Nursing

Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing

photo of nursing students and professors in class

NCLEX® Passing Rates

2023 NCLEX® Passing Rate

  • Wright State School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences: 91.13%
  • National Average: 87.62%
  • State of Ohio: 85.75%

2022 NCLEX® Passing Rate

  • Wright State School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences: 84.41%
  • National Average: 79.91%
  • State of Ohio: 75.83%

2021 NCLEX® Passing Rate

  • Wright State School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences: 84.85%
  • National Average: 82.48%
  • State of Ohio: 79.07%

On this page:

Why Choose Nursing?

Become a professional nurse and serve a vital role in our health care system, including that of an advocate for health care consumers. Wright State's nursing program will help prepare you to become a self-directed nurse who can function as a generalist in multiple settings. You will collaborate with other professionals to coordinate and improve the health care of individuals, families, and communities.

Wright State University is currently offering a three-year (year round) and a four year (summer's off) program at the Dayton Campus. The Lake Campus will continue to offer only the four-year (summers off) program.

Program Description

The Wright State University Undergraduate Nursing Program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. An honors program is available for students with superior academic ability. 

The program offers a traditional pathway for students who are admitted to the program in their sophomore year or via direct admit from high school.  This program is offered at both the Dayton and the Lake campuses.  

The professional nurse is increasingly being viewed as the nucleus of the health care system, as well as serving as an advocate for health care consumers. Therefore, Wright State's program prepares self-directed graduates who can function as generalists in a number of settings and work in collaboration with other health professionals to coordinate and improve the health care of individuals, families, and communities.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (B.S.N.) at Wright State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Graduates of the pre-licensure pathways are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed as registered nurses.

Successful completion of the BSN meets the educational requirements for the RN license in Ohio as regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing

Successful completion of the BSN meets the educational requirements for RN licensure in all other states, but other requirements may vary from state to state. If you are planning to pursue RN licensure in a state other than Ohio, please contact the licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding that state's licensure or certification requirements.

Careers

Nurses care for individuals and families from birth to death in local as well as international communities. Workplace environments can include newborn nurseries to elderly care facilities and school clinics to the World Health Organization. A nursing education prepares you to participate in research to improve the health of people and/or improve health care practices.

Real-World Experience

The School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences has contracts with more than 200 agencies in the area, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, county health departments, nursing homes, school systems, senior citizens centers, and daycare centers which can be used for clinical experiences and/or research. You will be introduced to the varied aspects of nursing through theory and research in the classroom. Outside the classroom, you will have clinical experiences in health assessment, maternity, pediatrics, adult health, community health, mental health, and complex care settings. You will complete more than 750 hours in clinical practice, laboratory, and simulated settings. Based on space availability, your classes and clinical experiences may be offered days, evenings, or weekends.  During your final semester, you will complete a preceptorship during which you work alongside a registered nurse in a healthcare setting.

Nursing Skills Lab Tours

Join the College of Health, Education, and Human Services for a tour of our Nursing Skills Lab. To schedule your tour, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions Campus Visits, Events, and Open Houses website and choose one of the dates listed in the Nursing Skills Lab Tours area.

Students seeking a full campus tour will need to register for that separately on the "Schedule a visit today" link on that page.

Academics and Curriculum

View Bachelor of Science in Nursing program information, all degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog.

If you are admitted to the nursing program, review the posted undergraduate student handbook for your pattern and program of study. The six-semester nursing curriculum plan will change beginning Fall 2023 for new students.

Admission

Admission to Nursing is competitive due to constraints of the affiliating clinical facilities and program resources. The most highly qualified applicants are selected based on the following criteria: the achievement of a minimum score on the HESI A2 Entrance exam, application information, prerequisite course work GPA, cumulative undergraduate course work GPA (only includes coursework completed within the last 10 years), and criminal records check. 

The number of students accepted is dependent on available resources. The Nursing department maintains no waiting list. To be reconsidered for a subsequent admission period, you must reapply to the program and compete for admission with all other applicants for that period. 

Admitted students may not defer entrance to the program; they must reapply.  Prior acceptance does not guarantee acceptance at a later date.

All applicants for admission to the nursing program receive consideration regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, creed, age, political views, sexual orientation, marital status, or veteran status.

All students must:

  1. Be admitted to Wright State University as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student.
  2. Provide evidence of a clean/clear criminal records check from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation) or applicable state. Results of background checks must be sent directly to the appropriate Nursing campus.
  3. Successfully complete the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent with a grade of C or better, while maintaining a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75:
    1. Anatomy 2100 (Human Anatomy I)
    2. Anatomy 2120 (Human Anatomy II)
    3. English 1100 (Composition I)
    4. Psychology 1010 (Introductory)
    5. Psychology 3410 (Lifespan Developmental)
    6. Chemistry 1020 (Organic)
    7. Biology 1070, 1120 or 1150
    8. Statistics 1600
    9. NOTE: Students who began the Anatomy and Physiology series Fall 2015 or beyond must provide evidence of taking both Anatomy and Physiology courses at the same institution in order to ensure coverage of all necessary content prior to starting their nursing series of courses. This requirement will be only be waived for students who provide documentation in the form of a course syllabus or other similar documentation that provides evidence of all required anatomy and physiology content.
  4. In meeting the admission prerequisite courses or progression requirements:
    1. Students may repeat any science course once (ANT 2100, 2120; BIO 1070, 1120, 1150; CHM 1020; HLT 3400; BIO 2200).
    2. Only two science courses may be repeated
    3. All natural science courses must be current (taken within 10 years of acceptance to the program).
  5. Complete all undergraduate coursework with a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA (only includes coursework completed within the last 10 years).
  6. Achievement of a minimum composite score of 75 percent on the English language, science, and math modules of the HESI A2 Entrance Exam. This requirement will be waived for (1) direct admit from high school students; (2) students who provide prior evidence of successful completion ("C" or higher) for at least one clinical course (i.e. Nursing Fundamentals) from a regionally accredited institution or accredited through CCNE or ACEN; or 3) hold a prior baccalaureate degree.

Special Considerations for Direct Admit from High School:

Offers of direct admission for Fall 2024 will automatically be made to any 2024 high school graduate meeting the following criteria (no separate application is required): 

  1. Apply and be admitted to Wright State University with nursing as intended major
  2. High school cumulative GPA of 3.25

Application Procedure*

  1. Upon successful completion of all prerequisite courses with the required grade point average, students following the traditional pathway must submit the School of Nursing’s Application for Admission (PDF) by the application deadline noted below.
  2. Upon successful completion of all prerequisite courses with the required grade point average, students following the direct admit pathway must submit the School of Nursing’s Intent to Enroll form by the application deadline noted below. The Intent form may be obtained from Nursing or the student's assigned nursing advisor. 
  3. Submit copies of transcripts from all colleges previously attended as well as the HESI score report (when required).
  4. Results demonstrating all-clear background checks must be sent directly to the appropriate Nursing campus.

* Most students apply to the Nursing program after their first year at WSU.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Admission: May 15
  • Spring Admission: September 15

Please see the below section for Progression Requirements that must be completed after admission and before starting nursing courses.

Progression Requirements

Prelicensure BSN - Student Checklist for Nursing Compliance Requirements

Upon receipt of your acceptance letter to the B.S.N. program, set up your CastleBranch (CB) account. Then complete all of these items and load them into your CB account by October 1 for Fall Semester or February 1 for Spring Semester.

*Review Handbooks and Requirements  for more information on these items:

  1. CastleBranch Instructions
  2. Student Checklist
  3. Student Physical Exam Forms
  4. CPR (BLS)
  5. Training Modules for Blood Borne Pathogen and Clinical Passport Training (GDAHA)
  6. Technical Standards - Please Read
  7. Technical Standards - Signature Sheet

If you fail to submit all of these documents by the deadline, you may be ineligible to progress in the nursing program.

Clinical Uniforms

In addition, be sure to order and purchase your nursing uniforms. See Handbooks and Requirements for information.

HESI A2 Entrance Exam

HESI Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the HESI RN Admission Assessment Exam?

    The Evolve Reach RN Admission Assessment Exam (A2) is a computer-based test consisting of a number of separate modules.

  • What content will be included in the test?

    The test has three modules

    1. English Language, which includes reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge and grammar.
    2. Math focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measure, general math facts, etc.
    3. Science
      1. Biology covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular, respiration, photosynthesis, etc.
      2. Chemistry contains test items that cover matter, chemical equations, and reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, etc.
      3. You will not be tested on anatomy, physiology or physics.
  • When can I register and take the test?

    For the May 15 application deadline: You must register for the test by May 1. The test must be taken no later than May 8. Normally, you can take the test within a week after registration.

    For the September 15 application deadline: You must register for the test by September 1. The test must be taken no later than September 8.

  • What is Wright State University’s Department ID?

    198996

  • How do I register for the test?

    To register for your Elsevier I HESI exam, you will need an Evolve student account. If you do not already have one, you can create it at:
    https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/store?role=student.

    Click on the “Register for Distance Testing” link located under HESI Secured Exams. Click on the “Register” button and then “Redeem/Checkout.” You will then create an account. Once you have completed that, you will be taken back to “My Cart” and must hit “Submit.” You can access your login credentials by clicking “My Account” and selecting “Account Settings”. When you return to My Evolve you will see a HESI Assessment section in your Content List. Click the link for “Student Access” to get started.

    You will be then taken to the HESI Assessment Homepage. From there click on “Register for Distance Testing Exam” and do the following:

    1. Enter your school’s ID #: Wright State University Dept. ID is 198996
    2. Select the appropriate exam: A2 (V1 for the first time taking the exam or V2 for the second time taking the exam)
    3. Verify and check the box that reads “My Evolve profile is the same as it appears on my government-issued photo ID.”
    4. Confirm info by selecting the checkbox at the bottom of the page
    5. Click “Submit” button

    You will receive an email Confirmation Notice indicating that you may schedule your exam. Please carefully review the information contained in your Confirmation Notice. If any of the information is incorrect, or if the information has changed, please contact Elsevier Review and Testing at exameligibility@elsevier.com. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture of your testing appointment and associated fees. PLEASE NOTE: You will receive your Eligibility ID within 1-3 business days of our receipt of your eligibility request.

    Once it is processed, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility and providing instruction that directs you to the Prometric website to schedule and pay for the exam.

    If you have problems while registering for the exam (i.e., error messages), please contact Evolve at 800.950.2728 x6935.

  • What is the cost of the test?

    Please visit website for current price of test.

  • Where can I take the exam?

    You can take the test at any Prometric testing center. There is a testing center on Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek. Once you follow the registration process listed above, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility and providing instruction that directs you to the Prometric website to schedule and pay for the exam.

  • How can I prepare for the test?

    You can purchase Admission Assessment Exam Review, 3rd Edition (ISBN 978-1455703333) or purchase an online course. The study guide can be purchased at the Wright State bookstore. To purchase the text online and register for the online review go to https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9781455703333?role=student.

    Also, you can purchase McGraw-Hill’s Nursing School Entrance Exams, 2rd Edition (ISBN 978-0071810494).

  • How far in advance of entering the nursing program can I take the test?

    Wright State University College of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences has no age limit on the test scores. You may take the test at any time.

  • How much time is allotted to take the test?

    Students are permitted four hours to complete the test.

  • What score must I achieve to be eligible for admission to Wright State University College of Nursing and Heath?

    You must achieve a composite score of 75 percent on each subject area of the test.

  • What if I am unsuccessful my first attempt on the HESI A2?

    There are two versions of the exam. You are allowed to test once on each version within a 6-month period. You may register for the exam and only take the sections that need an improved score, but you will be required to pay the full price for the exam.

    If you do not pass the HESI RN Assessment Exam on your second attempt, you are no longer eligible to apply for admission to the college.

HESI A2 Registration Directions (DOCX)

BSN CURRICULUM

Please meet with an advisor for scheduling

Course

Title

Credit Hours

PSY 1010

Introduction to Psychology

4

CHM 1020

Organic Chemistry

4

BIO 1070, 1120, or 1150

Biology Core

4

ENG 1100

English Composition

3

STT 1600

Statistics

4

 

 

 

HLT 2000

Introduction to Nursing

3

ENG 2100

Research and Argument

3

ANT 2100

Human Anatomy I

4

ANT 2120

Human Anatomy II

4

BIO 2200

Microbiology

4

SOC 2000

Introduction to Sociology

3

 

 

 

HLT 3400

Pharmacology

3

PSY 3410

Lifespan Psychology

3

WSC E3

Global Traditions

3

WSC E3

Western Civilization History

3

WSC E4

Arts & Humanities

3

WSC

Elective 1

3

WSC

Elective 2

3

 

 

 

NUR 2200

Fundamentals & Skills I

5

NUR 2300

Fundamentals & Skills II

5

NUR 2600

Pathophysiology

3

NUR 3200

Family

3

NUR 3300

Evidence-Based Practice

3

NUR 3421

Mental Health

4

NUR 3440

Obstetrics

4

NUR 3460

Pediatrics

4

NUR 3480

Care of Adults

7

NUR 4421

Critical Care

7

NUR 4441

Public Health

4

NUR 4461

Leadership/Preceptorship

10

 

 

 

Total Credit Hours

 

120

Program Outcomes

Successful completion of the B.S.N. meets the educational requirements for the RN license in Ohio as regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing

Successful completion of the B.S.N. meets the educational requirements for RN licensure in all other states, but other requirements may vary from state to state. If you are planning to pursue RN licensure in a state other than Ohio, please contact the licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding that state’s licensure or certification requirements.

The B.S.N. graduate will:

  1. Meet the requirements for graduation which encompasses the arts, the sciences, and nursing for the basis of professional nursing practice. (Essential I)
  2. Use basic organizational and systems leadership skills for client safety and quality client care. (Essential II)
  3. Integrates current relevant evidence in professional nursing practice. (Essential III)
  4. Implement health care information technology in the management of client care. (Essential IV)
  5. Analyze legislative and regulatory processes relevant to the provision of health care. (Essential V)
  6. Use effective interpersonal and interprofessional communication and collaboration to improve client health outcomes. (Essential VI)
  7. Implement health promotion and disease prevention interventions at the individual and community levels to improve population health. (Essential VII)
  8. Exhibit professionalism and the inherent values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice. (Essential VIII)
  9. Practice at a baccalaureate nurse generalist level with clients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings; considering the variation, complexity, and resources necessary for the provision of care. (Essential IX)

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