Nursing FAQS

• Application dates and deadlines are posted on the EWU Bachelor of Science degree website under the Application and Deadlines tab.
• Please note, these dates are subject to change. Please check the website regularly for the most up to dates and deadlines.

• Each cohort is limited to 40 students.
• Students need to maintain a “C” or better in each nursing prerequisite course and maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum cumulative in the BSN prerequisite courses and a 3.0 GPA minimum cumulative in all college-level coursework from all schools attended.
• Nursing is taking a holistic approach to find well-rounded students. Selection into the program is not based on grades alone.
• Applicants should note that priority admission review will be given to those who have completed 45+ credits or more at Eastern Washington University.

• EWU’s Nursing Program looks beyond standardized test scores and GPA to assess applicants based on the whole of their education, community service and personal experience.

“Holistic admissions is consideration of more than just academic preparation in the college admissions process but includes life skills and those non-cognitive attributes that have shown to be strong predictors in retention and student success.”

– Gregory S. Blimling, vice chancellor for student development and professor of human development and psychological counseling, Appalachian State University, and editor, Journal of College Student Development.

• Students will submit a department application, then a committee of professionals, consisting of faculty, nursing board members and eventually student peers will review applications. If students meet the criteria for admission, they will be selected for interviews.
• Interviews will be face-to-face with members of the admissions committee. The admissions committee will then review the applicants who were interviewed and make their selection. Applicants will be notified along the way as to the status of their application and selection into the program.

• Students can make sure they are up to date on all immunizations:
  • Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus immunizations should all be up to date prior to starting the program. A seasonal flu shot is recommended. A TB test will be required prior to the start of the program. It is recommended students have a current COVID-19 immunization as many clinical rotation sites will not allow exemptions for students.

• EWU BSN Prerequisite coursework and EWU Graduation Requirements can be completed at a regionally accredited college or university. Coursework should be verified by the online transfer guides or by contacting the Nursing Program Specialist.
• Applicants should note that priority admission review will be given to those who have completed 45+ credits or more at Eastern Washington University.

• Yes!  There is no expiration date on prerequisites.

Yes!  We strongly encourage students apply for the general EWU Scholarship fund.  The EWU Nursing Program will review your EWU Scholarship application for Nursing specific scholarships and award accordingly based on scholarship eligibility requirements.  Please pay special attention to the  EWU Scholarship deadlines as outlined on their website.

• Applicants who are not selected for admissions are strongly encouraged to meet with the Nursing Program Specialist to review your applications and discuss options to strengthen your application for the next cycle, if you plan on applying.
• Applicants are also strongly encouraged to meet with their assigned EWU CAAR Advisor for further advising for minor and major degree options.

The EWU Nursing program is semester based.  Fall Semester starts in late August and Spring Semester starts in January.  Individuals interested in the program should view the EWU Semester Academic Calendar for the semester start and end dates, school closures, and holidays.

Each cohort will consist of 40 students (seats) and we will admit twice a year, in fall and spring semesters.

Yes, all classes will be in person in the SIERR building in downtown Spokane.  Courses will consist of didactic work along with clinical rotations throughout healthcare facilities in the area. Capstone practicum placements will be throughout the region, including urban and rural facilities.

Students will complete two years of nursing program and university prerequisites and two years (four semesters) of nursing coursework.  Courses will be taught fall and spring semester, there will be no summer courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is 64-semester credits and consists of 675 clinical hours. Students will be placed in clinical settings within healthcare facilities in the area. The hours will also include simulation which will be conducted in the state-of-the-art simulation lab located in the SIERR building.

The EWU BSN has initial approval of the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).  Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.  The BSN is not yet nationally accredited but plans to seek accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) at Eastern Washington University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.