Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Wheaton College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program.
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 Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.
Why should I study nursing at Wheaton? What makes the program different?
Wheaton’s program is dedicated to preparing future nurses to address the modern-day challenges of patient-centered care across practices, health equity, cultures and settings. Our program will help students develop the foundational knowledge needed to succeed as nurses and skilled clinicians. Our rigorous curriculum, supported by our faculty, will guide students through the program so they can successfully serve locally and abroad.
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.
Can I transfer into the Nursing Program from another school?
Students from outside Wheaton College will be allowed to transfer in accordance with Wheaton policy. Science courses and electives will be accepted in the Bachelor of Science Nursing BSN 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
How do I apply to the Nursing Program?
Students interested in enrolling for fall should apply via the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application , by selecting Wheaton College (Massachusetts). Admission to the Nursing Program is competitive. Students applying for direct entry will be considered for general admission to Wheaton should they not qualify for the Nursing Program.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, the Wheaton College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Wheaton College’s Nursing Program Simulation Lab has been granted Provisional Accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
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, Initial Approval on April 13, 2022, and Final Approval on February 9, 2023. The last step for full approval will be done after the college graduates its first Nursing BSN class. Under the initial approval, graduated students will be able to sit for the NCLEX.
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 and Lyft and public transportation, are available to students. Student parking permits are available for students who bring cars to campus.