UNW Nursing graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX during 2023. This shows the excellence of our nursing program, faculty and staff, and the hard work of our students, as the NCLEX has been updated to the Next Generation NCLEX or NGN in April 2023. Congratulations to our graduates from the School of Nursing!
Why study nursing at Northwestern?
The University of Northwestern’s School of Nursing values both physical and spiritual care, for patients and families, building a foundation for viewing each patient as a whole person instead of simply treating a problem. Students are required to take an intentional training on how to put their faith into practice, learning how to share their beliefs with their patients with permission.
After earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you will be able to:
- Implement interprofessional collaborative practices that are imperative in creating a positive work environment.
- Provide ministry and service while meeting the healthcare needs of diverse populations.
- Complete the licensure examination, known as NCLEX successfully.
- Grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ as you “live life together” with others in your classes and clinicals.
- Develop a ministry mindset toward healthcare as you acquire the skills of nursing.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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How quickly will I be able to complete my degree?
The School of Nursing has one BSN program, but offers students flexibility for the timing of completion by offering a variety of start dates and progression tracks.
BSN Program Start ScheduleAccelerated Path—Four terms in a row | Traditional Path—Summer terms off | |
---|---|---|
Start Date: | May (Monday following commencement) |
August (Same week as campus) |
End Date: | September (of the following year) | May (four terms after start) |
Term 1: | May through mid-August | End of August through mid-December |
Term 2: | End of August through mid-December | January–May |
Term 3: | January through May | End of August through mid-December |
Term 4: | June through September | January through May |
Can students work while in the program?
Students are encouraged not to work because of full class loads, labs, clinicals, and studying. However, we recognize some students have to work. In these cases, we strongly suggest students find an employer who is flexible.
Do students need a car?
Students will need to arrange their own transportation for clinicals.
Where do students go for clinical?
Our students go to a number of hospitals within the area: Fairview’s HealthEast System (Woodwinds & St Johns), Children’s Masonic Hospital; Children’s Hospital; Gillette; and a number of community agencies for mental health, community, etc. Students also go to Mayo and St. Cloud VA for clinicals and preceptorships.
During Term 3, our students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of clinical experiences, including: international, national, and local. Here are the international locations we have been to: Brazil, Ecuador, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Spain, Uganda, Ukraine, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Where can I find the application?
Apply to Northwestern through your admissions portal, or contact admissions for clarity on next steps.
How do I know if I’ve met the prerequisites?
You will upload your transcripts to your admissions portal during the UNW application process. Your transcripts will be reviewed and courses that transfer will be listed on your Degree Audit. The admissions department will contact you and let you know what courses transfer and what courses you need to take prior to starting the nursing program.
If I’m an LPN, do I still have to take all the nursing courses?
Yes
If I’ve already taken some of the nursing courses, will they transfer in?
Because our courses are built on each other from term to term, we typically don’t accept nursing courses from other nursing programs. However, exceptions may be considered. Contact admissions for additional information.
What score do I need to get on the TEAS?
65% or higher
I have an associate’s degree; do I still have to fulfill all of the core curriculum and prerequisites?
Yes.
What are the pre-requisite and core curriculum courses that I will need to take before progressing into Term 1 Nursing Courses?
Students are required to take the following pre-requisite courses:
- Chemistry
- Composition
- Ethics
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Lifespan Psychology
- Math
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
Do all the prerequisites and core curriculum courses need to be completed before students progress into Term 1 of the Nursing program upon their Junior year?
- All pre-requisite courses must be completed by the start of Term 1.
- If necessary, a student may enter Term 1 with up to 12 remaining core curriculum credits.
What does the schedule look like?
Beginning with Term 1, students will be placed in clinical settings for hands-on experience. As they progress through the program, they will gain diverse, clinical learning opportunities in various healthcare settings. We partner with several sites in our region. Here are some examples: Mayo Clinic, HealthPartners, Regions Hospital, Gillette Children’s, St. Cloud VA Healthcare System, Hazelden Betty Ford, Sole Care for Souls, and Robbinsdale Women’s Clinic, etc.
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Careers in nursing
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in nursing.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Ambulatory care
- Home health care
- Emergency nursing
- Travel nursing
- Forensic nursing
- Telehealth nursing
- Government policy development
- Teaching/community health education
- Insurance screening
- Medical-Surgical nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Nurse practitioner/midwifery (additional training required)
- Anesthesiology (additional training required)
- Government research
- Personal services contracting
- Geriatric nurse
- Hospice nursing
- Labor and delivery nursing
- Military nursing
- Missionary nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Public health nursing
- School nursing
- Telehealth Nursing
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
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Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.