Pre-Nursing
Nursing
Our pre-nursing curriculum builds on prerequisite and general university requirements to provide the professional knowledge, skills, and values essential to the practice of nursing. We can help you choose appropriate coursework, assist you with the application process, and offer advice so that you can become the most competitive candidate possible for professional nursing schools.
There are two types of paths for pre-nursing students at WSU: The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) or Post-Baccalaureate. Nurses from both types of programs do well and have rewarding careers—there is no “best path.” Choose the one that best fits your educational background as well as personal desires and timeline.
BSN Degree
Some schools, such as WSU’s College of Nursing, offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). These schools allow you to earn your undergraduate BSN at the same time as you are earning your qualification to be a Registered Nurse (RN). BSN-awarding schools require that you complete a certain set of prerequisite courses to apply and may also require that you have nursing aide or other healthcare experience. Students interested in BSN programs attend WSU-Pullman for two years and are advised by our pre-nursing advisors. The advisors will then assist you in applying for BSN programs, such as our WSU College of Nursing in Spokane, to finish your BSN.
Post-Baccalaureate
Other nursing schools are known as “post-baccalaureate” programs. These schools require that you have already completed a Bachelor of Science degree at WSU as well as the necessary prerequisite courses and experience before applying to one of the many other nursing programs in Washington or throughout the United States.
Whether you want to become a nurse while you are finishing your undergraduate degree or earn a degree before nursing school, the choice is yours!
Recommended College-level Classes for BSN Programs
Each BSN program has its own requirements for admission. Your pre-nursing advisor will work with you to schedule classes that most closely match the programs you are interested in applying for. Typical courses required by many programs may include:
- Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems (SOC 101 or 102, respectively)
- Statistics (STAT 212 or PSYCH 311, depending upon the program)
- Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 105)
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 101)
- Chemistry Related to Life Sciences (CHEM 102)
- Gross and Microanatomy (BIOLOGY 315) or Human Anatomy for Health Occupations (BIOLOGY 354)*
- Introductory Human Physiology (BIOLOGY 251) or Advanced Human Physiology (BIOLOGY 353)*
- Introductory Microbiology (MBIOS 101)
- The Power of Food, the Science of Nutrition (BIOLOGY 140) or Human Nutrition and Health (BIOLOGY 333)
- Human Development Across the Lifespan (HD 101)
*It is often recommended that an entire A&P series be completed at one institution. If you are applying to WSU’s PL-BSN program, it is required that the entire A&P series be completed at one institution.
Stay in the Cougar family for your BSN! Our two-year program is ideal for WSU students who wish to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Washington State University. The first two years of the curriculum are completed at the Pullman campus. Students then apply for the nursing programs offered at our regional campuses in Spokane and Tri-Cities, where once accepted, they will complete the last two years of instruction. Complete information about the application process can be found on the College of Nursing website.
Why WSU College of Nursing?
Learn about the advantages of obtaining a BSN from WSU.
Application Deadlines
Information about deadlines relevant to applying for the BSN program of the WSU College of Nursing.
FAQ’s About Applying
A helpful list of answers to questions commonly asked about applying to the BSN program.
RN to BSN Program
The WSU College of Nursing offers a degree tailored to new or experienced practicing nurses who are interested in obtaining a BSN.
Use Pearson GPA Calculator calculate your GPA for your prerequisites.
Pre-Nursing advisors
Pre-Nursing Club
Rho Nu
Rho Nu is a volunteer-based club open to all Washington State University pre-nursing students. The name of this organization was adopted from the Greek names for the letters RN, which are, of course, the abbreviation for Registered Nurse. We organize educational, community, and social activities throughout the year in order to create friendships within the club and share our common interest in nursing. We would love for you to join!
