Nursing (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • The School of Nursing program NCLEX (nursing board examination) pass-rates are above the national average.
  • Our graduates have a nearly 100 percent job placement rate within weeks of graduation.
  • We have clinical sites in four major hospital systems with numerous community partnerships.
  • Our program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
ABOUT.

Grounded in a foundation based upon caring, leadership, knowledge and community service, Clemson University’s nursing program is the perfect fit for compassionate minds looking to help others and save lives. Nurses are an essential part of the health care system, and our nursing program aims to fill health care facilities with graduates who are understanding and smart, and independent critical thinkers who are hardworking and honest. Clinicals provide our students with real-life experience similar to what you’ll face in medical facilities. Research with human patient simulators allows you to practice events that aren’t as likely to happen in clinicals — guaranteeing that program graduates will go on to become some of the most qualified nurses in the field.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Clemson’s nursing school provides students with the communication, computer, leadership and critical-thinking skills that are vital in today’s complex health care environment. If you decide to major in nursing, you’ll spend the first two years at Clemson developing a well-rounded education. With a foundation and emphasis in liberal arts and basic science, these classes include biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology and writing. While you may choose to pursue a minor, most of our students focus exclusively on their major coursework.

Your junior and senior years will be spent immersed in nursing courses and clinicals. Clinicals provide you the opportunity to practice critical-thinking and hands-on skills in a nonthreatening, yet realistic, environment. Starting in Clemson’s Clinical Learning and Research Center, you’ll become more comfortable in a hospital-like environment. High-tech human patient simulators prepare you for “low-occurrence, high-risk” situations. Later, you’ll get hospital-based experience during clinical rotations in medical settings.

Leadership Certificate Program
Stand out and leave a lasting impression in your field while strengthening your degree with the leadership certificate program. Taking an additional three classes, participants learn the what, how and why of leadership and are given the tools to apply these skills in the nursing field.

RN to BS Program
Already a registered nurse but want to go back to school? Based in Greenville, this program uses a Web format that makes getting your Bachelor of Science convenient.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Choosing to enter Clemson’s nursing program is choosing to help those in need. With a hands-on learning approach, students will engage in “real-life” nursing exercises by doing community service, logging clinic hours and even studying abroad.

Internships and Research Projects:

SNA:
Network with your peers in Clemson University’s Student Nurses Association. Members gain leadership experience and are able to participate in the legislative process and community service.
IHI:
Supplement and expand your education through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s new “Open School.” You’ll be able to take online courses and connect with students, faculty and practitioners in our campus chapter.
CLINIC:
Prepare for your rounds with “real-life” patients in our Clinical Learning and Research Center.
COMMUNITY:
Students assist Sullivan Center heath clinic staff in caring for individuals and families through community projects that include a mobile clinic, breast and cervical cancer screening program and Touchpoints residency training.
TRAVEL:
Learn globally and put your skills into practice in Eleuthera, Bahamas. Spend a week immersed in the country’s culture both inside and outside local health clinics.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

51%

Employed

11%

Grad School

32%

Seeking Employment

6%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Palmetto Health Baptist — Neonatal Intensive Care Unit RN
  • Piedmont Medical Center — Intensive Care Unit Nurse
  • Georgetown University Hospital — Neurological Intensive Care Unit Nurse
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nurse Resident

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

    Vanderbilt University — Master of Science in Nursing
  • Emory University — Master of Science in Nursing

Common Career Areas**

  • Work Setting or Type of Treatment
    • Perioperative (operating rooms)
    • Emergency/Trauma
    • Critical Care
    • Ambulatory Care
    • Home Health Care
    • Hospice and Palliative Care
    • Occupational Health
    • Radiology
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health
  • Specific Health Conditions
    • Oncology
    • Diabetes Management
    • Addictions Treatment
    • HIV/AIDS Care
  • Organ or Body Systems
    • Well-defined Populations 
      • Neonatology
      • Pediatrics
      • Adults
      • Geriatrics
    • Adanced Practice Nursing
      • Clinical Nurse Specialist
      • Nurse Anesthesiology
      • Nurse Midwifery
    • Nurse Practitioner
      • Community and Public Health
        • International Health
        *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011. Students must pass the NCLEX after graduation before starting their job.
        **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
        FIND OUT MORE.

        Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

        Kristin Goodenow, Nursing Adviser
        864-656-5123 — kristig@clemson.edu