Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Washington State University College of Nursing is a four-year degree that prepares students for a career in nursing. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the sciences, humanities, and nursing practice.

Program Overview

The BSN program is a pre-licensure program that includes two years of general university requirements and nursing prerequisites, followed by two years of nursing classes. The program is offered at multiple campuses, including Spokane, Yakima, and Tri-Cities.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the BSN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Junior standing with 60 semester credits completed
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Minimum TEAS exam score of 70
• Work and/or volunteer experience within the last 3 years is recommended, but not required

Prerequisite Courses

The following prerequisite courses are required for the BSN program:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs (8 semester credits)
• Chemistry courses with labs (8 semester credits)
• Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan (3 semester credits)
• Human Nutrition (3 semester credits)
• Introduction to Sociology or Social Problems (3 semester credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 semester credits)
• Microbiology with lab (4 semester credits)
• Statistics (3 semester credits)

Application Evaluation

Applications are evaluated using a holistic admissions process, which considers academic metrics, experiences, and interview skills.

Program Requirements

The BSN program requires the completion of 60 credits of nursing coursework, including:

• Professional Development I: Contexts of Care
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing
• Nursing Practice: Health and Illness
• Introduction to Nursing Practice in Health and Illness: Theory
• Health Assessment
• Professional Development II: Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Equity in the Context of Care
• Nursing Concepts in Acute and Chronic Illness in the Adult
• Nursing Practice in Acute and Chronic Illness in Adult
• Professional Development III: Leadership and Management
• Family and Community as a Context of Care
• Child and Family Health: Theory
• Children and Families as the Focus of Nursing Care
• Childbearing Health of the Family
• Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
• Professional Development IV: Transition to Practice
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Concepts
• Nursing Practice: Psychiatric/Mental Health
• Community Health Nursing Theory
• Community Health Nursing Practice
• Senior Practicum

Program Outcomes

The BSN program is designed to prepare students to:

• Formulate nursing practice decisions using the foundation of a liberal education and evolving knowledge from nursing science, the biological and behavioral sciences, and the humanities
• Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision-making in the provision of high-quality nursing care
• Integrate reliable evidence from multiple credible sources of knowledge to inform practice and make clinical judgments
• Demonstrate skills in using patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safety and quality nursing practice
• Demonstrate basic understanding of the role of nurses in advocating for patients, communities, and populations in discussions related to health care policy, finance, and regulations

Paying for the Program

The cost of attending the BSN program includes tuition, campus and student fees, course and program fees, books, equipment, and immunization and onboarding requirements. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help students pay for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

• If I meet all the admission criteria, will I be admitted? No, admission is not guaranteed, as the number of applications often exceeds the number of available spots.
• What type of experience counts toward the experience requirement? Health care-related experience, such as volunteering or working in a hospital or clinic, is preferred, but non-health care experience, such as customer service or camp staff, may also be considered.
• How should I track my volunteer or work experience and how do I submit this information to the college? Experience should be tracked and submitted as part of the Nursing CAS application.

Campus Information

The BSN program is offered on multiple campuses, including Spokane, Yakima, and Tri-Cities. Each campus has its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Undergraduate Program Advisors

Advisors are available on each campus to provide guidance and support to students throughout the program.

Accreditation

The Washington State University College of Nursing BSN, MN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).