Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing
Prepare for a nursing career through flexible BSN pathways that build clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate care skills.
Expand Your Impact
in Nursing
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.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
Total Credits:
Outcome: Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX‑RN licensure exam
Format: On-campus, hybrid, and online options depending on track
Program
Overview
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.
Who This
Program Is For
High School Students Looking to get into Nursing
West Liberty University’s traditional Nursing B.S. program gives high school graduates and first‑time college students a strong start in their nursing journey through immersive clinical experiences, state‑of‑the‑art simulation labs, and personalized faculty support. The hybrid format offers the perfect blend of online coursework and in-person lectures. From the first year forward, students build hands-on skills and confidence in real healthcare settings while learning in a close-knit, encouraging campus community. Graduates are fully prepared to step into in-demand nursing roles across hospitals, community health organizations, and specialty care units equipped with the critical thinking, compassion, and clinical competence that define excellent patient care. The
See below for next steps applying to WLU and the Direct Admission option for eligible high school juniors or applying for admission to the program your sophomore year.
College Graduates BA or BS Looking to obtain a BSN
West Liberty University’s hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers the perfect blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, giving aspiring nurses the schedule flexibility they need to succeed. Designed for driven pre-licensure students, including those seeking our 16‑month accelerated option this program pairs supportive, personalized instruction with real-world practice that builds confidence from day one. Graduates enter the workforce prepared for in-demand roles across hospitals, community health settings, specialty units, and beyond launching a nursing career shaped by strong clinical skills, critical thinking, and compassionate care.
Apply to the Nursing BA/BS to BSN Program
RN looking to obtain a BSN
West Liberty University’s RN‑to‑BSN online program empowers working nurses to advance their careers through a fully online, 100% asynchronous format designed for busy professionals. As a leading RN‑to‑BSN program in West Virginia, it offers small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and a caring learning environment where every nurse receives individual attention and encouragement. This accelerated RN‑to‑BSN program can be completed in just three semesters, helping students build on their professional experience while expanding their leadership skills. Graduates leave prepared to step into advanced roles, pursue specialized practice areas, and make a greater impact across diverse healthcare settings.
What
You’ll Learn
Students gain the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies needed to deliver safe, evidence-based patient care across healthcare settings.
Clinical Practice & Patient Care
- Perform patient assessments and clinical procedures
- Deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care
- Apply critical thinking in real-world clinical settings
Healthcare Systems & Leadership
- Understand healthcare systems and policy
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Coordinate care across interdisciplinary teams
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
- Evaluate research to improve patient outcomes
- Apply data and informatics in decision-making
- Integrate best practices into clinical care
Curriculum
Overview
The BSN curriculum blends general education, nursing prerequisites, and upper-division nursing coursework with extensive clinical training and simulation experiences.
Program Structure
- General Education Courses
- Nursing Prerequisites & Support Courses
- Core Nursing Courses
- Clinical Rotations & Simulation Labs
- Capstone/Synthesis Experience
Required Prerequisites Include:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Psychology (general and developmental)
- Statistics
Admission Requirements
Describe academic thresholds needed to enter the professional phase of the program.
Career &
Outcomes
Students who graduate with a BSN must successfully complete the NCLEX exam for licensure. Once licensed, the graduate can work in any state they choose. BSN graduates may join the military and often agencies require a BSN to be hired into specialty areas such as NICU and Trauma ICU as examples. Nurses are needed everywhere, in schools, on cruise ships, in industry, flight on both fixed wings (planes) and helicopters and the list goes on. With a BSN, the nurse can choose the age group they wish to work with, the location and the type of care that is needed which allows the nurse to thrive in their profession. BSN graduates may further their education which allows them to become nurse educators, nurse practitioners, nurse intensivists, nurse anesthetists, nurse researchers and many more options are available. Salaries vary by region, cost of living, experience and specialty.
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the Nursing program is selective to ensure students are academically prepared for rigorous coursework and clinical responsibilities.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
- Nursing program application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- Background check and drug screening (final admission)
Application Deadline: February 1 (priority)
Evaluation Process:
Applications are reviewed by the Nursing Academic Standards Committee using academic performance, prerequisites, and supporting materials.
Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.
Cost, Aid &
Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
Step 1: Apply to West Liberty University
Persons desiring to study nursing at West Liberty University must be accepted for admission to the college, declaring Nursing as their major.
Admission to the nursing major is through either of two methods: Direct Admission or Application made during the second semester of the sophomore year.
Step 2: Sophomore Year Apply for Admission into the Nursing Program – Admission Requirements
- ACT composite score of 20 or combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1030.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon completion of at least 42 hours of credit.
- A grade of “C’ or higher in all science prerequisite courses: BIO 124/125; CHEM 100/101 or CHEM 110/111; BIO 212.
The Nursing Academic Standards Committee reviews applications and notifies the candidate of its decision. Students desiring priority consideration should submit all application material by February 1.
Students not meeting initial requirements may re-apply.
Full admission to the Nursing Program will occur at the completion of the sophomore year and includes.
- Satisfactory completion of all general studies courses and nursing support/prerequisite courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 in the general studies and nursing support/prerequisite courses required for the degree.
- A grade of “C” or higher in each science course (BIO 214, and BIO 216) and the prerequisite nursing courses (NUR 202 and NUR 203).
- A background check with “unremarkable” findings and a drug screen with “clean” results (from a specified vendor).
Direct Admission – High School Senior Option
High school students admitted to WLU who meet one of the following academic tiers are guaranteed a spot in the Nursing Program in their junior year, provided they maintain program standards.
Direct Admission Qualifications
High school seniors must meet one of the following three academic combinations to qualify for Direct Admission:
| If your high school GPA is | You need an ACT score of | OR an SAT score of |
| 3.8 or higher | 25+ | 1150+ |
| 3.6-3.79 | 26+ | 1190+ |
| 3.5-3.59 | 28+ | 1260+ |
Note: Direct Admits must maintain a 3.0 University GPA and meet all requirements listed below under full admission.
Full admission to the Nursing Program will occur at the completion of the sophomore year and includes.
- Satisfactory completion of all general studies courses and nursing support/prerequisite courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 in the general studies and nursing support/prerequisite courses required for the degree.
- A grade of “C” or higher in each science course (BIO 214, and BIO 216) and the prerequisite nursing courses (NUR 202 and NUR 203).
- A background check with “unremarkable” findings and a drug screen with “clean” results (from a specified vendor).
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
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.