Nursing at Winona State University

The Winona State University Department of Nursing has been providing high quality nursing education in southeast Minnesota for more than 40 years. Undergraduate programs include a traditional, pre-licensure 4 year BS in Nursing degree for students who wish to obtain a registered nurse license and an RN-BS Completion program for Associate Degree, or diploma prepared RNs who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Program Features

  • High job placement rate—approximately 96% for 2014-15 graduates.
  • Nursing graduates of the Pre-Licensure and RN-BS Completion programs are eligible to apply for Minnesota Public Health Nursing Certification.

Pre-Licensure Program Features

  • Preferred Admission Contract - provides priority consideration for admission for students who have qualifying ACT scores and declare nursing upon enrollment.
  • High NCLEX Pass Rates - First time NCLEX pass rates consistently at or above the national average.
  • Clinical Partners - WSU partners with numerous healthcare providers in the region to provide hands-on clinical experiences for students.
  • Simulation Space - The WSU simulation space creates a unique learning environment that promotes independent student learning and collaboration between nursing students and their respective faculty mentors.
  • Innovative Approaches to Clinical Education - Including development of a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) for clinical education and case coordination to prevent rehospitalization.

RN-BS Completion Program Features

  • Multiple Locations - students can choose to attend classes in Rochester, La Crescent, or, beginning in Spring 2018, in Red Wing.
  • Practice Experiences - students complete public health practice experiences at multiple community partners, including public health departments, schools and community agencies.
  • Flexible for working RNs - The program is designed to be flexible for working RNs, with part-time (2, 3 or 4 year) and full-time (1 year) plans of study available, and online or blended/hybrid format for classes.