Nurses are the largest single group of healthcare providers in the United States, and over the years, professional nurses have become caregivers on the frontlines of healthcare. Purdue’s four-year, direct-admit baccalaureate nursing program prepares you to excel as a registered nurse, working with diverse patients and teams in any setting. Purdue’s BSN program combines a passion for helping others and a love of science to offer real-world experience practicing interdisciplinary healthcare in clinical settings. In the Nursing Center for Education and Simulation, you’ll participate in real-life situations using state-of-the-art simulators that respond to prescribed treatments and learn from award-winning faculty with a range of specialties. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clinical experiences in the School of Nursing’s Family Health Clinic as well as many other clinical agencies, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and more.
Note: Purdue’s BSN program is a highly competitive and selective program with limited space. Students interested in applying should submit their application early in their senior year of high school and no later than the Nov. 1 early action deadline.
Individuals who have already earned at least one bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a career in nursing may choose to apply to the Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Career Opportunities
- Work in the emergency room of a large metropolitan hospital.
- Help people in underdeveloped countries as a nurse in the Armed Forces or Peace Corps.
- Deliver home healthcare to older adults or lower-income families as a community health nurse.
- Work in hospitals all over the world as a nurse employed by one of many traveling nurse agencies.
Learning Experiences
Gain clinical experience one of the more than 200 agencies with which the School of Nursing has arrangements. In addition to hospitals and clinics throughout North Central Indiana and Indianapolis, examples include:
- Lafayette Transitional Housing
- M.D. Steer Speech and Language Clinic
- Roudebush VA Medical Center
- Riley Children’s Hospital
96%
NCLEX pass rate
98.3%
successful career outcome
$64,851
average starting salary
Explore more outcomes for HHS majors >
“I chose Purdue because I really liked the nursing program. The nursing program here is direct admission, and all I would have to do is maintain a certain GPA and pass all of my classes.”
— Caylen
Caylen
Caylen
Major: Nursing and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.
Why Purdue: I chose Purdue because I really liked the nursing program. The nursing program here is direct admission, and all I would have to do is maintain a certain GPA and pass all of my classes. Another reason I chose Purdue is because my sister was there at the time, and it already felt like home.
Favorite Place at Purdue: My favorite place on campus is the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC). Most of my classes are in there, so I spent a lot of time in there. They have a lot of areas where you can study and work on homework. They also have a coffee shop which was useful for a nice boost of energy.
Advice for an Incoming Freshman: The advice I would give to new students is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a great way to learn more about yourself and to also make great memories!
I was a mentor to freshman students for two years through the Boiler Mentor Program. It was a great opportunity for me to guide them through their first year, and I felt I made a positive impact on their experience at Purdue.