Nursing
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
Have you ever thought about becoming the heartbeat of a healthcare team? That's exactly what you'll be as a registered nurse (RN)! Our program isn't just about teaching you the nuts and bolts of nursing; it's about turning you into a leader in healthcare. Imagine combining knowledge from social, mathematical, and physical sciences with pharmacology and pathophysiology to make crucial clinical decisions. That's what you'll learn here.
Communication is key in nursing, and you'll become an expert at it. You'll also learn how to work effectively with others and use available resources to help patients maintain, regain, and improve their health. Think about mastering the art of critical thinking and problem-solving using the nursing process. It's not just about following procedures; it's about leading with compassion, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Nurses are in high demand in all sorts of care settings, so your skills will be sought after. Plus, to ensure you're fully prepared, all registered nurses must pass a national exam to practice. Our graduates have consistently aced this exam compared to other programs nationwide. So, if you're ready to step into a career that's both challenging and rewarding, where you can truly make a difference, our RN program is the perfect place to start your journey.
You will enhance your clinical skills through hands-on, high-fidelity simulations in our cutting-edge Simulation and Extended Reality (XR) Labs, where you’ll practice patient care in lifelike scenarios. Learn more about our Simulation and XR Labs. [1]
Due to program demand and Wisconsin laws relating to admissions residency requirements, this program is currently not accepting out-of-state applications at this time unless the state has a reciprocity agreement. Minnesota applicants will be accepted based on the current reciprocity agreement.
To view the Nursing program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [2].
Nursing 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 262 |
| Graduates Responding | 79 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 74 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 1 |
| Continuing Education | 4 |
| Not in Labor Market | 4 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 11 | 34 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 29 | 39 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $32.69 | $34.60 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $25.50-$36.10 | $27.50-$45.00 |
| Average Annual Salary | $48,000 | $69,628 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Registered Nurse, RN Circulator, Nurse Manager, Pod Lead Registered Nurse
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Integrate professional nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility, and nursing
- Communicate comprehensive information using multiple sources in nursing practice
- Integrate theoretical knowledge to support decision making
- Integrate the nursing process into patient care across diverse populations
- Function as a healthcare team member to provide safe and effective care
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Program Specific Requirements
Program Admissions Requirements
These Academic Preparedness Requirements must be complete to be admitted to the Nursing program core courses
- High School Transcript
- 1 year of High School Chemistry OR 3 credits of College Chemistry OR Developmental Chemistry*
- Strengths Seminar
- English Composition I*
- Speech OR Oral/Interpersonal Communications*
- Developmental Psychology*
- Introduction to Psycology
- Intro to Sociology*
- General Anatomy & Physiology
- Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology*
- Nursing Assistant [3] Course Completion or proof of CNA certification
- HESI A2 Exam with a cumulative score of 75% or better
- Technical Standards Signature Form
- Viewpoint screening Background Check
- Viewpoint screening Health Portal
*Must be completed with a “C” or better
Additional Admissions Information
After admission to the college, you will be considered a pre-core nursing student. Admission to core classes in the Nursing program is based on application date and successful completion of the academic preparedness requirements for the program. Students are able to apply for financial aid and take general education courses to meet academic preparedness requirements as a pre-core nursing student. There is an estimated wait time of approximately 5-6 terms between admission to the college and beginning core Nursing courses. .
Evaluation of pre-core nursing students to determine those that have met all program admissions requirements will take place on the following dates.
- September 15, 2025 for spring term
- February 16, 2026 for summer term
- June 15, 2026 for fall term
Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy [4] when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [5].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [6].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [7] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [8]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [9].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [10] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [11]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Western Technical College located in La Crosse Wisconsin is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program at Western Technical College is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs [12].
[13]
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:
- Program Details [14]
- Program Handbook [15]
- ACEN Standard 5 Outcomes [16]
- ACEN Standard 5 Outcomes LPN to RN [17]
- ACEN Standard 5 Outcomes Paramedic to RN [18]
Program Contact
Briannna Rozmenoski (last names A-K)
608-785-9078
rozmenoskib@westerntc.edu [19]
Elliot Knoke (last names L-Z)
608-785-9842
knokee@westerntc.edu [20]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [21] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [22] self-service portal for academic planning.