Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Designed to maximize career-readiness, UWO’s nursing curriculum helps you build a strong foundation in the art and science of nursing. Our CCNE-accredited nursing program blends traditional coursework with hands-on labs and clinical experience to bring nursing theory to life and transform it into exceptional patient care.

Guided by our dedicated nursing faculty, you explore every stage of the human lifespan and learn to think critically and lead with confidence.

Key learning areas in the Traditional BSN program include:

• Assessing, planning and providing evidence-based care across diverse populations
• Integrating clinical data and cutting-edge research to improve patient care outcomes
• Understanding disease processes and medication management
• Navigating the legal, ethical and managerial aspects of nursing with professionalism and integrity

Throughout our nursing curriculum, we incorporate clinical rotations, allowing you to gain experience working in various settings and supporting teams of other medical professionals. In total, you complete 672 clinical hours to ensure you’re confident and competent in delivering quality patient care.

Upon completing the program, you graduate ready to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse and launch your healthcare career.

Our BSN program, recognized for excellence in nursing education and graduate success, has a competitive admission process with two tiers of admissions criteria: required and preferred.

Required Criteria

To apply to the Traditional BSN program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Admission to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
• Sophomore standing (at least 30 credits completed)
• Minimum 2.8 GPA in all completed pre-nursing coursework
• Completion of all required courses and a total of 45 credits with a grade of C or higher by the end of the application semester (grades of CD or C– are not accepted)
• Standardized nursing entrance test score at or above the national mean (64.9%)
  • Note: The testing company periodically adjusts the national mean.
• Written statement demonstrating values aligned with the nursing profession (review the application for details)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification following completion of a CNA course with a clinical component (certifications from all states are accepted)
• Background checks (criminal and campus) that meet clinical placement standards

Preferred Criteria

To strengthen your application, we recommend meeting these preferred requirements:

• Nursing GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Entrance test score at or above the BSN program mean (67.6%)
• At least 240 hours of CNA or other approved direct patient care experience
• 20 hours of documented service-oriented activities (community, campus, professional or volunteer service)
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals of different ages, backgrounds or abilities

Your journey to becoming a nurse begins with applying to UW-Oshkosh. Once accepted, you must follow these next steps to apply for the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in your sophomore year:

• Complete a series of prerequisite nursing courses during your first year
• Sit for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive a passing grade
• Pass a criminal background check
• Attend an admissions interview (this step is currently suspended)

Pursuing your bachelor’s degree in nursing at UW–Oshkosh is an investment in your future. The Financial Aid Office helps you understand your options and navigate the cost of your education with confidence.

From scholarships and grants to student loans and work-study opportunities, there’s a broad range of financial resources available to help make your nursing degree more affordable.

As you progress through the nursing program, UWO’s nursing professors guide your growth with personalized mentorship, real-world expertise and dedicated support. Our faculty bring experience from a wide range of clinical settings and are committed to helping you build confidence, refine your skills and prepare for a fast-paced career in healthcare.