Admission to Western’s Nursing Program

Admission

The nursing department provides information to all students via the nursing program website. In addition to the regular college admission requirements, prospective nursing students must meet admission requirements of the nursing program and complete the prerequisite courses to be considered for admission. Admission into the program is granted only in the fall semester. Interested applicants should contact the Nursing Department for specific requirements.

Associate Degree in Nursing Admission

Applicants are encouraged to contact a nursing advisor periodically to ensure the appropriate classes are taken.

To apply for the nursing program:

• Complete Western admissions process. Receive acceptance to the college.
• Complete the online nursing application located on the nursing program website by the application deadline. Application information available January-March for those students who will have prerequisite courses completed in the Spring Semester.
• Achieve a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale from prerequisite courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.
• Take the ATI TEAS^® entrance test. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS^®) measures basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, mathematics, science, and English/language usage. ATI TEAS^® study manual may be purchased through the Western Bookstore (307-382-1673).

Admission Criteria:

• ATI TEAS^® entrance test - Adjusted Individual Total score
• Grade point average - prerequisite courses
• Completed required general education courses - 1 point for each course
• Successful completion of nurse assistant course - 1 point

Admission Process:

Students may find admission criteria and application deadlines on the nursing website. Admission into the nursing program is competitive and based on the cumulative score the applicant receives for grade point average from prerequisites, ATI TEAS^® Adjusted Individual Total score, and the completed required general education courses. Grade point average from prerequisites and TEAS^®-V Adjusted Individual Total score account for the majority of the total points. Qualified applicants with the highest points are admitted into the nursing program on a space available basis. Applicants will be notified in writing of the results of the admission process. Qualified applicants who have not been admitted are ranked (according to cumulative points) and placed on an alternate list. If positions become available to accommodate additional eligible applicants, those on the alternate list will be notified. Applicants not admitted must re-apply for the next year. Re-applicants will be subject to the same scrutiny and consideration as an initial applicant. Applicants who are admitted but decline entrance into the program must re-apply.

Advanced Placement Admission

Graduates of practical nursing programs may apply to enter the second year of the nursing program as advanced placement students, based on space availability if requirements are met. Admission into the program is granted only in the fall semester.

To apply for the Nursing Program:

• Complete Western admissions process. Receive acceptance to the college.
• Complete the online nursing application located on the nursing program website by the application deadline. Application information available January - March 31.
• Be a graduate of a practical nursing program with transferable credit. Graduates from vocational, technical, or other programs with non-transferrable credits must take the Nursing I (NURS 1100 ) and Nursing II (NURS 1200 ) finals and pass with a “C” or better. The grade earned on each final will be the grade earned for each nursing course and will be calculated into the grade point average. License of LPN (licensed practical nurse) must be unencumbered.
• Achieve a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for prerequisite and required nursing courses.
• Complete prerequisites and nursing courses with a “C” or better.
• Take the standardized LPN to RN readiness exam required by the program. Obtain an Adjusted Individual Total Score 90% or higher to qualify.
• Advanced Placement students may be required to demonstrate abilities via proficiency demonstration.

Admission Criteria:

• A standardized LPN to RN readiness exam - Adjusted Individual Total Score
• Grade Point Average - prerequisite and nursing courses only
• Complete required general education courses - 1 point for each course

Admission Process:

Students can find admission criteria and application deadlines on the nursing website. Admission into the nursing program is competitive and based on the cumulative score of points the applicant receives for grade point average from prerequisite and nursing courses, the standardized LPN to RN readiness exam, and completed required general education courses. Qualified applicants with the highest points are admitted into the nursing program on a space available basis. Applicants will be notified in writing of the results of the admission process. Qualified applicants who have not been admitted are ranked (according to cumulative points) and placed on an alternate list. If positions become available to accommodate additional eligible applicants, those on the alternate list will be notified. Applicants not admitted must re-apply for the next year. Re-applicants will be subject to the same scrutiny and consideration as an initial applicant. Applicants who are admitted but decline entrance into the program must re-apply.

Transfer Student Admission:

Transfer students admission is based on space availability if requirements have been met. Nursing courses already completed must be comparable to Western nursing courses. Interested applicants should contact the Nursing Department for specific requirements.

To apply for the Nursing Program:

• Complete Western admissions process. Receive acceptance to the college.
• Achieve a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale from prerequisite and nursing courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses with a “C” or better.

Admission Criteria:

• Transfer student admission is based on space availability if requirements have been met. Nursing courses already completed must be comparable to Western nursing courses.
• Transfer students may be required to demonstrate abilities via academic testing or proficiency demonstration. Students who are not successful must reapply the following year.

Admission Process:

Applicants must meet all admission criteria prior to the beginning of the semester for which they are applying. Applicants will be notified in writing of the results of the admission process. Applicants who are admitted but decline entrance into the program must re-apply.

Progression in the Nursing Program

A grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all nursing courses in order for a student to progress from one semester to the next. A student receiving a semester grade of “D” or “F” in any of the required general education courses must retake the course and earn a “C” or better.

Career Mobility

Students who meet the requirements for progression may complete the program for the Associate Degree in Nursing. Those students are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become registered nurses. Graduates of a practical nursing program who would like to further their nursing education may apply to enter the second year of the nursing program when requirements are met. Students earning an Associate Degree in Nursing have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate in nursing through four-year institutions. Students should contact the four year institution offering the degree. Students of Western’s Nursing Program enjoy a concept based, statewide curriculum where students can earn an Associate Degree and continue on to the University of Wyoming to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing.

Expenses

Students in the nursing program will incur certain expenses, including the cost of clinical apparel, lab fees, and testing fees, in addition to the student expenses listed by the college. Clinical learning experiences are held in a variety of agencies, including out of town experiences, so travel expenses will be incurred.

Wyoming State Board of Nursing Policies to Protect the Public

The following history information must be reported in writing to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) when applying for certification as a nursing assistant or for licensure as a nurse (PN or RN): all charges, arrests, citations or convictions for any criminal offense including, DUIs and felonies even if pardoned, expunged, dismissed or deferred. WSBN also requires notification of a history of charges related to abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property; having a history of physical or mental disability which may make you unable to practice nursing; having a history of abusing or being addicted to any controlled substance or alcohol. The WSBN requires an official background check of all applicants. Applicants will not be denied the opportunity to take the competency examination for Nursing Assistants, Practical Nurses or Professional Nurses; however, the WSBN may deny certification or licensure based on history revealed through the background check and history information. Please refer to the WSBN website for additional information regarding the application process and contact information.

Western Policies to Protect the Public

The Western Wyoming Community College Nursing Program has several policies in place to protect the public. These policies include:

1. Completed physical exam within six months prior to admission.
2. Proof of:  

• Mumps, measles, rubella (MMR) vaccination or positive antibody titer
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening status
• Current Tdap vaccination.
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccination or documentation of positive Varicella titer
• Hepatitis B vaccination or positive antibody titer
• Yearly Influenza vaccination

3. Pass drug test.
4. Pass background check.
5. Valid American Heart Association BLS/Healthcare Provider OR American Red Cross AED for Professional Rescuer.

A student who fails to meet the above clinical requirements may be dismissed from the program.

The program is approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The next site visit will be Spring 2020.