WGU Nursing Program Entry Requirements for 2025

The Western Governors University (WGU) Prelicensure BSN program trains graduates with essential knowledge and skills for a successful nursing career. It emphasizes modern nursing practices, prioritizing competency-based learning and robust collaborations with healthcare employers. This forward-thinking program ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in passing the NCLEX-RN exam and working effectively in various healthcare environments.

Pre-Licensure BSN Degree Program

This program readies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and launch their nursing careers. Aspiring nurses can enjoy a flexible and cost-effective CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online at WGU.

Key Features:

Competency-Based Learning: Progress is evaluated through mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than just completing credits, allowing for personalized learning opportunities.
Focus on Essentials: The curriculum is in line with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice,¹ensuring high standards for graduates.
Hybrid Learning: A mix of online education with in-person simulations and clinical experiences offers a comprehensive learning approach.
Strong Partnerships: Collaborations with healthcare employers provide essential clinical placements and prep graduates for practical application.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Encompasses critical areas like medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric/mental health nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, community health, alongside key topics like evidence-based practice, research, leadership, and nursing informatics.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

How the Competency-Based Approach Works

WGU’s unique approach doesn’t rely on traditional credit hours. Instead, students showcase their mastery through various assessments, enabling them to:

Accelerate their progress: Advance more quickly in areas where they already have expertise.
Focus on areas of need: Dedicate additional time to subjects that require further study.
Benefit from flexibility: Learn at a pace that suits their schedule.

Program Structure

Degree Plan: A personalized roadmap outlining the courses and assessments necessary for degree completion.
Mentorship: Program mentors offer consistent guidance, support, and regular check-ins.
Course Instructors: Experts in their fields provide instruction and support throughout the programs.
Learning Resources: Access a variety of materials including textbooks, videos, simulations, and online discussions to bolster learning.
Performance Assessments: Include projects, presentations, and other forms of competence demonstration.

Accreditation and Recognition

NWCCU Accreditation: WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
CCNE Accreditation: Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
NLN Center of Excellence: Acknowledged as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Key Takeaways:

The WGU prelicensure BSN program is an innovative and challenging path toward a successful nursing career.
The competency-based learning model provides flexibility and encourages independent study.
Robust mentorship and an all-encompassing curriculum set graduates up for success on the NCLEX-RN and in various healthcare environments.

WGU Online Nursing Bachelor’s Degree

Your Single Online Route to Becoming an RN and Earning a BSN

If you live in one of these states: 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, and wish to become a Registered Nurse, this nursing program may be ideal for you. Additionally, consider WGU’s online B.S. & M.S. in Cybersecurity programs.

In eligible states, this program features:

Flexible Online Learning:
- 24/7 access to online coursework to accommodate personalized learning.
- Accelerate your progress by showcasing mastery via competency-based assessments.
In-Person Clinical Rotations:
- Acquire vital hands-on experience through seven in-person rotations at local healthcare facilities.
- WGU has established relationships with healthcare providers for quality practice sites and experienced clinical coaches/preceptors.
In-Person Learning Lab Experiences:
- Enhance skills through two in-person sessions at WGU Clinical Learning and Simulation Centers (Labs) in Utah, Texas, and Missouri.
- WGU has also partnered with labs in Indiana and Florida.
- Check the map below for your designated Lab location.

Western Governors University’s pre-licensure nursing program is now open!

Program Structure:

Online Coursework: Complete the coursework entirely online at your own pace.
Learning Labs: Participate in two in-person Learning Lab sessions at a convenient location (refer to the map for details). WGU will aim to assign the nearest location, but alternatives may be provided if necessary.
Clinical Rotations: Complete seven in-person clinical rotations at partnering sites located within 60 miles of Fayetteville or Little Rock.

See also Request for WGU Transcript

Program Start Dates:

Start dates differ.

If your state doesn’t offer our Prelicensure nursing program, consider our Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services. This degree offers a meaningful alternative, allowing you to impact patient care through roles in insurance, billing, and essential healthcare administration. These positions can be fulfilling and vital to ensuring that patients receive necessary support. Also, explore WGU Program Mentor Jobs 2025.

HOW IT WORKS

Pre-Nursing & Nursing

The WGU Prelicensure BSN program consists of two phases:

Pre-Nursing: Foundational coursework, including general education and introductory medical courses, sets the stage for future clinical work.
Nursing: After completing pre-nursing and meeting program requirements, students transition to advanced nursing concepts, complemented by practical experience in Learning Labs and Clinical Rotations. Successful mastery of both phases allows graduates to take the RN licensure exam and embark on a rewarding nursing career.

Nursing Prelicensure Courses

The WGU prelicensure BSN program emphasizes thorough preparation, engaging students in:

Intensive Study: Anticipate investing at least 30 hours weekly in coursework, inclusive of virtual and high-fidelity simulations.
Clinical Rotations: Gain practical, hands-on experience through supervised placements in diverse healthcare settings.
Personalized Support: Collaborate closely with your WGU Program Mentor and expert instructors for academic success.

WGU Prelicensure BSN program and admission process

Program Structure

Standard Pace: The program is structured for an 8-term completion (4 years).
Accelerated Options: Students may expedite their studies by transferring qualified credits with a grade of “C” or higher.

Curriculum Excellence

The BSN curriculum is created by a distinguished Nursing Program Council of experts, ensuring you:

Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Acquire essential knowledge and skills crucial for success in nursing.
Develop Key Competencies: Become a proficient nurse, ready to contribute meaningfully to a cohesive healthcare team and enhance patient outcomes.

Unbelievably Low Tuition

Pay-Per-Term Model: WGU’s pay-per-term approach allows students to manage their educational expenses effectively.
Affordable Tuition:
- Pre-Nursing (Terms 1-4): $8,755 per 6-month term + $200 e-books/resources fee
- Nursing (Terms 5-8): $8,755 per 6-month term + $200 e-books/resources fee

Ready to Embark on Your WGU Journey?

WGU Prelicensure Nursing Acceptance Rate

WGU has a 100% acceptance rate for students who meet all application and academic requirements. To qualify for consideration, applicants must:

Submit a Completed Application
Pay a $65 Application Fee
Maintain a Minimum 2.5 GPA
Pass the ATI TEAS Exam: Secure a total score of 60% and a reading subtest score of at least 60%.
Submit a Professional Resume
Provide a Letter of Intent
Secure One Professional Letter of Recommendation
Submit Official Transcripts: Include records from all colleges attended, demonstrating completion of required prerequisites.

By fulfilling these criteria, prospective students greatly enhance their chances of acceptance into WGU’s distinguished nursing program.

RN to BSN vs Prelicensure

An RN to BSN program is tailored for Registered Nurses (RNs) who hold an active license, enabling them to advance their education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree while building upon existing nursing knowledge.

In contrast, a Prelicensure program targets individuals without an RN license. This program offers thorough coursework and clinical training, preparing students to meet licensure necessities and earn their BSN degree concurrently.

WGU Prelicensure Nursing Reviews Reddit

Contact:

Need Assistance regarding obtaining your nursing license:

Enrollment Counselors:
- Phone: 1-866-CALL-WGU (1-866-225-5948) or 1-855-948-8496
- Hours: Mon-Thu 6am-7pm MT, Fri 6am-6pm MT
- Online: Request a callback
Student Support Center:
- Phone: 1-877-435-7948
- Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm MT, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm MT
- Online: Access the Student Handbook
IT Service Desk:
- Phone: 1-877-435-7948
- Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm MT, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm MT

WGU Nursing Program Entry Requirements for 2025