Handbook
2019–2020
Pre-Nursing
1
Table of Contents and Contact Information
Table of Contents
Academic Advising 2
BSN Degree Requirements 3
Prerequisites 4-5
Admissions/GPA Calculations 6-7
Pre-Nursing Program Plan 8
Nursing Program Plan 9
Parallel Planning 10-11
Student Opportunities 12-13
Nursing Profession 14-15
Notes 16
School of Nursing Office of Academic Affairs
Signe Skott Cooper Hall
701 Highland Avenue, Suite 1100
[email protected], 608-263-5202
www.nursing.wisc.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Academic Advising
Our undergraduate academic advisors are located within the Nursing Office of Academic
Affairs in Cooper Hall 1100. Pre-nursing (PRN), nursing (NUR), and BSN@Home students
are assigned to an academic advisor based on last name.
Visit students.nursing.wisc.edu for detailed advisor information including how to schedule
an appointment with your advisor.
2
Academic Advising
How Advising Works: Group and Individual Advising
Advisors help with selecting courses, connecting students to academic support resources, exploring
involvement opportunities, and providing support with academic or non-academic concerns. Freshmen
attend mandatory group advising in small-group sessions, both in the fall and spring terms of their first
year. In their sophomore year, students attend group advising and move to one-on-one appointments
with their academic advisor. Thirty-minute appointments can be scheduled by visiting
https://students.nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate-menu/undergraduate-advising/. November and April
are our busiest advising months. Plan ahead and schedule appointments early.
Email 101: What to Expect and How to Use Effectively
Our Office of Academic Affairs and academic advisors will use your official UW–Madison email account
(wisc.edu) for all correspondence. You can expect messages each semester with advising reminders,
important dates and deadlines, admission updates, etc. When you communicate with your academic
advisor and members of the faculty via email, please keep the following tips in mind:
Do not send the same inquiry to more than one advisor or email address. This causes more work
and makes us less efficient.
If your question cannot be answered with a relatively quick yes or no or simple explanation, make
an appointment instead so we can talk through your question or situation.
Always include the email history pertaining to the subject being discussed.
Use a proper subject line that states the purpose of your message and use proper grammar,
spelling, and punctuation.
Include your full name and 10-digit Campus ID number.
Please do not use email to schedule an advising appointment. Schedule appointments by visiting
https://students.nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate-menu/undergraduate-advising/ or by phone at
608-263-5202.
Changing Your Major/Classification to Pre-Nursing
Current UW–Madison students can change their student classification (i.e., major) to pre-nursing (PRN)
prior to 4:30pm on the Friday of the twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters. Students must have a
minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and a minimum 2.75 GPA in completed nursing
prerequisite course work. Students with the pre-nursing classification have an advisor in the School of
Nursing and may be eligible for priority enrollment in key nursing prerequisite courses, including anatomy
and physiology. We suggest schedule an advising appointment to learn more about the nursing program,
admission requirements, etc. To schedule an appointment, phone 608-263-5202.
The PRN classification does not guarantee admission to the nursing major nor does it advantage you in the
admissions process. Students from programs and majors throughout the university apply to enter the
nursing program each year and all are considered equally. As noted above, the PRN classification does
assign you to a nursing academic advisor and it can be helpful for access to prerequisite courses that give
priority enrollment to students seeking to apply to the nursing major. Students classified as PRN fall under
the policies and procedures of the School of Nursing.
3
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements
General Education Requirements (15–20cr)
Communication A (3cr) ___________
Exemption possible with English placement
test or AP/IB exam credit (ENG)
Designated with a
Communication B (3–4cr) ___________
Designated with b
Quantitative Reasoning A (3–5cr) ___________
Exemption possible with math placement test
or AP/IB exam credit (CALC)
MATH 112 will simultaneously fulfill the QR-A
and nursing math requirements
Designated with q
Quantitative Reasoning B (3–5cr) ___________
Exemption possible with AP/IB exam credit
(CALC, COMP SCI, ECON, PHYSICS, STATS)
Designated with r
Ethnic Studies (3cr) ___________
Designated with e
Science (22cr)
Chemistry* (4–5cr) __________
CHEM 103, 108, or 109
AP/IB CHEM scores of 4/5 fulfill this
prerequisite
Microbiology* (3cr) __________
MICRO 101 or BIOCHEM 501
Human Anatomy* (3cr) __________
ANAT&PHY 337
Human Physiology* (5cr) __________
ANAT&PHY 335 (BIO/ZOO 101 or 151 and
CHEM 103/108/109/115 are prerequisites)
Pharmacology (3cr) __________
Pathology (3cr) __________
Humanities and Social Sciences (22cr)
Psychology* (3cr) __________
PSYCH 202
AP/IB PSYCH scores of 4/5 fulfill this prerequisite
Sociology* (3cr) __________
Introductory SOC course
Refer to prerequisite table for options
Some SOC prereqs also satisfy Ethnic Studies
Growth and Development* (3cr) __________
Refer to prerequisite table for options
Humanities (6cr) __________
Foreign language satisfies Humanities credits in
the nursing program
Choose courses designated with H, L, or Z
Humanities or Social Sciences (7cr)
Choose courses designated with H, L, S, W, X, Y,
or Z
Math (3cr)
College Algebra (3cr) __________
MATH 112
Exemption possible with math placement test or
AP/IB exam credit (CALC).
More info:
www.math.wisc.edu/undergraduate/placement
Electives (15–27cr)
Electives __________
Additional course work to total 15–27 credits
Retroactive credits earned in foreign language
count as elective credits
Only 3 credits of applied course work (e.g.,
dance, PE, art, music) count toward the degree
Nursing (53cr)
Nursing __________
Required nursing course work and nursing
electives are used to fulfill this requirement
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS-Nursing) degree is a 124-credit program.
Prerequisites for admission are designated with an asterisk (*).
At least 75 of the total degree credits must be at the Intermediate (I) or Advanced (A) level. Fifty-seven of these I/A credits will be
satisfied by required course work, as follows: Nursing (51cr), Pharmacology 401 (3cr), and Pathology 404 (3cr).
Letter codes referenced above (e.g., QR-A is designated with q) refer to GER, Breadth, and Level codes, also referred to as geBLC
codes.
Degree requirements are subject to change. Consult The Guide (guide.wisc.edu) for the most current official information.
4
Nursing Prerequisite Equivalency Guide
This guide is designed to evaluate course work you have taken (or will take) at UW–Madison to satisfy the
School of Nursing’s seven prerequisite courses. Students must complete one course in each prerequisite
category. It is important to remember this is only a guide. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list; other
courses may fulfill these prerequisites. It is also possible listed coursework is not offered every term, is no
longer offered, or even that a listed department or course has been discontinued. We strive to maintain
current information, however course numbers and titles do change. Please be sure to talk with your
nursing academic advisor to review any questions you might have about satisfying your nursing
prerequisites. Most commonly taken courses are in bold in the table. Alternative courses are listed in
regular type. UW–Madison students are encouraged to take the prerequisite courses at UW–Madison.
Course Options and Notes
CHEM 103 General Chemistry I CHEM 115 Chemical Principles I
CHEM 108 Chemistry in Our World CHEM 104 General Chemistry II
CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry
AP/IB CHEM scores of 4/5 fulfill this prerequisite.
CHEM 108 has no math placement requirement for enrollment nor is high school CHEM required.
CHEM 103 requires a satisfying math placement test score or completion of MATH 112. One year of
high school CHEM is recommended. Many students starting in CHEM 103 have the intention of
completing the full sequence with CHEM 104; this sequence is not required for nursing.
CHEM 109 requires at least one year of HS CHEM and placement into MATH 221 or equivalent
proficiency.
MICROBIO 101 General Microbiology CHEM 343 Introductory Organic Chemistry
(MICROBIO 102, the lab, not required) CHEM 345 Intermediate Organic Chemistry
BIOCHEM 501 Intro to Biochemistry MICROBIO 201, NUTRI SCI 431/510/631
BACT 101 General Microbiology ZOOLOGY 570 Cell Biology
BIOCHEM 201 Intro to Biochemistry BMOLCHEM/PREVMED 603 Clinical and PubHlth Micro
BACT 303 Prokaryotic Microbiology BIOCORE 303/383 Cellular Biology
MICROBIO 303 Biology of Microorganisms BMOLCHEM 314 Intro to Human Biochemistry
NUTR SCI 332 Human Nutritional Needs NUTRI SCI 320 Nutrition for Health and Disease
MICRO 101 has a prerequisite of CHEM 103, 108, or 109.
BIOCHEM 501 has a prerequisite of CHEM 341 or 343.
ANAT&PHY 337 Human Anatomy
ZOOLOGY 430 Comparative Anat of Vertebrates ANAT 428 or ANAT 437
ANAT 622 Human Anatomy (for Phys. Therapy) ANAT 711 Gross Human Anatomy
Students who take anatomy and physiology at another institution as part of a two-course sequence (i.e.,
A&P I, A&P II) must complete both courses at the same institution.
ANT&PHY 335 Physiology BIOCORE 323 & 324 Organismal Biology and Laboratory
PHYS 435 Fundamentals of Human Physiology BIOCORE 485 & 486 Organismal Biology and Laboratory
ANAT&PHY 335 has a prerequisite of BIO/ZOO 101 or 151 and CHEM 103, 108, 109, or 115.
Students who take anatomy and physiology at another institution as part of a two-course sequence (i.e.,
A&P I, A&P II) must complete both courses at the same institution.
5
Nursing Prerequisite Equivalency Guide Continued
Course Options and Notes
PSYCH 202 Introduction to Psychology
AP/IB PSYCH scores of 4/5 fulfill this prerequisite.
ANTHRO 100 General Anthropology
ANTHRO 104 Cultural Anthro and Human Diversity
SOC 120 Marriage and Family
SOC 125 American Society: How It Really Works
SOC 130 Social Problems
SOC/LEGAL ST 131 Criminal Justice in America
SOC 134 Problems of Am. Racial and Ethnic Minorities
SOC 138 The Sociology of Gender
SOC/C&E SOC 140 Intro to Community and Envrn. Soc
SOC/PSYCH 160 Human Sexuality
SOC 170 Population Problems
SOC/G&WS 200 Intro to LGBTQ Studies
SOC 210 Survey of Sociology
SOC/C&E SOC 211 The Sociological Enterprise
SOC/C&E SOC/G&WS 215 Gender & Work in Rural Am
SOC/ASIAN AM 220 Ethnic Movements in the US
SOC/C&E SOC 222 Food, Culture, and Society
Any SOC course with a Social Sciences breadth will satisfy this prerequisite.
ANTHRO 104 and SOC 134, 170, 220 satisfy the nursing SOC prerequisite and the Ethnic Studies requirement.
ED PSYCH 320 Human Dev. in Infancy and Childhood
ED PSYCH 321 Human Dev. in Adolescence
ED PSYCH 331 Human Dev., Childhood-Adolescence
HDFS 362 Development of the Young Child
HDFS 363 Development from Adolescence to Old Age
POP HLTH/PREV MED 155 Intro to the Biology of Aging
PSYCH 340 Optimal Aging
CHLD&FAM 362 Development of Young Child
CHLD&FAM 363 Dev from Adolescence to Old Age
Several of these courses are fall- or spring-only offerings.
The pairing of ED PSYCH 320 + HDFS 363 or HDFS 362 + HDFS 363 covers the full lifespan, which is a
requirement for many other nursing programs. UW–Madison requires only one course.
This prerequisite can be satisfied by any course in the
Sociology Department with a Social Sciences breadth
designation, or any course cross-listed with SOC that carries
the Social Sciences breadth. This includes but is not limited to:
SOC (course numbers 120-692)
AFRICAN 277, AFROMAMER 260/277/577
AMER IND 578/639, ANTRHO 260/277
C&E SOC (course numbers 140-676)
CHICLA 470, CNSR SCI 532, ECON 663, ED POL 648
ENVIR ST 540, F&W ECOL 248, G&WS 477/601/611
GEOG 244/252/260/277
HISTORY 244/252/260/277/670, JEWISH 258
JOURN 544, LACIS 260, LAW 641
LCA 244/252/614/634
LEGAL ST 415/641, POLIC SCI 244/252/260/277/544
POP HLTH 380, PSYCH 160/453/456/537
RELIG ST 614/615/634, SOC WORK 422/445
SPANISH 260, URB R PL 544/617/645/677
SOC WORK 422 Social Issues in Aging
HDFS 470 Dev. of Infants & Toddlers in Multiple Settings
HDFS 478 Dev. of Black Children and Their Families
ED PSYCH 521 Adolescent Dev. in Educational Contexts
PSYCH 460 Child Psychology
PSYCH 464 Adult Development and Aging
PSYCH 561 Psychology of Adolescence
PSYCH 563 Development in Infancy
ANAT/POP HLTH 575 The Biological Processes of Aging
6
Admission to the Nursing Program
While most majors at UW–Madison are open to all students, some are competitive limited-enrollment
majors. These majors have specific admission requirements and an additional selective application
process. Nursing is a competitive limited-enrollment major at UW–Madison.
The School of Nursing offers three programs to obtain your Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
1. Traditional BSN Program – Admission to the Traditional BSN program is for current UW–Madison,
transfer, and second-degree students. Students apply to enter the School of Nursing after
completing a minimum of two years of nursing prerequisite and general education coursework.
To learn more: https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/bsn/
2. Accelerated BSN Program – Admission to the Accelerated BSN program is for students who have
already earned at least a baccalaureate degree in any field and want to make a career change to
nursing. It’s a fast-track professional program that allows students to complete the Bachelor of
Science–Nursing curriculum on a 12-month academically rigorous timeline.
To learn more: https://nursing.wisc.edu/accelerated-bsn/
3. RN-to-BSN (BSN@Home) Program – Admission to the BSN@Home program is for registered
nurses who hold a diploma or a degree from a two-year college and wish to earn a baccalaureate
degree. To learn more: https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/rn-to-bsn/
Traditional BSN Program Admission Considerations
We seek to admit students who demonstrate strong academic ability, exposure and/or experience in
nursing or health care, as well as leadership, community service, creativity, talent, and enthusiasm.
Admission is offered to students who present the strongest overall applications and who are anticipated
to contribute the most to the class, school, and university. Nursing faculty members who serve on the
Undergraduate Admissions and Progression Committee review and make decisions on all applications for
admission. Advisors do not make admission decisions. In reviewing applications, the admissions
committee completes a thorough and holistic review. Factors/attributes considered include:
Academic Preparation and Performance
Diversity in Experience and Background
Health Care Experience and Professional Goals
Leadership, Extracurricular Activities, and Service
Quality of Application Personal Statements/Essays
In a typical year, we receive approximately 400 applications for 160 seats in the class.
Traditional BSN Program Application Process and Timeline
We accept applications once a year for a fall-term start. The application is typically available December 1
through January 15. For additional details: https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/bsn/. All qualified
applicants are invited to participate in an in-person interview. The School of Nursing will notify students of
admissions decisions in mid-May via email.
7
Admission to the Nursing Program
Traditional BSN Program Admission Eligibility Information
To be eligible for admission into the Traditional BSN program, students must, at the time of application:
1. Be in progress to complete at least 54 degree credits of college-level course work by the end of the
spring semester,
2. Have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) at the end of the fall
semester and again at the end of the spring semester,
3. Have completed or have in progress 4 of the 7 prerequisite courses (refer to pgs. 4–5) by the end
of the fall semester, and be enrolled to complete all 7 by the end of the spring semester, and
4. Have a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 2.75 on all prerequisites at the time of
application and complete all 7 with at least a 2.75 GPA.
5. Have a grade of a C or better in all final prerequisite courses.
How Do I Calculate my GPAs for Admission?
The School of Nursing calculates two GPAs for admission eligibility consideration:
1. Cumulative GPA: Your cumulative GPA refers to your overall GPA, including all undergraduate
college-level course work completed at all institutions. Repeated course work will be factored into
your cumulative GPA. Technical or vocational courses (e.g., nursing assistant classes) are not
included in the cumulative GPA.
2. Prerequisite GPA: The prerequisite GPA is calculated by averaging the grades earned just in the
nursing program’s seven required prerequisite courses. When more than one course has been
completed that will satisfy a single prerequisite (e.g., both CHEM 103 and 104), the course
outcome that most advantages the student will be used in the calculation. For repeated
prerequisites, the most recent attempt is used for CHEM, MICRO, ANAT/PHY 337 and 335, and
PSYCH. The higher grade earned is used for SOC and HG&D. Please note that a grade of a C or
better must be earned in all final prerequisite courses.
Cumulative, semester, and prerequisite GPAs can be calculated by dividing the applicable amount of
grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. There are many online calculators
that will do these calculations for you. A good UW–Madison version is at advising.wisc.edu/gpacalculator
Here’s an example of a prerequisite GPA calculation:
Course
Credits
Letter Grade / Points
Grade Points
CHEM 108
5
AB / 3.5
17.5 (# Credits x Points)
MICRO 101
3
C / 2.0
6
ANAT&PHY 337
3
AB / 3.5
10.5
ANAT&PHY 335
5
BC / 2.5
12.5
PSYCH 202
3
A / 4.0
12
SOC (SOC 120)
3
AB / 3.5
10.5
HG&D (HDFS 362)
3
A / 4.0
12
Total
25
81 GPA = 81 ÷ 25 = 3.24
Grade Pts
A
4.0
AB
3.5
B
3.0
BC
2.5
C
2.0
D
1
F
0
8
Pre-Nursing Program Plan
The goal during the pre-nursing years is to complete all nursing admission prerequisite requirements, in
addition to all other degree requirements that are not built into the nursing program plan. This includes
General Education Requirements, course work in Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, electives, and
math. Following are schedules for the two pre-nursing years:
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
Credits
(14–18)
Spring Semester
Credits
(13–15)
SOC* or PSYCH* or
Human Growth & Development*
3
SOC* or PSYCH* or
Human Growth & Development*
3
BIO/ZOO 101 or 151
(prereq for ANAT&PHY 335; lab optional)
3–5
CHEM*
(nursing prereq; and for ANAT&PHY 335 and MICRO)
4–5
Math 112/QR-A, QR-B, or Ethnic Studies
3–4
Comm-A
3
N105 Health Care Systems
2
Humanities or Social Sciences, or
Elective
3–4
Humanities or Social Sciences, or Elective
3–4
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
Credits
(12–16)
Spring Semester
Credits
(13–16)
ANAT&PHY 337*
3
ANAT&PHY 335*
5
PSYCH* or MICRO* (MICRO lab optional)
3–5
PSYCH* or MICRO* (MICRO lab optional)
3-5
Math 112/QR-A, QR-B, or Ethnic Studies
3–4
N105 Health Care Systems
(if not completed freshman year)
2
Parallel Plan/exploration course
3–4
Comm-B
3-4
Parallel Plan course
3
Notes:
Prerequisites for admission are bolded and designated with an asterisk (*).
All prerequisites should be completed on the UW–Madison campus unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Priority enrollment is granted for pre-nursing (PRN) students for ANAT&PHY 337 (fall semesters only) and ANAT&PHY 335
(spring semesters only). Priority enrollment does not guarantee a seat in the course. Refer to course notes in the course
guide for details.
The microbiology lab (MICRO 102) is optional for the UW–Madison nursing program, but required for many other nursing
schools.
9
Nursing Program Plan - Traditional BSN Program
Nursing Year One
Fall Semester
Credits
(17)
Spring Semester
Credits
(16)
Pharmacology
3
Pathophysiology
3
N105 Health Care Systems (if not
completed during pre-nursing years)
2
N323 Health and Illness Concepts with
Individuals and Families
4
N313 Foundations of Nursing Practice
3
N324 Meeting the Psychosocial Health
Needs of Individuals, Families, and
Communities
3
N314 Health Promotion and Disease
Prevention Across the Lifespan
4
N325 Professionalism in Health Care
Settings
2
N315 Professionalism in Nursing Practice
3
N326 / N327* Health and Illness Concepts
with Individuals and Families: Experiential
Learning I/II
4
N316* Foundations of Nursing Practice:
Experiential Learning
4
Nursing Year Two
Fall Semester
Credits
(13)
Spring Semester
Credits
(13)
N434 Health and Illness Concepts with
Individuals, Families, and Communities
5
N443 Advanced Concepts in Complex
Nursing Practice
5
N435 Evidence-Based Practice
1
N444 Health Systems, Policy, Economics,
and Research
3
N436* Health and Illness Concepts with
Individuals, Families, and Communities:
Experiential Learning
4
N445 Transformative Nursing Capstone
1
N437 Social Justice in Local and Global
Settings
3
N446* Advanced Health and Illness
Concepts in Complex Nursing Practice:
Experiential Learning
4
Notes:
The experiential learning (clinical) courses are designated with an asterisk (*). Students complete 5-7 clinical rotations.
Students in the nursing Honors Program complete N679 (2cr) during Year One and the N681/N682 Senior Honors Thesis (2–
4cr) sequence in the fall and spring of Year Two.
Nursing electives are offered each semester, including summer term. Options may include: N510 Culturally Congruent
Practice, N526 Nursing Leadership for Global Health, N511 Community Supports for People with Dementia, N470 School
Nursing, and more.
10
Parallel Planning
What does “parallel plan” mean?
A parallel plan could be thought of as a backup plan or alternate route, which can lead you toward your
educational and career goals.
Your parallel plan answers the question of: “If I’m not admitted to nursing, then I’ll…”
Why is parallel planning important?
Admission to the nursing major is highly competitive. In a typical year, we receive more than 400
applications for approximately 160 seats in the class. Your parallel plan is vital in the event that your
interests/plans/strengths change or you do not gain admission to the nursing program.
When should I get serious about my parallel plan?
Now! It’s never too early to actively research and pursue your parallel plans. Students who procrastinate
often miss key deadlines and experience increased stress. Reflect on your interests and research your
parallel plan options.
What are my parallel plan options?
You could pursue a parallel major at UW–Madison or transfer to a different nursing program. Here are
some points for consideration about these two parallel plan options:
Parallel Plan #1: Complete a Parallel Major at UW–Madison
Explore more than 160 majors at UW–Madison that share common elements you find rewarding.
Common parallel majors among pre-nursing students include Human Development and Family Studies,
Gender and Women’s Studies, Psychology, Nutritional Sciences, Communications Science and Disorders,
Biology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Health Equity & Promotion, etc. Upon graduation from UW–Madison
with your parallel plan major, you may apply to accelerated nursing programs and/or to UW–Madison’s
nursing major.
Resources: There are several advising offices that can assist with your parallel major exploration:
Exploration Center (EC): www.ccas.wisc.edu/explorationcenter
Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS): www.ccas.wisc.edu
Center for Pre-Health Advising: www.prehealth.wisc.edu
Parallel Plan #2: Transfer to a Different Nursing Program
While preparing to apply to the UW–Madison School of Nursing, prepare to simultaneously apply to other
institutions that offer the nursing major.
Research other program prerequisites, admission requirements, and overall degree requirements
Use the Transfer Information System (TIS) if considering nursing programs within the UW System
(www.uwsa.edu/tis)
Contact academic advisors at transfer institutions to verify course selection and learn valuable
information about their application process
Resources: The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) has a national Program Search
function at www.aacn.nche.edu/students/nursing-program-search
11
Parallel Planning
Why are you discouraging me from my nursing goals?
We’re not. Parallel planning is the most proactive path toward ensuring that you meet your stated
educational and career goals.
I’m so worried…my only goal is to become a nurse!
Earning your nursing degree from UW–Madison is one of many ways to becoming a registered nurse (RN).
You might think of it as the best way, but we want you to keep in mind there are many pathways to
reaching your career goals. Check them out:
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS–Nursing)
programs, like the one offered here at UW–
Madison, prepare new graduates to practice
across all health care settings and assume the
widest variety of RN roles. These programs
combine the clinical and technical skills of
nursing with course work in the physical and
social sciences, nursing research, public and
community health, nursing management, and
the humanities.
Associate Degree Programs
Typically offered in community colleges,
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs
provide an efficient, economical pathway to
becoming an RN. Students who earn their ADN
can subsequently earn their BS–Nursing in an
RN-to-BSN completion program, like UW–
Madison’s BSN@Home program.
Second Degree in Nursing
Many colleges and universities (including UW–
Madison) offer admission to students who
already completed a bachelor’s or graduate
degree in a non-nursing discipline and wish to
return for a second degree in nursing.
Accelerated Nursing Programs
For students who already completed a bachelor’s
degree in a non-nursing discipline, these
programs usually take 11–18 months to
complete.
RN-to-BSN Programs
RN-to-BSN programs provide an efficient
bridge for RNs who earned their associate
degrees and wish to earn their BS-Nursing
degrees as well. The programs build on initial
nursing preparation with course work to
enhance professional development, prepare
for a broader scope of practice, and provide a
better understanding of the cultural, political,
economic, and social issues that affect patients
and influence care delivery. UW–Madison
offers an RN-to-BSN program, which is called
BSN@Home. Learn more at bsnathome.com
RN
12
Pre-Nursing and Nursing Student Opportunities
The School of Nursing gives you a variety of options for personalizing your pre-nursing experience,
including exposure to nursing related experiences, exploring parallel plans, receiving academic support,
and participating in leadership opportunities. Connect with your advisor to learn more!
Student Website
The Student Site (students.nursing.wisc.edu) is designed for pre-nursing and nursing students. It includes
up-to-date information about academic advising, course enrollment, involvement opportunities, school
policies and procedures, career services, events and announcements, and more. All pre-nursing students
receive a weekly Student Site email digest.
Student Organizations and Volunteering
We encourage students to pursue your interests, form social networks, and gain experience in the health
care field. In addition to numerous associations available to students on the broader campus (including
the Aspiring Nurses Association [ANA] for pre-nursing students), there are a number of student-run
groups established specifically for current nursing students. Visit the Student Organization Fair at the
beginning of the fall and spring semesters and check out the Center for Pre-Health Advising website
(prehealth.wisc.edu) for volunteering and shadowing opportunities. See students.nursing.wisc.edu for
more information.
Certificate Programs
Several schools and colleges at UW–Madison offer certificate programs that allow you to complete a
concentrated area of study in addition to your nursing program. Certificates typically require 15 credits of
additional course work and reinforce a student’s personal or career goals. Certificate programs often
completed by nursing students include Global Health, Gender and Women’s Studies, Health and the
Humanities, Leadership and Religious Studies. The full list of options can be found in at
https://www.wisc.edu/academics/certificates/.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The UW–Madison International Academic Programs (IAP) office assists students in making decisions about
study abroad programs that fit into their academic goals and personal interests. If you are considering
studying abroad as a pre-nursing student, please visit the IAP website (www.studyabroad.wisc.edu) for
detailed program information and then contact your nursing advisor to discuss prerequisite course
scheduling.
Nursing Learning Center (NLC)
The NLC is designed to assist pre-nursing and nursing students in a variety of study sessions and
workshops. Currently, academic assistance in ANAT&PHY 337, ANAT&PHY 335, Pharmacology, and
Pathophysiology is available, as well as other support opportunities such as an NCLEX review workshop
for nursing students. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/nlc
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Pre-Nursing and Nursing Student Opportunities
Honors Program
Students admitted into the nursing program have the option to enroll in the Nursing Honors Program. The
Honors Program provides special opportunities for students who seek greater depth and challenge in their
educational experience. It includes enriched course work and research involvement, as well as the
opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship with a School of Nursing professor. Students have the
opportunity to enroll in special sections of courses and seminars that offer more challenging assignments
and experiences. More information can be found under the Academics tab on the School of Nursing
website (www.nursing.wisc.edu).
Independent Study
Pre-nursing students have the opportunity to enroll in independent study (N299) credits as part of their
nursing education. These learning experiences provide a way for students to individualize their programs
of study, and delve more deeply into an area of interest. Independent study credits cannot be used for
clinical experiences nor can they replace or substitute required formal or clinical course work. Connect
with your advisor to learn more about this process.
Global and Local Immersion
The School of Nursing offers summer global and local immersion opportunities to admitted nursing
students. Learn more at students.nursing.wisc.edu.
BS–MPH Option
The School of Nursing and the Master of Public Health (MPH) program in the School of Medicine and
Public Health have partnered to offer an advanced-placement BS–Nursing to MPH degree option. The
program seeks to strengthen the public health nursing workforce by educating master’s-prepared public
health nurses to provide population-based services and health education in the prevention of diseases
and promotion of health in communities. Graduates of this option are able to complete a BS–Nursing and
MPH degree in an accelerated fashion over five years (three years from admission to the nursing major).
Learn more at https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/bsn/
Early Entry PhD Option
The Early Entry PhD Option in nursing is an innovative program designed for undergraduate students who
are interested in pursuing a research career. With the assistance of a faculty advisory committee, students
plan an individualized program of study and research, drawing on existing undergraduate and graduate
courses in nursing and related disciplines. The option consists of early and intensive research training,
clinical practice, and required and recommended course work. Two degrees are awarded to students who
complete this option—the BS–Nursing and the Ph.D. For more information, visit the School of Nursing
website at https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/bsn/
Academic Policies
For all curricular and policy information, please reference The Guide (guide.wisc.edu).
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Nursing as a Profession
Nursing is no longer confined to the bedside. Today's nurses can be found in a variety of professional
venues. Nurses influence legislation, change health care delivery systems, write and publish, educate
about disease prevention and health promotion, and participate on boards of directors.
Nursing Defined
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), “Nursing is the protection, promotion, and
optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the
diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families,
communities, and populations.”
What Nurses Do
• Perform physical exams and health histories
• Provide health promotion, counseling, and education
• Administer medications, wound care, and numerous other personalized interventions
• Interpret patient information and make critical decisions about needed actions
• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals
• Direct and supervise care delivered by other health care personnel
• Conduct research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes
Where Nursing Happens
Registered nurses (RNs) practice in all health care settings: hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices,
ambulatory care centers, community health centers, schools, retail clinics, and the military. They also
provide health care in other locations such as camps, homeless shelters, prisons, and sporting events.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Advanced practice nurses earn advanced degrees and complete clinical practice requirements beyond the
basic nursing education. The principal types of advanced practice nurses are:
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Working in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, or private offices, NPs
provide primary and preventive health care services, prescribe medication, and diagnose and treat
minor illnesses and injuries. UW–Madison offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): Provide well-woman gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care in
hospitals, birth centers, and homes.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs handle a wide range of physical and mental health problems.
They also work in consultation, research, education, and administration.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA): CRNAs administer more than 65 percent of
anesthetics given to patients each year.
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Nursing as a Profession
RNs Can Specialize…
• In a work setting or type of treatment: Ambulatory care, critical care, emergency or trauma,
home health care, long-term care, medical-surgical, psychiatric/mental health, rehabilitation, and
holistic, hospice and palliative care
• In a particular disease, ailment, or health care condition: Addictions, intellectual and
developmental disabilities, diabetes management, genetics, HIV/AIDS, and oncology
• By population: Newborns (neonatology), children and adolescents (pediatrics), adults, and the
elderly (geriatrics)
• In the treatment of a particular organ or body system: Cardiovascular, dermatology,
gastroenterology, gynecology, nephrology, neuroscience, ophthalmic, orthopedics,
otorhinolaryngology, respiratory, and urology
• In jobs that require little or no direct patient care, but still require an active RN license: Public
health nurses, nurse educators, forensic nurses, nurse informaticists, health care consultants,
public policy advisors, pharmaceutical and medical supply researchers and salespersons, and
medical writers and editors
Possible Career Options
Career options for nurses are nearly limitless, though some do required advanced education. Here are just
a few:
Neurological Nurse
Geriatric Specialist
Emergency Room Nurse
Home Health Coordinator
Nursing Faculty
Oncology Nurse
Hospice Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Patient Educator
Nurse Practitioner
Surgical Nurse
Orthopedic Nurse
Nurse Midwife
School Nurse
Women’s Health
Practitioner
Mental Health Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Health Educator
Licensure
Graduates of our BS–Nursing program earn their nursing degree, which qualifies them to take the
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX–RN). Upon passing the NCLEX,
students earn their license to practice as an RN.
Nursing Career Research
Explore Health Careers: explorehealthcareers.org/en/Field/6/Nursing
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: www.aacn.nche.edu
American Nurses Association: www.nursingworld.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh (search for nursing)
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Notes