Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers a robust selection of nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). With both on-campus and hybrid delivery formats, the university provides flexible paths to fit various lifestyles and career goals. Known for its commitment to research and clinical excellence, the school prepares students for diverse nursing roles through comprehensive education.

Programs Offered

• Accelerated BSN: On Campus, $55,000 total, 16-month program, 88% graduation rate
• BSN (Traditional): On Campus, $180,000 total, 48-month program, 88% graduation rate
• DNP: Online + Campus, $72,000 total, 36-month program, 88% graduation rate
• MSN — Clinical Nurse Specialist: Online + Campus, $50,400 total, 24-month program, 88% graduation rate
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner: Online + Campus, $55,200 total, 30-month program, 88% graduation rate
• PhD in Nursing: On Campus, $130,000 total, 60-month program, 88% graduation rate

Clinical Training & Hospital Partnerships

• Over 1,000 clinical hours across more than 200 community agencies in Cleveland
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation labs at the Health Education Campus
• Partnerships with multiple Magnet-status hospitals, including:
  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (Magnet, AMC)
  • Cleveland Clinic (Magnet)
  • VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (Magnet)
  • MetroHealth Medical Center (Magnet)
  • University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (AMC)
• Structured clinical placements coordinated by the School of Nursing

Admissions

Case Western Reserve University has a ~33% acceptance rate, making admissions moderately competitive. Key details include:

• Direct admission to the BSN program with no separate nursing-school application, prerequisites, or waitlist
• Clinical courses and patient interaction begin in the first semester
• No TEAS or HESI testing requirements for BSN admission
• Undergraduate BSN progression requirements:
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above by the end of the junior year
  • Earn at least a grade of C in all core and nursing courses
  • Two unsatisfactory grades (D or F) in nursing, natural science, or behavioral science courses may result in separation from the program

Schedule & Format Flexibility

• DNP (Post-Master’s, online):
  • Format: Remote-hybrid (partially online, partially on-campus)
  • Most core courses offered synchronously online; three courses asynchronously
  • On-campus requirements: Immersion experiences up to three times during the program and final project presentations
  • Intensive format: Some classes meet in short blocks (e.g., a 3-credit course over 5–6 consecutive days)
• Post-Graduate Certificate programs (MSN majors & specialties):
  • Format: Hybrid classes combining online content with short week-long or weekend in-class experiences

Program-Specific Details

• BSN (Traditional): Minimum GPA of 2.0, direct admission with no separate application
• DNP: Remote-hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous courses
• MSN — Clinical Nurse Specialist: Remote-hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous courses
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner: Distance-friendly courses with hybrid classes

Why Choose Case Western Reserve University for Nursing?

• Accreditation: CCNE-accredited programs ensure nationally recognized standards, licensure eligibility, and credit transferability
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Consistently high pass rates, exceeding the national average of 87–89%
• Clinical Partnerships: Extensive network of over 200 community agencies and Magnet-status hospitals
• Career Prospects: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 189,100 RN job openings annually through 2034, with a median annual wage of $93,600 (May 2024)
• Advanced Practice Opportunities: BSN is the foundation for roles such as Nurse Practitioner (median salary $129,210) and Nurse Anesthetist (median salary $223,210)

What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

• Accreditation: Ensure programmatic accreditation from CCNE or ACEN, in addition to regional accreditation
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Look for programs that meet or exceed the national average (87–89%)
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong partnerships ensure diverse, high-quality hands-on training
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources
• Career Placement: Schools with healthcare employer partnerships can ease the transition from education to practice