125 credits
required for program
- On Campus, Online, or Blended
- PSEO/Early College Online Classes
UNW Nursing graduates have achieved a 94% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN® for the 2021-24 graduating classes. This shows the excellence of our nursing program, faculty and staff, and the hard work of our students. Congratulations to our graduates from the School of Nursing!
Nursing might be the right degree for you if you…
- serve with compassion and empathy
- enjoy detail orientation
- thrive with creative problem solving
- feel called to serve the Lord through advocating for others
Why study nursing at Northwestern?
The University of Northwestern’s School of Nursing provides a Christ-centered program which cultivates the sensitivity and compassion required to serve patients of diverse populations. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) instills the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and spiritual strength each student will need as they carry out their calling of being a nurse with excellence.
What makes our nursing program distinct?
- Servant Leadership Focus – Our hope is to instill an authentic and intentional servant-minded attitude, woven into all aspects of our curriculum.
- Flexible Connected Learning – Our teaching format blends the unique needs of the student learner by incorporating both traditional face-to-face and online teaching methods.*
- State-of-the-Art Simulations and Hands-on Clinical – We combine lab simulation and clinical experience to help students excel and thrive in the healthcare industry.
- Community & Support – The School of Nursing faculty and staff work to foster an environment in which all students feel valued and respected. Faculty members take time to meet with students on an individual basis to know and understand their needs in order to provide the support and resources needed to succeed.
- Preparation for the Future – Students are well-prepared to take the licensure examination (NCLEX-RN®). After receiving their BSN, students are prepared to advance their career and obtain additional degrees.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
The BSN program at The University of Northwestern – St. Paul is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Nursing major candidates who have completed all program, credit, and degree requirements will be recommended for the candidate’s licensure (NCLEXRN®).
*Flexible connected learning is an educational framework that integrates traditional and digital modalities to create a blended, student-focused learning environment. This framework prioritizes individual flexibility, quality learning, and the development of critical thinking skills. Courses may utilize various methodologies including in-person, virtual (both synchronous and asynchronous), laboratory, and clinical learning experiences.
Flexible connected learning connects students to course materials, professors, and peers, fostering flexibility, community, and independence. Within this framework, students can have a more personalized educational journey while succeeding in an academic environment.
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Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) Degree
The four-year BSN degree consists of pre-nursing coursework with two years of core curriculum and prerequisite courses (a minimum of 62 credits), followed by the four-semester nursing program. The tool below is an estimated start and end date once a student is in the nursing program. Please select the semester you would like to start your nursing courses and receive an estimate on your graduation timeline.
Step 1 of 2
Select a BSN Start Date
Step 2 of 2
Select a BSN Path
RESULT
Expected Graduation: X Years
X Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
For more complete information on course requirements and transfer credits, students can reach out to their advisor.
BSN Program Start Schedule
Due to program requirements (course load, studying, lab and clinical time), students are encouraged to reduce outside commitments where possible. When work is essential, we strongly suggest students find an employer who is flexible.
Yes. Transportation will be required all four semesters to ensure success within the clinical experience. While students may have the opportunity to carpool with other students, it is best to not rely on this form or transportation.
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.
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.
Yes, there are additional fees incurred within the program. See below for details.
Fall, Spring, and Summer 2025 – 2026 Tuition
- Part-time (fewer than 12 billed credits per semester): $1,580 per credit
- Full-time (12–18 billed credits): $18,998
- Over 18 credits per semester: $1,005 per credit
- Nursing administrative fee (one-time, non-refundable): $1,000
- Clinical fee (per clinical course): $260
- Nursing ATI fee (per term): $775
Post – Baccalaureate Tuition Per Semester
Fall, Spring, and Summer 2025 – 2026
- Tuition per credit: $645
- Clinical fee (per clinical course): $260
- Nursing ATI fee (per term): $775
Tuition Fact Sheets by Program
We want to help you invest in your future and accomplish your goal of earning your nursing degree. These budget sheets along with the nursing program fact sheet will help you to create a solid financial plan.
Nursing Program Financial Aid Fact SheetThe schedule for each semester varies (courses, lab, and clinical). Approximately 6 weeks prior to the semester, any additional clinical schedules are sent to students.
I’m so grateful to have such God-honoring nursing professors and faculty guiding me and lifting me up. I am grateful for their dedication and the personal sacrifices they have made to support me and all my cohort members through our nursing journey. It would not be possible for me to take the NCLEX without all of them, and I will forever be grateful for the wisdom and knowledge they have passed on to me. Each faculty and staff member has played an integral part in allowing me to bless my future patients with the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for being awesome and building the Kingdom!
Being a nursing student at UNW has helped me to grow not only in my academics, but also in my collaboration and communication skills, and most importantly, my faith. My courses focus on the integration of science and faith, and my labs have taught me many skills that will be applicable in a clinical setting.
The nursing program at University of Northwestern did not just teach me the skills needed to get my nursing license. It encouraged me to adopt a mindset of ministry and service within the profession. The integration of science and theology in the classrooms promoted academic achievements as well as growth in my faith. The transcultural experience within the program equipped me with the skills to care for diverse populations. I am grateful to God for this amazing opportunity to study nursing at the University of Northwestern!
Careers in nursing
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in nursing.
What They Do
Job Title: Registered Nurses
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Staff Nurse
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Career Outlook Description
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Career Outlook Indicator
Bright
Annual Salary Range
$66,030 – $135,320
Hourly Salary Range
$31.75 – $65.06
Knowledge
- Math and Science
- Business
- Health
- Arts and Humanities
Common Tasks
- Record patients’ medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the School of Nursing
Our nursing faculty have experience within their respective fields and are dedicated to encouraging each student in their faith and walking alongside them during their nursing journey.
