Before fall of 2025, Slippery Rock University’s College of Health Professionals only offered one path: a registered nursing certification to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN). However, over the past two years, SRU has been able to develop from a 1+2+1 program to a fully on-campus BSN program.
RN-BSN Program
Slippery Rock University was one of the first universities to offer a fully-online RN-BSN program. While very successful, with nearly 90% of graduates finding employment and over 763 graduates, it only acted as a path for registered nurses to further their education.
SRU’s RN-BSN program worked at the student’s pace. Offered in primarily 8-week programs, it allowed employed students and nurses the chance to acquire a degree without changing their lifestyle.
1+2+1 Program
Started in fall, the 1+2+1 program allows students to take general education classes at SRU while earning their RN with a partner location in years two or three. Students then have the option to return to SRU or complete their BSN online in their fourth year.
SRU currently has agreements with two universities in regard to their 1+2+1 program: Community College of Beaver County and the Allegheny Health Network Schools of Nursing.
The 1+2+1 program and its scholarships were made possible thanks to a $500,000 gift from SRU alumni Art Williams.
New BSN at SRU
Announced February 25, 2026, SRU will now host a full BSN program on campus. Students enrolled in this 120-credit program will be a part of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited program. Students will get ready to complete the Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, as well as gain crucial career skills.
Plans have been set to renovate the current Advanced Science and Technology Hall to host this program.
SRU’s BSN program offers an economic choice for aspiring nurses. With average in-state tuition at $7,994 per year, future BSNs will be able to afford classes and stay close to home.
A Needed Career
Beyond expanding SRU’s deep class catalog, this BSN and, similarly, the 1+2+1 program, looks to address the already present nursing shortage. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook growth for nursing between 2024-2034 is projected to be 5%, and there may be a national shortage of nearly 338,000 nurses by 2035.
Dean of the College of Health Professions, Christine Karshin, touched on this need in an interview with Slippery Rock University’s Associate Director of University Marketing and Communication, Justin Zackle.
“Our region urgently needs these highly skilled professionals, and our communities deserve the best care from people who are trained locally,” Karshin said. “This program represents a promise to our healthcare partners to enhance the workforce, to our students who are called to careers of purpose and service, and to families seeking an affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful, life-changing work. SRU is not just responding to the nursing shortage; we are helping to shape the future of healthcare in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.”
