Whitworth Nursing Program Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to apply if I want to be a nursing major?
You need to apply for early action to have the best chance of being accepted into the major. This program is competitive, and there is limited enrollment.
- Nov. 15, 2026: Early Action I application deadline
- Jan. 15, 2027: Early Action II application deadline
Is the nursing program “direct admit”?
Yes. Whitworth’s nursing program is a “direct admit” program, meaning students are officially admitted into the program as an incoming first-year student – you do not need to reapply to enter the upper division courses.
What are the benefits of a direct admit program?
- Security: Your spot in the program is secure, giving you peace of mind throughout your general education and prerequisite classes that you are guaranteed* entrance into upper division nursing courses (junior year) if you continue to meet all program requirements.
- Advising: Every student receives a dedicated advisor upon admission from the department of nursing to support their academic journey.
- Community: Students build a community of peers that they take courses with all four years.
*Important: To ensure progression to upper-division coursework, you must achieve a grade of "C" or better in every prerequisite course and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
How competitive is it?
It is competitive. As a new program, we are still learning what demand will look like, but spaces are limited by the availability of clinical sites.
How can I prepare in high school to be a competitive applicant?
You need a high school GPA of 3.0 or better, six semesters of science with at least one year of lab, college-level algebra, healthcare experience, work experience, and club involvement or sports experience.
How many spots are available each year?
We currently have space for 40 students per year with a fall start.
If I don’t start out as a nursing major at Whitworth, can I change my major to nursing?
As the program continues to grow, only a few spots may be available each year for Whitworth students who want to apply for the nursing major. You can't change your major to nursing; you must be chosen for the major through a competitive application process.
What if I already have an A.A. degree as a first-year college student?
Students who earned an A.A./A.S. or earned community college credit during high school are eligible to apply, but having an A.A./A.S. degree or college credits does not guarantee a shorter timeline at Whitworth to complete the BSN. While those credits may transfer and help fulfill requirements, they won’t allow a student to accelerate their nursing timeline or move into an earlier nursing cohort. Therefore, most students should still plan to spend four years at Whitworth to complete the BSN degree.
Do you accept transfer students or second-degree (post baccalaureate) students?
No. Unfortunately, the direct admit model does not allow room for transfer students or second-degree students.
What GPA do I need to maintain to remain in the nursing major?
You must earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses and achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to advance to upper-division nursing coursework. A prerequisite course can be repeated once, and two prerequisite courses can be repeated.
Can I double major?
No. Once upper-division nursing begins, the demands of clinical rotations make it very difficult to take non-nursing courses alongside the program.
What study abroad opportunities are available to nursing students?
Nursing students may participate in any study abroad program offered during Jan Term or summer – with one exception: The summer between junior and senior year is reserved for a clinical intensive course. Additional nursing-specific study abroad experiences are currently in development.
Can I play sports and be a nursing major?
Probably, but we will need to work with you and the coach to ensure that expectations are clear about your participation while in the nursing program. Nursing courses and clinical placements must always take priority over athletics.
How will this program be different from other nursing programs?
Whitworth's nursing program starts with a simple but profound conviction: Caring for patients is a sacred calling, not just a career. Whitworth nurses learn to see their patients with a depth of dignity that touches everything about how they practice. Faith and coursework aren't kept in separate boxes here. They're woven together in a way that shapes how students study, how they take care of themselves and how they show up at the bedside. Graduates carry a distinct presence into every room they enter.
Is the program accredited?
Whitworth is accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the nursing program has received initial approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
As a new program, we will pursue accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accreditation is expected to be granted by spring 2029. This ensures that students will graduate from an accredited program.