursing courses, at $50 per credit hour. **This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections. ***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day. Housing costs for on-campus students When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose. Explore housing options How to Apply Follow these three steps to apply to the BSN program in St. Ambrose University's Presentation Sisters Department of Nursing: Email nursing@sau.edu to talk to an advisor about program requirements and next steps Complete the undergraduate application to St. Ambrose University Complete the BSN program application Applications received by December 1 will be given priority admission for the fall semester. Applications received by July 1 will be given priority admission for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until each cohort has been filled. Apply to SAU Admission requirements for a BS in Nursing Ready to start your career in Nursing? Here are the admissions requirements for our Nursing program. You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.0 You must provide an official high school transcript You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program You should have no more than 7 outstanding required general education credits left to complete when you enter the Nursing Program. Additionally, the following are required prior to being fully accepted into and starting the nursing program: Completion of a CNA Certification (Certified Nursing Assistant) course, active CNA certification, or employment documentation of Nursing Department Skills Checklist , within the last 3 years of entering the Nursing Program. CPR Certification through the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (not Red Cross). Completion of the SAU Foreign Language Requirement: High School – 3 years of the same foreign language, OR College level – 2 semesters of the same foreign language (prior to starting the Nursing Program). Completion of Health Documentation Requirements Email a nursing advisor Required prerequisites Complete the following prerequisite courses with a C grade or higher prior to admission to the Nursing Program. If applicable, no more than one science course can be completed the summer before fall entry: +BIOL 101 Principles of Biology (or higher level Biology), 4 credits (plus lab) BIOL 211 Introductory Microbiology, 4 credits (plus lab) BIOL 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab) BIOL 232 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab) +CHEM 103 Principles of Chemistry (or higher level Chemistry), 4 credits (plus lab) STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences, 3 credits +PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits PSYC 212 Life-Span Developmental Psychology, 3 credits +SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology, 3 credits +applicable toward general education requirement International student requirements If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need: Official transcripts from secondary education A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 84 with a speaking score of 26, TOEFL PBT minimum score of 560,  IELTS - 6.5 with a speaking score of 7.0) Copy of your passport and other documentation You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program What’s on campus for nursing students? On-campus nursing students complete health sciences classwork in the SAU Center for Health Sciences Education on the Genesis Medical Center West campus. Participate in the St. Ambrose Student Nurses Association, a student-led organization for pre-nursing and current nursing students. The goal is to give back to our local community and promote employment opportunities. Nursing students can also get involved in the Nurses' Christian Fellowship (NCF). This group encourages SAU students and faculty to explore and connect Christian faith and nursing while also providing resources that help nurses practice from a Christian perspective. Request information Earn your LPN to BSN online Complete your online nursing degree in as few as six semesters Our Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing offers a fully-online option for LPNs to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Study at your own pace and complete clinicals at SAU's partner health centers. Our LPN to BSN program is open to students in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Request information LPN to BSN courses Students in our LPN to BSN program complete a total of 55 credits, including both online classes and in-person clinicals at SAU's partner health centers. View our course sequence to explore St. Ambrose's general education requirements and pre-requisite courses for admission to the nursing program. LPN to BSN Degree Requirements How much does a LPN to BSN online cost? Costs for online nursing students are determined by credit hour. Based on our 2026-2027 tuition and fees, a student in our LPN to BSN program will pay $640 per credit hour, and an additional $130 per credit hour in online fees. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses, including Nursing Fees and Supplies (pdf). Explore total cost of attendance. Tuition and Fees Full-time program (21 months) Expense Per Semester Total Program Cost** Total Tuition ($640/credit hour)* $6,400 - $7,680 $35,200 Online BSN Fees ($130/credit hour) $1,300 - $1,560 $7,150 Technology Fee $75 - $150 $525 Total Direct (Billable) Charges $7,775 - $9,390 $42,875 *Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. **Estimate based on Fall start date. Total cost includes two Fall semesters, one Spring semester, and one Summer semester. Part-time program (2.5 years) Expense Per Semester Total Program Cost** Total Tuition ($640/credit hour)* $3,840 - $5,760 $35,200 Online BSN Fees ($130/credit hour) $780 - $1,170 $7,150 Technology Fee $75 $525 Total Direct (Billable) Charges $4,695 -  $7,005 $42,875 *Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. **Estimate based on Fall start date. Total cost includes three Fall semesters, two Spring semesters, and two Summer semesters. How to Apply Follow these three steps to apply to the BSN program in St. Ambrose University's Presentation Sisters Department of Nursing: Email nursing@sau.edu to talk to an advisor about program requirements and next steps Complete the undergraduate application to St. Ambrose University Complete the BSN program application Applications received by December 1 will be given priority admission for the fall semester. Applications received by July 1 will be given priority admission for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until each cohort has been filled. Apply to SAU What are the admissions requirements for online students in our LPN to BSN program? In addition to the requirements of our in-person degree, LPN to BSN students in our Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing program must: Be accepted into St. Ambrose University, then complete an application for our Nursing program Hold an active, unencumbered LPN license in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. Maintain a permanent address in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale For current LPNs only: Complete the TEAS IV or NLN PAX exam Hold an approved Nursing diploma or associate degree Complete required prerequisites, with no more than seven outstanding general education credits Apply to SAU Earn your RN to BSN online Complete your online nursing degree in as few as three semesters Our Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing offers a fully-online option for RNs to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Study at your own pace and complete clinicals at SAU's partner health centers. Our RN to BSN program is open to students in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Request information RN to BSN courses Students in our RN to BSN program complete a total of 28 credits, including both online classes and in-person clinicals at SAU's partner health centers. View our course sequence to explore St. Ambrose's general education requirements and pre-requisite courses for admission to the nursing program. RN to BSN Degree Requirements How much does a RN to BSN online cost? Costs for online nursing students are determined by credit hour. Based on our 2026-2027 tuition and fees, a student in our RN to BSN program will pay $640 per credit hour, and an additional $130 per credit hour in online fees. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses, including Nursing Fees and Supplies (pdf). Explore total cost of attendance. Tuition and Fees Full-time program (11 months) Expense Per Semester Total Program Cost** Total Tuition ($640/credit hour)* $5,120 - $6,400 $17,920 Online BSN Fees ($130/credit hour) $1,040 - $1,300 $3,640 Technology Fee $75 $225 Total Direct (Billable) Charges $6,235 -  $7,775 $21,785 *Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. **Estimate based on Fall start date. Total cost includes one Fall semester, one Spring semester, and one Summer semester. Part-time program (21 months) Expense Per Semester Total Program Cost** Total Tuition ($640/credit hour)* $2,560 - $4,480 $17,920 Online BSN Fees ($130/credit hour) $520 - $910 $3,640 Technology Fee $75 $375 Total Direct (Billable) Charges $3,155 - $5,465 $21,935 *Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. **Estimate based on Fall start date. Total cost includes two Fall semesters, two Spring semesters, and one Summer semester. How to Apply Follow these three steps to apply to the BSN program in St. Ambrose University's Presentation Sisters Department of Nursing: Email nursing@sau.edu to talk to an advisor about program requirements and next steps Complete the undergraduate application to St. Ambrose University Complete the BSN program application Applications received by December 1 will be given priority admission for the fall semester. Applications received by July 1 will be given priority admission for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until each cohort has been filled. Apply to SAU What are the admissions requirements for online students in our RN to BSN program? In addition to the requirements of our in-person degree, students in our Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing program must: Be accepted into St. Ambrose University, then complete an application for our Nursing program Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. Maintain a permanent address in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming. Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale Hold an approved Nursing diploma or associate degree Complete required prerequisites, with no more than seven outstanding general education credits Apply to SAU St. Ambrose University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accreditations Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Additionally, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Nursing is a professional licensure program at St Ambrose University. Educational requirements are noted for all states. Requirements may, however, change at the digression of the state, and as such, interested applicants and current candidates for licensure should consult with licensure boards within jurisdictions of interest. See licensure information: BSN Licensure by State Explore SAU’s NCLEX®-RN First-Time Pass Rates. See all of SAU’s accreditations How does SAU support Nursing students? St. Ambrose University’s nursing faculty combines expertise with real-world knowledge. Faculty facilitate specialized experiences for their students, including Nursing Peer to Peer Mentorship, and the student representatives to Faculty Council. They are always available to answer any questions you may have, and nursing alumni say the faculty are St. Ambrose’s biggest attribute. As many faculty are working nurses and volunteers in the community, they are armed with a wealth of industry knowledge and passion for student success. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, get involved, and feel confident entering into a career in nursing. Nursing program faculty Amy Tallman, MA Ann Garton, DNP, FPCC, RN, CNE Connie Hanson-Hullstrom, MAN, RN Danielle Hoffman, DNP, MPH, RN, TNS, EMT-P, CNE Deb Frankie-Lasher, DC, BSN, RN Denise Westendorf, MSN, RN, NPD-BC Erin Rennert, MSN, RN Heather Scott, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE Heather Sikora, MSN, RN Jenelle Wilson, MSN, RN Kari Crowder, MSN, RN Katie Sleaford, MSN, RN, RNC-OB Katrina Browning, DNP, RN, CNE Katrina DeToye, DNP, RN, CNE Kristen Lang-Coleman, DNP, RN Lynne Kruse, MSN, RN-C Magdalena Gjeleva Hasley, RN Other support resources Student Success Center At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center. Explore academic support services Accessibility Resource Center Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help. Learn about our resources Career services Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career. Discover career support Are there scholarships available for BS in Nursing? At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially. Ambrose Advantage Scholarship Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage. Merit-based and institutional scholarships St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships. Avera Sponsorship With a three-year work commitment to Avera Health, BSN students at St. Ambrose may qualify for a scholarship of up to $30,000 while in school with funds paid directly to the student. Students can also receive up to $10,000 through the Student Loan Repayment Program. Learn more about this funding opportunity for St. Ambrose nursing students. Transfer credits At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits. Don’t let cost hinder your future "Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career." -Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa Explore Ambrose Advantage How can I apply for Early Decision in SAU's nursing program? High-achieving high school students have the opportunity to enter St. Ambrose University as First-year students and secure a place in the Department of Nursing through our Early Decision Placement Program. The Department of Nursing admits a cohort who will complete two years of prerequisites at St. Ambrose University and begin their study in nursing major course work in the fall sessions. If you did not meet the Early Decision Placement criteria or deadlines, don't worry! There are future opportunities to enroll in the SAU Nursing program. Fewer than 50 percent of students are admitted under the Early Decision Placement Program. Criteria To be considered for Early Decision, students must apply and be accepted to St. Ambrose University and have a minimum 3.2 unweighted GPA. Additional Requirements The student maintains placement in the nursing program if they have met the Nursing admission criteria when application materials were submitted to the Nursing program (during the designated semester the student begins the Nursing program). Application opens August 1. Apply for early decision What can I do with a Nursing degree? Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Nursing program could achieve. Potential job titles Inpatient nursing School nursing Office nurse Behavioral health Long term care nurse Potential employment settings General medical and surgical hospitals Offices of physicians Home health care services Outpatient care centers Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) Schools or universities Traits of a nurse Leadership Critical thinking Time management Interpersonal skills Active listening Emotional intelligence Industry facts The average growth rate from 2022-2032 for nursing is 6 percent, which is double the average growth rate for all occupations, which is 3 percent. The mean annual wage for a Registered Nurse is $89,010 per year. For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. News and events at SAU From A(mbrose) to (Gen) Z St. Ambrose University is proud to the host International Conference on Faith, Hope, and Renewal in the Catholic Church on April 24–26, 2026. From undecided student to Nurse Leader of the Year When Ashley Vilona ’14 first stepped onto St. Ambrose University’s campus, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to study. Two St. Ambrose alumni named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses St. Ambrose University is excited to announce two nursing alumni were named to the Great Iowa Nurses list. View all news and events Become who you are meant to be With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU. Call: 563-333-6000 Request Information Apply Now