Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Accelerated Nursing program is designed for students who have already completed or will complete an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution prior to the nursing program start date.

Equivalencies are college-level courses you’ve already completed that meet the prerequisite requirements for the nursing program, even if the course titles differ from Western’s.

We encourage you to use Transferology to assess whether courses you have taken are equivalent to the requirements. If you have any questions about equivalencies, please send a copy of your unofficial transcript to nursing@western.edu for review.

Go to Transferology

You may apply while finishing prerequisite coursework, but all required courses must be completed before the program begins.

Not necessarily. If your previous coursework is approved as an equivalency, it will count toward the program requirements and you won’t need to retake it. All science and math prerequisites must have been taken within 10 years of the application timeframe.

A full list of prerequisite courses is available within NursingCAS. An admissions counselor can also help you review your coursework and answer questions.

Students who successfully complete the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Colorado University (WCU).

The WCU BSN Program is primarily in-person, with a mix of classroom learning, skills lab, simulation, and clinical experiences. Some coursework may include online learning components.

The program is based on the Western Colorado University campus in Gunnison, Colorado, with clinical learning experiences hosted in regional partner healthcare settings.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Western Colorado University is not yet accredited by a national nursing accrediting body. The lack of national nursing accreditation may limit future educational and career options for the students.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Western Colorado University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Students begin clinical rotations their first semester in the formal nursing program. Clinical experiences  are positioned to occur after students have met required prerequisites and clinical compliance requirements.

Yes! Western Colorado University welcomes prospective students and families. Nursing information sessions and events may be offered throughout the year.

Yes. Nursing programs are typically competitive due to limited clinical placement capacity. Applicants are evaluated using a holistic review process.

WCU may consider factors such as:

• Overall GPA and prerequisite GPA
• Healthcare experience (if applicable)
• Community involvement and leadership
• Rural living experience and/or commitment to rural communities
• Interview performance
• Alignment with Western Colorado University’s mission and values

Interviews are required for admission to the program. Not all applicants will be invited to interview. Communication regarding interview invites and format will be sent from nursing@western.edu.

Healthcare experience is valued but is not required. With that said, we strongly recommend healthcare experience to any students considering the accelerated track.

Yes. Transfer students are welcome. Prerequisite courses are reviewed individually for transfer eligibility and equivalency. If you were previously enrolled in another nursing program (prerequisite courses excluded), that program will need to email a letter of good standing to nursing@western.edu in order for you to be considered for admission. A letter submitted directly by the student will not be accepted. Unfortunately, given that each nursing program is unique in design, we will not accept transfer coursework from another nursing program (prerequisite courses excluded).

Yes. Applicants may apply while completing prerequisite coursework, but all prerequisites must be completed before entering into the formal nursing program. Also, preference will be shown to candidates that have completed more of the program prerequisites.

Yes. Many prerequisites can be completed at other accredited colleges or universities. Transfer equivalency must be confirmed.

To participate in clinical learning experiences, students typically must complete requirements such as:

• Criminal background check
• Drug screening
• Immunization documentation
• TB screening
• CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
• Fitness/ability to meet technical standards
• Required trainings (HIPAA, OSHA, etc.)

Clinical partners require these items to support:

• Patient safety
• Student safety
• Regulatory compliance
• Professional standards of practice

Clinical placements are coordinated by the nursing program. Students may be placed at approved clinical sites based on availability, learning needs, and partner capacity.

Yes. Nursing clinical schedules can include early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays depending on course objectives and clinical site availability.

Program costs include WCU tuition and fees, plus additional nursing-related expenses such as:

• Uniforms and shoes
• Stethoscope and skills supplies
• Background check and drug screen
• Immunizations/titers
• CPR training
• Required testing resources and/or learning platforms

Yes. Students may be eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

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Yes. We offer scholarship opportunities specifically for our Nursing students. Please visit our for more details.

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The Traditional BSN track is designed for students who:

• Are entering college for the first time
• Are early in their undergraduate education
• Are completing prerequisite coursework as part of a four-year plan

This track typically follows a four-year pathway, which includes pre-nursing coursework and upper-division nursing courses. With that said, each student’s path is unique and different timeframes may result.

Many students work part-time; however, nursing coursework and clinical hours require strong time management. Students should plan for increasing time demands as clinical courses begin. If possible, we advise against working.

An Accelerated BSN is an intensive pathway for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and have completed the required nursing prerequisites.

12 months.

Yes. Accelerated nursing education is full-time and fast-paced. Students take between 21-23 credits per semester including during the summer semester.

Due to the intensity of coursework, labs, and clinical schedules, we strongly discourage working during the accelerated track.

The content is the same, but the pace is significantly faster. Students should expect a rigorous workload and consistent weekly time commitments.

This depends on scheduling and cohort planning. Accelerated cohorts may share clinical sites and simulation experiences, but academic pacing will differ.

Nursing courses require a minimum grade C or higher. Specific progression policies will be outlined in the student handbook.

Students who do not meet progression standards may need to repeat a course (if permitted) or follow program progression policies. Nursing faculty and student support services can help students create a success plan.

Western Colorado University Nursing is committed to student success and offers supports such as:

• Faculty office hours and tutoring referrals
• Skills practice and simulation support
• Study strategy coaching and academic resources
• Peer support and student organizations
• Wellness services including access to counseling, an on-campus food pantry, and more

Graduating from the BSN program prepares you to apply for licensure, but you must also:

1. Meet state eligibility requirements
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN® licensing exam

BSN-prepared nurses work in many settings, including:

• Hospitals and emergency departments
• Rural and community health clinics
• Public health and school health
• Surgical and specialty units
• Home health and hospice
• Behavioral health settings

Western Colorado University works closely with regional healthcare partners and supports career readiness through clinical learning and professional development. Also, our Career Services Office provides additional support to students seeking job opportunities.