Winston-Salem State University Nursing School Review
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is located in Winston-Salem and is a traditionally black public research university. It has been highly rated for being one of the best colleges in the South. There are around 6,000 students enrolled in baccalaureate and grade programs at the university. The institution began in the late 19th century as a training school for African American teachers. Today there are more than 40 undergraduate programs and 10 graduate programs.
Nursing Programs
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Winston-Salem State University is the fourth largest producer of nurses in North Carolina. The university’s Clinical Laboratory Science program was the first Internet based degree program in the North Carolina System and was one of the first in the USA. The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students without college backgrounds to enter the workforce as Registered Nurses (RNs). The program takes four years to complete and focuses on a liberal arts education for students who also complete nursing courses and clinical experience. Students must complete 62 credits in general education and support courses before being admitted to the nursing program.
Those who are interested in attending this nursing program must apply to Winston-Salem State University. Those entering the university from high school are admitted depending on their academic record, high school grade point average, and scores on the SAT or ACT tests. Students admitted to the university are not guaranteed admission to the nursing program. The nursing program admits students based on their SAT or ACT score and reading score. Other factors that are taken into consideration are the grades that students received in science courses and their grades in the Lower Division Nursing courses. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.6 in the courses that are taken at the university. At the end of the program, students take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Accelerated Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Option
The university offers this program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. These students must apply directly to the Division of Nursing. Each year, 45 students are admitted to the program that takes 13 months to complete. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.6 or better, SAT score of 470 or higher in Verbal/Critical Reading or an ACT English score of 19 or better. The university also requires a reading placement test. Priority admission is given to students who have earned a grade of C on their first try to pass life or physical science courses. After completing the required nursing courses and clinical experience, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as an RN.
Master of Science in Nursing
RNs who have completed their BSN and who want to move into advanced nursing may be interested in this program. The university offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with two concentrations. These are Family Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Nurse Educators. Students complete core courses that are required for the MSN and then focus on the specialty classes that prepare them for their chosen concentration.
MSN Advanced Nurse Educator – Full-Time Plan of Study
The Advanced Nurse Educators program prepares nurses to teach nursing students in undergraduate programs and to provide staff development positions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Students are also prepared to fill clinical education positions such as educating patients in wellness and in chronic illness treatment. Students who attend full-time are able to complete the program in two years.
MSN Advanced Nurse Educator – Part-Time Plan of Study
The requirement for the part-time program is the same as for the full-time program except that student complete the program in three years instead of two years. A total of 39 credits must be earned. The university allows up to six years for completion, but no longer than that amount of time.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner – Full-Time Plan of Study
The Family Nurse Practitioners program focuses on training RNs to provide primary care to family members of all ages, especially those who do not have regular access to medical care. A total of 51 credits and 700 clinical hours are required, and these are completed in five semesters.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner – Part-Time Plan of Study
The requirements for this program are the same as for full-time students except that courses are completed over seven semesters.
Certificate Programs
Post-Master’s
Advanced Nurse Educator (ANE) Certificate
This program is designed for RNs who have already completed their MSN. Students complete 27 credits and are awarded a certificate upon completion of the program.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification
This program takes from 12 to 18 months to complete when a student has previously finished a MSN. Between 33 and 37 credits are required plus 672 hours of clinical experience.
Post-Baccalaureate
Nurse Educator Certificate
This program consists of 15 credits that students must complete. Courses cover curriculum and instruction methods and the program includes an education residency of four credits.
Contact:
Winston-Salem State University
601 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27110
(336) 750-2000
