Western Governors University

Western Governors University is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  WGU is a non-traditional university and their education is based on competencies, which means that their approach allows the students to learn things they do not already know, taking into consideration past education and work experience.

Western Governors University allows nursing students to complete their degrees online at any time or place that works for them. Students have loved this institution because they don’t have to choose between their education and work.

At Western Governors University, although the coursework is online, students will never be alone in their educational journey. Each student is paired with a mentor who has worked in the healthcare industry and will provide continual support, encouragement and help them achieve their goals. This online nonprofit organization is very affordable and also provides multiple scholarship opportunities to nurses who have shown exceptional activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes. 

Undergraduate Programs: The University offers an RN to BSN online program that is designed for working RNs who want an affordable and accessible bachelor’s degree to expand their career. However, for students who don’t hold a nursing license, the University has a Nursing (Prelicensure) BS degree that is offered in areas where the University has partnerships with healthcare employers. These partnerships allow students to practice in clinical sites and provide them with clinical coaches to successfully complete their degrees and build competence. 

Graduate Programs: The Nursing Education (BSN to MSN) degree prepares students to teach the next generation of nurses. Graduates of this degree are eligible to work as Nurse Educators, Nursing Faculty, Program Director, Academic Clinical Nurse Educator, and more. For students who don’t currently have a bachelor’s degree, the Nursing Education (RN to MSN) course includes a BSN program component in the degree itself. 

Similarly, there are also Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) and Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN) degrees that empower data-driven nurses. The Nursing Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) and (RN to MSN) courses exist for students who are ready for greater responsibility like the director of nursing, chief nursing officer, and more. 

For nurses looking to advance their career in the clinical sector, the Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) course prepares them to become board-certified FNPs.

Apart from these degrees, the University also offers two Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership and Management.

The nursing school at Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE.

Degree types you can earn at Western Governors University include CNL and Registered Nursing, and the school provides its offerings to students via campus and online formats. The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include Accelerated BSN, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, RN to BSN and RN to MSN level degrees.

For nursing students in Utah, the state average NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is 92.65% and for BSN programs is 81.32%. The average national NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is N/A% and for BSN programs is N/A%.

Out of 20 nursing schools in Utah, the nursing program at Western Governors University ranks #1 in the state, and out of more than 1,700 nursing programs nationally, it ranks #33. It's 3-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 97.91%, giving the Western Governors University an overall grade of A.

Nursing Program Stats at a Glance for Western Governors University

• Grade: A
• NCLEX-RN Passing Rate Average: 97.91%
• Utah State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 33

Best Online Nursing Programs for Utah Students

In-state nursing schools are preferable to out-of-state programs as your tuition and logistics for attending school will be considerably less than if you attended school out-of-state. Online nursing schools are also an option.

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