College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Our programs are designed to teach caring, ethical, competent, and progressive professionals who are sensitive to diversity and prepared to work with individuals through all stages of health and wellness. 

Hands-On Experiences

Students gain first-hand experience while bridging the gap in healthcare access through Bridges Health, a clinic that provides free services to community members. 

Alumni Experiences at Bridges Health

Winona State University is accredited for undergraduate and graduate programs by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Athletic Training

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program received continuing accredited status by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) in December 2021 for a 10-year period. The next comprehensive programmatic review is scheduled for 2031-2032.

Clinical Exercise Science

The Clinical Exercise Science program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in November 2024. The next evaluation is scheduled for Fall 2029.

Strength & Conditioning

The Strength & Conditioning program received initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education in November 2024. The next evaluation is scheduled for Fall 2029.

Nursing

The following programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE):

• Baccalaureate degree program in nursing
• Master’s degree program in nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice program
• Post-graduate APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certificate program

The WSU Nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Baccalaureate and Master’s programs received continuing program approval in September 2022. The next consideration for continuing approval by the Board of Nursing will be after the planned 2032 Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation visit.

Graduates of the traditional 4-year, pre-licensure program (Generic Option) are eligible to write the professional nurse licensure examination (NCLEX). 

Generic Option and RN to BS Completion graduates are eligible to apply for Public Health Nursing Certification in Minnesota and may also apply to the Board of Teaching for a school nurse license in Minnesota after they obtain Public Health Nurse certification. 

Graduates can give professional nursing care in first-level nursing positions and have a base for graduate study.

Department of Education Disclosures

As of July 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education implemented new regulations that professional nursing programs (RN and APRN) must adhere to: Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a)(5)(v).

In compliance with this regulation, WSU is providing the following information:

• WSU’s nursing curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure in the states/jurisdictions of: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Island, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
• WSU’s undergraduate nursing curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for professional licensure in the states/jurisdictions of: None
• WSU has not made the determination if the undergraduate nursing curriculum meets state educational requirements in the states/jurisdictions of: American Samoa, Guam, and Michigan

This information was gathered from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website and last updated on July 1, 2022. 

WSU assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained in this resource. It is your responsibility to verify accuracy by visiting the NCSBN website.

Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1985, and our Master of Social Work program has been accredited since 2019. The next accreditation review for the Bachelor of Social Work program is scheduled for October 2029 and the Master of Social Work program is scheduled in February 2030.