OVERVIEW
One Program to Become an RN and Earn a BSN
If you are looking to become a registered nurse and live in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin, this nursing program could be for you.
In geographies where this program is available, it consists of:
- Online coursework you can take any time, day or night. Accelerate faster through certain courses by demonstrating mastery via competency-based assessments.
- Seven in-person Clinical Rotations in local, assigned healthcare facilities. WGU has prearranged, assigned partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches/preceptors to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- Two in-person Learning Lab experiences. See map below. WGU Clinical Learning and Simulation Centers (Labs) are located in Utah, Texas, and Missouri, and WGU has partnered with labs in Indiana and Florida. Please refer to the map to identify your state and travel-to Lab location.
States where the Prelicensure BSN Program is Offered
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
The Arkansas Division of Higher Education approved Western Governors University to offer the prelicensure program in the Bear State. Arkansans complete their program online, participate in Learning Lab experiences per the map above, and complete Clinical Rotations in Arkansas.
Coursework: Students will take the program coursework online.
Learning Labs: Students will travel to, and attend, two in-person Learning Lab Experiences. Please refer to the map above to identify your state and travel-to Lab location. WGU strives to assign students to the Learning Lab that aligns with their region. If the alignment can’t occur or the region is unavailable, students will be assigned an alternate Learning Lab location.
Clinical Rotations: Students will travel to, and attend, seven in-person Clinical Rotations. Clinical Rotations are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students will be assigned to clinical partner sites throughout the 60-mile radius.
- Fayetteville
- Little Rock
Program start dates vary. For additional questions about how you will obtain your license as a nurse, contact licensure@wgu.edu.
If you don't live in a state where our prelicensure program is available, there is an alternative route for patient care through our Bachelor's of Science in Health and Human Services 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 and Human Services degree instead.
This program is paced to have a completion time of
4 Years
You will be expected to complete all required credits assigned each 6-month term. Students may be able to accelerate some portions of the program.
Tuition per six-month term is
$8,755
Throughout the program, students pay $8,755 per six-months.
Expect to spend about
30 hours/week
on your studies, assessments, and in the completion of Clinical Rotations and Learning Labs.
Next Start Date:
Varies
If admitted, WGU will grant a start date based on a variety of factors.
HOW IT WORKS
Pre-Nursing and Nursing Portions
Pre-Nursing
Students begin the prelicensure program at WGU with their pre-nursing coursework. This includes general education courses, as well as introductory medical coursework. This allows students to satisfy required prerequisites for the clinical portion of the program.
Nursing
After finishing the pre-nursing portion of the program, students that have met progression requirements are eligible to progress into the nursing portion of the program. This portion of the program contains more specific nursing coursework, as well as hands-on Learning Labs and Clinical Rotations that are required for students to earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree and become eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam after graduation.
COURSES
Nursing Prelicensure Courses
You will work with your WGU Program Mentor and 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 assigned clinical rotations. Expect to spend at least 30 hours or more per week on your studies, and in the completion of Clinical Rotations and Learning Labs.
This program has a standard path and is paced to be completed in 8 terms or 4 years. Some students may be able to accelerate their pace with transfer credits.
Transferrable courses for the prelicensure program must have a minimum "C" grade or better to be approved for transfer credit.
The curriculum in WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed not only to prepare you to become a nurse, but to provide you with the skills to become an outstanding nurse, ready to contribute to a strong healthcare team and better patient outcomes.
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.
Pre-Nursing Courses (4 Terms)
- Critical Thinking: Reason and Evidence*
- Composition: Writing with a Strategy
- Integrated Physical Sciences
- Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others
- Global Arts and Humanities
*Course not eligible for transfer credit
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (within 5 years)
- Introduction to Psychology
- World History: Diverse Cultures and Global Connections
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
- Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (within 5 years)
- Microbiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach (within 5 years)
- Introduction to Sociology
- Health and Wellness Through Nutritional Sciences*
*Course not eligible for transfer credit
- Applied Algebra
- Human Growth and Development
- Pathophysiology (within 5 years)
- Medical Dosage Calculations and Pharmacology*
- Foundations of Nursing*
*Course not eligible for transfer credit
Nursing Courses (4 Terms)
- Basic Nursing Skills (in-person lab course)
- Health Assessment
- Adult Health I*
- Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth
*This course includes online coursework and in-person clinical requirements.
- Intermediate Nursing Skills (in-person lab course)
- Adult Health II*
- Women's and Children's Nursing*
- Scholarship in Nursing Practice
*This course includes online coursework and in-person clinical requirements.
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing*
- Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing*
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Organizational Systems and Healthcare Transformation
*This course includes online coursework and in-person clinical requirements.
- Advanced Nursing Skills (virtual lab course)
- Adult Health III*
- Professional Nursing Role Transition*
*This course includes online coursework and in-person clinical requirements.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Communications: Successfully communicated effectively across diverse cultural contexts, fostering understanding and collaboration among individuals from different backgrounds.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluated evidence based on specific criteria, ensuring the use of high-quality and reliable information for decision-making and problem-solving.
- Pathology: Differentiated major types of microorganisms based on their structural and other characteristics, enhancing the ability to identify and address microbial challenges effectively.
- Physiology: Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of normal physiological functions of living organisms and their parts, providing a solid foundation for healthcare and biological studies.
- Problem Solving: Analyzed complex medical problems skillfully, leading to the identification of optimal solutions and improved patient outcomes.
- Research: Synthesized research information from multiple sources adeptly, enabling comprehensive and well-informed insights.
“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
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Pre-Nursing and Nursing Coursework
Within the prelicensure program at WGU, there are two sections for students to complete. The first section is pre-nursing, which include general education coursework, and introductory healthcare coursework. These satisfy prerequisites that students need to enter the nursing portion of the program. Students then progress to the nursing portion of the program, which contains specific nursing courses that prepare students for their careers.
Lab Experiences and Clinical Rotations
Students will travel to Learning Lab twice during the program. Lab locations are arranged by region. When clinical rotations start, you will work one-on-one with a clinical coach/preceptor (under the guidance of a WGU clinical instructor) to complete several “intensives." Your clinical coach/preceptor is an experienced staff nurse trained to help you throughout the duration of your rotations. Assessment of your clinical competence will be conducted by your WGU clinical instructors. Click below to learn more about lab and clinical experiences.
Program Coursework
The B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) program requires that you work closely with WGU faculty and clinical coaches/preceptors. You will be expected to complete all required CUs assigned each 6-month term. Together with your Course Instructor and Program Mentor, you will decide when you are ready to complete course assessments.
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.
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements Unique to This Nursing Degree
Admission Requirements (for more information click on the live links below)
- Nursing Entrance Exam
- Background Check*
- Nursing Application Essay
- Active Nursing Prelicensure File (a short form found in your Enrollment Portal)
*Click the arrows below for more details about applying, the background check, and admissions.
The Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University is committed to student success and partners with the WGU Office of Admissions to determine academic eligibility for the Prelicensure Nursing program. Applicants who submit all admission requirements will be reviewed through a weighted evaluation system that considers several factors. The Office of Admissions reviews all applicants based on their academic experience and nursing entrance exam scores.
- Admission is competitive and not guaranteed; additional factors important to student success in the nursing program may also be considered.
- Admission to and enrollment in the Prelicensure Nursing program does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical nursing portion of the program.
- Only residents of the following states are eligible to apply to this program. Prospective students seeking admission to the WGU Prelicensure Nursing program may apply to a district within their state of residence. Any applications from residents outside of these states will not be accepted.
Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
To be considered for enrollment into the Prelicensure Nursing Program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, be at least 16 years of age (must be 18 at the time of clinical experiences), AND complete the following admission requirements:
- Complete a nursing entrance exam. WGU accepts the HESI Admissions Assessment (A2) and the ATI TEAS. Applicants can choose which exam they take. Learn more about nursing entrance exams here.
- Submit to a criminal background check through American Databank.
- Submit a Prelicensure Nursing Application Essay
- Activate their Prelicensure Nursing File which includes a declaration of:
- The date and location an applicant is applying to
- Completed certifications
- Completed licenses
- Military service and training
Requirements that must be satisfied in pre-nursing terms to be eligible to progress to the clinical nursing program
There are costs outside of tuition and fees involved with creating your compliance account early in your pre-nursing terms and purchasing uniforms and supplies by the end of your last pre-nursing term. These costs will vary based on each item along with geographic location/provider.
Students who are successful in the pre-nursing terms will be eligible for progression into the nursing portion of the program. The following must be completed to be considered for progression into the nursing portion of the program:
- Proof of health insurance†.
- Proof of successfully passing of a criminal background check (also may require a state background check to be completed per state regulatory requirements for nursing programs).
- 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 the Nursing Progression Committee process.
Students in the pre-nursing term will be required to submit evidence of all of the requirements below to be considered for progression into the nursing portion of the program:
- 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
- Additional immunizations may be required based on state and clinical requirements.
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.
1. Create your COMPLIO account.
2. Select Program: Prelicensure.
3. Select your state of residence.
4. Under "Optional Compliance Items" select:
*Criminal Background Check: $52 (base package price)
Note: Do not select the Prelicensure Bundle or the Immunization Package.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to a WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Accredited,
Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
COST
Unbelievably Low Tuition
By charging per term rather than per credit, WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Other student responsibilities:
Uniforms: Approx. $150 plus shipping, handling, and applicable taxes. Uniforms do not have to be purchased through WGU.
Lab kit fees: Approx. $250
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.
Compliance fees will vary depending on the compliance items a student needs for placement. Generally (though subject to change), prices are as follows:
- ADB/Complio Background Check (varies by state – completed every 24 months) - $52 - $150
- ADB/Complio Immunization Tracking Package (varies by package term) - $25- $50
- ADB/Complio Drug Screen (varies by panel) - $36
- ADB/Complio HIPAA Training - $15
- ADB/Complio OSHA Training - $15
- Third-Party Onboarding (varies by vendor - MCE, ACEMAPP, TCPS, CPNW, etc.) - $25- $50
Additional fees to the student may include: fingerprints, physician office visits, titer screenings, immunizations, physical exams, eye exams, and any additional items required by the health facility. All prices subject to change.
Costs for Pre-Nursing (1-4 Terms)
$8,755
Tuition per 6-month term
The first 4 terms of the prelicensure program consist of pre-nursing courses. There is an additional e-books and resources fee of $200 per six-month term.
Costs for Nursing (4 Terms)
$8,755
Tuition per 6-month term
At WGU, tuition is charged every six months. There is an additional e-books and resources fee of $200 per six-month term.
A Prelicensure Nursing Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
LAB AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
A Hands-On Nursing Preparation Program
WGU's Prelicensure program is a hybrid model with online coursework and in-person requirements where students gain hands-on experience in Learning Labs and Clinical Rotations.
Students must be available for three-week Clinical Rotations for each clinical course and 5 weeks during your final clinical course. Preparation will be completed online under the guidance of a WGU Program Mentor and through mandatory attendance at Learning Labs.
- Cutting-edge Learning Labs, including virtual and high-fidelity simulations to develop clinical skills.
- Clinical Rotations in hospitals and other key healthcare sites within the community.
- One-on-one guidance, supervision, and support in a busy, contemporary clinical setting with a clinical coach/preceptor—an experienced staff nurse and clinical expert.
- You will complete multiple Clinical Rotations each year, both in-hospital and community-based settings
WGU’s B.S. Prelicensure Nursing students will travel to Learning Labs twice during the program. Labs are approximately one week in length for each of the two sessions. There will also be one virtual Learning Lab (which includes two virtual meetings) that will not require travel to a facility.
Clinical assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression. Learning Labs are assigned by region. Please refer to the map above to identify your region and travel-to Lab location. WGU strives to assign students to the Learning Lab that aligns with their region. If the alignment can’t occur, or the region is unavailable, students will be assigned an alternate Learning Lab location.
Students must complete any additional compliance and onboarding items as indicated by an affiliation agreement with the partnering facility. Items may include, but are not limited to: N95 fit tests, COVID vaccines/boosters, colorblindness/eye exam, fingerprints, and other immunizations as indicated.
"I've always wanted to become a RN. I took the longest route to get here and now I'm 27 and finally accomplished my dream! All thanks to WGU for making a program that I could work and get my school work done.”
—Brittney Burns
B.S. Nursing, Prelicensure
"I've always wanted to be a nurse. But I have found that traditional school never really worked for me. I found that teaching my self and working online was a better fit and by doing that I ended up getting back to back bachelor degrees. I realized that I enjoy learning just not the way schools were traditionally structured where you are always lectured to.
—Brian Cowan
B.S. Nursing, Prelicensure
CAREER OUTLOOK
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.
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.”
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
6%
Employment of nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU's BSN Grads are Working in Diverse, Fulfilling Roles
Our 20,000-plus Bachelor of Science Nursing alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:
Job Titles
- Staff nurse
- Flight nurse
- Nurse case manager
- Public health nurse
- Forensic nurse
Diverse Industries
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Doctor’s offices and clinics
- U.S. military
- Public health departments
- Nonprofit organizations
Major Employers
- Intermountain Healthcare
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Synergy Home Health
- HCA Healthcare
- Peace Health
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
More About Prelicensure Nursing
- General Program Questions
- Financial Aid Questions
FAQs About the Prelicensure Program
WGU offers a start date for this program on the first 1st of each month. There may be conditions with clinical resources that may dictate when you are able to start the program. All admission requirements must be satisfied and you must be admitted and commit to your start date no later than the 15th prior to your start date.
If you are looking to become a registered nurse and live in one of the states listed on our website, this nursing program could be for you.
While admission is not a guarantee, your application will require:
- Passing a background check.
- Submitting an application essay.
- Passing a nursing-program entrance exam.
- Providing college transcripts, if applicable. Transfer in education credits taken at another accredited college or university if you have them.
- Providing proof of high school completion or GED if you don’t have college credits.
Please ensure you review the important details listed in the Admissions & Transfers section of this web page.
The program is designed with online coursework and participation in mandatory in-person learning lab and clinical rotation experiences. In geographies where this program is available, WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers who provide clinical experiences and coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse. You are required to complete your labs and clinical rotations with our established partners.
The Prelicensure Nursing BSN program is paced to be completed in 8 terms or 4 years and includes two sections:
- Pre-Nursing, years 1 & 2. This section includes general-education and introductory-healthcare coursework. These courses satisfy prerequisites that students need to enter the clinical nursing portion of the program and are crucial for a solid foundation in nursing.
- Nursing, years 3 & 4. This section contains nursing courses that prepare students for their careers. Students start to feel like “real nurses” as they practice in Learning Lab experiences and care for real patients in Clinical Rotations in settings such as hospitals.
The B.S. 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. However, you may qualify for transfer credit through verification of your active LVN/LPN license.
Learning Lab and Clinical Rotation attendance are crucial components of this program and your success. Please ensure you review the important details listed in the In-Person Requirements section of this web page.
No previous college experience or transferable credit is required for our Prelicensure Nursing BSN program. All courses in this program can be completed with WGU.
There are 15 courses in the Pre-Nursing portion of this program that are eligible for transfer from accredited universities. Some are time sensitive and must be completed within five years of your start date. There are no clinical courses eligible for transfer. Transfer credits can provide a path to acceleration allowing you to complete your program sooner than the standard 4-year pacing. The minimum time for completion in this program is 2.5 years. Once you submit your official accredited college transcripts, you will receive a transfer evaluation reflecting all transferrable courses accepted and your anticipated timeframe for program completion.
Completing an accredited nursing program, like this one, is required to qualify for the NCLEX exam. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX exam you can work toward applying for a license in the state you plan to work. We encourage you to connect with your state Board of Nursing website to verify specific state licensing information.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
