Winona State University Nursing School Review
An evolution from Winona Normal school to a State teachers College, a state College and finally to Winona State University is what makes-up the university history. Back in 1958, the university opened its doors to the first small group of students who wanted to become teachers. A long history in between resulted to the highly diverse state university with five distinct colleges and three campuses namely Winona, Rochester and Winona West Campuses.
Nursing and Health Sciences College- Winona State University
The college of Nursing and Health sciences is one of the five well structured colleges in Winona State University (WSU). Programs are offered at both the main campus in Winona and its large graduate campus at Rochester. Two tracks that lead to a bachelor of science in nursing are offered, six master level nursing tracks and one Doctorate program. Accreditation of the programs has been granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The baccalaureate programs have also been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Science With a Major in Nursing- Generic Option
The program admits fresh nursing candidates who want to have an entry point into professional nursing. Students are admitted in two semesters per year; the fall admission takes students to study in both Winona and Rochester campuses. The spring group is only admitted to the main campus at Winona. General education courses kick off in the freshman and sophomore years while nursing major courses start at the junior year. 59 nursing major credits must be completed during the 3rd and 4th years to be eligible for graduation and to write the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. All courses are offered full time within a period of four years.
- RN to BS Completion Program
This program requires candidates who hold active licenses from any of the US states. The Program is available in part time and full time options only in Winona State University- Rochester. Following admission to the program, students receive 24 credits in recognition of their RN diplomas or associate degrees. For nurse graduates from non- accredited schools, a nursing competency test must be passed before admission. Inclusive of the transferred credits, nurse must take the total number of credits equal to those of the generic option.
Graduate Programs
Graduate nursing programs at Winona State University are offered at Rochester campus only. Six areas of master level advanced practice nursing are offered namely:
- Nurse Educator Program -48 credits
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program-54 credits
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program- 52 credits
- Nursing and Organizational Leadership Program- 43 credits
- Adult-Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner Program-56 credits
Two plans of study can be followed full time option taking two years and a part time option taking three years. In addition, post-master nursing certificates at available for all the six master tracks listed above.
RN to MS Pathway
RNs can complete a Masters degree without necessary having a BSN during admission. Students who opt for this pathway must complete a total of 128 credits, some of which will be transferred from the RN status. An additional 40 to 49 credits must be completed for the advanced practice nursing package. Part time and full time options can be chosen to complete this RN to MS pathway program.
Important Note- Doctor of Nursing Practice
Winona State University had been offering the DNP program under a consortium of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in Rochester campus. However, the program was suspended in late 2011 for reasons of developing a Winona State University independent program that will have both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways. This is a promising program and interested students should keep checking on when the program will start being offered exclusively at the university.
Contact:
Winona State University
175 West Mark Street, Winona,
MN 55987
