Western Michigan University Nursing School Review

From a small regional teachers training college, Western Michigan University (WMU) grew to become one of the most respected and internationally recognized university. It started off as Western Michigan College in 1903 and later upgraded to a fully pledged university in 1957. The university has expanded to have six satellite campuses all over the state of Michigan in its bid to take higher education to the people. With over 200 undergraduate, master and doctoral degree programs, there is almost everything for everyone to study.

Nursing at Western Michigan University

Nursing at the university is under the College of Health and Human Services. In particular, the nursing programs are offered by the Bronson School of Nursing and trains students to become competent nurses at undergraduate and master level. The nursing programs have been fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and also fully approved by the Michigan Board of nursing. The programs offered are as follows:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Traditional

The traditional Bachelor of Science program has been designed to meet the educational needs of entry level high school graduates. The program requires students to take 127 credits in nursing and general education courses which run for eight full time semesters. At the end of this pre-licensure program, students are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses and are also awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Transfer Students & Registered Nurses

The transfer program takes in registered nurses who wish to complete their BSN or transfer students from other associate or diploma awarding colleges or universities. For both categories, students receive exemption of courses and are expected to take a minimum of 63 credits to complete the BSN. Active registered nurses students are allowed to take their nursing courses on a part time basis offered during weekends and evenings.

Master of Science (MSN)

The Master of Science in nursing at Western Michigan University offers students two advanced practice nursing concentrations to choose from. It is a relatively new program started in 2008 and has received accreditation from the Commission Collegiate Nursing Education. Students can chose between:

Nurse Leadership/Management or

Nurse Educator

The two tracks require a total of 36 credits to complete with additional three credits for those who choose a thesis path. The program is offered full time but part time classes can be considered depending on the number of students interested. Basically, the program is designed for Bachelor of Science in nursing graduates but also welcomes RNs who hold a baccalaureate in non-nursing field of science. However, acceptance to the later program is on an individual basis and depends on how well a student’s excelled in science, nursing and general education courses. In addition, the non BSN graduates must sit and pass a transition course to be allowed into the MSN programs. The total number of credits taken by both groups of students is equal excluding the transition course credits.

Contact:
Western Michigan University,
3202 Ellsworth Hall, Kalamazoo
MI 49008