Why choose nursing at WSU?

The WSU nursing program is fully accredited by the National League of Nursing Accreditating Commission (NLNAC). More than 95 percent of WSU nursing students are placed in a career within six months of graduation. WSU nursing students participate in a wide variety of clinical practice environments, including acute care settings, health screening clinics, acute and chronic psychiatric facilities, homecare and hospice. The program offers numerous scholarships to matriculated nursing students.

What degrees/certificates are available?

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for Registered Nurses

Associate of Science (AS/AAS)
     Registered Nurse
     Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse

Institutional Certificate
     Practical Nurse

What is career laddering?

Nursing at WSU offers student career progression from Practical Nursing (PN) to Associate Degree Nursing/RN (AS or AAS) to Bachelor's Degree Nursing (BSN) via a ladder curriculum. This curriculum enables you to progress through various preparation levels in accordance with your ability, aspirations, career goals and changing life circumstances.

What is the difference between PN, RN and BSN?

The PN (practical nurse) is a one-year certificate program. RN (registered nurse) is a two-year program and, when completed, you take board exams to become a registered nurse. The BSN is an opportunity for licensed RNs to continue their education.

What is the difference between an Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degree?

The major difference between the two degrees is approximately 15 to 18 hours of general education courses. An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a minimum of 84 credit hours, while an Associate of Applied Science degree is a minimum of 69 credit hours.

What are the employment opportunities?

Nurses have a wide variety of employment opportunities: acute care, community, home health, clinic, business and industry, education, long-term care, physician’s offices and more. Visit WSU Career Services for more specific information.

What are starting salaries of graduates?

Starting salaries vary depending on area of practice. Incentives for working extra hours can influence wages significantly. At this time, full-time salaries for new RN graduates are approximately $36,000 to $38,000 per year. Full-time salaries for new LPN (licensed practical nurse) graduates are approximately $23,000 to $25,000 per year. This may vary depending on region, workplace and skill level.

When I graduate, will I have to be licensed to perform my duties?

Yes. Nursing is a regulated profession that requires national licensure prior to practice. For more information, visit the Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensure (DOPL).

Are online courses available to anyone who wants to take them?

No. They are available to students enrolled in the WSU nursing program at certain outreach sites within Utah. For more information, visit our Outreach Program page.

Do I need to have the prerequisite courses and the CNA course completed before I apply to the program?

No. The prerequisites courses and CNA course must be completed before officially starting the program in the fall. For the CNA course, you do not need to have the state exam completed before starting, just have the course completed. You cannot be enrolled in a course that finishes after the program starts. If your CNA certificate expires before you officially start the program, you also will need to submit the CNA Recertification Letter. If you have any questions concerning this, please contact the Utah Registry at 801-547-9947.

Which chemistry class should I take?

Chemistry 1050 or Chemistry 1110. The difference between Chemistry 1110 and 1050 is that the Chemistry 1050 course is not transferable. If you are planning to continue your education at a different university or planning on graduate school, or you’re not sure of your plans, it is highly recommended you take Chemistry 1110. For complete course descriptions, see the WSU Course Catalog.

What is the difference between taking HS 1110 and HS 1111 versus Anatomy and Physiology?

As in the chemistry courses above, HS 1110 and 1111 may have transfer issues. They fulfill the requirements here at WSU through your BS in Nursing. If transferring, you will probably lose life science credit by taking these two courses. Fortunately, students usually have enough life science credits that it does not matter. If you require any further information on these questions, please email healthprofessions@weber.edu.

Do I have to take the state CNA exam if I do not plan to work as a CNA?

No. You only need to bring the course completion form from the facility where you have taken your CNA course. You must realize, however, that if you do not take the state exam, the course is only good for one year. Therefore, if you are not accepted to the program and have not taken the state exam you will have to repeat the course. We also accept CNA certificates from other states.

Where can I take the CNA course?

The following institutions offer CNA courses:

WSU – Call 801 626 6600 for a course schedule.
Davis Applied Technology College – Call 801 593 2330 for course schedule.
Ogden Weber Applied Technology College – Call 801 627 8355 for course schedule.

Most Area Technology Colleges offer CNA courses. Please contact WSU Continuing Education for more information.