Prelicensure Nursing BSN

The Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University is committed to student success and partners with the WGU Office of Admissions to determine academic eligibility for the Prelicensure Nursing program. Applicants who submit all admission requirements will be reviewed through a weighted evaluation system that considers several factors. The Office of Admissions reviews all applicants based on their academic experience and nursing entrance exam scores.   

• Admission is competitive and not guaranteed; additional factors important to student success in the nursing program may also be considered.
• Admission to and enrollment in the Prelicensure Nursing program does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical nursing portion of the program.  
• Only residents of the following states are eligible to apply to this program. Prospective students seeking admission to the WGU Prelicensure Nursing program may only apply to a district within their state of residence. Any applications from residents outside of these states will not be accepted. 

Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, and Utah

To be considered for enrollment into the Prelicensure Nursing Program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, be at least 16 years of age (must be 18 at the time of clinical experiences), AND complete the following admission requirements:

1. Complete the HESI A2 nursing exam within the last five years with an overall score of at least 75%, and at least a 75% in each of the following sections: Vocabulary, Reading, Math, and Grammar. WGU will only consider two attempts at passing the HESI A2 exam per 12-month period. The 12-month period begins with the first attempt.
2. Submit to a criminal background check through American Databank. 
3. Submit a Prelicensure Nursing Application Essay 
4. Activate their Prelicensure Nursing File which includes a declaration of:

• The date and location an applicant is applying to
• Completed certifications
• Completed licenses
• Military service and training

Requirements that must be satisfied in pre-nursing terms to be eligible to progress to the clinical nursing program

There are costs outside of tuition and fees involved with creating your compliance account early in your pre-nursing terms and purchasing uniforms and supplies by the end of your last pre-nursing term. These costs will vary based on each item along with geographic location/provider.

Students who are successful in the pre-nursing terms will be eligible for progression into the nursing portion of the program. The following must be completed to be considered for progression into the nursing portion of the program: 

• Proof of health insurance†.
• Proof of successfully passing of a criminal background check (also may require a state background check to be completed per state regulatory requirements for nursing programs).
• Proof of successfully passing a urine drug test.
• Proof of a current immunization record and current negative TB test.
• Proof of meeting the specific physical requirements in accordance with the core performance standards of the nursing profession.
• Participation in the Nursing Progression Committee process.

Students in the pre-nursing term will be required to submit evidence of all of the requirements below to be considered for progression into the nursing portion of the program: 

Immunization Requirements

• Tetanus/Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccination
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations and Titer
• Varicella Zoster vaccination and Titer
• Hepatitis B vaccination and Titer
• TB testing
• Seasonal flu vaccination
• Additional immunizations may be required based on state and clinical requirements.

It is necessary to have the following physical abilities for the Clinical portion of the program: 

Essential Performance Standards/Clinical Nursing

• walk the equivalent of five miles per day
• reach above shoulder level
• hear tape recorded transcription and emergency monitors
• distinguish colors
• adapt to shift work
• grip
• sit and stand for long periods of time
• climb stairs
• lift 50 pounds
• perform CPR

If you have any questions about these required immunizations and physical requirements, please speak with an Enrollment Counselor.

† Note: Student malpractice insurance will be provided by WGU at no cost to you.