Information for Students Interested in Nursing

You can find more information about nursing at the All Nursing Schools website. Click here

A Listing of the accredited doctoral programs in nursing:

• National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission Accredited Programs (all nursing programs) Click here

• Accredited Association of Colleges of Nursing (schools that offer bachelors or masters degrees) Click here

Western does not offer a nursing education program but many Western students enter nursing programs by transferring to a nursing program or by entering a nursing program after graduation. Registered Nurse (R.N.) credentials are obtained after successfully completing a state board examination following completion of a certified nursing program at the community college (ASN or ARN) or a four-year university (BSN or direct-entry MSN). To be eligible for a nursing education program, students must complete a specified set of prerequisites and obtain volunteer or paid health care experience. Students may work on completing the prerequisites at WWU and apply for entry into the ASN or BSN program. Completion of a degree is required for the direct-entry MSN program. Examples of Western majors that cover some or all of the prerequisites include: Biology-Anthropology, Biology, Community Health and Exercise & Sport Science/Pre-Healthcare Professions.

What are the prerequisites for entry into a direct entry masters degree in NURSING?

To meet the requirements for a number of programs, students complete:

• anatomy and physiology (Bio 348, 349),
• microbiology (Bio 245),
• statistics (Math 240 or KIN 307),
• psychology (Psych 101 and Psych 230),
• nutrition (HEd 350 or KIN 414),
• Other courses recommended or required by some programs:
  • Chemistry 121, 122
  • Chemistry 251
  • Sociology or Anthropology
• 200-400 hours of clinical experience. It is recommended that students pursue a Nursing Assistant credential (90 hours at a community college) in order to obtain employment in a medical environment.

A summary of the prerequisites for direct-entry masters degree nursing programs in the country can be found in the document below. Download this into your computer. This information is updated every other year so check the individual nursing school website for the most recent prerequisites.

Summary of Prerequisite Courses for Direct Entry MS in Nursing Programs (2008)

Download the Pre-Nursing Major Guide

If your question isn't answered here, please contact Kathy.Knutzen@wwu.edu.