HEALTH PROFESSIONS
3+1 Nursing BA/BS+BSN Program
Accelerated Nursing Program
The Buena Vista University and Mercy College of Health Sciences 3+1 program provides an opportunity for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from BVU and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through an accelerated pathway from Mercy College of Health Sciences, without leaving the Storm Lake area, in only four years.
Take Me To
How Does It Work?
Students participating in the 3+1 program take coursework for their major and complete all general education requirements in the first three years of the program which includes the prerequisite courses needed to qualify for admission to the Mercy College BSN program.
In the +1 year, courses are taught by Mercy College faculty on the BVU campus with clinical rotations taking place at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center and other nearby medical facilities.
Upon successful completion of the nursing requirements, you are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam).
Program Details
- All four years at Buena Vista University.
- Upon program completion, students receive two degrees in four years: Buena Vista University BS/BA and Mercy College BSN.
- Sit for the licensing exam immediately following the +1 year.
- Athletes are eligible for sports in years one through three, but not year four.
Program Admission Requirements
Learning On Campus
The Estelle Siebens Science Center is a 70,000 square-foot building with 18 laboratories and three research areas.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope (NMR)
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS)
- Confocal microscope
- Spectrophotometers
- Gene guns
- Human Cadaver Lab
- Fossils
- Specimens and skeletons
- Sterile hoods
- Labs fully equipped to study DNA and RNA
- Thermal cyclers
- UV and chemiluminescent imaging equipment
Explore the Estelle Siebens Science Center
On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreNursing Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most — if not all — of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesFind Your Program
Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Accounting
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Agricultural Business
From managing production risk, to operating your own business, to analyzing ag loans, BVU’s Ag Business degree sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced environment.
Learn More - Agricultural Education
Gain the skills and knowledge to teach agriculture science and business for traditional classrooms, as well as Extension and virtual environments. Spread your passion for agriculture on to the next generation.
Learn More - Agricultural Science
Dive into an agronomy and animal science curriculum that explores the science behind production and research practices that feed, clothe, and fuel the world.
Learn More - All Social Science for Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor's Degree Program The All Social Science for Secondary Education program will prepare students for a teaching career working with adolescent and young adult learners.
Learn More - Animation
Animation students begin their academic career by building a foundation in traditional art and then focusing on advanced courses in the art of animated storytelling.
Learn More - Art Education
An art education degree prepares future educators to teach art in grades K-12.
Learn More - Art Therapy
The pre-professional art therapy major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in art therapy.
Learn More - Biology
Develop exceptional professional competency by studying biology at BVU.
Learn More - Biomedical Sciences
The biomedical sciences bachelor’s degree program is fundamentally focused on the health sciences as a whole but leaves ample room for development of outside interests that enhance an application for professional schools.
Learn More - Business
With strong foundational classes, BVU’s business major offers concentrations in management, marketing, sports business, ...
Learn More - Communication Studies
Learn how to tune yourself to the important relationship building that happens through our interactions with others.
Learn More - Computer Science
A computer science degree prepares you for a career in software development, computer security, robotics, information technology, and more.
Learn More - Corporate Mathematics
Corporate math teaches you the quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to excel in today’s data-driven corporate environment.
Learn More - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Make a difference in society by studying criminology.
Learn More - Digital Media
Students who major in digital media are prepared to become professional multimedia storytellers.
Learn More - Educational Studies
Designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career beyond becoming a licensed teacher.
Learn More - Elementary Education
An elementary education major prepares future teachers to teach grades kindergarten through six.
Learn More - English Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor’s Degree Program The English language arts for secondary education program will prepare pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field...
Learn More - English
With a degree in English, you will study the language, stories, and poetry that shape our lives. English students sharpen their communication skills and explore literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and creative writing. Prepare for careers in a world shaped increasingly by the powers of text, imagination, and tale.
Learn More - Game Design
BVU’s game design serves students who aspire to join the video game industry video game industry as artists, animators, programmers, directors, sound engineers, writers, etc.
Learn More - Gender Studies
The gender studies minor seeks to enable students to develop an understanding of women and other marginalized groups by considering perspectives of the past, present, and future.
Learn More - General - Distributive
Designed for students who are undecided on a major or whose academic interests do not coincide with a single department or discipline, this interdisciplinary major offers an exciting student-designed alternative.
Learn More - Graphic Design
The graphic design major prepares students to practice graphic design professionally in print, interactive, and motion design.
Learn More - History
The history major and minor at BVU focus on the human story: people’s experiences in the past, the choices they made, and the impact on future generations.
Learn More - Human Services
BVU’s human services major uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to work in the social services industry.
Learn More - International Students Admissions
Welcome to your new home away from home.
Learn More - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
BVU’s kinesiology and exercise science bachelor’s degree provides students with a comprehensive and proactive academic and clinical education so that they can seek careers in a wide variety of health-related professions.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students in secondary schools in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Education – Special Education
This online master’s in special education program is intended to advance the skills of practicing professionals.
Learn More - Master of Education – Teacher Leadership Curriculum Instruction
The online Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction program provides four tracks designed for working teachers seeking to advance their career in the classroom.
Learn More - Master of Education in Educational Administration
This online master’s program equips currently licensed educators with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively lead their K-12 school administration.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This CACREP-accredited program prepares students to address the growing need for accessible, professional mental health services.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling
BVU’s master’s in school counseling equips you to make a difference in elementary, middle, and high schools. Professional school counselors promote growth, enhance learning, and contribute to student success.
Learn More - Mathematics
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Music Production and Technology
With the explosion of electronic devices and Internet access, music and video is used by just about everyone.
Learn More - Nursing 3+1 Program
Buena Vista University and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer an accelerated 3+1 nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years without leaving the BVU campus.
Learn More - Organizational Communication
Prepare for careers that demand an intricate understanding of human interaction in both interpersonal and organizational settings.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
The master’s in organizational leadership provides the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead people in an ever-changing work environment and can be completed in as few as 1.5 years.
Learn More - Organizational Leadership
This organizational leadership program provides the cross-disciplinary tools and skills necessary...
Learn More - Physical Education and Coaching
Students majoring in physical education and coaching learn in a variety of contexts.
Learn More - Physics Engineering Program
As a physics engineering student at BVU, you’ll have access to a dual degree engineering program partnered with Washington University in St. Louis.
Learn More - Plus One Programs Overview
Already a Beaver? If a master’s degree is in your future, BVU has unique programs that can save you time and money.
Learn More - Political Science
Political science majors are, by nature, curious and ambitious people who seek an understanding of public problems and potential solutions.
Learn More - Pre-Law
As a pre-law major at BVU, you’ll gain a competitive edge through engaging courses taught by expert faculty, co-curricular activities, internships, leadership opportunities, and unique professional development experiences.
Learn More - Psychology
As a psychology major, study the cognition and behavior of humans and animals from an empirical, research-based perspective.
Learn More - Public Relations
Whether in business, politics, sports, or the arts, effective communication campaigns are the foundation of success.
Learn More - Rehabilitation Health Sciences
Learn from biology and exercise science faculty who will help prepare you for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
Learn More - Scientific Illustration
At BVU the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More - Secondary Education
Secondary education students find their passion in a certifiable teaching subject with their desire to become a licensed educator in grades 5-12.
Learn More - Social Innovation
BVU’s social innovation minor is designed to heighten students’ abilities and commitments to collaboratively ...
Learn More - Social Science with Teaching Licensure (5-12) Degree
Guide the next generation as they explore the complexities of society, geography, and human relationships as a social science major.
Learn More - Social Work
As a social work major, help people by looking at the challenges of their lives and environment and then working to bring about change using their strengths.
Learn More - Spanish
The Spanish major enables students to become better communicators and more globally aware citizens.
Learn More - Studio Art
At BVU, the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More
Sorry, there weren't any matches to your selected criteria. Please try a different combination.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Learn More About our 3+1 Nursing Program
Find out more about earning a BSN with BVU and Mercy College.
