Welcome to the Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) Department of Nursing Homepage. We are excited to have you visit WJU, where the Department of Nursing has been a vital program since its inception in 1976.  The first nurses graduated with a BSN in 1980, and since then we have produced a remarkable cadre of nurses.  I invite you to travel through our Web site and explore nursing at WJU.  The faculty page will link you to our E-mail addresses if you would like to contact us.  The admissions page will link you to information on how to apply.

Highlights of our nursing programs appear below. More information can be accessed through the menu at the left of this page.

1.  BSN Program

           This baccalaureate program prepares graduates to apply to take the examination to license them as registered nurses.  The program also lays the foundation for graduate school so that graduates, if they choose, may continue their education to become nurse practitioners, educators, researchers and other specialists.  Employers actively seek our graduates, many of whom work in intensive care units and other specialty care areas after graduation.  One reason that makes our graduates attractive to employers is that many of them elect to become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) as students.  Another reason is that the program has achieved high pass rates on recent national licensing exams.  Twice in the past decade, 100 percent of WJU graduates have passed the exam on the first attempt.

2.  RN-BSN Program

          Especially designed for the motivated adult learner and working registered nurse, this program is available through a distance format.  Upon completion, this program awards the nurse the baccalaureate degree and thus the opportunity for advancement in nursing.  The courses are available online with students traveling to campus an average of once or twice a semester.

3.  RN-MSN Programs

         At the completion of this program, the graduate achieves both the BSN degree and the MSN degree.  The student may elect any of the three MSN tracks listed below.

4.  MSN Programs

          A.  Nursing Administration

       This MSN program is designed to enhance the graduate’s knowledge in both nursing and administration since many management positions expect the nurse to be both a clinician and a manager.  This program is offered in a distance format.

         B.  Nursing Education Specialist

       This MSN program is for nurses interested in teaching in an academic setting or in a health care agency.  Offered through a distance format, this program is designed to enhance both nursing and education knowledge and skills.

         C.  Family Nurse Practitioner

       The graduate of this MSN program is prepared to apply to take a national certifying examination in the area of family nurse practitioner.  Courses are offered in a distance format. Clinical is arranged on campus and in primary care sites and clinics. 668 clinical hours are required.