School of Nursing

A career in nursing offers the opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with caring. Nursing is a career that is personally fulfilling, financially rewarding, and at the heart of healthcare. Nurses make up the largest healthcare profession nationwide, with the need for nurses continuing to grow. A dynamic and challenging profession with flexible schedules and diverse practice options, nursing offers a meaningful career with the opportunity to promote and improve health for individuals, communities, and populations.

Quick Facts

NCLEX pass rate for 2023.

WWU nursing students who have jobs within 12 months after graduation.

A nursing student practices their skills on a practice dummy while an instructor watches.

College Experience

What will your college experience look like as a nursing major?

Nursing students participate in WWU’s vibrant campus life, including events organized by ASWWU, ASWWU Portland, and the nursing club. Events like Bread Night—a weekly meal hosted in collaboration with local churches—nurture community and belonging.

WWU’s nursing program introduces students to holistic care and emphasizes personal wellness. Classes are held on two campuses, both of which feature modernized labs that allow students to practice their skills and build confidence in realistic simulations. WWU’s cutting edge curriculum focuses on competency-based learning which emphasizes being practice-ready upon graduation.

A nurse administers a shot to a patient.

Career Path

What can your career path as a nursing major look like?

To practice as a nurse, it is necessary to pass the NCLEX licensure exam. There are several paths to a nursing career, however, it is becoming more common for hospitals and other employers to require a bachelor’s degree. In Washington, nurses earn $96,980 annually on average. Nurses can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Specialties can be as varied as anesthetists, nurse administration, education, or medical consulting on legal cases. Nurses consistently list high job satisfaction, even in recent years.

News & Updates

July 16, 2024

Excellence in thought

WWU relaunches annual academic excellence symposium

January 22, 2024

Further nursing grant

WWU receives $105,231 to update Portland simulation lab

June 06, 2023

Graduation weekend 2023

Doug Tilstra, vice president of student life, to give commencement address

December 14, 2022

Nursing education grant

School of Nursing awarded $100,000 to accelerate competency-based education

November 07, 2022

Nursing lab grant

WWU receives $285,000 to improve nursing simulation lab