College of Health Professions Admissions Requirements

Admissions to our online health professions degree programs

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for the College of Health Professions

All of the degrees offered by WGU’s College of Health Professions focus on mastery of the skills and knowledge that are essential to success in this vital and high-demand field. Below are admissions requirements specific to College of Health Professions programs that are in addition to WGU’s general admissions requirements.

Special requirements for WGU’s B.S. in Nursing or M.S. Nursing (RN to MSN Option) programs

• Must possess an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing.
• Must possess a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
• Must be working in a position that requires use of nursing knowledge at time of application and enrollment.
• Must submit to a criminal background check through American Databank (www.wgucompliance.com). California residents are also required to provide proof of current immunizations. Additional fees apply.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about what is required of you.

Special requirements for WGU’s M.S. in Nursing (Education or Leadership and Management) programs

• Must possess a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN).
• Must possess a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
• Must be actively working as an RN at the time of application and enrollment.
• Must submit to a criminal background check through American Databank (www.wgucompliance.com). California residents are also required to provide proof of current immunizations. Additional fees apply.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about what is required of you.

Special requirements for WGU’s B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) Program
NOTICE: For the 2012 programs, there will be limited clinical opportunities available in select hospitals in California, Texas, Florida*, Indiana and Utah. Because of limited clinical opportunities, this is a highly selective program. Future expansion is planned this year and beyond.

* Florida students please note: Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free number (888) 224-6684.

WGU is now opening admissions to aspiring nurses in these select areas who have completed all prerequisites as outlined below. Enrollment into this program is conducted in two phases of admissions: Pre-Nursing Curriculum and the Clinical Nursing Program.

To be considered for enrollment into the Pre-Nursing Curriculum, you must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider Level.
• Submit at least one letter of recommendation from your current employer.
• Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions that show:
• You have earned a bachelor’s or associate’s degree AND/OR
• You have completed the program admissions prerequisites in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Behavioral Sciences
• You have completed all nursing-related science prerequisites in:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Click here to see the specific assessment requirements

Note: Preference will be given those individuals with a prior college degree. All prerequisites must be complete before an application for enrollment can be considered.

For enrollment into the Clinical Nursing Program, you must meet the following requirements:

If you meet the requirements above and wish to be considered for admission into the Clinical Nursing Program, you must be prepared to enroll, complete the Pre-Nursing Curriculum requirements, and apply for admission into the program.

Admission into the Clinical Nursing Program is competitive. Enrollment in the Pre-Nursing Curriculum is NOT a guarantee for admission into the Clinical Nursing Program.

Approximately 60 days after enrollment into the Pre-Nursing Curriculum, if you qualify, you must apply for admission into the Clinical Nursing Program. To be considered for admission, the following support documentation must be provided by you as part of the application process:

• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of student malpractice insurance (usually a modest $29/year cost).
• Proof of successfully passing of a criminal background check*.
• Proof of successfully passing a urine drug test*.
• Proof of successfully passing a physical exam*.
• Proof of completing the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Test and demonstrating the attributes of a successful nurse*.
• Proof of a current immunization record and current negative TB test. Click here to see what immunizations are required of you.
• Proof of meeting the specific physical requirements in accordance with the core performance standards of the nursing profession. Click here to see examples of physical requirements.
• Proof of passing WGU’s foundational nursing skills performance assessment.
• A letter of intent (no more than two pages) describing your prior experiences and reasons for pursuing a career in nursing.
• Participation in an interview with nursing department representatives.

* Note: Starred items are required to be completed no sooner than 90 days prior to beginning the clinical portions of this program.

Steps and Deadlines for Enrollment into a Health Profession Program

Below is the list of steps and their respective deadlines required for enrollment into an online healthcare degree program. Click here for a printer-friendly version of the Health Professions enrollment checklist.

Apply for admission and pay the application fee
You may apply for admission at any time once you’re ready. The application fee is $65. You can pay online using a credit card, mailing a check, or calling the Bursar’s Office at 1-877-435-7948, ext. 3105. You must pay the application fee for your application to be fully processed.

Send in your official transcripts
Transcripts of your prior college experience are required if you are seeking transfer credit or if you are looking to enroll into a graduate program. You should submit official copies of your transcripts by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date for evaluation (or confirmation of receipt of a bachelor’s degree).

Please make arrangements for the official copies to be sent to:

Western Governors University
ATTN: Transcripts Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533

Click here to learn more about transferring credits.

Complete the Readiness Assessment
The WGU Readiness Assessment is a three-part online test designed to determine your likelihood of success at WGU. Your Enrollment Counselor can answer questions regarding this assessment.

Complete the Financial Aid application process (if necessary)
If you intend to use federal financial aid to cover your tuition expenses, you will need to complete WGU’s financial aid application process and be certified as eligible to receive aid no later than the 22nd of the month prior to your intended start date. An Enrollment Counselor can answer any questions you may have about the financial aid process.

Click here to learn more about financial aid.

Complete your Intake Interview
The Intake Interview is a 20- to 30-minute phone-based interview that finalizes your enrollment and officially sets your program start date. This call is conducted by your Enrollment Counselor to ensure that you’ve developed accurate and appropriate expectations of WGU and of your program. This step must be completed by the enrollment deadline (generally the 15th of the month prior to your start date).

Make tuition payment arrangements
Tuition payment arrangements must be made by the 22nd of the month prior to your start date. A two-payment plan is available to those who are not using federal financial aid.

Click here to learn more about paying tuition.