Nursing Department

Nursing is the largest health care profession in the United States, but it's also one of the most challenging. It is both an art and a science, blending critical thinking, technical abilities, a compassionate heart, and healing hands. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most desired credential in health care today, and it allows you to work in nearly any medical setting. A BSN is also required for different clinical and leadership positions, and for entry into a master’s degree in nursing program, which is needed to work as a nurse practitioner. 

Why should you get your BSN at Briar Cliff University?

Our graduates have a 100-percent employment rate, and every BCU nursing alum who has applied to graduate school has been accepted. No other nursing program in Iowa provides more clinical experience (800 hours, including a 100-hour senior clinical preceptorship). Our faculty are all active in clinical practice and professional nursing organizations. Our programs are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and we are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

We offer three options to attain a BSN degree:

BASIC BSN OPTION: Students who are not already registered nurses may elect to enroll at Briar Cliff for the entire four-year basic BSN program leading to eligibility to take the registered nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN).

LPN-BSN OPTION: LPNs with an active license can pursue a program of studies leading to a BSN, and complete it within three years.

RN-BSN OPTION: Registered nurses may pursue an online program of studies leading to a BSN . 

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Department of Nursing at Briar Cliff University is to promote health, healing and hope of persons and the community and to advocate for social justice and healthy environments. We believe that health is a state of being and becoming, an inherent right, and an individually chosen value. As a Catholic Franciscan University, inspired by our dedication to God as Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, we value the sanctity of human life, human community, service, openness to all and hold a reverence for all of creation.