Traditional BSN - Nursing Degree Program
Traditional BSN Nursing Program
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Saint Mary prepares students to become compassionate, skilled, and ethically grounded nurses.
Designed for both first-time college students and transfer students, the program combines rigorous academics, hands-on clinical experience, and a mission-driven approach to patient care.
Plus, USM has an excellent first-time NCLEX pass rate.
Clinical rotations at healthcare facilities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area will round out your classroom experience. Graduates are prepared to pursue RN licensure and enter a profession focused on service, leadership, and community impact.
Apply to USM Attend an Info Session
Traditional BSN Program Snapshot
University: University of Saint Mary
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited program
Program Length: 4 years (freshmen) or ~2 years (transfer)
Total Credits: 120 for degree (including transfer work), 57 nursing credits
NCLEX Pass Rate: 96% (Class of 2024)
Clinical Experience: Multiple partner sites across Kansas City
Scholarships: Up to $17,500 for transfer students
Why Choose the University of Saint Mary for Nursing?
At the University of Saint Mary, nursing is more than a profession. For our dedicated students, it is a calling rooted in service and ethical responsibility.
Ethical and Mission-Driven Education
Grounded in USM’s Catholic and Vincentian tradition, the BSN program emphasizes compassion, integrity, and respect for the dignity of every person. USM's founders, the Sisters of charity of Leavenworth, were among the first nurses in Kansas.
Strong Clinical Preparation
Students gain real-world experience through clinical placements across leading healthcare organizations.
Proven Outcomes
USM students consistently demonstrate strong NCLEX outcomes and readiness for practice.
Nursing Overview Video Transcript
What our students say
"Other students should choose Saint Mary because it just gives off a very hometown feeling. You know every single person in your class, you know your professors, teachers, advisors, coaches if you play a sport. There is so much support in this community."
Keagan Shockley - USM BSN Grad
Admissions Requirements: Two Paths to Your BSN
Students with Prior College Credit
General Admissions Requirements to the University of Saint Mary Traditional BSN Program include
- Minimum of 31 transferable college credits
- 3.0 GPA (2.5 considered for probation)
- Minimum TEAS score of 70
- Completion of pre-requisite coursework
Direct Entry for Freshmen
USM's is one of the few KC-area schools offering direct entry into the BSN program for qualified freshmen.
- 3.5 high school GPA and a 24 ACT
- Or a 3.75 high school GPA with an essay (no ACT required)
- Maintain a 3.5 overall GPA in USM courses
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA in USM science courses
- Other academic/testing milestones may apply
Clinical Experience in Real Healthcare Settings
Students complete clinical rotations at leading healthcare systems and sites across the Kansas City region, gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of care environments.
Clinical partners include:
- The University of Kansas Hospitals
- Centerpoint Medical Center
- Advent Health Shawnee Mission
- Research Medical Center
- Twin Oaks Health and Rehab
- Amberwell Hospital
- Leavenworth Health Department
- Lansing Correctional Facility
- Menorah Medical Center
- Overland Park Regional
- Children's Mercy
- Providence Medical Center
- Saint John Hospital
- Saint Mary Medical Center
- Mosaic
- Ross Hall
- Lansing Care and Rehab
- Cottonwood Springs
- Lee Summit Hospital
- St Luke's Hospital
- Northeast Kansas VA
What are Career Opportunities for Traditional BSN Graduates?
A BSN prepares graduates to pursue RN licensure and work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, individual practices, community health, and long-term care. Registered nurses are in high demand nationally, with many regions reporting hiring shortages.
Graduates also develop leadership skills and a foundation for advanced nursing education.
Nursing Scholarships
USM offers generous scholarship opportunities for nursing students, including:
- Transfer nursing scholarship up to $17,500 a year
- Endowed competitive nursing scholarships
- External scholarship opportunities
What is a traditional BSN program?
A traditional BSN is a four-year nursing degree for first-time college students or transfer students entering a structured undergraduate pathway.
Can I get into nursing as a freshman?
Yes. USM offers direct-entry admission through the Aspire to Nursing program.
What is the USM BSN NCLEX pass rate?
USM's recent graduates had a 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Are scholarships available?
Yes. USM offers transfer scholarships and additional nursing-specific awards.
Where do students complete clinicals?
Students train across major healthcare systems in the Kansas City region.
Interested in the program? Contact USM health care admissions representative Jessica Sweet at jessica.sweet@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328.
Additional Links
USM's BSN Program
About BSN programs and nursing
Have Questions? Contact Us.
Dr. Karen Kidder
Division of Nursing
nursing@stmary.edu
913-758-6198
The Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate of Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).
Graduation from a USM nursing program and passage of the NCLEX exam does not guarantee licensure. Learn more.
Have Questions? Contact Us.
Dr. Karen Kidder
Division of Nursing
nursing@stmary.edu
913-758-6198
The Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate of Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).
Graduation from a USM nursing program and passage of the NCLEX exam does not guarantee licensure. Learn more.