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Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Four Years)
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?
- Careers
- Real-World Experience
- Academics and Curriculum
- Admission
- Program Outcomes
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.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (B.S.N.) at Wright State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
If you begin nursing courses in Fall Semester 2023 or Spring Semester 2024 at the Dayton campus, choose from two options—year-round classes (two years to complete nursing curriculum) or summers off (three years to complete nursing curriculum). Effective Fall Semester 2024, only the year-round pattern will be offered at the Dayton campus. For more information, please see the Prelicensure B.S.N. (Three Years) web page. The Lake Campus will continue to offer only the four-year (summers off) program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I am currently enrolled in the traditional prelicensure B.S.N. program. Will I have to switch over to the new, year-round program of study?
No. If you are already enrolled in nursing courses, you will remain on your current program of study, provided you successfully complete your required classes.
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I expect to start nursing courses in the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 semesters. Will I be under the new, year-round program of study?
No. Students starting nursing courses in the Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 semesters will be under the current, four-year (summers off) program of study.
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I am a senior set to graduate from high school in 2022. What are my options?
Current high school seniors enrolling at Wright State for Fall Semester 2022 as a nursing intent or direct admit will have the opportunity to complete the program in four years (summers off) or in three years (year-round study).
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I am a transfer student. Where do I fit in the three-year program (year-round)?
It is recommended that you call 937-775-3131 to arrange an appointment with an academic advisor to determine your projected admission date into the nursing program. This will influence whether you will be under the three-year (year-round) or four-year (summers off) program of study.
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I am a military student. How will the three-year program impact my financial aid?
It is recommended that you contact Raider Connect at 937-775-4000 or raiderconnect@wright.edu to discuss the financial aid implications of a year-round course of study.
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I am a current Alternative Pre-Licensure Pathway (APP) student. How will this three-year program change my program of study?
It does not impact your program of study, provided you successfully complete your required classes.
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I am a prospective Alternative Pre-Licensure Pathway (APP) student. How will this three-year program change my program of study?
The APP option will not be available after Fall Semester 2022. The three-year program will be an attractive option for meeting your career goals.
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I am a student-athlete. If I am enrolled in a three-year program (year-round), may I use my fourth- and fifth-year scholarships to earn graduate credit?
Possibly, as long as nursing practice experience or earned clinical hours are not required to complete the graduate courses you wish to take.
Program Description
The Wright State University School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences undergraduate nursing program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. An honors program is available if you demonstrate superior academic ability.
Two on-campus pre-licensure pathways lead to the B.S.N. based on your qualifications: (1) the traditional pathway if you are admitted to the program in your sophomore year or are a direct admit from high school; and (2) the alternative pre-licensure pathway (APP) if you have have prior healthcare-related experience/training, including, but not limited to, military medical training, Emergency Medical training (EMT), training as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), if you hold a science degree and also have direct patient care experience. Option 1 is offered both at the Dayton and the Lake campuses. Option 2 is offered on the Dayton campus only.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Wright State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 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.
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.
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
Policy
Admission to the School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences 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 college 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.
If you are an admitted student, you may not defer entrance to the program; you 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.
How to Apply
To be eligible to apply to the undergraduate nursing program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1
Be admitted to Wright State University as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student.
2
Complete the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent with a grade of C or better, while maintaining a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75:
- Anatomy 2100 (Human Anatomy I)
- Anatomy 2120 (Human Anatomy II)
- English 1100 (Composition I)
- Psychology 1010 (Introductory)
- Psychology 3410 (Lifespan Developmental)
- Chemistry 1020 (Organic)
- Biology 1050*, 1070, 1120 or 1150
- Statistics 1600
*BIO 1050 will only be accepted for the biology requirement for students admitted to Wright State prior to Fall 2022.
If you began the anatomy and physiology series in Fall 2015 or beyond, you must provide evidence of taking both anatomy and physiology courses at the same institution to ensure coverage of all necessary content prior to starting your nursing series of courses. This requirement will be only be waived if you provide documentation in the form of a course syllabus or other similar documentation that provides evidence of all required anatomy and physiology content.
3
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.
See the Nurses Aid Training and HESI Testing Requirements chart to determine the need for HESI testing.
4
Complete all undergraduate coursework with a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA (only includes coursework completed within the last 10 years).
5
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 School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences campus.
6
Meet the admission prerequisite courses or progression requirements:
- Students may repeat any science course once (ANT 2100, 2120; BIO 1050*, 1070, 1120, 1150; CHM 1010, 1020; HLT 3400; BIO 2200).
- Only two science courses may be repeated.
- All natural science courses must be current (taken within 10 years of acceptance to the program).
7
Submit an Application for Admission (PDF) to the School of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences student affairs office. Please attach copies of transcripts from all colleges previously attended and HESI result scores (when required) to the application.
Currently enrolled Wright State students who are direct admits must submit an Intent to Enroll form to the college by the applicable application deadline.
Application Deadlines for Traditional Pathway
- Fall admission: May 15
- Spring Admission: September 15
Special Considerations for Direct Admit from High School
Offers of direct admission for Fall 2022 will automatically be made to any 2022 high school graduate meeting the following criteria (no separate application is required):
- Min 3.25 High School GPA AND
- Min 22 ACT Composite or SAT 1100 Score OR
- Min 21 on Wright State Math Placement Exam (placement into college-level math) & Min 40 on Wright State Writing Placement Exam (placement into college-level English) OR
- Completion of two College Credit Plus (CCP) courses with at least a 3.0 GPA (establishes a track record of success in college-level studies)
- Be admitted to Wright State as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student by May 1, 2022, of their senior year of high school
Questions or concerns? Please contact Theresa Haghnazarian, Director of Student and Alumni Affairs, College of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Health Sciences, theresa.haghnazarian@wright.edu or 937-775-2592
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 August 1 for Fall Semester start or December 1 for Spring Semester start.
*Review Handbooks and Requirements for more information on these items:
- CastleBranch Instructions
- Student Checklist
- Student Physical Exam Forms
- CPR (BLS)
- Training Modules for Blood Borne Pathogen and Clinical Passport Training (GDAHA)
- Technical Standards - Please Read
- Technical Standards - Signature Sheet
- Nurse Aide Training (S.T.N.A.)
If you fail to submit all of these documents by the deadline, you may be ineligible to start 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
| Previous Educational/Direct Care Experience | Nurses Aid Training Course Completion Required Prior to Starting First Nursing Course? | HESI Test Results Required for Application? |
|---|---|---|
| LPN | No | Yes |
| Military medic, EMT, paramedic | Yes, or written verification of nurse aid experiences | Yes |
| Bachelor’s degree with healthcare experience | Yes | No |
| Other health-related experiences or careers | To be determined on an individual basis by the acting chair | Yes |
| Direct Admits | Yes | No |
HESI Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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What content will be included in the test?
The test has three modules
- English Language, which includes reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge and grammar.
- 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.
- Science
- Biology covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular, respiration, photosynthesis, etc.
- Chemistry contains test items that cover matter, chemical equations, and reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, etc.
- You will not be tested on anatomy, physiology or physics.
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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.
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What is Wright State University’s Department ID?
198996
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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:
- Enter your school’s ID #: Wright State University Dept. ID is 198996
- Select the appropriate exam: A2 (V1 for the first time taking the exam or V2 for the second time taking the exam)
- Verify and check the box that reads “My Evolve profile is the same as it appears on my government-issued photo ID.”
- Confirm info by selecting the checkbox at the bottom of the page
- 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.
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What is the cost of the test?
Please visit website for current price of test.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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How much time is allotted to take the test?
Students are permitted four hours to complete the test.
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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.
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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)
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:
- Meet the requirements for graduation which encompasses the arts, the sciences, and nursing for the basis of professional nursing practice. (Essential I)
- Use basic organizational and systems leadership skills for client safety and quality client care. (Essential II)
- Integrates current relevant evidence in professional nursing practice. (Essential III)
- Implement health care information technology in the management of client care. (Essential IV)
- Analyze legislative and regulatory processes relevant to the provision of health care. (Essential V)
- Use effective interpersonal and interprofessional communication and collaboration to improve client health outcomes. (Essential VI)
- Implement health promotion and disease prevention interventions at the individual and community levels to improve population health. (Essential VII)
- Exhibit professionalism and the inherent values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice. (Essential VIII)
- 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)
