Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers CCNE-accredited, 100% online nursing programs with a competency-based education model, allowing students to accelerate their learning and achieve career goals flexibly.

Programs Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) – Hybrid format, $35,700 total, 36-month program, 55% graduation rate
• MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Online, 24-month program
• MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – Online, 24-month program
• MSN – Leadership & Management – Online, $18,000 total, 24-month program, 55% graduation rate
• MSN – Nursing Education – Online, $18,000 total, 24-month program, 55% graduation rate
• MSN – Nursing Informatics – Online, $18,000 total, 24-month program, 55% graduation rate
• RN to BSN – Online, $16,800 total, 18-month program, 55% graduation rate

Admissions

Admissions at WGU are moderately competitive, with no published acceptance rate for nursing programs.

• Prelicensure BSN Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the HESI A2 or ATI TEAS nursing exam within the last five years
  • HESI A2 minimum overall score of 75%, with at least 75% in Vocabulary, Reading, Math, and Grammar
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in required nursing sciences
  • Nursing application essay and personal details submission
• Online Programs (e.g., RN-to-BSN, MSN): Fully online with asynchronous coursework and no set class times or deadlines

Schedule & Format

• Prelicensure BSN: Hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person components:
  • Two Learning Lab Experiences at WGU Clinical Learning and Simulation Centers
  • Seven in-person clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities
• RN-to-BSN: Fully online with no in-person requirements; students may transfer 50–90 credits
• MSN Programs (e.g., FNP, PMHNP, Leadership & Management): Fully online with flexible start dates

Key Considerations

• Accreditation: WGU holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 89% (national average: 87–89%)
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong network with hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations for hands-on training
• Student Support: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources
• Career Outlook: Median annual wage for registered nurses: $93,600 (BLS, May 2024); 189,100 RN job openings projected annually through 2034

Why Choose WGU?

• CCNE accreditation ensures nationally recognized standards for nursing education
• Competency-based model allows students to accelerate learning
• Flexible online and hybrid formats fit diverse lifestyles
• Strong clinical partnerships and student support services
• Graduates are eligible for professional licensure and competitive career opportunities