Nursing FAQs

Learn more about Wheaton’s nursing program by reading through the answers to these commonly asked questions.

  1. Will I be a nurse when I graduate Wheaton?

After completion of the Nursing Program, graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates will be qualified to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.

  1. Why should I study nursing at Wheaton? What makes the program different?

Wheaton’s program is dedicated to preparing future nurses to take on the modern-day challenges of patient-centered care across practices, cultures and different settings. Our program will  help students develop the foundational knowledge needed to succeed as nurses and to be a skillful clinician. Our rigorous curriculum with supportive faculty will help guide students through the program so that they can successfully serve locally and abroad.

  1. Will I be able to study abroad if I major in nursing?

All nursing students will have the opportunity for a global study experience as part of a Wheaton class led by the college’s faculty. In addition, students may choose to participate in a summer program designed for nursing students, either abroad or in the U.S.

  1. Can I transfer into the nursing program from another school?

Students from outside Wheaton College will be allowed to transfer according to Wheaton policy. Science courses and electives will be accepted in the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree program. For nursing courses, only Intro to Nursing, Fundamentals, and Health Assessment may transfer. The following are required to transfer credits:

  • A grade of “B” or higher in all science courses
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.3
  • Official transcript
  1. How do I apply to the nursing program?

Admission to the nursing program is competitive. Students applying for direct entry into the nursing program will be considered for general admission to Wheaton should they not qualify for the nursing program. Students interested in enrolling for Fall should apply via the Common Application or the Coalition Application.  See How to Apply.

  1. Is the program accredited?

Yes, Wheaton College Nursing program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Wheaton will apply for nursing accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) by 2027. The accreditation process does not affect your ability to take the NCLEX-RN or get a job as a nurse.

  1. What does it mean to have initial approval by the Board of Registered Nurses?

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) has a three-step process to receive full approval. Wheaton College Nursing Program received Prerequisite Approval on March 9, 2022, and Initial Approval on April 13, 2022, and Final approval on February 9, 2023 for initial approval. The last step for full approval will be done after we graduate our first class. Under the initial approval graduated students will be able to sit for the NCLEX.

  1. What clinical experiences are included?

Clinical will be held in hospital and community settings in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Clinical experiences will be in medical-surgical, maternity, pediatric, psychiatric, and community nursing. Some of our clinical placement partners include:

  • Southcoast Regional Hospital System
  • South Shore Hospital
  • VA Medical Center
  • Sturdy Memorial Hospital
  • Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
  • Norton Public Schools
  • Taunton Public Schools
  1. Will I need to have my own car?

Nursing students will need to arrange for transportation to clinical placement locations starting in the spring of their sophomore year. Carpooling to clinical sites is encouraged. Other transportation services, such as Uber/Lyft and public transportation, are available to students. Student parking permits are available for students who bring cars to campus.