Nursing Major (BS in Nursing Degree)
Become a Registered Nurse at Iona
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nursing program at Iona University empowers you with clinical skills, scientific knowledge and professional confidence needed to deliver quality, patient-centered care.
As a nursing major, you follow a traditional four-year pathway that fully prepares you to take the NCLEX and begin your career as a registered nurse. Your training includes:
- Hands-on clinical experiences beginning in your second year
- A comprehensive curriculum that blends rigorous coursework with real-world clinical experience in New York’s leading hospital systems
- Collaborative learning through our Interprofessional Education (IPE) field experiences
Why Become a Nursing Major at Iona?
Smaller Class Sizes, More Personalized Support
With a 25:1 student–faculty ratio, you learn in a setting where professors know you and invest in your growth as an aspiring nurse. We also intentionally keep our clinical practicum groups small—typically 4:1 to 7:1—so you receive individualized guidance during patient care.
Proven Success Outcomes
Iona’s bachelor’s in nursing program positions you to succeed—and we have the numbers to prove it. We’re proud to have a:
- 91% first-time NCLEX pass rate, four points above the national average
- 100% employment rate within 12 months of graduation
These outcomes reflect the commitment of Iona’s nursing faculty and the program’s emphasis on clinical readiness, academic support, and individualized mentoring.
100% Employment Rate
100% of Iona’s Bachelor of Science Nursing program students are employed within 12 months of graduating.
Study in Our CCNE-Accredited Program
As the nursing profession and the healthcare field evolve, we remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality and most up-to-date nursing education possible. With these accreditations, you can trust that Iona’s nursing major exceeds industry standards and prepares you for the fast-paced world of medicine.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at Iona University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Our baccalaureate nursing program is also accredited by the New York State Education Department.
Strengthen Clinical Skills in the Kelly Center and New York’s Top Hospitals
Through Iona’s partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian and our location just 30 minutes from New York City, you gain hands-on experience in one of the nation’s most dynamic health care regions. You’ll train in the cutting-edge Kelly Center for Health Sciences, practicing in simulation labs that build your skills and confidence. In your second year, you’ll advance to clinical placements and internships across NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-renowned facilities and other regional health care partners.
Study Abroad Nursing Opportunities
Choose from two unique study abroad opportunities: the Ghana Global Clinical Immersion or Iona Ireland, which is a short-term credit-bearing program. These one-of-a-kind experiences offer cultural immersion, an in-depth exploration of global health and social justice issues, and the chance to connect with nursing professionals from around the world.
What You'll Learn
Iona’s BS in Nursing degree program provides a holistic nursing education that equips you with well-rounded clinical competencies and healthcare expertise. Your coursework lays a strong scientific foundation through coursework in chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, statistics, psychology and ethics—all essential for evidence-based nursing practice.
As you progress, you gain advanced clinical skills and experience in health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and patient-centered care across adult, pediatric, maternal, behavioral health, and community settings.
Explore Iona's Nursing Curriculum
Skills You’ll Gain
Iona’s BS in Nursing equips you with a diverse clinical, technical and professional skill set needed to deliver safe, effective patient care from day one. Throughout your coursework and clinical rotations, you acquire:
- Clinical skills that empower you to care for patients, administer medication, perform tests and procedures, complete nursing interventions and more;
- Technical skills to prepare you to use cutting-edge medical and lab equipment;
- Organizational skills to help you coordinate and manage care for patients and work collaboratively with other team members;
- Interpersonal skills to develop relationships with your patients and health care team members and advocate for safe, efficient care;
- Clinical and ethical judgment, enabling you to assess situations and determine a course of action accurately;
- Leadership skills as you become a professional nurse and accept opportunities to take on more responsibility.
Career Outlook for Registered Nurses
Equipped with a BS in Nursing degree from Iona, you have the health care expertise and clinical skills needed for long-term career success. Registered nurses are in high demand, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates RNs' employment to grow by five percent over the next 10 years, translating into 189,000 positions each year.
Additionally, nurses have the opportunity to earn a steady income, with a median annual wage of $93,600. However, their annual income can extend up to $135,320 based on the type of health care facility, education and professional experience and state of employment. For example, registered nurses working in New York make an average annual salary of $105,600, which is notably higher than the national standard.
After earning your nursing degree and securing your nursing licensure, you can pursue nursing roles in all sorts of health care settings, including:
- Home-Based Health Services
- Hospice Centers
- Hospitals
- Mental Health Centers
- Nursing Homes
- Private Practices
- Public and Community Health
- Schools and Camps
Nursing Major Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
At Iona, we take a holistic approach to evaluate nursing applicants. Competitive candidates historically demonstrate:
- Average SAT: 1180
- Average ACT: 24
- Average High School GPA: 3.6
- Test-optional: Students may apply with or without standardized test scores
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic foundation, ideally through a rigorous four-year high school curriculum that emphasizes math and science. Competitive preparation typically includes:
- Mathematics: Algebra II or higher (At least 3 years, preferably 4 years)
- Science: Biology and Chemistry (At least 3 years, preferably 4 years; lab components strongly recommended)
- English: At least 3 years
- History/Social Science: At least 3 years
Direct Entry into the Nursing Major
To create an easy pathway to their nursing career, we offer first-year students direct entry into the bachelor’s in nursing program. During their application process, applicants must submit:
- Common Application
- High school transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher or other individual
For more information about the BS in Nursing program, contact your admissions counselor or review Iona’s Freshman Admissions page to learn more.
Transferring into the Nursing Program
Ready to finish your nursing education at Iona? We keep our transfer admissions process straightforward and efficient so you can earn your BS in Nursing and kick-start your career. For more information about Iona's ABSN program, contact Victoria Porter at vporter@iona.edu.
Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities
If you enroll at Iona as a full-time undergraduate student, your tuition costs $46,480 per year with additional fees and expenses, depending on whether you live on campus or commute.
99 percent of first-year undergraduate students receive Iona scholarships or grant aid. Iona’s Student Financial Services (SFS) supports you through navigating the financial aid process by answering all your questions and connecting you to scholarships and grants.
Learn more about Iona’s cost and financial aid offerings. Or, connect with our SFS staff to learn more or set up an appointment.
Discover What Sets Iona’s Nursing Programs Apart
From our Interprofessional Education initiatives to our cutting-edge simulation labs, Iona’s nursing education delivers an immersive experience and energizes your growth. Watch our video to learn how enrolling in our nursing programs can transform your career future.
Find Community in the Student Nurses' Association
Iona is an official constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA®) and when you join Iona’s chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA), you become a part of a nursing community dedicated to student support, refining leadership skills and regional impact. Our culture of peer mentorship helps you excel in both your academic and professional growth, so you can prepare for a thriving nursing career.
For more information, follow us on Instagram @iona_sna.
What Our Nursing Majors Have to Say
"The nursing program at Iona stood out to me due to its partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian. Gaining clinical experience alongside such intelligent people and in such well-run hospitals is something I am deeply grateful for."
-Sabrina Faulkner, Nursing Major and Student Athlete
"One of the biggest advantages [at Iona] is learning in an environment that is supportive and challenging. I’ve gained confidence through Iona's simulation lab and clinical rotations, where we connect classroom learning with real patient care."
-Joshua Ramnanan, Nursing Major
"Choosing to pursue nursing at Iona University has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I started the program, I’ve felt supported, challenged and inspired to grow into the best version of myself."
-Michelle Gualtiere, Nursing Major
Take the Next Step: Apply to Iona’s Bachelor’s in Nursing Program
Your journey to becoming a registered nurse begins at Iona University. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program equips you with high-quality instruction, clinical training and mentorship that support your growth as a nurse and expedites your career readiness.
Ready to get started? Apply to Iona University today!
Mission Statement & Goals
Mission Statement
To provide high quality, accessible educational experiences that challenge and empower students to become nurse leaders working at the forefront of health care. We are committed to preparing students who are liberally educated, clinically competent, and will be compassionate, empathetic and ethical professionals. Iona’s nursing program, consistent with Iona University’s mission, will provide an educational environment that embraces intellectual inquiry, commitment to excellence, service to others, and respect for the unique perspectives and experiences of the individual.
The Department of Nursing's Goals are to:
- Prepare competent nurses who are morally reflective and critical thinking professionals who are contributing, collaborative members of the healthcare team.
- Promote excellence, innovation, and creativity in teaching, scholarship, and practice.
- Engage in service to the community and profession of nursing.
- Generate and disseminate knowledge through scholarly inquiry and research that advances nursing science.
