Nursing

The School of Nursing has one program with two paths offering students the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

• The Traditional Path starts in August (Fall Semester) and January (Spring Semester)  of each academic year, with summers off.
• The Accelerated Path starts in August (Fall Semester) and all four semesters run back-to-back. 

If a student begins UNW as a freshman, they can complete their degree in four years (eight semesters). All prerequisites and core-curriculum courses are completed in years 1–2. During years 3–4 students focus on nursing courses.

If a student took courses outside the UNW, they will undergo an acceptance process which could result in a reduction of class load for the pre-nursing requirement. Full details can be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s Office. Students will complete all nursing specific courses while at Northwestern. 

For more complete information on course requirements and transfer credits, students can reach out to their advisor.

Due to program requirements (course load, studying, lab and clinical time), students are encouraged to reduce outside commitments, to include work. When work is essential, we strongly suggest students find an employer who is flexible.

Transportation will be required all four semesters to ensure success within the clinical experience.

Our students go to a number of hospitals within the greater Twin Cities area, which include major health systems like M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center; Children’s Minnesota; HealthPartners; North Memorial Healthcare; Gillette Children’s Hospital; the VA Healthcare System; Mayo Health and more.

During Semester 3, students will be enrolled in a transcultural course which provides students an opportunity to participate in a transcultural clinical experience, either internationally or locally. Previous trips include: Brazil, Ecuador, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Spain, Uganda, Ukraine, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Apply to Northwestern through your admissions portal, or contact Admissions for clarity on next steps. There is no separate application for the School of Nursing. 

After reviewing your official transcripts, the Admissions Department will prepare a document entitled Degree Audit. Your Degree Audit will provide you with a list of any prerequisites and core curriculum courses you still need to take. This document can also be found in your Admissions Portal. You will have the opportunity to meet with Leane Gondek, the Pre-Nursing Student Success Program Coach, to create a plan to complete your courses prior to beginning nursing courses.

Yes.

Because the nursing courses build on each other from semester-to-semester, the School of Nursing (SON) typically does not accept nursing courses from other universities. However, exceptions may be submitted for consideration. Contact Leane Gondek, the Pre-Nursing Student Success Program Coach, for additional information. 

In order to receive admission, the School of Nursing requires a score of 65% or higher on the TEAS. Contact Leane Gondek, the Pre-Nursing Student Success Program Coach for TEAS study resources and other helpful tips.

Yes, however, some credits from your degree may transfer. Contact Leane Gondek, the Pre-Nursing Student Success Program Coach, for additional information.

The following courses (with a pass rate of a “C” or higher) are required prior to entering the BSN program:

• Chemistry + Lab
• Composition
• Ethics
• Human Anatomy + Lab
• Human Physiology + Lab
• Lifespan Psychology
• Math 
• Microbiology + Lab
• Pathophysiology

A list of core courses will be made available during the initial steps of the application process.

It’s ideal to complete all core curriculum courses prior to taking nursing courses. However, students can take up to 12 core curriculum credits while in the nursing program. However, these credits must be completed prior to starting Semester 4 of nursing.

The complete list of required courses, (prerequisites, core curriculum and nursing courses) in order to earn the this degree can be found in the Suggested Curriculum Plan of Study.

Please note: While the Suggested Curriculum Plan of Study lists all required courses, the list may be shortened if any transfer credits have been accepted. A more complete idea can be found in a student’s Degree Audit. 

Students will work alongside Leane Gondek, their Pre-Nursing Program Success Coach, to form an individualized plan.

The schedule for each semester varies (courses, lab, and clinical). Approximately 6 weeks prior to the semester, any additional clinical schedules are sent to students.