What’s the difference between the traditional and accelerated paths?
The School of Nursing has one program and two paths. Both paths have a mix of traditional, transfer and post-bacc students and are identical in content and pace. The two paths differ only in how the terms are laid out.
The Traditional Path follows a typical campus schedule, with classes during the Fall and Spring terms and summers off.
The Accelerated Path runs for four terms, back-to-back. A student begins with the summer session and ends with the summer session of the following year.
Can students work while in the program?
Students are encouraged not to work because of full class loads, labs, clinicals, and studying. We do recognize some students have to work and encourage a job with flexibility.
Where do students go for clinical?
Our students go to a number of hospitals within the greater Twin Cities area, such as M Health Fairview and Gillette; as well as a number of community agencies for mental health, community, etc. Students also go to Mayo Rochester and clinics as well as Minneapolis and St. Cloud VA for clinicals and preceptorships.
Our program goes abroad for the transcultural course in Term 3 including countries such as Zambia, Jamaica, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Ecuador, Israel and Ukraine. Attendance on this trip is a requirement of the course. However, we do acknowledge family obligations. Exemptions for the trip abroad are considered.
When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted up to two months prior to the start of the program. However, to ensure there’s still spots available, we suggest applications be submitted no later than 3 months prior to the start of the program.
Where can I find the application?
The School of Nursing application is available through the admission's portal, which you will gain access to, once your begin the application process to the University of Northwestern. Please contact admissions for more information.
How do I know if I've met the prerequisites?
You will be asked to upload your transcripts during the UNW application process. Your transcripts will be reviewed and courses that transfer will be listed on your Degree Audit, available through theROCK. The admissions department will contact you and let you know what courses transfer and what courses (both prerequisites and core curriculum) you still need to take.
If I’ve already taken some of the nursing courses, will they transfer in?
No
How are applicants chosen?
The School of Nursing Admission & Progression Committee takes into consideration the following:
- GPA (2.75 minimum) and Entrance Exam Score (TEAS – 65% benchmark)
- Interview (mission fit; readiness for the program’s intensity, etc.)
What score do I need to get on the TEAS?
65% or higher
Can I re-take the TEAS if my first score is less than 65%?
The committee will only consider the score from the 1st attempt at the TEAS. An applicant can request an exemption to the ‘first score’ rule if there are extenuating circumstances that affected the score.
How soon will I find out if I’m accepted after my interview?
You’ll be sent an email with the committee’s decision within two to three business days after your interview. The email will be sent through your admissions portal.
What are the pre-requisites?
- Composition
- Ethics
- A College Math
- Lifespan Psychology
- Microbiology & Lab
- Chemistry & Lab
- Human Physiology & Lab
- Human Anatomy & Lab
PLEASE NOTE: There are also Core Curriculum courses you will be responsible for completing prior to entering the nursing program.
Do all the pre-requisites need to be completed before students apply?
- No. Students can be in the process of taking the pre-requisites during the application process.
- However, all pre-requisites must be completed by the start of the program.
- Be aware that there are core curriculum courses that need to be completed as well.
Is the UNWSP School of Nursing an accredited program?
Yes, by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). At our latest accreditation visit, we were granted accreditation for ten years, which is the longest time frame possible.
What will the schedule be?
This depends on the term. In determining the schedule, we ask our clinical partners when they would like our students to come. Once we are given that information, we plan our courses, lab time, etc. around the clinical hours. Typically, there are no overnight or weekend hours in Term 1 & 2. Terms 3 & 4 will have hours on different days and weeks, depending on the clinical site. Students will be able to choose their clinical and lab times when they register for their courses.
