Department of Nursing
Build the skills to lead with compassion, confidence, and clinical excellence through hands-on experiences, high-tech simulation, and a supportive Hilltop community.
Nursing that blends care,
confidence, and clinical excellence
West Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with tracks for three different audiences, high school graduates, college graduates, and registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma. The Nursing Program incorporates various educational opportunities in classroom and clinical settings to prepare students as professional nurses.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional Pre‑Licensure
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Accelerated BA/BS to BSN (Second Degree)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – RN to BSN
Degree Pathways
in Nursing
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in a welcoming, small-campus environment where Hilltop is home. At West Liberty University, our nursing program combines small classes, high‑tech simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experience in area hospitals and healthcare agencies so you can learn by doing. With multiple BSN pathways, including an Accelerated 16-month BSN program, and strong NCLEX pass rates, you’ll graduate prepared to step into patient care with confidence and purpose.
This traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway is designed for high school graduates and first‑time college students seeking initial RN licensure. Students build a strong clinical foundation through hands‑on learning, simulation labs, and clinical placements in regional healthcare facilities.
Ideal if you want to:
- Begin your nursing career directly from high school
- Learn in a supportive, small‑class environment
- Gain early and ongoing clinical experience
- Prepare for the NCLEX‑RN with confidence
This 16‑month accelerated BSN pathway is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing. The hybrid format blends online coursework with in‑person labs and clinical experiences for focused, full‑time study.
Ideal if you want to:
- Change careers and enter nursing quickly
- Build on prior college experience
- Complete a BSN in an accelerated timeframe
- Learn through intensive, immersive clinical training
The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to advance their education and career opportunities. Coursework builds on professional experience while emphasizing leadership, evidence‑based practice, and holistic patient care.
Ideal if you want to:
- Advance your nursing credentials
- Expand leadership and professional practice skills
- Balance work with flexible coursework
- Prepare for graduate study or advanced nursing roles
State-of-the-art facilities
for hands-on learning
Learn in modern healthcare learning environments designed to build confidence before entering clinical practice.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- High-fidelity patient simulation laboratories
- Nursing skills and assessment labs
- Electronic health record training experiences
- Clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and healthcare agencies
- Technology-enhanced classrooms
- Small-group collaborative learning spaces
Students gain valuable hands-on experience in realistic healthcare environments that bridge classroom knowledge with professional nursing practice.
Careers in
Nursing
Career Paths
Nursing graduates educated at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Emergency Department Nurse
- Medical-Surgical Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- School Nurse
- Home Healthcare Nurse
- Nurse Case Manager
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Healthcare Administrator
- Graduate Nursing Education Pathways
West Liberty nursing graduates strengthen healthcare systems and communities through compassionate care, evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient advocacy.
Mission, Vision
& Values
The Department of Nursing is dedicated to educating professional nurses who deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care while serving diverse populations and improving health outcomes throughout their communities. Through personalized support, experiential learning, and meaningful clinical partnerships, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for lifelong success.
Core Values:
Caring and compassion · Professional integrity · Excellence in practice · Evidence-based decision-making · Patient-centered care · Leadership and accountability · Diversity, equity, and inclusion · Lifelong learning · Community engagement · Collaboration
The curriculum emphasizes clinical excellence, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership development, and holistic care across the lifespan.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates demonstrate competence in:
- Patient-centered nursing care
- Clinical judgment and decision-making
- Evidence-based practice
- Healthcare technology utilization
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Communication and patient education
- Leadership and care coordination
- Quality improvement and patient safety
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Cultural competence and inclusive care
- Professionalism and ethical practice
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Faculty mentoring and academic advising
- Direct admission opportunities for eligible students
- High-fidelity simulation experiences
- Clinical placements across regional healthcare settings
- NCLEX-RN preparation resources
- Student nursing organizations
- Career development and networking opportunities
- Community health and service-learning activities
- Small class sizes and individualized instruction
- Professional conference participation opportunities
- Alumni networking and mentorship connections
- Undergraduate research and evidence-based practice projects
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Department of Nursing
West Liberty University
Phone: 304-336-8000
Email: nursing@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.