The Department of Nursing, as part of the Dominic A. and Helen M. Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, maintains the highest standards and is proud of its record of preparing well-qualified professional nurses. The Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The BSN Program is approved by The Ohio Board of Nursing, (OBON), 17 S. High Street, Suite 400, Columbus, Ohio 43125, phone: 614-466-3947. The BSN and MSN are accredited from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, phone: 1-800-669-9656, ext. 153. In addition, the Nurse Anesthetist option is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA).

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a generic and RN completion track. The generic BSN program leads to a four year baccalaureate degree. This program prepares nurses to function as generalists with professional and technological competence in a variety of settings. Graduates of the BSN Program are eligible to sit for the State NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination. The BSN-RN completion program is offered for students currently licensed as registered nurses who are returning to YSU to complete requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

The Master of Science in Nursing Program offers three areas of specialization. Students may choose chronic illness care, nurse anesthesia, or school nursing. The program prepares nurses to implement essential characteristics and core competencies for nursing practice in the selected areas. Graduates of the MSN program are eligible to sit for the advanced practice certification and advanced practice licensure.