Nursing, B.S.

Next Steps

A nursing degree will put you at the forefront of transforming and improving healthcare in the United States, where nurses make up the largest group of healthcare providers. A Whitworth nursing degree will also equip you with the solid foundation of a Christian liberal arts education.

Whitworth offers its undergraduate nursing major through the Washington State University College of Nursing, a consortium of Whitworth, WSU and Eastern Washington University. Students generally study for two to three years at Whitworth before applying to the WSU College of Nursing. Accepted students then engage in a unique blend of coursework, clinical training and community experience based out of the WSU Health Sciences campus in downtown Spokane. Students graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing dual degree from both schools.

Why earn a nursing degree through Whitworth and Washington State University?

Leverage a Whitworth liberal arts education to become a well-rounded healthcare professional. In addition to gaining a theoretical and practical understanding of human health and wellness, you will have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that will enhance your communication and critical-thinking skills, which are important in the nursing profession.
Experience Whitworth's vibrant campus life. Throughout the entire program, you will have full access to all that Whitworth offers: campus housing, the recreation center, computer labs and the library, athletics events and more.
Learn in the realistic environment of WSU's state-of-the-art Simulation Lab, which features mannequins and role-playing actors. A national leader in using simulation in instruction, the WSU College of Nursing will help you strengthen your clinical, teamwork and decision-making skills in a safe environment.
Gain experience in a variety of real-world settings through clinical rotations. Rotations help many students decide which area of nursing they're interested in as a career.
Learn how to genuinely connect with patients. The program emphasizes caring for the whole patient, including on an emotional level.
Be part of a nationally recognized nursing program. The National League for Nursing has named the WSU College of Nursing a Center of Excellence for “Enhancing Student Learning and Professional Development.”
Become who you're meant to be.

Our nursing grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing occupations, and our graduates are in demand by employers statewide. They have many potential careers to choose from, including staff nurse in a hospital or clinic, school nurse, nursing home or home-care nurse, public health nurse, flight transport nurse, military nurse or travel nurse.

Recent job placements include:

Mark Plummer, oncology RN, Providence Sacred Heart and Holy Family hospitals, Spokane
Emily Fisher, surgical services RN, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital, Spokane
Michelle Bauman, medical unit RN, Seattle Children's Hospital

Opportunities outside the classroom

Participate in immunization fairs and health clinics in rural and underserved areas of Eastern Washington, under the guidance of faculty.
During the summer, volunteer at Camp Stix for kids with diabetes or work with Native American high school students participating in the Na-ha-shnee Health Sciences Institute.
Take advantage of ample opportunities to conduct research, generally in conjunction with WSU College of Nursing faculty. Present your findings at WSU's Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, where nursing students have won awards.
Enhance your technical skills and employability by joining WSU’s popular Health Sciences Simulation Club (aka Sim Club).
Develop leadership skills through the WSU College of Nursing's Student Ambassador Program or Student Nurse Leaders organization.

Pack your bags!

The WSU College of Nursing offers annual international programs that provide experience in global healthcare. Through the faculty-led Healthcare in Peru program, students conduct medical clinics in the Amazon region and analyze the cultural, social, environmental and economic factors that can influence healthcare. Through the Hearts in Motion program, students provide care and medical treatment to children and families in Central and South America.

How does joint enrollment work?

Upon acceptance by the College of Nursing, Whitworth students will also be jointly enrolled through Washington State University. WSU administers all students' registration, financial aid, Washington state tuition and course fees for the WSU CON program. More information on out-of-state tuition and student requirements is available in our catalog.