Job outlook
98%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Health and Human Services undergraduate students had instructors who made them excited about learning
95%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates participated in experience-driven learning
Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences and the discipline of nursing to prepare you for professional nursing practice. Throughout the program, you'll learn to provide person-centered care, promote health and improve outcomes across a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, effective communication, leadership and evidence-based practice while helping you develop the professional competencies expected of today's nurses. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and begin your career as a registered nurse.
What you'll learn
You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide holistic, culturally responsive nursing care for individuals, families and communities. Coursework explores nursing science, health promotion, disease prevention, research, ethics and professional practice. You'll learn how to apply critical thinking, communicate effectively with diverse populations and use evidence to guide clinical decision-making. The program also prepares you to collaborate with healthcare teams and respond to the evolving needs of patients and communities.
Block Quote
"My college experience has been even more rewarding than I ever imagined. I’ve had outstanding professors and clinical instructors who genuinely care about their students’ success. Although nursing school is challenging, I have felt supported every step of the way."
Where you'll be after graduation
Nursing graduates are prepared to provide care across a variety of healthcare environments and patient populations. After earning your degree, you'll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, the licensure examination required to practice as a registered nurse. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies, hospice organizations, home care settings and wellness centers. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate education in advanced nursing specialties.
Career pathways
- Registered Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- School Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
- Nurse Manager
- Graduate Nursing Education
What others have achieved
What others have achieved
From student to rising star
Experience-Driven Learning leads to success
Making the most of your learning experience
Your learning extends beyond the classroom through simulation experiences and clinical education that allow you to apply nursing concepts in realistic healthcare environments. Nursing science clinical laboratories provide opportunities to practice skills, participate in simulations and build confidence before entering clinical settings. These experiences help you strengthen your clinical reasoning, communication and patient care skills while preparing for professional practice. Students with strong academic achievement may also have opportunities to participate in nursing honor society activities and professional development experiences.
What scholarships are available for a nursing degree?
Western Michigan University offers institutional scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities to help make your nursing education more affordable. Students may also qualify for scholarship opportunities through the Bronson School of Nursing and the College of Health and Human Services. Financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities and create a plan to support your educational goals.
Additional admission requirements
The Bronson School of Nursing (BSON) is committed to building and sustaining a diverse academic community of faculty, staff and students. We have developed a holistic admissions process that allows us to admit students with unique experiences and excellent academic performance to come together in an inclusive learning environment.
The admissions process is competitive, thorough and includes a critical evaluation of your:
- GPA and pre-requisite/qualifying courses
- Essay questions
- Personal statement: This allows you to share the experiences you feel support your admission to the nursing program.
There are two admission options to a pre-licensure BSN degree at WMU:
Direct admission from high school
This admissions option is for graduating high school students. There are academic requirements to qualify for this pathway and to remain in the pathway as a student.
High school students, if you apply to WMU by the Early Action Deadline (Dec. 15), declare your major as "nursing," and meet certain criteria (see below), you will be considered for direct admission to the BSN program.
If you are accepted as a direct admit student, you must maintain academic minimums to remain in the direct admission pathway.
Selection criteria:
- High school GPA of at least 3.6 or higher.
- At least one year each of high school chemistry, biology, anatomy & physiology (or a second biology) - grades will be evaluated.
- Meets math placement requirements to enroll in WMU CHEM 1510/1520 Chemistry for Health Professionals (ACT minimum score 25 OR SAT minimum score 560 OR adequate performance on the MATH placement tool)
- Optional: Composite SAT score at or above 1240 or equivalent ACT score.
Once admitted:
- Maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.
- Earn a B or better in each of the prerequisite sciences courses (CHEM 1510 and 1520, CHEM 1530, 1540 and BIOS 1910, 2400).
- Earn no less than a C in all other courses.
- Complete all prerequisite (qualifying) courses within three (3) semesters*.
If you fail to maintain these standards, you will be removed from the direct admission pathway. In that case, you can re-apply to the BSN program as part of the competitive application.
* those who choose to complete the qualifying courses in 3 semesters may graduate in 4.5 years
Competitive admission
This option is for current WMU students and incoming transfer students. Transfer students must be admitted to WMU (apply to WMU).
The pre-licensure BSN program at WMU is one of the University's most competitive programs, which means that there are more qualified applicants than there are seats in the program. We require students to complete prerequisite (qualifying) courses to provide a foundation for success in the pre-licensure BSN program.
Note: You can apply to the pre-licensure BSN program in the same semester you will complete the prerequisite (qualifying) courses.
Competitive admission is the most common path to enter the BSN program. Most students complete a year of prerequisite (qualifying) courses at WMU and then apply to the BSN program.
Note: Transfer students who have completed their prerequisite (qualifying) courses at another institution, must be accepted to WMU before applying to the nursing program. (Apply to WMU).
- Applications for the fall semester are due by March 15.
- Applications for spring semester are due October 15.
Our nursing program is built on a holistically integrated curriculum that sets us apart from other institutions. Because of this unique approach, we do not grant credit for nursing courses completed at other institutions.
Step 1: Complete the pre-nursing prerequisite courses
The prerequisite (qualifying) courses are listed below. Transfer students, you may have completed equivalent courses at your previous institution. Meet with a CHHS advisor to verify your credits.
- Have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B)
- All individual prerequisite course grades with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or above.
- Prerequisite (qualifying) course grades (or equivalencies) average a GPA of 3.0 (B).
- Earn an average grade of B (3.0) or above in the four science prerequisite courses (or equivalencies).
- Each prerequisite (qualifying)course may only be repeated once. Only the second grade will be considered in the admission decision.
Step 2: Complete the application
You can apply to the BSN program in the same semester when you will complete the prerequisite (qualifying) courses.
| This instructional video shows how to self-enroll and provides an overview of completing the application documents and requirements. | Click this application link to access the self‑registration page in eLearning and follow the on‑screen directions to apply to the nursing program. |
Step 3: Complete the curriculum
Once you have been admitted to the WMU BSN program, you will complete the pre-licensure BSN curriculum.
