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. Here are the countries visited since 2014: Zambia, Jamaica, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Ecuador, Israel and Ukraine. Attendance on this trip is a requirement of the course.

When are applications for the School of Nursing accepted?

We accept applications up to two months prior to the start of the chosen path.

Where can I find the application?

The School of Nursing application is available through your admissions portal. Please contact admissions for more information.

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 (both prerequisites and core curriculum) 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.

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 looks at the score from the 1st attempt at the TEAS. An applicant can petition for an exemption to the ‘first score’ rule if there were extenuating circumstances that affected the score and re-take the TEAS.

How soon will I find out if I’m accepted after my interview?

An email will be sent through your admissions protal with the committee’s decision approximately one week 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

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the pre-requisites, there are core curriculum courses students will be required to take. These courses will be listed on the student's Degree Audit.

Do all the pre-requisites and core curriculum courses need to be completed before students apply?

• No. Students can be in the process of taking the pre-requisites and core curriculum courses during the application process.
• However, all pre-requisites must be completed by the start of the program.
• It's preferable that all core curriculum courses be completed by the start of the program. If necessary, 10-14 credits can be completed online while in the program.

Is the UNWSP School of Nursing an accredited program?

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

What does the schedule look like?

This depends on the term. In determining the schedule, we ask our clinical partners when it works for them to have our students present. Once we are given that information, our courses, lab time, etc. are planned around the clinical hours. Typically, there are no overnight or weekend hours in Term 1 & 2. Terms 3 & 4 will include some hours on the weekend and perhaps overnights during the student's preceptorship.