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 post-bacc, transfer, and traditional students and are identical in content, ‘speed’ at which content is taught, etc. The two paths differ only in how the terms are laid out.

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 transportation to get to clinicals. It may be possible to ride with another student at times, depending on the clinical schedule.

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.

Our program goes abroad for the transcultural course in Term 3 including countries like Zambia, Jamaica, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Ecuador, and Ukraine. Attendance on this trip is a requirement of the course.

When are applications accepted?

We accept applications year-round. 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 SLATE, our new admissions program. Please contact admissions for more information.

How do I know if I've met the prerequisites?

You will upload your transcripts to admissions 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 (both prerequisites and core curriculum) you need to take.

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?

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 look at the first score. However, an applicant can petition for an exemption to the ‘first score’ rule if there were 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 approximately 3-4 weeks after your interview.

I have an associate's degree; do I still have to fulfill all of the core curriculum and prerequisites?

Yes.

What are the pre-requisites?

• Composition
• Ethics
• A College Math
• Lifespan Psychology
• Microbiology & Lab
• Chemistry & Lab
• Human Physiology & Lab
• Human Anatomy & Lab

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 (see degree audit).

Is the UNWSP School of Nursing an accredited program?

Yes, by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

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.