Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing
Our first time NCLEX pass rate is 92.5% for the Class of 2024.
Merrimack College’s nursing program, accredited by CCNE, is all about equipping you with cutting-edge, evidence-based skills for the real world. Dive into hands-on clinical experiences and dynamic coursework, all in our high-tech Nursing Center. Get ready to make a difference!
Nursing Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Clinicals
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Nursing Major
"*" indicates required fields
The Nursing Major
Kickstart your nursing journey at Merrimack! Learn from experienced faculty in engaging classes that will empower you to make an impact in the world.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, our nursing students will study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Majoring in nursing, you’ll learn to think critically in fast-paced health care environments, adapt to rapidly changing health care settings, and provide compassionate, interprofessional health care to diverse individuals. Key areas of study include:
Pediatric Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Public Health
Pharmacology
Critical Care
Disease Prevention
Mental Health
Ethics in Nursing
Skills You'll Learn
We are empowering future nurses to make waves in healthcare! Our nursing program focuses on preparing you to be a highly experienced, well-rounded and compassionate caregiver. Level up your skills with the bachelor of science major nursing, including:
Patient Assessment
Cultural Competence
Critical Thinking
Simulation Integration
Medication Administration
Time Management
Cutting-Edge Technology
Apply your knowledge and enhance your skills using innovative technology in Merrimack’s modern labs and new Nursing Center. As part of your nursing major requirements, you will clock more than 750 clinical/lab and simulation hours using cutting-edge technology, including:
SIM Labs & SIM Integration in All Nursing Courses
iPads in the Classroom
SIM Manikins
Individual Student Electronic Health Records
State-of-the-art Laboratory Equipment
Medication Administration Systems
Nursing Courses You'll Take
PEDIATRIC
NURSING
NUR 3500
This course applies a family-centered care approach and knowledge of growth and development of health issues of children to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING CARE
NUR 3655
This course focuses on the major mental health diagnoses and the role of the nurse in the acute psychiatric care setting. Students will apply knowledge about the nurse-patient relationship, therapeutic communication, and trauma informed care.
CRITICAL CARE
NURSING
NUR 4000
During this course, students will critically think and clinically reason through critical care diagnoses while using the nursing process to plan care for the critically ill adult. This includes use of the nursing process in caring for patients with acute care diagnoses.
See All Courses & Options Available to Nursing Majors
Nursing Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Nursing Students In the Classroom & Beyond
At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects. As a nursing major, you’ll dive into over 750 hours of hands-on clinical, lab, and simulation experiences, all while using the latest tech to prepare you for the real world.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Nursing Degree Take You?
Nursing major salaries are very competitive and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the nursing job outlook is much faster than average.
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of the undergraduate nursing class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Clinical/Lab/SIM Hours
As a nursing major, you’ll dive into over 750 hours of hands-on clinical, lab, and simulation experiences, all while using the latest tech to prepare you for the real world.
Jobs with a Nursing Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in nursing and related disciplines. Nursing major jobs are incredibly rewarding, offering you the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day while providing a lucrative career path. Positions may include:
- Registered Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- General Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Pain Management Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Midwife
- Healthcare Lobbyist
Thinking about graduate studies? This program will prepare you for graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral level to pursue careers such as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator or clinical nurse specialist.
Where Merrimack Nursing Graduates Work & Intern
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Child Life Specialist
Encompass Health
Registered Nurse
Lowell General Saints Campus
Student Nurse
Massachusetts General Hospital
Oncology Fellow
McLean Hospital
Student Nurse
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Student Nurse
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Emergency Service Clinician
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
Nursing Mission, Accreditation & Handbook
Department Vision & Mission
- Our vision is to be a highly reputable and respected nursing department advancing nursing education, research and leadership, which is committed to serving diverse communities.
- Our mission is to develop caring, professional, and exceptional nurse graduates who provide evidence-based, safe, high-quality, holistic, ethical and equitable healthcare. Aligning with the College’s Augustinian values, our focus is to prepare lifelong learners who serve as collaborative leaders in healthcare.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Merrimack College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.
Merrimack College has been granted Full Approval status through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for the operation of its Baccalaureate Degree Registered Nurse Program.
NCLEX Pass Rate
In May 2024, 67 nursing students graduated from Merrimack. Our first time NCLEX pass rate is 92.5% for the Class of 2024.
Nursing Application Checklist
- Common Application or Merrimack Application (no fee to apply)
- Official secondary school transcripts
- Secondary School Report (SSR)
Programs Related to the Nursing Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Nursing Major
"*" indicates required fields
What's New at Merrimack
Graduate Student Pursues Community Engagement Degree from South Africa
Hockey Programs Highlight Thanksgiving Tournament Experiences
