Health Sciences
http://www.whitworth.edu/health-sciences
The Whitworth Health Sciences Department offers majors in health science (B.S.), exercise science (B.S.), rehabilitation science (B.S.), and health & well-being (B.A.).
The mission of the Whitworth Health Sciences Department is to equip its graduates to serve humanity through study of the form and function of the human body and the body’s connection to health and wellness. Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, graduates will be able to appreciate this relationship both critically and creatively and will learn to apply it to various health-related fields.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare graduates to:
- Explain the form and function of the human body
- Explain various factors that make up holistic human health and wellness
- Demonstrate appropriate strategies to communicate health and wellness concepts
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to access and evaluate health information and resources
- Identify their strengths and interests and demonstrate how these can be used to serve humanity
- Articulate a worldview that integrates their personal values with professional ethics
- Apply concepts of cultural competence as future professionals
Courses
| HS 162 Personal Health | 3 |
| In this course students will investigate and discuss current issues related to personal health and holistic wellness. Topics include: health in our society, chronic diseases, mental health and stress, spirituality, sleep, nutrition, fitness, body weight and composition, body image, substance abuse, relationships, violence, social health and justice, and health policy. | |
| HS 170 Advanced CPR and First Aid | 1 |
| This course provides a comprehensive survey of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, focusing especially on situations likely to be encountered by professionals in health science and kinesiology. The intention is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advanced medical help can arrive. Leads to certification at the healthcare provider level. | |
| HS 185 Medical & Anat. Terminology | 1 |
| Designed to help students understand health care related language, and prepare for HS 220 and HS 221. Medical terms, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, and root words will be examined as they related to body systems, medical disorders, and health care. | |
| HS 198 Foundations of Health Science | 2 |
| This course will introduce students to the foundational concepts of health sciences, for vocational discernment and career exploration. | |
| HS 199 Foundations of Nursing | 2 |
| This course will introduce students to the foundational concepts of the nursing profession, for vocational discernment and career exploration. | |
| HS 220 Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Natural Science Shared Curriculum Objectives and the Department of Health Science mission and goals by covering gross anatomy and physiological applications of the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems of the human body. Designed for students in pursuing nursing, other allied health professions, and kinesiology. Corequisite: HS 220 lab. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Fall semester. | |
| HS 220L Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 1 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and goals by covering gross anatomy and physiological applications of skeletal and muscular systems of the human body. The lab component will provide practical application in the location and isolation of anatomical parts. Corequisite: HS 220 lab. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Fall semester. | |
| HS 221 Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and goals by covering gross anatomy and physiological applications of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, renal, digestive, lymphatic, and endocrine systems of the human body. Emphasis will be given to the relationship of major organs to health and disease. In addition, this course will provide practice in the process of scientific research design, literature review, and writing within the field of health science. Corequisite: HS 221 lab. Prerequisites: HS 220 and HS 220 lab; sophomore standing. Spring semester. | |
| HS 221L Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 1 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and goals by covering gross anatomy and physiological applications of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, renal, digestive, lymphatic, and endocrine systems of the human body. The lab component will provide practical application in the location and isolation of anatomical parts, theory, and application of these systems in a variety of situations. | |
| HS 261 Community Health | 3 |
| This course will explore foundations of community health, our nation's health status, health disparities, social determinants of health, and local and national health agendas. Specific emphasis is placed on social, behavioral, and environmental community health-related issues and the controversies that surround them. Group and presentation work will be included in the course. Class discussions and written reports will examine the complexity of the relationship between the natural environment, the built environment, and health outcomes. Offered fall, jan, and spring semesters. | |
| HS 301 Introduction to Healthcare Administration | 3 |
| Introduction to Healthcare Administration This course provides an introduction to the structure, operation and financing of the American healthcare system. It examines the major industry participants; how healthcare services are allocated and financed; the factors that influence the cost and quality of care; and opposing positions on the future of healthcare reform. For continuing studies students only. | |
| HS 315 Nutrition | 3 |
| In this course, students will explore the function of nutrients in the body in the context of dietary patterns while connecting nutrition to multiple domains of health. Topics include digestion, macronutrients, micronutrients, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the role of nutrition in disease treatment and prevention, nutrition for special populations, and interpretation of nutrition research. | |
| HS 320 Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 |
| A study of human motion, emphasizing analysis of joint and muscular action and the application of biomechanical principles for sport skills common to physical education and athletics. Lab required. Prerequisites: HS 220 and HS 221 and labs. | |
| HS 326 Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by covering fundamental theory and application of exercise as it applies to human anatomy, physiology, health, and wellness. In addition, this course will provide practice with literature review and writing within the health sciences. | |
| HS 326L Exercise Physiology Lab | 1 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by covering fundamental theory and application of exercise as it applies to human anatomy, physiology, health, and wellness. In addition, this course will provide practice with literature review and writing within the health sciences. | |
| HS 334 Evaluation & Care of Lower Extremity Pathology | 3 |
| This course addresses the anatomy, etiology, signs and symptoms, and care for common orthopedic pathologies of the lower extremity (toes to hip). The student will learn a critical thinking framework for orthopedic evaluation, as well as clinical skills including palpation, range of motion assessment, manual muscle testing, and special tests. | |
| HS 336 Evaluation of Spine & Upper Extremity Pathology | 3 |
| This course addresses the anatomy, etiology, signs and symptoms, and care for common orthopedic pathologies of the spine and upper extremity (finger to shoulder). The student will learn a critical thinking framework for orthopedic evaluation, as well as clinical skills including palpation, range of motion assessment, manual muscle testing, and special tests. | |
| HS 338 Japan Sports Medicine Study Abroad Preparation | 1 |
| The purpose of this course is to prepare you to participate in the May Term study seminar in Japan. The course will introduce the historical and contemporary aspects of Japanese society. We will pay particular attention to healthcare, culture, and theological dimensions of Japanese life. | |
| HS 339 Japan Sports Medicine Study Abroad | 3 |
| This study abroad opportunity offers students the chance of a lifetime to explore western Japan. Students will travel to Japan with an energetic community to engage in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be placed on experiencing Japanese society as it relates to global citizenship, gender, sports, healthcare and culture. | |
| HS 340 Health Communication & Advocacy | 3 |
| This course will explore applied health communication strategies that inform individual and community decision-making aimed at enhancing health. It also embeds the role of advocacy in public health by incorporating social networking and mobilization, interpersonal communication and negotiation, as well as the use of media and social platforms for generating public discourse. Students will explore the use of counseling, public campaigns, and political processes to advocate for health among diverse populations. Students will integrate professional ethics and cultural competence to promote health goals consistent with personal values. | |
| HS 365WH Evidence Based Health Science | 3 |
| An exploration of research methods, critical appraisal, and the use of evidence to guide practice in a variety of health-related fields. Students will learn to formulate a clear clinical question based on personal area of interest, conduct a relevant literature review, and be able to synthesize the evidence to determine best practice. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| HS 366 Applied Health Science Research | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and goals by applying the research design concepts, statistical techniques, and critical appraisal of literature skills introduced in HS 365WH, Evidence-based Health Science. | |
| HS 370 Food Systems & Public Health | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the concept of food systems and its relationship to public health in the United States. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and experiential learning (field trips), students will consider the historical, economic, social, and political forces that have shaped our regional food system, including production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food, as well as the implications these have on health. | |
| HS 371 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 2 |
| This course explores the fundamental principles and practical skills necessary for the prevention, assessment, and management of athletic injuries. Designed primarily for students pursuing careers in athletic training, coaching, sports medicine, or related fields, the course covers a range of topics including injury prevention strategies, anatomy & pathophysiology of common athletic injuries, principles of acute injury management, basic rehabilitation considerations, and legal and ethical considerations. Practical skills will include common techniques for the taping and bandaging of athletic injury. | |
| HS 372 Global Medicine | 3 |
| This course focuses on three overarching topics: (a) cultural competency in the provision of healthcare services, (b) analysis of global healthcare systems and selected global health concerns, and (c) international health volunteerism. Through study and practical experience, this class aims to equip students to critically analyze public or private health delivery organizations, acknowledge the need for provision of culturally competent healthcare, and appreciate how regional society (history, culture, politics, etc.) influence health. Prerequisites: HS 220 & HS 221. Periodic summer offering. | |
| HS 376 Health Psychology | 3 |
| The study of biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives influence an individual's overall health including; behavior change theory and application, coping and stress management, psychoneuroimmunology, the impact of personality and cognitive patterns, vision and goal development to facilitate health behavior change. Cross-listed: PY 376. Prerequisite: PY 101 and junior status. | |
| HS 381 Mediterranean Culture & the Good Life | 3 |
| This course immerses students in several Mediterranean traditions, habits and values. Students explore how individuals and communities experience health and well-being through engagement with Mediterranean culture. Additionally, students identify and explore how their faith and worldview inform their understanding of the Good Life and its implications for daily living. | |
| HS 385 Sexuality and Society | 3 |
| This course focuses on issues surrounding the mental-emotional, physical, and social aspects of human sexuality. Key course content areas include: communication, sexual anatomy, reproduction and reproductive technology, sexual consent and coercion, and decision making regarding sexual behavior. Prerequisite: HS 261. Fall semester. | |
| HS 387 Drugs and Society | 3 |
| The course focuses on drug use and abuse from a biopsychosocial perspective. Specifically, the course explores the health related consequences of drug use, the historical aspects surrounding use and abuse, and issues and solutions in treatment and enforcement. | |
| HS 390 Internship | 1-6 |
| HS 398 Professional Formation in Health Science | 2 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by helping students better understand themselves and their intended vocation, explore issues related to career planning, graduate school preparation, financial planning, and professional practice. Topics such as communication, networking, social media, resume and cover letters prep, interviewing techniques, and personal statement writing will be addressed via class discussions, activities, workshops, and guest speakers. | |
| HS 410 Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Prevention | 3 |
| Survey of major chronic diseases, risk factors, epidemiology, and various public health approaches (e.g. nutrition, physical activity, behavioral interventions and alternative therapies). Conditions include: cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, lung diseases, neurologic disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Prerequisites: Take HS 261 and take HS 162 or HS 363. Spring semester. | |
| HS 432 Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| This course provides an in-depth exploration of therapeutic exercise principles and skills to facilitate healing and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries. Upon completion of this course, students will develop an understanding of and be able to design and implement basic therapeutic exercise programs, utilizing communication skills, drawing from their core beliefs, and emphasizing holistic views of patient care. | |
| HS 433 Principles of Conditioning | 3 |
| Development of proficiency in the theory, design, and implementation of conditioning programs. Prerequisite: HS 326. Spring semester. | |
| HS 440 Health and Exercise Analytics | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by covering key scientific underpinnings of health and exercise science-physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, nutrition, and skill development-to address the use of data analysis, load monitoring, and health and performance technology. Prerequisites: HS 220/221 and labs, HS 326 and lab | |
| HS 445 Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by covering advanced/emergent theories and application of exercise as it applies to human anatomy, physiology, health, and wellness. In addition, this course will provide practice with literature review and writing within the health sciences. Prerequisites: HS 220/221 and labs, HS 326 and lab | |
| HS 475WH Health Promotion Planning And Evaluation | 3 |
| This course will enable students to create a detailed and effective health promotion program using evidence-based program design. It will allow students to bridge health content knowledge with behavior change theory and application. Emphasis will be placed on developing and understanding needs assessment, program rationale, mission statements, goals and objectives, and planning model. Students will learn areas of responsibility and ethical standards required for Community Health Education Specialists as required for Community Health Education Specialists and as assessed in the CHES exam. This course lays the foundation, and is a prerequisite for, the HS 476 course. | |
| HS 485 Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| This course focuses on the role of evidence-based nutrition in optimizing physical performance in active individuals while working within one's professional scope of practice. An emphasis will be placed on evaluating recent research in the field and translating this information to athletes and active individuals. | |
| HS 488 Professional Practicum | 1-12 |
| This course contributes to the Department of Health Science mission and learning objectives by helping students better prepare themselves for their intended vocation by providing guided application of content/skills learned in the classroom, training and collaborative work with field experts, and facilitating the development of a professional identity. | |
| HS 489 Supervised Cadaver Dissection | 1 |
| Additional study of human anatomy by dissecting a cadaver to provide prosected cadaver demonstrations for HS 220 and HS 221. The course complements HS 220 and HS 221, involves learning dissection techniques, but is not the equivalent of a medical school dissection course. | |
| HS 490 Internship | 1-6 |
| 3 credits maximum of HS-490 will apply to the Health Science major electives | |
| HS 498 Health Policy and Professional Ethics | 2 |
| This is a course where students explore models of health care, the basics of health insurance, contemporary health care policy issues, and ethics in policy making and advocacy. | |
Health Science Core Requirements for B.A. and B.S. (26) | ||
|---|---|---|
| HS 162 | Personal Health | 3 |
| Pick one: | 2 | |
| Foundations of Health Science | ||
| Foundations of Nursing | ||
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 261 | Community Health | 3 |
| HS 315 | Nutrition | 3 |
| HS 365WH | Evidence Based Health Science | 3 |
| HS 398 | Professional Formation in Health Sciences | 2 |
| HS 498 | Health Policy and Professional Ethics | 2 |
B.S. in Health Science (55) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | 26 | |
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| BI 143 & 143L | General Biology II: Ecology and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| CH 161 & 161L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CH 181 & 181L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| One of the following: | 1 | |
| Professional Practicum | ||
| Internship | ||
| Complete 12 credits of electives: at least 6 must be upper-division Health Science credits and up to 6 may be any lower- or upper-division class from the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other courses that may count as electives include: KIN 370, KIN 465, and PH 302. No more than 3 credits of Health Sciences internship, practicum, independent study, and research assistantships may count towards Health Science electives. Teaching assistantships will not count as Health Science electives. | 12 | |
BS in Exercise Science (55) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | 26 | |
| HS 320 | Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 |
| HS 326 & 326L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab | 4 |
| HS 433 | Principles of Conditioning | 3 |
| HS 440 | Health and Exercise Analytics | 3 |
| HS 445 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HS 488 | Professional Practicum | 3 |
| Complete 9 credits of electives: at least 6 must be upper-division Health Science credits and up to 3 may be any lower- or upper-division class from the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other courses that may count as electives include: KIN 370, KIN 465, and PH 302. No more than 3 credits of Health Sciences internship, practicum, independent study, and research assistantships may count towards Health Science electives. Teaching assistantships will not count as Health Science electives. | 9 | |
BS in Rehabilitation Science (55) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | 26 | |
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| HS 170 | Advanced CPR and First Aid | 1 |
| Pick one: | 4 | |
| Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | ||
| College Physics for Life Sciences and College Physics for Life Sciences Laboratory I | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | ||
| HS 326 & 326L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab | 4 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| Evaluation & Care of Lower Extremity Pathology | ||
| Evaluation of Spine & Upper Extremity Pathology | ||
| HS 432 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 |
| Pick one: | 1 | |
| Professional Practicum | ||
| Internship | ||
| Complete 9 credits of electives: at least 6 must be upper-division Health Science credits and up to 3 may be any lower- or upper-division class from the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other courses that may count as electives include: KIN 370, KIN 465, and PH 302. No more than 3 credits of Health Sciences internship, practicum, independent study, and research assistantships may count towards Health Science electives. Teaching assistantships will not count as Health Science electives. | 9 | |
BA in Health and Well-being (53) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | 26 | |
| HS 376/PY 376 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| Sexuality and Society | ||
| Drugs and Society | ||
| HS 410 | Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Prevention | 3 |
| HS 488 | Professional Practicum | 3 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| Introductory Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology for Health Sciences | ||
| Complete 12 credits of electives: at least 6 must be upper-division Health Science credits and up to 6 may be any lower- or upper-division class from the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. Other courses that may count as electives include: KIN 370, KIN 465, and PH 302. No more than 3 credits of Health Sciences internship, practicum, independent study, and research assistantships may count towards Health Science electives. Teaching assistantships will not count as Health Science electives. | 12 | |
Minor in Pre-Athletic Training (29) | ||
|---|---|---|
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| Pick one: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry Lab | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | ||
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 326 & 326L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab | 4 |
| HS 371 | Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 2 |
| PS 131 & 131L | College Physics for Life Sciences and College Physics for Life Sciences Laboratory I | 4 |
| PY 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
Minor in Pre-Nursing (37) | ||
|---|---|---|
| BI 306 & 306L | Medical Microbiology and Medical Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| CH 101 & 101L | Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CH 102 & 102L | Bioorganic Chemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| HS 199 | Foundations of Nursing | 2 |
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 315 | Nutrition | 3 |
| MA 256 | Elementary Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PY 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SO 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Minor in Pre-Occupational Therapy (39) | ||
|---|---|---|
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| Pick one: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry Lab | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | ||
| HS 185 | Medical & Anat. Terminology | 1 |
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 320 | Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| Elementary Probability and Statistics | ||
| Psychological Statistics | ||
| PY 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PY 358 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SO 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Professional Writing | ||
| Evidence Based Health Science | ||
Minor in Pre-Physician Assistant/Associate (47) | ||
|---|---|---|
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| BI 143 & 143L | General Biology II: Ecology and Evolution and Ecology and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| BI 306 & 306L | Medical Microbiology and Medical Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Pick one: | 3 | |
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| CH 161 & 161L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CH 181 & 181L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CH 271 & 271L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| MA 256 | Elementary Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Pick two: | 6 | |
| Introductory Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychopathology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Any EL designated course besides EL 110 | 3 | |
Minor in Pre-Physical Therapy (42) | ||
|---|---|---|
| BI 140 & 140L | General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution and General Biology I: Genes, Cells and Evolution Lab | 4 |
| CH 161 & 161L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CH 181 & 181L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| HS 220 & 220L | Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| HS 221 & 221L | Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| HS 320 | Functional Anatomy & Applied Biomechanics | 4 |
| HS 326 & 326L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab | 4 |
| MA 256 | Elementary Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PS 131 & 131L | College Physics for Life Sciences and College Physics for Life Sciences Laboratory I | 4 |
| PS 133 & 133L | College Physics for Life Sciences II and College Physics for Life Sciences Lab II | 4 |
| PY 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
Pre-Nursing Overview
In general, the prerequisite courses for nursing education programs vary by institution and degree type. Whitworth students interested in nursing should declare the pre-nursing minor, regardless of major. The courses contained in the pre-nursing minor align with many of the most common prerequisite courses. Information about Whitworth University's pre-nursing minor can be found under the Minors tab. Pre-nursing at Whitworth usually occurs in the following two ways; both include completing the pre-nursing minor:
- Following the completion of the pre-nursing minor as well as the majority of the Shared Curriculum requirements, students may apply to the Washington State University College of Nursing (WSU CON) using the Whitworth partnership agreement with WSU CON Spokane. Upon acceptance into the WSU CON program, the student transfers to WSU Spokane where they complete their pre-licensure bachelor's of science in nursing (PL-BSN). Upon completion of this program, students graduate from WSU CON Spokane. Students may also choose to apply to other PL-BSN programs; however, the WSU-Whitworth partnership is usually the preferred option as Whitworth is allotted seats in each WSU CON cohort. This pathway may be the shortest timeline to becoming a nurse.
- Following the completion of any major with the pre-nursing minor, Whitworth graduates are equipped to apply for a PL-BSN program (such as the WSU CON), an accelerated bachelor's of science in nursing (ABSN) program, or a pre-licensure master's of science in nursing (PL-MSN) program. There are a variety of programs. Talk to your pre-nursing advisor about these programs and degree options. This pathway may be a longer timeline but has the advantage of a more robust undergraduate experience at Whitworth. Student-athletes often consider this pathway.
WSU College of Nursing Partnership
As founding partners with Washington State University’s College of Nursing (WSU CON), a nursing degree through Whitworth and WSU will put you at the forefront of transforming and improving healthcare in the United States, where nurses make up the largest group of healthcare providers. Whitworth’s pre-nursing minor will equip you with the solid foundation of a Christian liberal arts education and provide you the opportunity to be a part of Whitworth’s community before applying to WSU CON. Students will complete their general education and nursing prerequisite requirements at Whitworth before applying and transferring to WSU CON. Those accepted to the WSU CON then engage in a unique blend of coursework, clinical training and community engagement based out of the WSU Health Sciences campus in downtown Spokane. Students graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing from WSU.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the WSU College of Nursing
Application/Admission Information
Application deadline: Students may complete their applications online through NursingCAS. Applications are accepted for fall semester and spring semester cohorts. Visit the WSU College of Nursing website for more information and deadlines.
Applicants are judged on the following criteria:
-
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
-
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in prerequisite courses (see pre-nursing minor on the minors tab)
-
At least a "B-" grade in each prerequisite course; P/F or S/NS grades are not accepted; AP credits cannot be used for science classes (check with an academic advisor)
-
Junior standing
-
Work or volunteer healthcare experience is weighted so there is no minimum but at least 50 hours is recommended; talk with your advisor
-
A minimum score of 70 percent on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
-
Evaluation in a personal interview
-
Admission is competitive, and being a Whitworth student does not guarantee admission to WSU CON.
All courses prerequisite to the major at WSU CON, several of Whitworth University's Shared Curriculum requirements and junior standing must be completed by the end of the semester prior to enrollment at WSU CON. During the semester when the application is being reviewed, the student must have no more than three prerequisite courses left to complete. Residency of 32 semester credits is required at Whitworth prior to acceptance at WSU CON. The degree is generally completed in two years of study at Whitworth and two years at WSU CON.
For further information, please contact Whitworth's nursing advisor, Justin Ulbright, at julbright@whitworth.edu or 509.777.4947.
For information on the WSU CON, contact nursing@wsu.edu or 509.324.7203.
Dean
MIKE EDIGER
Chair
ELIZABETH ABBEY
Professors
ELIZABETH ABBEYMIKE EDIGERMATT SILVERSCYNTHIA WRIGHT
Associate professors
SMOKEY FERMINDAMAN HAGEROTTSHANE WIBEL
Instructors
KAILYN GUNNINGJUSTIN ULBRIGHT
Whitworth Nursing Advisor
JUSTIN ULBRIGHT