Nursing Accelerated

Accelerated Path to Professional Nursing

The Accelerated Nursing program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are ready to transition into nursing.

This fast-paced 12-month program builds on your previous academic experience and prepares you for professional nursing practice through rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical training, and close collaboration with experienced faculty. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized support, and training in a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, the national licensure exam required to become a registered nurse (administered independently of Western).

*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. Please read more information here.

Academic Opportunities

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  Simulation Training

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Nursing Requirements

Accelerated Degree

The Accelerated Degree for the Nursing program requires that you come in with a bachelor’s degree with specific prerequisites. To check your prerequisites, please refer to our Admissions Requirements page. Program Requirements and Degree Plan will be available on May 1.

Admissions Requirements

Please note that there is a separate admissions process for the nursing program. You will need to apply through NursingCAS. For more information, please go to our Nursing admissions page.

Application & Admission 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

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Top Skills

Safe, compassionate care

Clear, effective communication

Wellness and prevention focus

Rural health expertise

Team-based collaboration

Critical Thinking and Judgement

Adaptability

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Career Pathways

Registered Nurse (RN)

Labor and Delivery Nurse

Acute Care Nurse

Mental Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse

Nurse Case Manager

 

Latest News

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  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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  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

  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

  “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

  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

Nursing FAQ's

We know applying to an accelerated nursing program comes with a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the most common ones to help you understand program requirements, prerequisites, and next steps.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply?

Yes. The Accelerated Nursing program is designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution.

What are prerequisite course equivalencies?

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.

How do I know if my courses count as equivalencies?

Once you apply, your transcripts will be reviewed to determine whether your previous coursework meets the required prerequisites based on content and credit hours.

Do all prerequisites need to be completed before applying?

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

Will I need to retake classes?

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.

Where can I find the list of required prerequisites?

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

Faculty & Staff

Emily McMahill, PharmD

Director, Center of Rural Mountain Allied Health

Mary Sawyer, DNP, MSN

Assistant Professor

Elizabeth (Beth) Roten, MSN

Director of Nursing Education

Department of Nursing

Director of Nursing

• Elizabeth (Beth) Roten

• Director of Nursing Education

Contact Information

nursing@western.edu

Contact Location

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