Bachelor of Science in Nursing
George Mason University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares future registered nurses through clinical experiences, simulation-based learning, and evidence-based nursing education. Students gain the skills needed to provide patient-centered care, promote health and wellness, and succeed on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Through partnerships with healthcare organizations across the Washington, D.C. region, students gain practical experience in diverse clinical settings while preparing for careers in hospitals, community health organizations, specialty practices, and other healthcare environments. This page outlines admissions requirements, curriculum, clinical training opportunities, and career outcomes for prospective nursing students.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
You’ll learn and practice in upgraded labs and classrooms. George Mason’s College of Public Health is also home to the first interdisciplinary Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab in Virginia.
Small Class Sizes
Our 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio in clinical settings provides a close-knit learning environment with personalized attention for each student.
Nationally Ranked—Globally Respected
Ranked #3 in Virginia and #76 nationally among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, our program will transform you into a well-trained nurse with a variety of in-demand skills.
Program Opportunities
Graduates of George Mason University's BSN program are prepared for nursing careers across hospitals, community health settings, government agencies, and other healthcare environments. Through clinical experiences, simulation-based learning, and NCLEX preparation, students develop the skills needed to succeed in today's healthcare workforce.
Career Opportunities
- Critical Care Nurse
- Emergency Department Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Care Coordinator
Work Settings
- Hospitals and Health Systems
- Community Health Centers
- Public Health Agencies
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Schools and Universities
Advanced Education Preparation
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Leader
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Pathways
Traditional BSN
The direct entry 4-year BSN is a full-time program where students complete Mason Core and nursing prerequisites with nursing courses introduced in their first year.
Completion Requirements: Full-time
Semester Start: Fall
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
A 12-month, full-time program for students holding a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing and have completed nursing prerequisite requirements.
Completion Requirements: Full-time
Semester Start: Fall
Co-enrollment BSN (Veteran and Non-veteran)
These pathways allow military veterans and other students currently enrolled in an Applied Associate of Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college to complete a BSN degree online while concurrently enrolled in their AAS program.
Completion Requirements: Full-time or part-time
Semester Start: Fall or spring
RN to BSN
A fully online BSN pathway which allows licensed registered nurses holding a US-based RN license to earn their BSN degree in as little as two full-time semesters. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, with most classes offered in a seven-week format.
Completion Requirements: Full-time or part-time
Semester Start: Fall or spring
BSN Admissions Requirements
Application – The BSN program is a process involving these two applications:
- The George Mason University Undergraduate Application (Not required for currently enrolled Mason students)
- The BSN Departmental Application (Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university)
Background Check – The Virginia Board of Nursing requires that all nursing students have a background check completed when they enroll in a program in Virginia.
RN to BSN-Specific – Students enrolled in the RN to BSN pathway are required to submit a copy of their current RN license prior to the first day of class. Students must maintain current licensure throughout the academic program.
Learn more about BSN degree requirements from the university catalog.
NCLEX-RN Licensing Exam Prep
Throughout the BSN program, all students (with the exception of RN to BSN students), participate in preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This preparation is included within select courses and offers practice NCLEX-style exams and content-specific testing.
A final cumulative assessment exam is given toward the end of the program to provide you with insight into your chances for success on the licensing exam. In your senior year, you’ll also take a course in critical thinking and test-taking strategies (remediation in select content areas may be required as a component of this course).
What You'll Learn as a Nursing Student
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care in today's healthcare environment. Through classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and clinical experiences, students develop the skills needed to care for diverse patient populations, collaborate with healthcare teams, use healthcare technologies effectively, and lead with professionalism and integrity.
Graduates leave the program prepared to:
- Deliver patient-centered care across a variety of healthcare settings
- Work effectively with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals
- Use technology, data, and evidence to support clinical decision-making
- Promote health, wellness, and disease prevention in individuals and communities
- Lead with professionalism, ethical judgment, and a commitment to lifelong learning
Official Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate of the baccalaureate program in nursing will:
- Integrate liberal arts and sciences into evolving nursing knowledge to deliver holistic, innovative, person-centered care across the spheres of care for diverse populations.
- Facilitate interprofessional collaboration across diverse partnerships to implement and evaluate public health interventions, enhancing disease management through prevention and promotion, equity, and population health outcomes.
- Uses technology, data, and communication to guide decision-making and deliver safe, high-quality, evidence based, care aligned with best practices, regulatory standards, health policy and ethics.
- Apply critical thinking, clinical judgment, and collaboration to provide respectful, patient-centered care for diverse populations
- Exemplify authenticity, professionalism, leadership, self-reflection, advocacy, and lifelong learning to promote resilience, well-being, and a culture of caring.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing (VA-BON) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Frequently Asked Questions about the BSN Program at GMU
What are the BSN admissions requirements?
Students applying to George Mason University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program must complete both the George Mason University undergraduate application (if not already enrolled at Mason) and the BSN departmental application. Admission to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university. In addition, all nursing students must complete a background check as required by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Students applying through the RN-to-BSN pathway must also provide proof of a current RN license and maintain active licensure throughout the program.
Is there an accelerated BSN option?
Yes. George Mason University offers an Accelerated Second Degree BSN program for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This intensive, full-time program can be completed in 12 months and prepares students for professional nursing practice and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The program combines classroom instruction, simulation experiences, and clinical training to help students transition quickly into a nursing career.
Learn more about the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program:
https://nursing.gmu.edu/academics/bsn-programs/accelerated-second-degree-bsn-program
What clinical experiences are included?
George Mason University's BSN program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences that prepare students for professional nursing practice. Students participate in clinical placements across a variety of healthcare settings and gain experience through simulation-based learning, including advanced skills labs and immersive virtual reality experiences. These opportunities help students develop clinical judgment, patient care skills, teamwork, and confidence before entering the workforce. The College of Public Health's Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation also supports clinical education through innovative training experiences that supplement traditional clinical placements.
Learn more about clinical training and simulation experiences:
What is the typical career outcome after graduation?
Graduates of George Mason University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program are prepared to become registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Common career paths include hospital nursing, critical care, emergency medicine, community and public health nursing, long-term care, outpatient and ambulatory care, and care coordination. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and equips them with the clinical, leadership, and communication skills needed to succeed in today's healthcare environment. Many graduates also pursue advanced education in nursing, including nurse practitioner, nurse leadership, nurse educator, and doctoral programs.
Learn more about nursing careers and program outcomes:
Application to the BSN program is a competitive admission process. Students who are interested in pursuing a major in nursing are encouraged to attend an Information Session to learn more about important application guidelines and requirements.
Online Q&A hours for prospective students are offered every Wednesday via Zoom between 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST.