Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in NursingJames Madison University
Our pre-licensure BSN program graduates 226 students per year incorporating patient care simulation, be it with high fidelity mannequins or standardized patients (trained live actors), into clinical and courses. Our senior level transition to practice course includes a review of critical skills and preparation for the NCLEX (RN certification and licensure exam). Seniors enjoy an expanded 7-week "capstone" practicum their final semester, working full-time with a preceptor in a hospital or other clinical agency.
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
Program Overview & Guidance

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This Degree Right For Me? | In Nursing, students learn knowledge, practice skills, and apply these to 'real life' practice experiences. Learning activities are varied, innovative and up-to-date:
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What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
Admission to the Nursing Program is separate from admission to the university and requires a BSN Admission Application. Admission decisions are made each semester for the following semester. Following your transfer to JMU, plan to complete one full-time semester at JMU, and then you may apply to the nursing program during the following admission cycle once you meet admission criteria. Further information about admission to the nursing program can be found at https://nursing.jmu.edu/bsn/admissionfaq.html. Admission to the Nursing program is competitive.
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | |
Do More With Your Degree | As a graduate of the JMU Nursing Program you will be prepared to practice as a registered nurse to provide nursing care to clients in a variety of settings. The following are examples of career directions: community and rural hospitals, major medical centers and university teaching hospitals, primary and tertiary care centers, ambulatory treatment centers, home health agencies, community health agencies, school nursing, occupational health nursing, military nursing, flight nursing, and trauma centers. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The JMU Nursing program enjoys a strong positive reputation. The BSN program:
JMU graduates perform well on the state licensure exam and have a wide choice of career options. Graduates move quickly into positions of responsibility and leadership. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB and CIE for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar’s office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 88% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants from a VCCS institution must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
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Northern Virginia Community College | Nursing, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn Bridge | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Pre-BSN | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Online (RN to BSN) Completion Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional (Pre-licensure) Baccalaureate Completion Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance Educ | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Radford University | BSN in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Old Dominion University | Nursing-BSN | Bachelor | BS in Nursing | 4-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapy | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year |
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
University of Mary Washington | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Nursing, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Marymount University | Nursing (BSN) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-Year |
Germanna Community College | Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | LPN To RN - Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSN Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-1141.01 | Acute Care Nurses | Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.02 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses | Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.04 | Clinical Nurse Specialists | Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
29-1141.03 | Critical Care Nurses | Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
25-1072.00 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-1141.00 | Registered Nurses | Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |