College of Nursing


The College of Nursing at Xavier University has as its goal the preparation of professional nurses educated to meet the health care needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing highly technical health care environment. Graduates are prepared to practice nursing today and to be tomorrow's leaders in holistic healthcare delivery with an educational foundation grounded in Jesuit values. All the degree programs (BSN, MSN, and DNP) in the College of Nursing at Xavier University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

College of Nursing Mission

Following the precepts put forth in Xavier University's mission statement and Jesuit tradition, The Faculty of the College of Nursing affirms its mission to educate undergraduate and graduate students with emphasis on preparing them to be nursing leaders and scholars in the delivery of interprofessional, collaborative, holistic care in a complex, population-based dynamic healthcare environment, and diverse socio-political global community. Faculty and students' personal and professional development, their scholarship, leadership and service are directed to enhance the Mission of the College of Nursing.

Undergraduate Nursing

Xavier University’s College of Nursing offers a highly sought after Direct Admission undergraduate BSN program in nursing that is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). This program prepares students as professional nurses capable of meeting the healthcare needs of diverse populations, and with the ability to adapt to a highly technical and ever-evolving healthcare environment. Our approach to nursing is holistic, ethical, and guided by the very values that mark both the profession of nursing and Jesuit institutions. Our graduates leave Xavier qualified to sit for both the registered nurse licensure exam (NCLEX) and the AHNCC certification exam. Xavier’s Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Undergraduate Program Details

Accelerated BSN Program

Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program makes it possible to earn a BSN in 16 months by building on your non-nursing bachelor's degree. Spanning 4 full-time semesters, our ABSN program is the only one in Ohio to have three locations (Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland) and three start dates a year.

ABSN Program Details

BSN/BLA Transfer Pathway

Our BSN/BLA Pathway allows transfer students with some college credit to complete prerequisite coursework online and enter the Accelerated BSN Track (ABSN) to earn their nursing degree. Students can choose one of our three campuses in Ohio to attend.

BSN/BLA Transfer Pathway Information 

Graduates of Xavier's graduate nursing programs are prepared to assume professional leadership roles that encompass educational, consultative, and managerial functions in health care. They are also prepared to design and establish delivery services in response to current health care policy changes.

MSN Programs - Online

Xavier's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are fully online and designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a BSN. The MSN programs train nurses to serve and lead, empowering them to provide the best possible care while taking on additional responsibilities and higher-level functions in health care. Xavier's MSN program offers multiple tracks including:

MSN Direct Entry as Second Degree (MIDAS)

Individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field who wish to be a licensed registered nurse (RN) can apply to the Master of Science in Nursing - MIDAS program. This 20 month program is a full-time program for mature, goal-directed individuals who, upon completion of the program, is awarded an MSN degree and is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).

MIDAS Details

Xavier offers a variety of certificates to extend your career.

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate - Online

Experienced registered nurses with an MSN from a regionally-accredited college or university and CCNE or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accreditation who are interested in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner are eligible to apply for this post-master’s certificate program.

Learn more about Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

Nursing Education Post-Master's Certificate - Online

Nurses who choose the Post-Master’s Certificate in Education are provided with advanced level preparation in the principles of education. At the completion of this program nurses are prepared to use their advanced knowledge and clinical experience to assume professional leadership roles that encompass all educational settings as nurse educators, consultants, staff educators, clinical nursing faculty, and continuing education providers.

Learn more about the Nursing Education Post-Master's Certificate

Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health Leadership (DNP) - Online

This Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health Leadership (DNP) degree program is a population health-focused post-master’s degree program for nurses from various practice settings. This DNP program is 100% online and designed for RNs with an MSN who want to become leaders in addressing the complexity of healthcare and healthcare outcomes in the 21st century.

DNP Details

All For One

Xavier is ranked #1 for its excellent academic reputation among top competitors in the region. Students get the most out of their education, from rigorous classroom studies to experiential learning in the real world.

Nursing at Xavier

An elevator speech about why Xavier is a good school to go to for nursing.

#1 Top Undergraduate Major at Xavier
4 Master's DegreeTracks
#9 Best Colleges in Ohio for NursingNiche.com - 2022

1 of 17 Holistic Nursing Programs

Xavier Nursing programs are 1 of 17 programs in the nation endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) advances holistic nursing and nurse coaching through certification. Holistic nurses and nurse coaches promote health, wellness, and wellbeing as they facilitate their client’s growth and healing. Both certifications offer nurses a way to distinguish themselves as experts in nursing practice, education, and research. 

College of Nursing Program at Xavier University

Xavier University’s College of Nursing prepares undergraduate and graduate students as professional nurses to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing, highly technical health-care environment. Graduates have the skills to practice nursing today and to be nurse leaders tomorrow in holistic health-care delivery with an educational foundation grounded in Jesuit values. Our graduates are well-respected in the health-care community as knowledgeable, professional, and ethical and prepared to excel in meeting challenges in health-care delivery. Xavier’s Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."