Welcome to West Liberty University's Department of 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.
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.
Welcome to West Liberty University's Department of Nursing
West Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with tracks for two 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.
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.
Which Program is the Right Fit for You?
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.
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.
West Liberty University Nursing Department
Jarynn Hartman & Ben Foster tell us what it’s like to be a Nursing major at West Liberty University. Hear about your options from Jessica Davis the Chair of the Nursing Department.
Your Path to the WLU Nursing Program
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.
- 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).
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).
Why West Liberty?
"It is no secret that West Liberty University’s Nursing Program is notoriously preparatory for the nursing profession and is an extremely rigorous course. As second semester sophomores are introduced to the program, they are told up front about the challenges and actualities of the program they are soon to face. Initially, this may be frightening, however, it braces students for the reality of the next two years and ultimately sets them up for success in their future careers. The nursing program at WLU mirrors the profession of nursing in the sense that they are both demanding and strenuous, but also rewarding and fulfilling simultaneously. I graduated from WLU on 5/4/24 and passed my boards only 20 days later in the minimum 85 questions. The prestigious nursing program at West Liberty University immensely prepared me for the style, atmosphere, severity, and intensity of the NCLEX. Immediately upon graduation and passing of my boards, I started my career locally in Wheeling. I can wholeheartedly say that I have been prepared for life as a newly graduated nurse. At WLU, we were taught that critical thinking and clinical judgment are two of the most crucial aspects of nursing; these concepts are not taught everywhere else. The nursing instructors share their profound knowledge, many years of experience, and unwavering love for their careers, which reflects in their students. I highly recommend this program and I extend the utmost gratitude to my nursing professors for all of their time, effort, and dedication."
Career
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.
The Hilltop Advantage
Enhanced Curriculum
The Nursing program uses VR, SIM, clinical, and lab in addition to in-class lectures to enhance learning and solidify the concepts presented.
Personalized Support
The small size of the nursing cohorts fosters an environment where students are comfortable when asking questions and can seek out individual assistance when needed.
Clinical Experience
Clinical rotations become more complex as the student progresses through the program exposing the student to real world situations preparing them for life after graduation.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at West Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate in Nursing Education CCNE, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-887-7691.
NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rates
In order to be licensed as a registered nurse, students must pass the NCLEX. This is a national exam taken by graduates of nursing programs. The following data are the NCLEX pass rates for a calendar year and represent the percentage of students that pass the exam the first time they take the test.
| Year | Entry-level/Pre-Licensure | BA/BS to BSN |
| 2024 | 100% | 100% |
| 2023 | 94.12% | 83.33% |
| 2022 | 100% | 100% |
Next Steps
Request Info
For more information about West Liberty University, simply fill out and submit the form. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and we’ll send you more information. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Apply
Apply today and discover how West Liberty University can help you realize your career aspirations.
Visit
The journey of a lifetime starts with your first visit to West Liberty, where you will be greeted by a warm and inviting tree-shaded campus full of excitement.