Commitment, Caring and Leadership
Thanks for visiting the PLU School of Nursing! Learn about the mission, history and programs offered, as well as download application materials. Health professionals looking to stay abreast of current issues or return to practice can read about courses offered through Continuing Nursing Education. Our current students can keep informed of important dates and events and download required paperwork. Nursing alumni can learn about current events at the School of Nursing, keep in touch with their fellow graduates, and find ways to contribute to nursing education at PLU.
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The School of Nursing Fund for Excellence offers extraordinary learning opportunities that complements and enhances the academic studies of our students.
MoreUndergraduate Programs
Students work with outstanding faculty and staff to gain knowledge and skills, share professional experiences with expert clinical preceptors, and become exceptional nurses.
MoreBSN Information Sessions
Prospective BSN students are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program, meet an admissions coordinator, and visit campus.
MoreGraduate Nursing Programs
Graduate nursing education is a multifaceted, dynamic, and rigorous process organized to prepare professional nurses for advanced nursing practice roles.
MorePLU Nursing Programs Compared
Three of PLU’s Nursing programs – the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) do not require that you have any prior Nursing experience. So how do you know which one is right for you?
If you’re a high school senior (including Running Start) or a transfer student with fewer than 60 college credits, our traditional BSN is likely your best option. If you have 60+ non-nursing college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you should consider our Accelerated BSN or Entry-Level MSN.
Take a look through the comparison chart below for more information.
Traditional BSN | Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | Entry-Level MSN | |
---|---|---|---|
Ideal for: | Students who want to enter the nursing profession | Students who want to enter the nursing profession | Students who want to enter the nursing field and advance to leadership roles |
National Licensure Examination Eligibility | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN |
Professional Certification Eligibility | N/A | N/A | Certified Nurse Leader (CNL) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) |
Credentials* | Registered Nurse (RN) | Registered Nurse (RN) | RN and the CNL or CNE |
Program length | 4 years if entering as a first year student 2 years if entering as a transfer student | 16 months (BSN-preparation) | 15 months (RN-preparation) + 12 months (MSN + Nursing Leadership or Nursing Education) |
Start term | Fall, Spring | Fall, Spring, Summer | Summer |
Curriculum | General education courses + nursing specific courses + clinical experiences | Nursing-specific courses + clinical experiences | Nursing-specific courses + advanced-level leadership courses + clinical experiences |
Learning Format & Location | Full-time, combination of in-person courses, skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations (PLU Main Campus, Tacoma) | Full-time, combination of online courses and in-person skills/simulation labs and clinical rotations (PLU Satellite Campus, Lynnwood) | Full-time, combination of in-person courses, skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations (PLU Main Campus, Tacoma) |
Employment outlook | Projected RN job growth is almost two times faster than the average for all occupations. WA median salary: $101K | Projected RN job growth is almost two times faster than the average for all occupations. WA median salary: $101K | Created to improve patient outcomes with clinical leadership as a Quality Improvement (QI) leader. WA median salary: $130K Job growth for nurse leaders: 28.3% |
Eligibility, Prerequisites & How to Apply Links | First Year Transfer | Requirements Prerequisites Admission Process | Requirements How to Apply |
*Once examinations are passed and licensure is obtained
Accreditation
The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Pacific Lutheran University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The Care and Outcomes Manager MSN curriculum meets requirements for the Clinical Nurse Leader national certification examination. The Family Nurse Practitioner track meets requirements for ANCC and AANP national certification examinations and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner track meets requirements for ANCC national certification examination.
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