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Nursing faculty, Mary Sawyer observes while a student puts on gloves before working with a mannequin in the simulation lab.

Department of Nursing

Preparing Tomorrow's Nurses

The Nursing Department at Western Colorado University prepares students for professional nursing practice with a focus on clinical excellence, compassionate care, and service to rural and underserved communities. The program combines rigorous health science coursework with hands-on learning, including training in Western’s new high-fidelity simulation lab and immersive clinical placements throughout the region.

Students can choose between two program pathways. The traditional track is designed for students pursuing nursing as their primary undergraduate degree, following a structured progression of coursework and clinical experiences. The accelerated track is intended for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to enter nursing through a fast-paced, intensive schedule.

Both tracks offer the same high-quality instruction, clinical training, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, equipping graduates to provide skilled, compassionate care in a variety of healthcare settings, especially in rural communities where nurses are needed most.

 

Hands-On Opportunities

Areas of Study

Nursing

Available as: Major

Nursing Accelerated

Available as: Accelerated Degree
With this community being so tight-knit, I think it will be super helpful to have those smaller class sizes so you can bounce ideas off each other or have more one-on-one time with your professor. My mom was a nurse growing up, and what drove me to pursue nursing is that caring for others is a big part of my personality. I can’t wait to learn more about how to do that correctly.

Lindsey Osterfelt

Lindsey Osterfelt

Mission & Values

Our mission and values guide every part of the Western BSN; from classroom learning to community care.

Mission
Goals
Values

Mission

The Western Colorado University (WCU) Department of Nursing prepares future nurse generalists for professional roles with a special focus on meeting the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. The program ensures a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice with an emphasis on critical thinking, wellness, advocacy, patient-centered care, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

Program Goals

Students learn to integrate the art and science of nursing to provide safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care; to develop the competence and skills needed in today’s rapidly changing, transdisciplinary healthcare environment; and to prepare for professional practice, graduate study, and leadership.

Our Values

Commitment: Reliability, preparation, follow-through.

Accountability: Ethical conduct, safe practice, continuous improvement.

Respect: Inclusive communication, cultural humility, teamwork.

Excellence in Education & Practice: Evidence-based care, lifelong learning, reflective practice.

Service to Our Community: Outreach, advocacy, and partnerships that improve local health.

Accreditation Information

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Western Colorado University is not yet accredited by a national nursing accrediting body. Please view our Accreditation page for full details.

Accreditation Information

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Department News

  • Ribbon cutting with the program directors for the new nursing program at Western.

    Western Colorado University Opens High-Fidelity Sim Lab to Train Future Nurses

    Just over two years after receiving a planning grant to explore the creation of a nursing program, Western Colorado University offered supporters a sneak peek…
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  • A student takes the blood pressure of a community member.

    Western’s Nursing Education Program Builds Momentum with New Director, Grant

    Western Colorado University’s new Nursing Education Program is gaining momentum this spring, with major funding support and a new director. Program receives new grant The…
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  • Western’s First Class of Nursing Assistants Set to Graduate Soon

    Western’s First Class of Nursing Assistants Set to Graduate Soon

    BY SETH MENSING | University Communications Manager University’s new nursing program is training the next generation of healthcare workers. The sounds of laughter echoed through…
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  • Western’s planned nursing program gets a boost from $1.5 million grant

    Western’s planned nursing program gets a boost from $1.5 million grant

    “We understand this is just the beginning.” – Emily McMahill, Ferchau Lecturer in Biology Western Colorado University’s plan to build a program to recruit and…
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  • Western wins grant to plan for future nursing program

    Western wins grant to plan for future nursing program

    There’s a tremendous need for nurses Even before the COVID pandemic put an incredible strain on healthcare workers, the number of nurses was woefully inadequate…
    Read More

Faculty & Staff

Emily McMahill, PharmD

Director, Center of Rural Mountain Allied Health

Elizabeth (Beth) Roten, MSN

Director of Nursing Education

Mary Sawyer, DNP, MSN

Assistant Professor

Department of Nursing

Director of Nursing

Contact Information

nursing@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Paul Wright Gym 229
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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