WGU Prelicensure Nursing Program: Complete 2025 Guide to Becoming an RN

Thinking about becoming a nurse, but don’t know where to start? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a Registered Nurse (RN)—without already being an LPN or CNA—then the WGU Prelicensure Nursing program might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?

🔗 Start through the WGU Enrollment Portal
🎓 Check Eligibility by State
💰 Explore Scholarships

Your future as a nurse starts with one decision—take the first step today.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from eligibility, states offered, tuition, and admissions to what current students are saying, and how to apply. Let’s dive in!

How to Apply Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Check State Eligibility

Use WGU’s eligibility tool to make sure you’re in a supported state.

✅ Step 2: Gather Transcripts

Make sure you’ve completed (or plan to complete) all prerequisite courses.

👉 Already a student? Log in to your WGU dashboard here

✅ Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply online. Include transcripts, resume, and your personal statement if required.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Certificates

✅ Step 4: Complete Background Check and Immunizations

After acceptance, complete all onboarding steps including labs and screenings.

✅ Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Don’t wait — early application improves your chances!

What Is WGU’s Prelicensure Nursing Program?

Western Governors University (WGU) offers a direct-entry BSN program for individuals who have no prior nursing license. It’s designed for people who are ready to start fresh and become an RN through a flexible, hybrid learning model.

Here’s what makes it unique:

• 💻 Online coursework for theoretical subjects
• 🧪 In-person labs to build hands-on skills
• 🏥 Clinical rotations at real hospitals and healthcare centers
• 📅 Competency-based progression — move faster if you master content quickly
• 🎓 Earn a BSN degree + become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam

Who Should Consider This Program?

WGU’s prelicensure program is for anyone who wants to become a nurse but doesn’t already hold an RN, LVN, or CNA license. It’s especially ideal for:

• 📘 High school graduates ready to begin their nursing education
• 🔄 Career changers coming from non-medical fields
• 🏡 Parents or working adults who need flexible learning options
• 🧑‍🏫 First-time college students looking for affordable healthcare degrees

If you’re looking for a fully online program, this is not it—clinicals and labs are in person, so you must live in an approved state (see next section).

WGU Prelicensure Nursing: Eligible States for 2025

As of now, WGU’s nursing program is only available in select U.S. states due to clinical partnerships.

✅ Currently eligible states:

If you don’t live in one of these states, you can’t enroll at this time.

🔗 Check WGU’s latest program map to confirm your eligibility.

Program Structure and Timeline

The program is designed to be completed in about 2.5 years (5–6 academic terms). Each 6-month term allows students to complete both didactic courses and hands-on training.

🧱 Pre-Nursing Terms (2 terms):

• Online coursework
• Attendance at in-person Learning Labs
• Must pass final assessments before moving to clinical phase

🏥 Clinical Terms (3–4 terms):

• Begin rotations at partner hospitals
• Hands-on patient care
• Continued classroom work online

Course Breakdown (What You’ll Study)

Here’s a simplified look at what you’ll study over the course of the program:

🧪 Foundational Courses:

• Introduction to Nursing
• Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• Microbiology
• Pathophysiology
• Nutrition

📖 Core Nursing Subjects:

• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Maternal and Infant Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Psychiatric/Mental Health
• Community and Public Health Nursing

💼 Professional Practice:

• Evidence-Based Practice
• Nursing Leadership & Management
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare
• Capstone & NCLEX-RN prep

Clinical Experience & Learning Labs

One of WGU’s biggest strengths is its hands-on learning model.

📌 Clinicals:

• Performed in partner healthcare facilities in your state
• Supervised by clinical instructors
• Cover adult health, maternal-child, pediatrics, and more
• Hours vary by state, but expect 600–900+ clinical hours

🧪 Learning Labs:

• Conducted in simulation centers or skills labs
• Practice IVs, wound care, assessments, and emergency response
• Labs occur early (before clinical rotations begin)

Tuition, Cost and Financial Aid

WGU uses a flat-rate tuition model based on 6-month terms, so the faster you move, the more you save.

💰 Estimated Costs:

• Tuition per term: ~$6,000–$7,000
• Total cost (2.5 years): ~$15,000–$18,000
• Application fee: $65 (can be waived with a promo code)
• No textbook fees — WGU provides online learning resources

🎓 Financial Aid:

• FAFSA-eligible
• Federal Pell Grants and loans
• State grants (if applicable)
• 👉 Need help with FAFSA? Read our full WGU Financial Aid guide

🏆 Scholarships:

• Future of Nursing Scholarship
• Valued up to $5,000
• Deadline for 2025: June 30, 2025
• 👉 Explore more WGU scholarship options here

🔗 See full list of WGU scholarships

Is WGU Prelicensure Nursing Worth It?

Absolutely — here’s why students love it:

✅ Pros:

• Affordable compared to traditional schools
• Flexible online study with real clinicals
• Nationally recognized CCNE accreditation
• Fast path to an RN license
• Great support from mentors and advisors

❗ Possible Challenges:

• Competitive admissions
• Requires good time management
• You must live in an eligible state

🎤 Student review (via Reddit):
“I worked full-time and still managed my coursework and clinicals. WGU changed my life.”

Final Thoughts: Why WGU Is a Smart Choice for Future Nurses

WGU’s Prelicensure Nursing program is one of the most affordable, flexible, and student-focused RN programs in the U.S. It’s a perfect fit if:

• You live in an eligible state
• You want to balance online learning with hands-on experience
• You need support and flexibility to succeed
• You’re committed to becoming a confident, skilled RN