Our current climate of healthcare litigation and malpractice suits is well suited for professionals who combine nursing education and experience with legal expertise. A background in both nursing and law gives you a powerful and marketable skillset, and prepares you to make an impact on the medical and legal professions.

For the first three years, students should pursue the regular BSN plan of study, with the following exceptions:

• Do not take a Nursing elective
• Do not take a Nursing case study
• Do not take two free electives

These course units should be saved for later.

During the sophomore year, students should begin preparation for the LSAT and plan to take it during the summer following their sophomore year, or in the fall of their junior year. Students apply for admission to the Law School during their junior year.

Students complete their junior year as they continue with the regular BSN plan of study: Nursing 225/235, Nursing 245/255, Health and Social Policy (Nursing 134), Health Care Ethics (Nursing 330), Statistics (Nursing 230), Research Methods (NURS 547)

During the summer following their junior year, students take Community Clinical (NURS 380).

During their senior year, students take all courses at the Law School and, for all intents and purposes, are considered first-year law students.

During the first semester of their fifth year, students take four health-related courses with the Law School (pre-approved by the School of Nursing) that apply to the case study, nursing elective, and free elective credit required for the BSN (which the student opted not to take earlier in her/his career). Throughout the semester, students also attend a Nursing Learning Lab to keep their nursing skills sharpened.

During the second semester of their fifth year, students take Senior Clinical (NURS 370/371 or NURS 390), Senior inquiry (NURS 385 or NURS 389), and one course with the Law School. At the end of this year, their second year at the Law School, the student will have completed her/his BSN and can sit for State Boards during the summer following the spring semester.

The sixth year is dedicated entirely to the Law School.

To submatriculate into the Law School, you should take the LSAT and apply during your junior year. If you are admitted, you’ll begin taking courses at the Law School during your fourth year, completing both your BSN and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in six years, instead of the usual seven.

For advice on courses and the application process, download Law Submatriculation (PDF) .

For more information, applicants or prospective applicants to the Law School should contact contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu.