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Explore the nursing bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Change the world one patient at a time with a nursing bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Known for producing skilled, compassionate nurses and health professionals, our renowned program will prepare you for your career through clinical practica, interdisciplinary simulations and clinical cultural immersion experiences. 

Under faculty supervision, you will gain experience in a variety of organizations, including hospitals, short-term rehabilitation centers, home care, community agencies, ambulatory care facilities, schools and nursing homes. Through these experiences, you'll work with different specialties like pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, community health and more, making you a well-rounded, experienced hire. A strong focus on emergency preparedness allows you to learn about the roles, rationale and terminology needed to prepare for situations that require you to respond quickly.

Additional opportunities to network and enhance your learning are made available through study abroad, collaborative student-faculty research, and internships. And thanks to the program's strong reputation and local connections, many students are able to find work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) while still in school. 

Students have the option to pursue their degree at one of two campus location: at the Eau Claire campus or at the Marshfield Site. Both campuses offer students an exceptional education and strong collaborations with leading healthcare organizations, including Mayo Clinic and Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Nursing and Spanish double-major Lucy Hobbs

Double majors for double the impact

Determined to fulfill her dream of better serving her community and creating a positive environment for those around her, Lucy Hobbs came to UW-Eau Claire to study nursing. But a love for other cultures and a drive to advocate for underrepresented populations also inspired her to add a second major in Spanish.

When an opportunity to merge both passions into a research project became possible, Lucy was immediately on board.  

Read more about Lucy's research experience at UWEC.

Why nursing at UW-Eau Claire?

Knowledgeable faculty. All nurse practitioner faculty members are currently practicing in the health care field. Learning from experts who are in touch with today's nursing demands ensures you'll gain relevant, real-world skills to give you an edge as a nurse.

Emergency training. Simulation experiences allow you to get a sense of what it's like to work with multiple health care organizations during a public health emergency. Scenarios covered include creating an emergency operations center and conducting a mass flu immunization clinic. These exercises allow you to practice likely events prior to experiencing them at clinical sites.

Experiential learning. Opportunities to participate in cultural clinical immersion experiences provide you with new experiences, skills and connections. Previous immersions have included work with the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the Minneapolis and Barron County Somali population, and on Wisconsin dairy farms with Hispanic migrant workers. 

Purposeful travel. Broaden your perspective through study abroad and the National Student Exchange program. Popular study abroad options for undergraduate nursing students include Harlaxton, England; Puebla, Mexico; Valladolid, Spain; and Costa Rica. 

Undergraduate research opportunities. Many nursing faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research projects and regularly invite students to collaborate with them. Projects have enabled students to co-author manuscripts, travel and conduct research internationally and present findings at regional and national conferences. 

Connection to local employers. Meeting potential employers and gaining a better understanding of the different types of care facilities is a critical component of the nursing program. To help you explore career paths, we host an annual Nursing & Health Care Professional Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the health care field. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings. 

675

hours of clinical practicum experiences

2

campus locations

300+

affiliated clinical sites

100% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Caring for people and for animals

When nursing student Nevaeh Dekeyser participated in an immersion experience in Puerto Rico, she knew she would be helping others. What she didn’t know is that she would also be making a difference in the lives of local animals, too.

In between assisting with Hurricane Maria repairs, Nevaeh also volunteered at the local dog shelter. It was there she met Naomi, a 14-week-old puppy, and she knew she had to help.

Read more about Nevaeh's experience in Puerto Rico.

Quick facts

Nursing program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire, Marshfield
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. 
Student organizations
  • Eau Claire Student Nurses Association (ECSNA)
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
  • American Assembly for Men in Nursing

Accreditation information

CCNE accreditation logo

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791, through December 31, 2031.

The programs are also approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.

 

 

Licensure information

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Wisconsin

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: N/A

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

State Board Examination

To be registered (licensed) to practice professional nursing, graduates of approved programs must pass an examination, administered under the authority of the State Board of Nursing. The computer-assisted test, known as the NCLEX, may be scheduled soon after graduation; examinations are given in all jurisdictions throughout the United States. Information on the exam is available from the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). For Wisconsin professional nursing school NCLEX pass rates, visit the Department of Safety and Professional Services website.

What can I do with a nursing degree from UWEC?

UW-Eau Claire nursing graduates find incredible opportunities in every corner of the United States. Equipped with knowledge, skills and experiences that set them apart from other candidates, graduates are ready to promote health, advocate for others and save lives. Because of the critical shortage of bachelor's-prepared nurses — especially in rural regions of Wisconsin — many graduates find jobs before or shortly after graduation. 

Where are nursing alumni now?

Nursing careers

The best thing about this campus is the smaller cohort. We ended up with 14 students, and we have become a family. We were also able to develop professional rapport and build relationships with those who were teaching us. It made things like letters of recommendation and references a breeze when it came time to apply for internships and jobs. Enrolling here was the best decision I have ever made.

Kara Trainor Marshfield Nursing Site
Leah Bettcher

The “extras” make a great degree even better

Leah Bettcher knew that her Blugold nursing degree would make her one of the best prepared nursing candidates in the state, but she was pleasantly surprised by the ways all the “extras” she’s done as a student have also built her skills, confidence and connections for life as a nurse.

From becoming a CPR instructor, to researching bicycle safety with geography students, to participating in the Blugold Marching Band — Leah is graduating from UWEC with quite more than just her degree.

Learn more about how UWEC learning experiences make all the difference.

Nursing bachelor's degree program curriculum

As a nursing major, you will start out with pre-nursing curriculum, taking courses in chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy, statistics and more. Once admitted to the nursing program, you will begin your professional curriculum and training. Experiential classes, interdisciplinary learning and regular collaboration will provide you with the critical skills needed to lead within diverse and complex environments.  

What classes do nursing majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive nursing major at UWEC in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the comprehensive nursing major at Marshfield in the UWEC course catalog.

Application information

If you are interested in applying to the BSN Program at UW-Eau Claire please review the steps involved in the application process below.

Step 1: Apply to the University

Click here to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Step 2: Prerequisites Coursework and Testing

If you have any questions please contact Marcia St. Germaine (Eau Claire campus) or Dr. Rachel Merkel (Marshfield campus)

Step 3: Apply to the Nursing Program
Part A: Obtain Nursing Application materials
Part B: Written Application

Submit the written portion either by U.S. Mail or personally deliver to:

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Attn: Ms. Julie Bowe
Nursing Building – Room 127
105 Garfield Avenue, PO Box 4004
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

Admission requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the nursing program, an applicant must have:

Note: Remedial coursework (e.g., Math 20) does not count towards the 30 required credits for admission. Chem 105 & Chem 106 together meet the nursing general chemistry requirement and constitute one course for the purpose of the nursing admission criteria.

Other data used by the Admissions Committee are derived from a variety of sources that include admission applications to the University and the nursing program, high school transcript showing rank in class, previous college records, and standardized tests such as ACT or SAT. International, non-native speakers of English applying to an undergraduate nursing program must have a TOEFL score as follows: TOEFL Written >560; or TOEFL (CBT) >220; or TOEFL (iBT) >83. 

Learn more about the admission requirements and application process of the nursing program.

CNA, CPR and Health Records

Additional information

Preparation for UWEC

It's never too early to get started. Here are some classes we recommend taking in high school to best prepare you for a career in nursing: 

Sample First-Year Course Work at UWEC

This is what a typical first-year course load looks like for a nursing student at UW-Eau Claire:

Fall Semester
Spring Semester

Learn more about UWEC

We'll send you additional information about our campus and programs after you submit this form. You'll also have the chance to tell us more about yourself and your interests.

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in nursing? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.

Department information

Nursing Building

Nursing

Nursing 103
5 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Nursing department website