WNC offers accelerated plan for Pre-Nursing students

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

To meet the rising employment demand for nurses, Western Nevada College now offers a plan to expedite students’ entry into the college’s Nursing program.

Through an accelerated model, students can complete nursing prerequisites in just two semesters, in preparation for acceptance into the program.

“It’s an approach, a plan, if you will, for students who are motivated to complete their WNC pre-nursing coursework in one year,” said WNC Biology Professor Steve Carman.

The accelerated plan offers eight-week courses for science requirements on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the fall semester, students take BIOL 190/190L (Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology) for the first eight weeks of the semester, followed by BIOL 251 (General Microbiology) for the last eight weeks of the semester. Two general education classes round out the semester and can be taken on campus or online. The spring semester fast-tracks BIOL 223 and 224 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II) at eight weeks each, and two additional full-semester general education classes complete the schedule.

“This pathway into our nursing program is an opportunity for students who have the time and energy to devote to becoming a professional nurse over a shorter time. We are dedicated to helping all of our students achieve their goals, following a pathway that best meets their lifestyle and learning needs,” said Dr. Judith Cordia, WNC’s Director of Nursing and Allied Health.

It is imperative that anyone interested in accelerating their pre-nursing requirements meet with a counselor to complete the admission and enrollment process. Through placement testing, students will learn if they need to take any classes during the summer so they can be ready for the accelerated science and general education classes in the fall. Financial aid, grants and scholarships may be available.

For information, contact WNC Counseling Services at (775) 445-3267.