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Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.

Bachelor of Science Nursing (Prelicensure) CCNE-Accredited

Overview

One program to become both an RN and earn a BSN.

If you are looking to become a registered nurse and live in Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Utah, or Nevada, this nursing program could be for you. In areas where this program is available, WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.

Quality and respect.

All nursing degree programs in WGU's College of Health Professions are CCNE-accredited.
California: Discontinued

WGU has discontinued BSPRN enrollment in California.

WGU has made the difficult decision to discontinue all future enrollments to the California Prelicensure Nursing program. We will no longer be admitting new students to the program in California. If you have already applied for this program—your application will be closed as this program is no longer offered. There will be no exceptions. Students currently enrolled will be able to complete their program. All other WGU programs will continue to be offered in California. If you would like to consider a different undergraduate health degree from WGU please visit https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees.html. We are grateful for your interest in our programs and wish you the best in your educational pursuits.
Florida
Daytona Beach

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
AdventHealth Daytona Beach
AdventHealth Deland
AdventHealth Palm Coast
AdventHealth Fish Memorial
AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach
AdventHealth Flagler
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Daytona Beach area.
Florida students, please note:
WGU’s Prelicensure BSN Program is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
State of Florida requires the FDLE Level 2 Background Check.
Florida law requires nonpublic colleges, universities and schools licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to inform students at orientation and on its website of the existence of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sexual predator and sexual offender registry website and toll-free number. The FDLE website and toll-free number aforementioned are as follows: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/home.jsf FDLE toll-free number – 1-888-357-7332 for TTY Accessibility - 1-877-414-7234
View program snapshot

Daytona Beach-area partners

Sarasota

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Sarasota area.
Florida students, please note:
WGU’s Prelicensure BSN Program is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
State of Florida requires the FDLE Level 2 Background Check.
Florida law requires nonpublic colleges, universities and schools licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to inform students at orientation and on its website of the existence of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sexual predator and sexual offender registry website and toll-free number. The FDLE website and toll-free number aforementioned are as follows: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/home.jsf FDLE toll-free number – 1-888-357-7332 for TTY Accessibility - 1-877-414-7234
View program snapshot

Sarasota-area partners

Kissimmee

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Poinciana Medical Center
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Kissimmee area.
Florida students, please note:
WGU’s Prelicensure BSN Program is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
State of Florida requires the FDLE Level 2 Background Check.
Florida law requires nonpublic colleges, universities and schools licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to inform students at orientation and on its website of the existence of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sexual predator and sexual offender registry website and toll-free number. The FDLE website and toll-free number aforementioned are as follows: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/home.jsf FDLE toll-free number – 1-888-357-7332 for TTY Accessibility - 1-877-414-7234
View program snapshot

Kissimmee-area partners

Tavares

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
AdventHealth Waterman
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Tavares area.
Florida students, please note:
WGU’s Prelicensure BSN Program is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
State of Florida requires the FDLE Level 2 Background Check.
Florida law requires nonpublic colleges, universities and schools licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education to inform students at orientation and on its website of the existence of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) sexual predator and sexual offender registry website and toll-free number. The FDLE website and toll-free number aforementioned are as follows: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/home.jsf FDLE toll-free number – 1-888-357-7332 for TTY Accessibility - 1-877-414-7234
View program snapshot

Tavares-area partners
Indiana (Missouri, Ohio)
Indianapolis, IN

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Community Health Network
Eskenazi Health
Roudebush VA
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Indianapolis/central Indiana area.
View program snapshot

Indianapolis-area partners

Evansville, IN

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Deaconess System
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Evansville area.
View program snapshot

Evansville-area partners

Missouri

WGU is currently developing clinical partnerships in Missouri....

WGU is currently developing clinical partnerships...

WGU is currently developing clinical partnerships in Missouri.

Once partnerships are confirmed, an Enrollment Counselor will be able to advise you of potential cohort locations and start dates in your area.
View program snapshot

Missouri partners

Learn More

Vincennes, IN

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Good Samaritan Hospital
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Vincennes area.
View program snapshot

Vincennes-area partners

Fort Wayne, IN

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Parkview System
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Fort Wayne area.
View program snapshot

Fort Wayne-area partners

Hicksville, Ohio

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Community Memorial Hospital
NOTE: Labs are held in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Hicksville area.
View program snapshot

Hicksville-area partners

Elkhart/South Bend, IN

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Elkhart General
South Bend Memorial
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Elkhart/South Bend area.
View program snapshot

Elkhart-area partners

Other/Rural Locations, IN

WGU has clinical affiliations with many smaller and rural...

WGU has clinical affiliations with many smaller...

WGU has clinical affiliations with many smaller and rural hospitals throughout the state.

An Enrollment Counselor will be able to advise you of potential facilities in your area.
View program snapshot

Other partners
Texas (New Mexico)
Abilene

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Eastland Memorial Hospital (pending June 2022)
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Abilene area.
View program snapshot

Abilene-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Bryan/College Station

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Bryan/College Station area.
View program snapshot

Bryan-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

El Paso

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Del Sol Medical Center
Hospitals at Providence
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure program in the El Paso area.
View program snapshot

El Paso-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Lake Jackson

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
CHI St. Luke’s Health – Brazosport
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Lake Jackson area.
View program snapshot

Lake Jackson-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

San Antonio/Central Texas

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Connally Memorial Medical Center (Floresville)
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center (Marble Falls)
Texas Vista Medical Center
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the San Antonio area.
View program snapshot

San Antonio-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

The Woodlands

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with CHI St. Luke’s the Woodlands hospital.
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in The Woodlands area.
View program snapshot

The Woodlands partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Baytown

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Baytown area.
View program snapshot

Baytown-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Dallas

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Lake Pointe Baylor Scott and White Medical Center
Sunnyvale Baylor Scott and White Medical Center
Plano Baylor Scott and White Medical Center
Crescent Medical Center
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Select Specialty Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Dallas area.
View program snapshot

Dallas-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Graham/Vernon

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Graham Regional Medical Center
Wilbarger General Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Graham/Vernon area.
View program snapshot

Graham-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Lufkin

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Woodland Heights Medical Center
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Lufkin area.
View program snapshot

Lufkin-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Texas City

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Texas City area.
View program snapshot

Texas City partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Alamogordo/Las Cruces, New Mexico

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Gerald Champion Medical Center
MountainView Regional Medical Center
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Alamogordo/Las Cruces area.
View program snapshot

Alamogordo-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Brownsville/Edinburg/Harlingen

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals are performed in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Knapp Medical Center
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Brownsville/Edinburg/Harlingen area.
View program snapshot

Brownsville-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Decatur

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Wise Regional Health Center
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Decatur area.
View program snapshot

Decatur-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Houston

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Houston Methodist Medical Center
Memorial Hermann Southeast
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights
Shriners Hospital for Children
St. Luke's Health Sugarland Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Houston area.
View program snapshot

Houston-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Midland/Odessa

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

Hospital placement for students is handled by WGU, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Midland Memorial Hospital
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Midland/Odessa area.
View program snapshot

Midland-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Waco/Temple

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many respected hospitals, such as:
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center Hillcrest
Providence Healthcare Network Central Texas
NOTE: Learning lab sessions held in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Waco/Temple area.
View program snapshot

Waco-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule
Utah (Nevada)
Salt Lake Valley

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Mountain West Medical Center
St. Mark’s hospital
Salt Lake Regional
Shriners Hospital for Children
Primary Children’s Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare (IHC)*
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Salt Lake Valley area.
*Enroll hospital employees only.
View program snapshot

Salt Lake Valley partners

Elko, Nevada

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Northeastern NV Regional Hospital
NOTE: Labs are held at the WGU Simulation Lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Elko, Nevada, area.

View program snapshot

Elko-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Mesquite, Nevada

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Mesa View Regional Hospital
NOTE: Labs are held at the WGU Simulation Lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Mesquite, Nevada, area.

View program snapshot

Mesquite-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Reno, Nevada area (including Sparks and Fallon)

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
Renown Regional Medical Center (Reno)
Northern NV Medical Center (Sparks)
Banner Churchill Community Hospital (Fallon)
NOTE: Labs are held at the WGU Simulation Lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Reno, Nevada, area.

View program snapshot

Reno-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

Ely, Nevada

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals....

Clinicals take place in area partner hospitals.

WGU provides hospital placement for students, and we are proud to partner with many reputable hospitals, such as:
William Bee Ririe Hospital
NOTE: Labs are held at the WGU Simulation Lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary. Enrollment Counselors have more information for those interested in the prelicensure nursing program in the Ely, Nevada, area.

View program snapshot

Ely-area partners

View Sample Lab/Clinical Schedule

If you don't live in one of the states listed above, there is an alternative route for patient care through our Bachelor's of Science in Health Services Coordination degree. This degree allows you to still be involved with patients by working to help with insurance, payments, and other details of healthcare that can be confusing and frustrating. If you want to work with patients, but our nursing degree isn't feasible, consider the Health Services Coordination degree instead.

WGU's prelicensure nursing program snapshot available for download.

How it works, who it's for, and what you need to know.

Program at a glance: Start your journey here.

The BSN (Prelicensure) program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for aspiring nurses looking for a path to both their registered nurse (RN) license and a BSN degree. It's also unique among WGU online degree programs—with some things to consider as you think about applying for admission. Please check out the BSN (Prelicensure) Program Snapshot, a great place to start your research on the nursing program.

View Program Snapshot

Watch: The basics of the BSN (Prelicensure) program.

NOTE: The California location of the B.S. Nursing Prelicensure program has been discontinued.

Watch: Terms, time commitment, and clinical calendar.

Watch: The two-part admissions process.

Watch: Getting started—how to apply for admission.

Prerequisites and admissions requirements.

Academic prerequisites.

To be considered for enrollment, students must have completed the following prerequisite courses or transfer equivalents. These courses must be completed before enrolling at WGU:

English Composition I
Survey of United States Constitution and Government
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Humanities
Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
Clinical Microbiology (with lab)

Completing your prereqs.

If you are missing any of the prerequisite courses required for admission into this program, you can complete them at any of a number of third-party institutions or providers. The link below offers a list of options and other information about transfer credits.

Complete your prereqs

Other admissions requirements.

Please click wherever you see the + sign to see important, detailed information that is critical to your understanding the requirements of the B.S. Nursing Prelicensure Program.

Requirements that must be satisfied to obtain eligibility to be considered for cohort/program acceptance

Enrollment into the First Term is competitive. Students must first be accepted and enrolled into the First Term before they have the opportunity to progress into Term 2. You must be at least 18 years of age before beginning the application process or participating in clinical experiences.

Applicants must have a combined minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the required nursing sciences (Anatomy/Physiology I w/lab, Anatomy/Physiology II w/lab, Microbiology w/lab) to be considered for enrollment into the First Term . Enrollment in the university and in the First Term does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical nursing program. Applicants are required to submit and/or complete the following items:

Take and pass the ATI TEAS Exam with a minimum total score of 60% and a reading subtest score of at least 60.
Submit a professional resume. Please provide a professional resume outlining your academic and professional history.
Submit a letter of intent. You must submit a 1-2-page student statement detailing your exposure to nursing and explaining why you want to become an RN. This document helps us understand your unique situation and personal goals.
Submit one professional letter of recommendation. As an applicant, you will be required to submit one professional letter of recommendation. This letter should come from a supervisor at your current or former place of employment. This letter should indicate what attributes the individual believes you have that will make you a great RN. The letter can be addressed to “Nursing Director”.
Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions that show completion of required prerequisites.

Note: Preference will be given to those individuals with a prior college degree. All prerequisites must be complete before an application for enrollment can be considered. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take appropriate tests of language proficiency.

As admission is competitive, the GPA of the applicants admitted is usually significantly higher than the minimum 2.5 required.

The higher your TEAS scores, the more competitive your file will be. WGU allows two attempts in a 12-month period. TEAS scores are valid for five years.

Requirements that must be satisfied in Term 1 to be eligible to progress to Term 2

There are costs outside of tuition and fees involved with creating your compliance account early in your first term and purchasing uniforms and supplies by the end of the term. These costs will vary based on each item along with geographic location/provider.

Students who are successful in Term 1 will be eligible for progression into Term 2. The following must be completed in order to be considered for progression into Term 2:

Proof of health insurance†.
Proof of successfully passing of a criminal background check.
Proof of successfully passing a urine drug test.
Proof of a current immunization record and current negative TB test.
Proof of meeting the specific physical requirements in accordance with the core performance standards of the nursing profession.
Participation in an interview.

Students in Term 1 will be required to submit evidence of all of the below to be considered for progression into Term 2:
Immunization Requirements

Tetanus/Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccination
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations and Titer
Varicella Zoster vaccination and Titer
Hepatitis B vaccination and Titer
TB testing
Seasonal flu vaccination

It is necessary to have the following physical abilities for the Clinical portion of the program:
Essential Performance Standards/Clinical Nursing

walk the equivalent of five miles per day
reach above shoulder level
hear tape recorded transcription and emergency monitors
distinguish colors
adapt to shift work
grip
sit and stand for long periods of time
climb stairs
lift 50 pounds
perform CPR

If you have any questions about these required immunizations and physical requirements, please speak with an Enrollment Counselor.

† Note: Student malpractice insurance will be provided by WGU at no cost to you.

Courses and curriculum: Your 2.5-year nursing prelicensure program.

You will work with your WGU Program Mentor and Course Instructors to prepare for rigorous assessments, virtual-reality simulations, and high-fidelity simulations. Once you've successfully completed those, you will qualify to attend your agency-based clinical rotations. Expect to spend at least 30 hours or more per week on your studies, and in the completion of clinical rotations and simulation labs.

This program has a standard path and a set pace, with a completion time of 2.5 years.

First Term

Professional Leadership and Communication in Healthcare
Health and Wellness through Nutritional Science
Introduction to Nursing Arts and Science
Organizational Systems: Safety and Regulation
Medication Dosage Calculations

Additional courses in term if not accepted for transfer:

Biochemistry (if not accepted for transfer)
Pharmacology (if not accepted for transfer)
Applied Health Care Statistics and Analysis (if not accepted for transfer)

Second Term

Information Management and the Application of Technology
Caring Arts and Science Across the Lifespan I
Caring Arts and Science Across the Lifespan I Clinical Learning
Physical Assessment
Caring Arts and Science Across the Lifespan II
Caring Arts and Science Across the Lifespan II Clinical Learning

Third Term

Care of Adults with Complex Illnesses
Clinical Learning for Complex Illnesses in Adults
Professional Roles and Values
Care of the Older Adult
Psychiatric / Mental Health Nursing
Psychiatric / Mental Health Clinical

Fourth Term

Care of the Developing Family
Nursing Care of Children
Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing
Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing Field Experience
Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research

Fifth Term

Critical Care Nursing
Critical Care Nursing Clinical Learning
Organizational Systems and Quality Leadership
Professional Nursing Role Transition
Nursing Clinical Practicum

Top-notch nursing curriculum designed by experts and employers.

The curriculum in WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is designed not only to make you a nurse, but to make you an outstanding nurse, ready to contribute to a strong team and better patient outcomes.

Download Program Guide

The WGU B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) curriculum was designed and is regularly updated with input from the experts on our Nursing Program Council, ensuring you learn what you need to know and master the skills you need to excel as a nurse and play your part on a vital team.

Prerequisites

To be considered for enrollment, students must complete the following program admissions prerequisites or transfer equivalents. These courses must be completed before enrolling at WGU:

English Composition I
Survey of United States Constitution and Government
Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Humanities
Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
Clinical Microbiology (with lab)

Resources for satisfying prerequisites

Program Coursework

Approximately 60% of this program is online coursework, with the remaining 40% as hands-on clinical time. The following areas of study are a sample list of the coursework you will complete online:

Introduction to Nursing Arts and Science
Health and Wellness Through Nutritional Science
Organizational Systems: Safety and Regulation
Medical Dosage Calculations
Pharmacology
Applied Healthcare Statistics
Information Management and the Application of Technology
Caring Arts and Science Across the Lifespan
Physical Assessment
Care of Adults with Complex Illnesses
Professional Roles and Values
Care of the Older Adult
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Care of the Developing Family
Nursing Care of Children
Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing
Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research
Critical Care Nursing
Organizational Systems and Quality Leadership
Professional Nursing Role Transition
Biochemistry

Download the program guide

Clinical Experience

This program includes intensive clinical rotations, scheduled for 2-3 weeks in each 12 segment of the program. Preparation will be completed online under the guidance of a WGU Program Mentor and through mandatory attendance of high-fidelity clinical simulation learning labs.

Cutting-edge clinical simulations, including virtual-reality and high-fidelity simulations to develop clinical skills.
Agency-based clinical rotations in hospitals and other key healthcare sites.
One-on-one guidance, supervision, and support in a busy, contemporary clinical setting with a Clinical Coach—an experienced staff nurse and clinical expert.
You will complete multiple clinical rotations each year, both in-hospital and community-based.

View sample schedule

WGU grads outscore the national average on NCLEX.

The rigor, quality, and relevancy of our curriculum can be seen in the success of our graduates. Graduates of WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program achieved a 96.7 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2019, compared with the national average of 91.2 percent.

California: 97.9%, compared with 91.7%
Florida: 90%, compared with 88.8%
Indiana: 93.7%, compared with 91.5%
Texas: 100%, compared with 94.4%
Utah: 96.7%, compared with 89.2%

“Our nursing graduates continue to demonstrate a high level of competence,” said Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, Senior Vice President of WGU’s College of Health Professions. “We are committed to advancing access to our high-quality prelicensure nursing education because we know that our students go on to positively impact the health of the communities in which they work and live.”

Read more about the success of WGU graduates who take the NCLEX.

Flat-rate, unbelievably low tuition.

$5,930

Tuition per 6-month term

+ $645

Program and Resource Fees

= $6,575

Total Per Term

+$65

One-time Application Fee

Apply FREE this week

$645 per-term program fees include a Resource Fee of $145 (covers all e-books and learning resources, saving you thousands) and a $500 Program Fee. Tuition and fees are as of August 1, 2021.

Other student responsibilities:
ATI TEAS Exam: $115 at PSI Testing Centers; cost differs at other sites
Uniforms: $146.30 plus shipping, handling, and applicable taxes
Lab kit fees: $263.09
Drug screen, background check, and immunization tracking system: $94, which includes one alias search; there will be a separate charge for each additional alias search, and due to expenses associated with accessing court documents, the fees for students in the following states will be as follows: MI ($10), NV ($12). All fees are subject to change.

You may also be required to pay for a doctor’s visit for a physical examination and immunizations to fulfill specific admissions requirements. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about what is required of you.

Financial aid and scholarships available! Learn more.

Realize your dreams of being a registered nurse.

Caring for others in their time of need has been your lifelong passion. It’s your heart and soul—it’s why you feel called to be a nurse. WGU’s nursing programs are designed around a philosophy and a conceptual model of nursing that recognizes the nurse’s diverse roles as detective, scientist, and healer.

We’re committed to our mission of forming “confident, caring, and competent professional nurses prepared to meet emerging healthcare needs of diverse populations.”

The accreditation you need, plus industry respect and recognition.

Healthcare and nursing employers want employees with the credentials that prove they can help improve patient care while streamlining facilities and strengthening their reputations. An important measure of a health degree’s value is whether it comes from an accredited university with programs that have been recognized for excellence by leading healthcare organizations. WGU’s commitment to quality has been recognized:

Accredited

In addition to WGU's regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).

Respected

“What we need are people who are truly versatile, able to learn efficiently and effectively, folks who are able to master change at the same pace as their company, and folks who are self-motivated. Those are the kind of people [who] represent graduates of Western Governors University.”
John Steele
Senior Vice President of Human Relations, HCA Healthcare

Recognized

Value is a combination of low cost and high quality. University Research & Review has named WGU a Best Value School several years running—a strong measure of return on investment!

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

A BSN program designed by healthcare and nursing experts.

Program consists of:

24 Courses

What About Transfer Credits?

WGU designs its curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—in other words, to make sure your degree is proof that you really know your stuff.

Every course focuses on mastering the skills and knowledge it takes to be an outstanding nurse. Your nursing degree requirements are carefully developed to give you high-level competence in a variety of patient care settings, including chronic care, geriatrics, pediatrics, etc. Excellence is at the heart of WGU’s B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) curriculum.

That means that what you learn in school will serve you well in your practice as a nurse—and as you continue to move forward in your healthcare career, whatever your goals and aspirations may be. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well-spent.

Plan to work hard: Program requirements and expectations.

The B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) program requires that you work closely with WGU faculty and clinical coaches. You will be expected to complete all required competency units assigned each 6-month term.

The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, an expert in your program who can explain all the requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.

Request info from an Enrollment Counselor.

Download the Program Guide.

Special requirements for this program:

You will work one-on-one with a clinical coach (under the guidance of a clinical instructor) to complete several “intensives” of clinical rotations. Your clinical coach is an experienced staff nurse trained to help you throughout the duration of your rotations. Together with your Program Mentor, you will decide when you are ready to complete course assessments. Assessment of your clinical competence will be conducted by clinical instructors.

Quality you can trust: Curriculum developed with guidance from healthcare employers and experts.

To ensure our degree programs are consistent with the expectations of today's healthcare strategists, transformational leaders, value innovators, tactical managers, and analysts, we develop our courses with input from councils composed of nationally recognized experts in their respective fields. Council members offer guidance on key competencies to be expected from successful WGU graduates.

“My heart is with the Prelicensure BSN students who have chosen the noble profession of nursing as a career. Should you choose WGU to prepare you, know that this is the university of the future: It is affordable, it's flexible, and it offers learning based in competencies rather than just class time.” Brenda Cleary, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Adjunct Faculty
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

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WGU’s Prelicensure BSN program: Your path to becoming a nurse.

You need your RN license to achieve your goal of being a nurse. Becoming a bachelor’s-prepared nurse as well will open the door to many opportunities—whether you want to serve on decision-making committees at your facility or desire greater employability at hospitals seeking magnet status.

Projected employment of registered nurses will grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
— U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics

They're Prepared

95% said that their WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs

95% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.

They're Top Candidates

96% said they would hire another WGU graduate

96% of employers said they would hire another WGU graduate.

They Wow

98% of employers said WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations

98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.

Source: 2020 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers

Explore career opportunities in nursing.

Get info on how becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse with an RN license can open doors for you.

LEARN MORE

There's help if you need it.

WGU recognized by Top Colleges & Universities for military students

Financial aid is available.

WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
View more about Financial Aid

Common questions about this program.

When does the program start?

The WGU BS Nursing Prelicensure program does not offer a start date each month like our other programs. We have sporadic start dates throughout the year within each geographic region inside each participating state. The clinical hospital partners that we work with determine when our cohorts will begin and the size of those cohorts. We encourage applicants to diligently work on completing their entire application to ensure they are eligible to be considered for as many cohort start dates as possible in their geographic area. You will only be considered for one start date at a time. Your Enrollment Counselor can provide specific location details

How competitive is the program, and what are the chances of me being admitted?

Like most nursing programs, the BS Nursing Prelicensure program at WGU is competitive. We do not work off of a waiting list. WGU reviews a variety of factors when making an admission decision. WGU continues to focus on growth and this means obtaining new clinical hospital partnerships which allows us more space to enroll Nursing Prelicensure students.

Will having a background in healthcare increase my chances of being admitted?

WGU reviews a variety of factors when making an admissions decision. Healthcare experience will be factored into the admission decision but experience in the healthcare realm is not a requirement for admission.

Can I find my own preceptor and arrange an individual clinical agreement with a location in my area to complete this program, since I do not live in any of the areas listed on the website?

At this time, we do not allow individuals to set up their own clinical arrangements. Clinical arrangements require a great deal of legal approval and contracts. WGU is committed to the growth of this program and we encourage you to check back in the future to see if we have expanded to your geographic area.

I live outside the states listed for program availability. Can I travel to another state to complete the clinical and labs for this program?

The BS Nursing Prelicensure program is set up to serve students that live in, or within, a commutable distance of our clinical hospital partnership. The required clinical and lab hours are demanding and the schedule offers very little flexibility. We find that our students are most successful when they live near our clinical hospital partners. You will want to have an in depth conversation with your WGU Enrollment Counselor regarding your commute or relocation to make sure you are making the best possible decision for your success.

Can I relocate once I am in the program if I decide to move to another state?

The BS Nursing Prelicensure program is set up to have the student complete the program in the state where they started the program. Once a WGU student, relocation to another state is not a guarantee due to cohort availability and competitiveness.

Is the BS Nursing – Prelicensure program a bridge program? (EX: LVN to RN, LVN to BSN, EMT to RN, accelerated BA/BS, Non nursing to BSN?)

The BS Nursing Prelicensure program is not a traditional bridge program. Our program is for individuals seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and obtain the clinical hours required to sit for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.

Can I pick the days and times I am available for clinical rotations and labs?

BS Nursing Prelicensure students will be assigned a set schedule outlining their lab and clinical requirements that they will be expected to follow. Every WGU Nursing Prelicensure student is assigned a Clinical Coach that they will work with one-on-one. Our Clinical Coaches are experienced RN’s and our students will be assigned to work the schedule of their Clinical Coach. This could include weekends, evenings and Holidays! Please review a copy of our sample clinical calendar to better understand the lab and clinical component of our program.

How long is the program, and can I complete it faster?

The BS Nursing Prelicensure program cannot be accelerated like our other WGU programs. It takes 2.5 years to complete.

Can I do my prerequisites at WGU?

The BS Nursing Prelicensure Program has 10 prerequisite courses. These courses cannot be completed at WGU. We require that our applicants successfully complete the prerequisites before they are eligible to be selected for admission. We do not have an age limit on previous course work. An official transfer evaluation from our Transcripts Department will verify the completion of the 10 prerequisite courses. Talk with your Enrollment Counselor for information about online courses from other institutions that WGU has pre-approved to meet these required prerequisites.

Will I be able to earn a nursing license in my state with WGU's degree?

License requirements vary by state. Check here for more info about nursing license requirements for each state and some U.S. territories.

Have more questions?

See more about transferring

“At WGU there is no busy work. Everything is related to your degree and related to the work you'll be doing in your job.” Natalie Hill
M.S. Nursing – Education (RN to MSN)

WGU is school on your terms.

School can fit into your life—start working toward your better future now.

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What's it like for students at WGU?

Flexible and affordable. PLUS $20 million in scholarships for 2021!

Insights and advice to help you succeed.

Bachelor of Science Nursing (Prelicensure) CCNE-Accredited

One program to become both an RN and earn a BSN.

Quality and respect.

WGU has discontinued BSPRN enrollment in California.

Daytona Beach

Sarasota

Kissimmee

Tavares

Indianapolis, IN

Evansville, IN

Missouri

Vincennes, IN

Fort Wayne, IN

Hicksville, Ohio

Elkhart/South Bend, IN

Other/Rural Locations, IN

Abilene

Bryan/College Station

El Paso

Lake Jackson

San Antonio/Central Texas

The Woodlands

Baytown

Dallas

Graham/Vernon

Lufkin

Texas City

Alamogordo/Las Cruces, New Mexico

Brownsville/Edinburg/Harlingen

Decatur

Houston

Midland/Odessa

Waco/Temple

Salt Lake Valley

Elko, Nevada

Mesquite, Nevada

Reno, Nevada area (including Sparks and Fallon)

Ely, Nevada

Watch: The basics of the BSN (Prelicensure) program.

Watch: Terms, time commitment, and clinical calendar.

Watch: The two-part admissions process.

Watch: Getting started—how to apply for admission.

Prerequisites

To be considered for enrollment, students must complete the following program admissions prerequisites or transfer equivalents. These courses must be completed before enrolling at WGU:

Program Coursework

Approximately 60% of this program is online coursework, with the remaining 40% as hands-on clinical time. The following areas of study are a sample list of the coursework you will complete online:

Clinical Experience

This program includes intensive clinical rotations, scheduled for 2-3 weeks in each 12 segment of the program. Preparation will be completed online under the guidance of a WGU Program Mentor and through mandatory attendance of high-fidelity clinical simulation learning labs.

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

Apply Today for FREE.

Explore career opportunities in nursing.

Financial aid is available.

Common questions about this program.

WGU is school on your terms.

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