Nursing Major (Bachelor of Science)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Western Illinois University (WIU) does more than equip you with the practical knowledge to thrive as a nurse—it prepares you for the ever-changing nature of healthcare. Here, you translate your individual strengths into purpose so that you can make a positive impact on the lives of patients.
WIU values your unique background. Whether you’re a first-year or transfer student, there’s a place for you in our community of spirited and ambitious students. In addition to classes on our Macomb campus, you participate in laboratory and clinical experiences that synthesize your skills.
Learn from dedicated educators actively engaged in the field. Faculty facilitate discussions, nurture your academic growth, and challenge you to succeed beyond what you thought possible. By the time you graduate, you possess the technical abilities to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX)—the exam required for RN licensure—and the confidence to practice nursing in a variety of settings.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s in Nursing at WIU?
While academic excellence sets us apart from the rest, our tight-knit community unites us in our desire to make an impact. When you choose the nursing major at WIU, you choose:
- A pre-licensure BSN program with a track record of success: our 100% NCLEX pass rates exceeds state and national averages
- Vast employment opportunities: WIU BSN graduates have a 100% job placement rate
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Flexible schedules designed with you in mind, whether you’re in the ROTC or a student-athlete
- An environment that engages active learning through clinical work, labs, and computer simulations
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Opportunities to connect and network
with your fellow nursing students through the Western Illinois University Student Nursing Association and the School of Nursing Honor Society
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Program Curriculum
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Nursing isn’t just about physical care—it’s about the whole person. That’s why our nursing bachelor’s degree program curriculum covers mental, community, and public health topics in addition to subjects like nursing processes, patient evaluation, and ethics.
Learn the theoretical foundations of nursing and understand their evolving role in the healthcare landscape. In child and adult nursing classes, tackle complex care scenarios—from mastering circulation and oxygenation needs to addressing challenges in metabolic, elimination, and mobility care.
Grow into a versatile and skilled practitioner through pharmacology, leadership, and management courses. The curriculum deepens your knowledge of the effects of medication on the body, and you become well-versed in nursing research, analyzing healthcare policies, and exploring healthcare dilemmas.
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Clinical Experiences
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An essential part of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, clinical and laboratory practice allows you to apply your skills and train for the realities of the profession. In the health assessment course, you complete physical and psychological assessments and record patient medical histories.
Adult and child nursing classes also include training in various healthcare settings. Through direct patient care, you strengthen your understanding of acute and chronic conditions. Other courses include a mix of practical experiences and simulations, which help you develop the critical thinking skills and confidence to excel as a nurse.
Career Outcomes
BSN-prepared nurses can work in a range of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient facilities, schools, and hospitals. Because WIU graduates have education in community and rural nursing, they are competitive candidates for specialized roles and leadership positions.
Our nursing majors build long-lasting, meaningful careers as:
Job Placements
Hospitals and healthcare facilities across Illinois and our country need competent, compassionate nurses. WIU graduates meet this demand, obtaining employment at:
Admissions
Enroll at WIU and join the Leatherneck Community! We are a test optional institution, meaning we don’t require you to submit SAT/ACT scores. Review our undergraduate admissions standards to learn more about applying to the pre-licensure BSN program.
Besides completing your WIU application, you must have an application on file with NursingCAS no later than March 1 for fall admission. If space allows, applications will be accepted until May 31. Qualified applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis for fall admissions.
Have questions about becoming a nursing major? Reach out to our admissions team.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Planning your financial future at college requires accounting for a lot of moving parts! At Western, we provide easy-to-use financial aid tools like our Net Price Calculator to help you get a sense of how tuition, financial aid, and other factors combine into tangible potential costs.
Scholarships for Nursing Majors
To help offset the cost of your nursing education, WIU offers several institutional scholarships, including The Western Way, which covers tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible students. Scholarships available through the School of Nursing can also provide you with the funding you need to reach your goals.
Launch Your Nursing Career with a BSN Degree from WIU
Learn to care for patients of all ages and across various healthcare settings with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Illinois University. We’ll help you grow into a skilled, thoughtful nurse ready to make a positive impact in your community.
Start your journey with us—apply today!
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