Nursing

The nursing department is committed to excellence in nursing education and practice with an emphasis in liberal arts and the discipline of nursing. The nursing program provides opportunities for the student to gain knowledge and develop values for personal and professional growth and to prepare the student for entry into professional nursing practice as a generalist in settings where health care is provided.

The study of the practice of nursing is based on nursing and related theories, scientific principles, intercultural perspectives and Christian ethics. The program prepares graduates with a foundation for continuous intellectual inquiry, graduate study and/or eventual specialization in nursing.

Some of the required courses include:

• Acute Care Nursing
• Health Care Ethics
• Nursing Care of the Child
• Human Nutrition
• Psychiatic/Mental Health Nursing
• Developmental Psychology
• Holistic Client Assessment
• Pharmacology & Drug Administration

For a full list of requirements and courses, refer to the course listing page.
Please also review the Nursing Handbook for additional guidance on the program.

Upon completion of the degree, the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination – RN (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a registered professional nurse. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Before entering the program, students must first apply and be accepted to Goshen College. Students wishing to enter the nursing program will submit an application after being admitted as a student and performing satisfactorily during their first year.

Apply to Goshen College

Nursing Program Admissions Process

Applications to the professional nursing program are submitted during the second semester of the freshman year. The first nursing course begins in the fall of the sophomore year (some exceptions may be made to accommodate SST schedules). The nursing department uses a holistic admissions framework in assessing the applicant’s readiness for admission. Holistic admission is based on metrics (GPA minimum of 2.7), personal attributes (determined by references), and student’s life experiences (assessed through an essay in the application process). The applicant’s readiness for placement in clinical experiences is determined by academic performance, health record completion, and a background security check.

Transfer students from other nursing programs

Students who wish to transfer to the nursing program at Goshen College from another pre-nursing or nursing program will be reviewed on an individual basis. Admission to the nursing program will be based on the academic and clinical performance of the student. The Department of Nursing may request a reference letter from the previous nursing programs regarding academic and clinical performance.

Goshen College emphasizes learning through real-world experience.​ Experiential learning opportunities include:

• Clinical placements in various healthcare settings​ both in the hospital settings and in the community, so that students are exposed to the wide breath of nursing opportunities within the field
• Simulation and skills labs that mimic real patient care scenarios​ in our brand new state-of-the-art Center for Nursing and Public Health Simulation Lab
• Service-learning projects within the community​, such as, partnering with Goshen Health to assist in running their annual flu shot clinic
• Engaging with different cultures as part of our Study Service Term experience.

Learn more about our experiential learning opportunities.

Goshen College offers scholarships specifically for nursing students based on academic performance and financial need. For more information on available scholarships and the application process, please visit our financial aid page.​

National Council for State Authorization of Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, commonly known as SARA, provides a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. When states join SARA, they agree to follow uniform processes for approving their eligible institutions’ participation.

SARA’s policies help protect students and provide benefits to both states and institutions carrying out distance education in multiple states. As of 2022, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. Over 2,300 colleges and universities participate in SARA.

View our Accreditation
View our Professional Licensure Disclosure