Western Nebraska Community College Nursing Program Review

Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) is one of the six community colleges in the state of Nebraska. Following a state legislature to merge junior, technical and vocational colleges in 1973, the college came into being. Three colleges: Alliance School of Practical Nursing, Nebraska Western College and Western Nebraska Tech College merged to form Western Nebraska Community College area. Although the colleges remained as distinct entities, in 1988, all three colleges dropped the different names to the current name. The college serves western Nebraska counties through 3 campuses in Sidney, Scottsbluff and Alliance.

Nursing at Western Nebraska Community College

Three nursing programs are offered at the college. For students wishing to transfers to other 4-year colleges to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing, there is a pre-professional nursing program. The other two programs are a practical nursing track leading to a diploma award and an associate degree program for preparation of registered nurses.  The latter two are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and are approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. Details for each track are given below:

Nursing/Pre-Professional

The pre-professional nursing program is designed to help students cover the basics of the freshman and sophomore year requirements for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. Although the courses can transfer to any 4-year university or college, the setting of the curriculum has put in place the requirements by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) BSN program.

The curriculum consists of 58 general education and supporting courses. Students wishing to transfer to other colleges/universities other than UNMC must contact their future college to ensure they have course equivalence.  Students should note that following completion of this program does not award eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Nursing (Practical)

This program has a curriculum that prepares nurses to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Western Nebraska Community College requires that candidates for this program to have completed a Basic Nurse Aide (BNA) course prior to application. After enrollment, the curriculum is set to be completed in three semesters on a full time basis. After completing the required 48.5 credits, students are awarded a Diploma in Practical Nursing and are eligible to write the NLCEX-PN exam.

Associate Degree Nursing

The associate degree in nursing is open for both entry-level candidates and LPNs who wish to have advanced standing in the professional nursing program.  All candidates must have completed a BNA course and entered in the State’s Nurse Aide Registry prior to application. For entry-level students, 44 nursing credits and supporting courses must be completed in 4 full semesters and 1 short summer session of 4 credits.  Students must complete a separate 21 general education credits before starting on the 44 mentioned above.

LPNs that apply for advanced placement join the program at 2nd year level after completing a bridging course. Completion of this curriculum ensures the students are educationally prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses besides being awarded an Associate of Science in nursing degree.

Contact:
Western Nebraska Community College
1601 E. 27th Street, Scottsbluff,
NE 69361