The RN-to-BSN track at Western New Mexico University started in 2005.  The track is designed for the working nurse.   Applicants to the RN-to-BSN track must have a current RN license. All of the RN-to-BSN nursing courses are online as are many of the general education classes.  Frequently asked questions about online learning can be found here. It is possible to complete the RN-to-BSN track in as little as two years. The curriculum is designed to address contemporary issues in nursing. Students are encouraged to explore increasingly complex roles in nursing to enhance critical thinking skills. There is a practicum component that requires 96 hours in Community Health Nursing that can be accomplished in the community where you live. The degree plan provided (hyperlink below) presents the detailed course criteria for this track.

The baccalaureate tracks are granted full approval by the New Mexico Board of Nursing (https://nmbon.sks.com), 6301 Indian School NE, Suite 710, Albuquerque, NM 87110, telephone (505) 841-8340.

The baccalaureate tracks in nursing at Western New Mexico University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Mission

The mission of the Western New Mexico University School of Nursing RN-to-BSN track is to promote health and improve the quality of life for diverse populations by providing nursing education which instills the values of community, nursing scholarship, practice and community service.

Vision 

The School of Nursing (SON) prepares Registered Nurses (RNs) as clinicians, educators, and nursing leaders to serve in the local and global community.

Western New Mexico University offers an online track for RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The track was developed in response to a shortage of nurses prepared at the bachelor’s level. The WNMU RN-to-BSN track is a part of a statewide effort to expand nursing education at all levels.  The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN-2008) are integrated throughout the track.  Upon completion of the track, graduates will be prepared for positions in patient care, leadership, school health, and community health.

Admission Criteria

1. Immunizations and CPR must be current and submitted before enrollment in the Community Health Nursing and Gerontological Nursing courses
2. Valid certification in AHA BLS CPR must be maintained throughout the track
3. There is no time limit on how long ago the initial licensure track was completed

Transfer Credit

1. Graduates of Associate Degree Programs may transfer lower division credits to WNMU
2. Credit(s) earned in diploma programs will be evaluated on an individual basis
3. Only college courses with a grade of C or better will transfer
4. WNMU resident credit policies require that a minimum amount of coursework must be taken through WNMU

General Education Requirements and Supporting Coursework for the RN-to-BSN Degree

• WNMU General Education Requirements – Applicants should refer to WNMU Catalog
• MATH 321 – Statistics

Degree Requirements

• A minimum of 42 credit hours of upper division courses is required. The credit hours are required from the following areas:

1. Graduate of an approved ADN or Diploma program in nursing
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.75
3. Valid unencumbered U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license

*Liability insurance:  Recommended at time of admission.  Liability insurance is required at time of enrollment in NUR 401 and 481

Thank you for your interest in our program. The following is an outline of the application, admission, and transcript evaluation process.

• Apply to WNMU for admission
• Apply to the RN-to-BSN track
• Provide official (sealed) college transcripts direct to WNMU. Because the RN-to-BSN track requires an Associate Degree, high school and GED transcripts are not necessary. Official copies of all college transcripts are required, however.
• Check on your admission status: To see if your transcripts have been received, contact the Admissions office at 575-538-6000 or admissions@wnmu.edu
• Liability insurance is recommended at the time of admission. Students enrolling in NUR 401 & 481 are required to provide evidence of liability insurance.
• Complete the FAFSA Application: Collect your tax and W-2 information from the previous year and go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The School code is 002664. Students can also apply for grants and scholarships. Contact the Foundation Office for more grant and scholarship information.
• Once all transcripts have been received and application processed, applicants shall receive a formal degree plan. The degree plan will be sent to the applicant via the student’s WNMU email account and will reflect exactly which courses will need to be completed for the BSN program.

Send University Application Materials to:

• WNMU-Office of Admissions PO Box 680, Silver City, New Mexico 88062. Phone: 1-800-872-9668. Email: admissions@wnmu.edu
• Register for classes: Please contact the student advisor to arrange course registration.

Send RN-to-BSN track Application Materials to:

School of Nursing Advisor
PO Box 680
Silver City, New Mexico, 88062
Email: nursing@wnmu.edu
Phone: 575-538-6960

IMPORTANT NOTE:

After you apply for admission, please disregard any communication or letters from the Admissions Office indicating that you need to submit your high school transcripts, to complete COMPASS testing, or attend new-student orientation. Our RN to BSN students are exempt from the requirements for high school transcripts, COMPASS testing, or new-student orientation. Applicants for the RN to BSN track will only need to request official college transcripts. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact the School of Nursing at 575‐538‐6960. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR COURSE(S)

You will not be able to access your courses until the starting date of the class. From the WNMU home page, click on the Current Students menu and select “Canvas”. You will be directed to the Canvas login page. Students should login with the same information you use to login to Mustang Express. To navigate to your course home page, select the course from the Course menu located at the left of the Canvas page. It is very important to login to your online course during the first day of the semester (or the starting date of the course for courses that begin mid-semester) as this is how your instructor will take attendance.

WNMU School of Nursing
Phone: (575) 538-6960
Email: nursing@wnmu.edu
Office: School of Nursing Rm#140 (Front Office).