What majors and minors are offered?
Why should I choose this nursing program?
Why is it important that the program is accredited?
What are the admission requirements for the program?
Do you have special programs if I am already an LPN or RN?
As a high school student how should I prepare for a nursing career?
What is the typical class size?
How do students work together with faculty?
What student organizations are available?
What majors and minors are offered?
The Nursing Department offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. Some nursing students choose an interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology or Childhood Studies.
Why should I choose this nursing program?
As the only BSN program in the region, the program focuses on intensive classroom and clinical experiences for students in a variety of nursing areas such as obstetrics, acute care, long-term care, hospice and community health settings. Graduates are prepared to take the licensure examination to become registered nurses (RN's).
This combination leads to success for our graduates! Not only do 100% of our graduates report being employed or enrolled in graduate school, they rate their classroom and clinical experience as excellent. Graduates typically at or above the national average on the nursing licensure exam as well.
The program is also expanding the number of students accepted each semester. This expansion was made possible through a partnership with Heartland Regional Medical Center and a grant from the Missouri Hospital Association.
Why is it important that the program is accredited?
State and national accreditation is one way to ensure the quality of the program you choose. The organization providing accreditation ensures the program meets national standards of quality. Western’s nursing program is nationally accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Accreditation and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing
What are the admission requirements for the program?
As a top-quality program, applicants often compete for the 50 spaces available in the program each semester. Minimum application requirements include
- The applicant must have completed or be currently enrolled in all general studies and nursing support courses.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- An ACT score of 20.
Prospective nursing students should submit a nursing program application by January 15 for Fall admission and by August 15 for Spring admission. Contact the Nursing Department for further information about application submission.
Do you have special programs if I am already an LPN or RN?
No. The department no longer offers a transition program leading to the BSN for RN's and LPN's. Contact the Department of Nursing for more information.
As a high school student how should I prepare for a nursing career?
Successful candidates for the nursing program will have a solid background in science and mathematics. Those students in high school should complete the college core and take any advanced level science and mathematics courses available.
It is important to plan from the first year of college to take the courses required to be considered for admission to the program. In addition, maintaining the highest GPA possible while completing general courses can increase your chance of admission to this competitive program.
What is the typical class size?
Typical size of lecture classes in the Nursing program is 40 to 50 students. Clinical courses have a ratio of no more than 10 students per clinical instructor which allows for individualized attention.
How do students work together with faculty?
Personal interaction with faculty members is a cornerstone of this program. Students work with experienced nursing faculty in the classroom, whether in lecture or labs like the Nursing Skills Learning Resource Center. Students and faculty also work together in clinical learning experiences with patients and clients in a variety of health care settings. Students also work with instructors on service projects like the Student Wellness Fair and have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects.
What student organizations are available?
The Department of Nursing sponsors a Student Nurse Association. The purpose of this organization is to help prepare student nurses for professional responsibilities. This organization offers opportunities for local and national membership and activities.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society - Omincron Nu Chapter
Missouri Western State University established the Omicron Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society to:
- recognize superior achievement;
- recognize the development of leadership qualities; . foster high professional standards;
- encourage creative work; and
- strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.
Members are selected from senior students enrolled in the basic program, returning RN's seeking a BSN, and community nurse leaders with a baccalaureate degree. Candidates shall have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, academic integrity, professional leadership potential and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing. Basic and RN students who are selected shall have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and shall rank not lower than the highest 35% of their class in scholarship.