OVERVIEW
One Program to Become Both an RN and Earn a BSN
If you are looking to become a registered nurse and live in Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah, this nursing program could be for you. In areas where this program is available, WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
WGU Houston Lab for Prelicensure Students
Where Clinical Opportunities Are Available
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
Disctricts with clinical placement opportunities:
- Jacksonville
- Daytona
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Ft Lauderdale
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Florida students will attend lab in Florida.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Atlanta
- Augusta
- Savannah
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Georgia students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Boise
- Idaho Falls
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Idaho students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Indianapolis
- Michigan City
- Ft. Wayne
- Princeton
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Indiana students will attend lab in Indiana.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Des Moines
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Iowa students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Kansas City/Overland Park
- Topeka
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Kansas students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Louisville
- Lexington
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Kentucky students will attend lab in Indiana.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Detroit
- Grand Rapids
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Michigan students will attend lab in Indiana.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Kansas City
- Clinton
- St. Louis
- Springfield
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Missouri students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Lincoln
- Omaha
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Nebraska students will attend lab in houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
Program start dates vary.
Disctricts with clinical opportunities:
- Las Vegas
- Reno
- Winnemucca
- Elko
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Nevada students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Albuquerque
- Las Cruces
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. New Mexico students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh/Durham
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. North Carolina students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Toledo
- Dayton
- Sandusky
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Ohio students will attend lab in Indiana.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Oklahoma City
- Tulsa
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Oklahoma students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Columbia
- Charleston
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. South Carolina students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Tennessee students will attend lab in Florida or Georgia.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunites:
- Houston
- Beaumont
- College Station
- Lufkin
- Dallas
- Waco
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Weslaco
- Midland/Odessa
- El Paso
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Texas students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
Program start dates vary.
Districts with clinical opportunities:
- Salt Lake City
- Logan
- St. George
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
Clinical opportunities are available within 60 miles of the district listed. Students can be placed at clinical partner sites throughout the 60 mile radius.
Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Utah students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Program start dates vary.
Learn more about professional licensure in the states where the Prelicensure program is approved.
If you don't live in one of the states listed above, there is an alternative route for patient care through our Bachelor's of Science in Health and Human Services degree. This degree allows you to still be involved with patients by working to help with insurance, payments, and other details of healthcare that can be confusing and frustrating. If you want to work with patients, but our nursing degree isn't feasible, consider the Health and Human Services degree instead.
This program is paced to have a completion time of
4 Years
You will be expected to complete all required credits assigned each 6-month term. Students may be able to accelerate some portions of the program.
Tuition per six-month term is
$6,430 then $8,755
During the pre-nursing terms students pay $6,430 per six-months, then during the clinical nursing terms students pay $8,755 per six-months.
Expect to spend about
30 hours/week
on your studies, assessments, and in the completion of clinical rotations and simulation labs.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
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HOW IT WORKS
Pre-Nursing and Clinical Nursing Portions
Pre-Nursing
Students begin the prelicensure program at WGU with their pre-nursing coursework. This includes general education courses, as well as introductory medical coursework. This allows students to satisfy required prerequisites for the clinical portion of the program.
Clinical Nursing
After finishing the pre-nursing portion of the program, students that have met progression requirements are eligible to progress into the clinical nursing portion of the program. This portion of the program contains more specific nursing coursework, as well as hands-on clinical experiences that are required for students to earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree and become eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam after graduation.
COURSES
Nursing Prelicensure Courses
You will work with your WGU Program Mentor and Instructors to prepare for rigorous assessments, virtual-reality simulations, and high-fidelity simulations. Once you've successfully completed those, you will qualify to attend your agency-based clinical rotations. Expect to spend at least 30 hours or more per week on your studies, and in the completion of clinical rotations and simulation labs.
This program has a standard path and is paced to be completed in 8 terms or 4 years. Some students may be able to accelerate their pace with transfer credits.
The curriculum in WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed not only to prepare you to become a nurse, but to provide you with the skills to become an outstanding nurse, ready to contribute to a strong healthcare team and better patient outcomes.
The WGU B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) curriculum was designed and is regularly updated with input from the experts on our Nursing Program Council, ensuring you learn what you need to know and master the skills you need to excel as a nurse and play your part on a vital team.
Pre-Nursing Courses (4 Terms)
Clinical Nursing Courses (4 Terms)
“My heart is with the Prelicensure BSN students who have chosen the noble profession of nursing as a career. Should you choose WGU to prepare you, know that this is the university of the future: It is affordable, it's flexible, and it offers learning based in competencies rather than just class time.”
—Brenda Cleary, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Adjunct Faculty
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Pre-Nursing and Clinical Nursing Coursework
Within the Prelicensure program at WGU, there are two sections for students to complete. The first section is pre-nursing, which include general education coursework, and introductory medical coursework. These satisfy prerequisites that students need to enter the clinical nursing portion of the program. Students then progress to the clinical nursing portion of the program, which contains specific nursing courses that prepare students for their careers.
Clinical and Lab Experience
You will work one-on-one with a clinical coach/preceptor (under the guidance of a WGU clinical instructor) to complete several “intensives” of clinical rotations. Your clinical coach/preceptor is an experienced staff nurse trained to help you throughout the duration of your rotations. Assessment of your clinical competence will be conducted by your WGU clinical instructors. Students will travel to lab twice during the program. Lab locations are assigned based on the student’s state of residence. Click below to learn more about clinical and lab experiences.
Program Coursework
The B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure) program requires that you work closely with WGU faculty and clinical coaches/preceptors. You will be expected to complete all required CUs assigned each 6-month term. Together with your Course Instructor and Program Mentor, you will decide when you are ready to complete course assessments.
The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, an expert in your program who can explain all the requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to This Nursing Degree
Admission Requirements (for more information click on the live links below)
- HESI A2 Nursing Exam
- Background Check
- Nursing Application Essay
- Active Nursing Prelicensure File (a short form found in your Enrollment Portal)
Click the arrows below for more details about applying and admissions.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to a WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
Accredited,
Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master's degree programs in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
COST
Unbelievably Low Tuition
By charging per term rather than per credit, WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Other student responsibilities:
Uniforms: Approx. $150 plus shipping, handling, and applicable taxes. Uniforms do not have to be purchased through WGU.
Lab kit fees: Approx. $250
Drug screen, background check, and immunization tracking system: $94, which includes one alias search; there will be a separate charge for each additional alias search, and due to expenses associated with accessing court documents, the fees for students in the following states will be as follows: MI ($10), NV ($12). All fees are subject to change.
Compliance fees will vary depending on the compliance items a student needs for placement. Generally (though subject to change), prices are as follows:
- ADB/Complio Background Check (varies by state – completed every 24 months) - $52 - $150
- ADB/Complio Immunization Tracking Package (varies by package term) - $25- $50
- ADB/Complio Drug Screen (varies by panel) - $36
- ADB/Complio HIPAA Training - $15
- ADB/Complio OSHA Training - $15
- Third-Party Onboarding (varies by vendor - MCE, ACEMAPP, TCPS, CPNW, etc.) - $25- $50
Additional fees to the student may include: fingerprints, physician office visits, titer screenings, immunizations, physical exams, eye exams, and any additional items required by the health facility. All prices subject to change.
Costs for Pre-Nursing (1-4 Terms)
$6,430
Tuition per 6-month term
The first 4 terms of the prelicensure program consist of pre-nursing courses, and the tuition is slightly lower than the rest of the program. There is an additional e-books and resources fee of $200 per six-month term.
Costs for Clinical Nursing (4 Terms)
$8,755
Tuition per 6-month term
At WGU, tuition is charged every six months. There is an additional e-books and resources fee of $200 per six-month term.
A Prelicensure Nursing Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
CLINICAL AND LAB EXPERIENCES
A Hands-On Nursing Preparation Program
Approximately 60% of this program is online coursework, with the remaining 40% as hands-on clinical and lab time.
Students must be available for three-week clinical windows for each clinical course and 5 weeks during your final clinical course. Preparation will be completed online under the guidance of a WGU Program Mentor and through mandatory attendance at high-fidelity clinical simulation learning labs.
- Cutting-edge clinical simulations, including virtual and high-fidelity simulations to develop clinical skills.
- Agency-based clinical rotations in hospitals and other key healthcare sites within the community.
- One-on-one guidance, supervision, and support in a busy, contemporary clinical setting with a clinical coach/preceptor—an experienced staff nurse and clinical expert.
- You will complete multiple clinical rotations each year, both in-hospital and community-based settings
WGU’s B.S. Prelicensure Nursing students will travel to clinical learning labs twice during the program. Clinical learning labs are approximately one week in length for each of the two sessions. There will also be one virtual lab (which includes two virtual meetings) that will not require travel to a facility.
Clinical and lab assignments are based upon a variety of factors such as state of residence, student program status, and student capacity at the time of clinical progression.
- Florida students will attend lab in Florida.
- Georgia students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
- Idaho students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, UT
- Indiana students will attend lab in Indiana.
- Iowa students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
- Kansas students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
- Kentucky students will attend lab in Indiana.
- Michigan students will attend lab in Indiana.
- Missouri students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
- Nebraska students will attend lab in Houston, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
- Nevada students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- New Mexico students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
- North Carolina students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
- Ohio students will attend lab in Indiana.
- Oklahoma students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
- South Carolina students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
- Tennessee students will attend lab in Georgia or Florida.
- Texas students will attend lab in Houston, Texas.
- Utah students will attend lab in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Students must complete any additional compliance and onboarding items as indicated by an affiliation agreement with the partnering facility. Items may include, but are not limited to: N95 fit tests, COVID vaccines/boosters, colorblindness/eye exam, fingerprints, and other immunizations as indicated.
"I've always wanted to become a RN. I took the longest route to get here and now I'm 27 and finally accomplished my dream! All thanks to WGU for making a program that I could work and get my school work done.”
—Brittney Burns
B.S. Nursing, Prelicensure
WGU Houston Lab for Prelicensure Students
"I've always wanted to be a nurse. But I have found that traditional school never really worked for me. I found that teaching my self and working online was a better fit and by doing that I ended up getting back to back bachelor degrees. I realized that I enjoy learning just not the way schools were traditionally structured where you are always lectured to.
—Brian Cowan
B.S. Nursing, Prelicensure
WGU Houston Lab for Prelicensure Students
CAREER OUTLOOK
Your Path to Becoming a Nurse
You need your RN license to achieve your goal of being a nurse. Becoming a bachelor’s-prepared nurse as well will open the door to many opportunities—whether you want to serve on decision-making committees at your facility or desire greater employability at hospitals seeking Magnet status.
Caring for others in their time of need has been your lifelong passion. It’s your heart and soul—it’s why you feel called to be a nurse. WGU’s nursing programs are designed around a philosophy and a conceptual model of nursing that recognizes the nurse’s diverse roles as detective, scientist, and healer.
We’re committed to our mission of forming “confident, caring, and competent professional nurses prepared to meet emerging healthcare needs of diverse populations.”
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
6%
Employment of nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU's BSN Grads are Working in Diverse, Fulfilling Roles
Our 20,000-plus Bachelor of Science Nursing alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:
Job Titles
- Staff nurse
- Flight nurse
- Nurse case manager
- Public health nurse
- Forensic nurse
Diverse Industries
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Doctor’s offices and clinics
- U.S. military
- Public health departments
- Nonprofit organizations
Major Employers
- Intermountain Healthcare
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Synergy Home Health
- HCA Healthcare
- Peace Health
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
More About Prelicensure Nursing
- General Program Questions
- Financial Aid Questions
Common Questions About the Prelicensure Program
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
