Health Careers

If you are looking to transfer to another school for a nursing program, the following list of course options require two years to complete at CWU. We offer these as courses that are generally required as pre-requisite coursework by Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs.

Intro Chemistry, Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry with labs

This can be satisfied by taking:

CHEM 111, 112, & 113 series with labs
OR 
CHEM 181, 182 & 183 series with labs, CHEM 361, CHEM 362 and CHEM 431

NOTE:
Regardless of which series you choose, the CHEM 111, 112, & 113 series or the CHEM 181, 182, & 183 series must be taken in order. Please check the course catalog for specific prerequisites for each course.
CHEM 183 with a grade of C- or higher is a pre- or co-requisite for CHEM 361.
CHEM 361 with a grade of C- or higher is a pre-requisite for CHEM 362.
CHEM 362 with a grade of C- or higher is a pre-requisite for CHEM 431.

Human Anatomy & Physiology

This can be satisfied by taking:

BIOL 305 and BIOL 306 
OR
BIOL 355 and BIOL 356

NOTE:
BIOL 220 is a pre-requisite for BIOL 305 and BIOL 306.  CHEM 113 is the pre-requisite for BIOL 220.

Microbiology with Lab

This can be satisfied by taking:

BIOL 322 (Introductory Microbiology)
OR 
BIOL 323 (Microbiology)

NOTE:
BIOL 220 or BIOL 183 is a pre-requisite for BIOL 322.  BIOL 213 and either BIOL 183 or BIOL 220 is the pre-requisite for BIOL 323.  Please note that Biology majors are encouraged to take BIOL 323. BIOL 322 may be counted toward a degree in the biology department in lieu of BIOL 323, but cannot be counted toward a degree in the biology department if BIOL 323 is successfully completed.

Statistics

This can be satisfied by taking:

BIOL 213 (Biostatistics)
OR
MATH 211 (Statistical Concepts and Methods)
OR
PSY 362 (Introductory Statistics)

NOTE:
BIOL 182 and eligibility for MATH 154 or higher are pre-requisites for BIOL 213.
Eligibility for MATH 101 or higher is the pre-requisite for MATH 211.

Growth and Development

This can be satisfied by taking:

PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology)

NOTE: PSY 101 (or by permission) is the pre-requisite for PSY 313.

Human Anatomy & Physiology

This can be satisfied by taking:

BIOL 305 and BIOL 306 
OR
BIOL 355 and BIOL 356

NOTE:
BIOL 220 is a pre-requisite for BIOL 305 and BIOL 306.  CHEM 113 is the pre-requisite for BIOL 220.

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

This can be satisfied by taking:

SOC 101 (Social Problems)

Human Nutrition

This can be satisfied by taking:

NUTR 101 (Introduction to Human Nutrition)

Academic Writing

This can be satisfied by taking:

ENG 101 (Academic Writing I: Critical Reading and Responding)
AND
ENG 102 (Academic Writing II: Reasoning and Research on Social Justice)

NOTE:
ENG 101 with a grade of C- or higher is the pre-requisite for ENG 102

Prerequisites are listed here for informational purposes only. Because each program can and may change their requirements, it is absolutely essential that interested students check their prerequisite classes against their top choices for nursing schools on a regular basis. 

Buntain College of Nursing, Northwest University
Program Website

NOTE: Students are required to participate in cross-cultural programs.

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

• ENG 101 (Expository Writing)
• ENG 102 (Research Writing)
• BIOL 355, 356 (Human A&P)
• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• One fine arts course (Theater, Art Appreciation, or Intro to Music)
• MATH 311 (Statistics...prerequisite for this class is MATH 130)
• COM 345 (Business Speaking)
• CHEM 111/112/113 (Survey of Chemistry)
• BIOL 321 (Genetics)
• NUTR 101 (Nutrition)
• PSY 101 (General Psychology)
• PSY  313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• ANTH 130 (Cultural Anthropology)

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Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing
Program Website

The priority deadline for applications to the BSN programs is FEBRUARY 1st each year for admission to the following academic year (fall and spring semesters). The BSN program at PLU is 3 years following the completion of all prerequisite courses. [more information]

Prerequisites
Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

NOTE: Prerequisites are listed here for informational purposes only. Because nursing programs can and may change their requirements, it is absolutely essential that you compare your plan for prerequisites often against the prerequisites for each of the nursing programs to which you intend to apply. 

• CHEM 111, 112, 113 (Survey of Chemistry)
• BIOL 355 & 356 (Human A & P)
• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• PSY 101 (General Psychology)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• MATH 311 (MATH 130 is a prerequisite for this course)
   

Admission Requirements

Minimum criteria to be considered for admission to the undergraduate program (BSN) for students submitting a direct application to the nursing program include:

• Formal unrestricted admission to Pacific Lutheran University;
• Completion, or pending completion, of specified prerequisite coursework;
• Completion, or pending completion, of at least 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) at the college level;
• Minimum cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
• A minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in each nursing prerequisite course;
• Minimum cumulative GPA in prerequisites of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
• No more than one repeat of any prerequisite or co-requisite course;
• Completion of the university math entrance requirement, with a grade of “C” or higher (2.0 or higher, on a 4.0 scale);
• Physical health and emotional stability sufficient to meet the demands of nursing and provide timely, safe patient care for all generalist nursing roles; Documented fluency in speaking, reading and writing college-level English;
• Civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states, as well as other applicable territories and countries;
• Submission of all documents to the School of Nursing by the designated deadlines.

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Seattle Pacific University Nursing Program
Program Website

You must complete 90 transferrable credits by June prior to entry in the program. All general education courses must be done prior to entry into the program and must meet all equivalencies (see transfer equivalencies). NOTE: you must complete the equivalent of SPU's general education requirements, not just follow CWU's general education program. A limited number of transfer students will be accepted.

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

• CHEM 111/112/113 (Chemistry)
• BIOL 355/356 (Human A&P)
• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• PSY 101 (General Psychology)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology)
• NUTR 245 (Nutrition)
• MATH 311 (Statistics...MATH 130 is a prerequisite for this course)

Admission Requirements

• Professional letter of recommendation (sealed)
• Official transcripts
• Course descriptions of all courses taken
• Prerequisite calculator page printed and submitted with application
• 3.5 minimum GPA
• Volunteer experience
• Students holding a bachelor's degree ARE given preference

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Seattle University School of Nursing
Program Website

Students are admitted once per year for each fall quarter.

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

• MATH 153 or higher (Pre-calculus I)
• PSY 101 (General Psychology)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• BIOL 355 & 356 (Human A & P)
• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• MATH 311 (MATH 130 is a prerequisite for this course)

Additional Requirements:

• One unit (one year) of high school chemistry (with a B grade or better) or one quarter of college chemistry (with a C grade or better)
• Math and Psychology coursework must be completed within 10 years of anticipated program start date
• Science coursework must be completed within 5 years of anticipated program start date

Admission Requirements

A complete application includes:

• Undergraduate Transfer Application (Also referred to as the Common Application)
• Supplemental Application for Undergraduate Admission (includes University Personal Statement)
• $55 application fee (waived if are earning an Associate’s degree at a Washington State community college)
• Nursing Personal Essay
• Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
• Official test scores when applicable (i.e. Advanced Placement examinations or the TOEFL)
• The minimum GPA to apply is 2.7 cumulative and 3.0 for nursing prerequisites. However, these are the absolute minimums and competitive applicants have much higher GPAs.

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University of Washington Nursing Program
Program Website

The UW offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN] program and an accelerated BSN program (for students already holding a bachelor's degree). 

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

• ENG 101 & 102 ( English Composition 1 & 2)
• MATH 153 or higher (Pre-Calculus I)
• MATH 311 OR PSY 362 OR SOC 364 (Statistical Methods)
• CHEM 111, 112, and 113 (Survey of Chemistry)
• BIOL 355 & 356 (Human A & P)
• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• NUTR 101 (Introduction to Nutrition)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• For students without a bachelor's degree, the UW requires an additional 10 credits in Individuals & Society (courses such as history, psychology, sociology, ethnic studies, anthropology or women and gender studies) and an additional 15 credits in Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (courses such as literature, art history, dance, music, and speech).

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Washington State University School of Nursing
Program Website

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements. In addition to completing WSU's general education requirements, students will need the following:

• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• BIOL 355 & 356 (Human A & P)
• CHEM 111, 112, & 113 (Survey of Chemistry)
• MATH 311 (Statistics, Math 130 is a pre-requisite)
• NUTR 101 (Introduction to Nutrition)
• PSY 101 (General Psychology)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)

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Walla Walla University
Program Website

This program is located in Portland, OR but accredited for Washington State.

Prerequisites

Courses are listed here as the CWU equivalent requirements. Students should be sure to double-check any listed requirements.

• BIOL 322 (Microbiology)
• BIOL 355 & 356 (Human A & P)
• CHEM 111, 112, & 113 (Survey of Chemistry)
• MATH 311 (Statistics, Math 130 a pre-requisite)
• NUTR 101 (Introduction to Nutrition)
• PSY 101 ( General Psychology)
• PSY 313 (Developmental Psychology Lifespan)
• SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
• ENG 101 & 102 (English Composition 1 & 2)

In addition to these courses, students will need 2 PE activity courses and courses in History, Humanities, and Speech.

Admission Requirements

• Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology classes that are more than five years old are not accepted.
• No grade lower than C is accepted in all nursing cognate prerequisites.
• All transfer courses must be 100 level or above.
• Advance placement credit must be documented.
• The School of Nursing reserves the right to revise, add or withdraw courses as necessary to ensure a quality nursing program.

NurseJournal: "10 Reasons Why RNs Should Pursue Their BSN Degree"

Consider this:  Students with a bachelor's degree are often given preference for spots in nursing school and can choose to do an accelerated BSN program, or ABSN. In addition, a bachelor's degree in any field will give you employment opportunities, even if you are not successful at earning a highly competitive spot in a nursing program.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is for you if you want to pursue a career in nursing but you have already have completed a Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. Typically, ABSN programs are rigorous courses, allowing you to achieve a BSN degree in about 12 months. ABSN programs are therefore a full-time commitment. Admission is very competitive, and you should take into consideration the application requirements if you are considering applying to an ABSN program. Once you graduate you can apply for your Registered Nursing license. 

Typical application requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in any field other than nursing
• Minimum cumulative and science GPA's (will vary by school)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Volunteer or paid health care experience

*Most schools also require certain prerequisite courses be taken before you can apply. These prerequisites vary by school; you should research the prerequisite courses required by your prospective schools and seek advising.

See also:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Accelerated Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees in Nursing

Nursing students are often required to obtain nursing assistant credentials, as part of their training and experience.  See the Washington State's Board of Nursing / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's "Nursing Assistant Training Programs." for a comprehensive list of community colleges and technical institutes who offer this license in Washington State.

Another option is the PN (Practical Nursing) program.  Practical nursing programs can usually be completed in one to one-and-a-half years. Graduates of these accredited programs (below) are eligible to sit for the Washington State Practical Nursing exam. You must show proof of high school completion to sit for the exam. Everynurse.com's LPN Programs in Washington webpage provides information on PN programs in the state.  Like the CNA, a PN program is beneficial for you to gain further clinical experience and/or if you wish to become a Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] before becoming an RN. Licensed graduates are qualified for employment as entry level staff in long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care agencies.