Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN grounded in rural and community health, offering individualized instruction and applied clinical preparation.
Small Classes. Big Impact. Paid Experience.
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Format: In Person
Clinical Ratio: 1:6-8
Degree: Bachelor Science in Nursing
Next Term: Fall 2026
Why Choose MCLA Nursing?
MCLA's BSN program prepares nurses to strengthen the health of rural and underserved communities. Students learn to look beyond symptoms, developing clinical judgment shaped by social context, access to care, and community needs. The result is nursing practice grounded in understanding and responsibility.
Small Cohorts, Personal Success
Lecture sections enroll no more than 25 students, with lab groups limited to 10. Unlike large state programs, students are never lost in lecture halls. Faculty know your name, your progress, and how you learn.
The Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) Pathway
Qualified juniors and seniors can work 8 hours per week while receiving pay for 32 hours, full benefits, and tuition coverage. It is a rare opportunity to earn a salary and benefits while completing your BSN.
Rural & Community Health Focus
Clinical training spans geriatrics, community centers, and school settings. Students gain experience serving diverse populations while learning how healthcare functions across rural and local environments.
Career Outlook & Program Value
Where This Degree Takes You
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the credential of choice for contemporary hospital hiring and is required for advanced practice, including Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator pathways.
Career Opportunities
- Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings
- Public Health Nurse serving rural and underserved populations
- Home Health or School Health Nurse
- Case Manager or Care Coordinator
Skills You Will Master
Your Journey to the BSN
MCLA's BSN follows a structured four-year pathway that separates foundational preparation from advanced nursing study. Each phase builds intentionally toward clinical readiness and professional licensure.
Phase 1
Students complete core science coursework, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology,
and chemistry. This phase establishes the academic foundation required for upper-level
nursing study.
Milestone: Apply to the Nursing Major through a competitive, GPA-based selection process.
Phase 2
Coursework shifts to nursing theory, clinical skills, and supervised clinical rotations
across healthcare settings. Students apply scientific knowledge directly to patient
care.
Highlight: Eligibility for paid employment through the Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) Pathway
during this phase.
Phase 3
The final stage focuses on NCLEX preparation and a culminating capstone experience
that integrates academic and clinical learning.
Outcome: Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Nursing Courses
Nursing Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
Clinical Partners
MCLA nursing students complete clinical experiences with established healthcare and community organizations in the region. These partnerships provide exposure to hospital-based care as well as community and school-based health settings. Clinical partners include:
- Berkshire Medical Center (BMC)
- North Adams Regional Hospital
- Local schools and community centers supporting community health and prevention-focused rotations
Student Stories
Student Stories
"Each day brings new lessons that directly apply to the clinical environment."
Accreditations & Approvals
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has been granted Initial Approval by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) for the operation of its BSN degree program.
Effective June 17, 2025, the baccalaureate nursing program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This candidacy status expires July 17, 2027.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Admission & Application Process
Students begin at MCLA as Pre-Nursing majors, completing foundational coursework before applying to the Nursing Major through a secondary application process.
Getting Started
Incoming first-year students and transfer applicants should declare Pre-Nursing on their initial MCLA application. This ensures placement on the appropriate academic pathway toward the BSN.
Prerequisite Coursework
To be eligible to apply, students must earn a grade of C or higher in the following courses:
- BIOL-150 Intro to Biology I
- CHEM-150 Intro to Chemistry I
- BIOL-342 Anatomy & Physiology I
- MATH-232 Statistics
Admission to the Nursing Major
Admission occurs at the junior level and is competitive. Applicants must submit the official Nursing Major Application, which is evaluated using a standardized rubric based on overall GPA, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from an academic or professional reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Transfer students may apply to MCLA as Pre-Nursing majors. Eligible students can apply to the Nursing Major after completing required prerequisite courses and meeting application requirements.
Yes. A sample four-year plan of study is available and outlines coursework from Pre-Nursing through completion of the Nursing Major, including clinical and capstone requirements.
CPR Certification Requirement
Before starting sophomore spring clinical courses, nursing students must hold current
CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level from the American Heart Association
or American Red Cross. You may complete CPR training on your own and submit documentation
to the program administrator, or fulfill this requirement by taking PHED 120: Emergency
Medical Response (1 credit), offered each year.
Essential Performance Standards
To succeed in the nursing program, students must be able to meet the Essential Performance
Standards, which outline the cognitive, physical, and interpersonal skills required
to complete the BSN degree. Reviewing these standards can help you decide whether
a nursing career is the right fit for you.
Licensure Eligibility
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing sets the requirements for RN licensure
in the state. One requirement is a determination of “good moral character.” If this
criterion is not met, licensure may be delayed or denied. If you have concerns, you
are encouraged to seek legal guidance early.
Good Moral Character Policy
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) establishes policies (based
on MGL c.112, ss74, 74A and 76 and Board regulations at 244 CMR 8.00) for initial
licensure as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One of the criteria
for application for licensure involves the determination of “good moral character.”
Failure to meet this criterion could delay or prevent licensure. It is the student’s
responsibility to seek legal guidance with any concerns about meeting these criteria.
MCLA BSN Admission Rubric
MCLA BSN Personal Statement Guidelines
Admission Recommendation Letter Guidelines
Interested in Learning More About MCLA's Undergraduate BSN?
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