Frequently Asked Questions - Registered Nursing Program
When is the application deadline for consideration of a Spring Semester admission?
Applications for consideration into CWI ASRN Nursing Program need to be postmarked by March 15th. Applications will be posted on our website after January 1st.
What prerequisite courses are required?
The ASRN Nursing Program at CWI requires the following prerequisites and encourages completion of the following co-requisites:
| Pre-requisites | ||
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
| English Composition I | ENGL 101 | 3 Credits |
| Math in Modern Society or above | MATH 123 or 143, or above | 3 – 4 Credits |
| Anatomy and Physiology I | BIOL 227 | 4 Credits |
| Chemistry 101 OR 1 year of High School Chemistry (Applicants must complete this course by the end of Fall Semester 2010 if admitted into program) | CHEM 101 | 4 – 5 Credits |
| Co-requisites | ||
| Course Name | Course Number | Credits |
| English Composition II | ENGL 102 | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Microbiology or General Microbiology | BIOL 221 or BIOL 250 | 4 Credits |
| Anatomy and Physiology II | BIOL 228 | 4 Credits |
| General Psychology | PSYC 101 | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Sociology | SOCY 101 | 3 Credits |
| Fundamentals of Oral Communications | COMM 101 | 3 Credits |
| Humanities Course | See listing of CWI Humanities courses | 3 Credits |
| Humanities Course | See listing of CWI Humanities courses | 3 Credits |
If courses have been taken at institutions other than CWI, transcript credit will be given according to CWI transfer guidelines. For full credit, courses must be completed prior to the June 1st application deadline. Courses in which you are currently enrolled will be awarded partial credit if your application includes a completed Course Credit Verification Form.
Why are these courses required for registered nursing?
Many Science-based degrees have foundational education requirements built into their programs for several reasons, including the need for a well-rounded education and a fundamental understanding of health sciences. The CWI Nursing Program offers the capability of transitioning smoothly into a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree (BSN).
Is there a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)?
The Nursing Program offers a quality nursing education that will develop competent, caring, and holistic nurses. Most nursing programs are considered rigorous, challenging, yet powerfully life-changing. Students have generally been successful with GPAs at or above 2.75 and therefore the criteria for applying to the CWI ASRN Nursing Program is a GPA of 2.75 in all pre-requisites. All prerequisites must be completed before acceptance into the nursing program.
How are applicants selected?
There is a comprehensive point system used during the review process which is based on the information included in the Application Worksheet. For example, the more successfully completed courses, the more points received. The admission point system process is based on:
- Prerequisite courses passed with 2.75 GPA, and above
- Co-requisite courses completed with a C, or above
- Current Certification in a health care field
- Health care work history
- Proof of state and county residency
The point system is based on two simple, research supported facts: student success in this fast-paced program is greatly increased by successful completion of previous academic coursework and experience in the healthcare field. It is our goal for all students to successfully complete our program and the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
How many students are accepted each year?
The Registered Nursing Program admits 30 students each fall semester.
Nursing Curriculum Information
Upon admission into CWI ASRN Nursing Program you can anticipate taking the following courses. There may be courses offered during a semester that you have already completed.
| Course Title | Course Number | Technical Credits | General Education Credits | Semester Sequence |
| • English Composition I | ENGL 101 | 3 | Prerequisite | |
| • Human Anatomy and Physiology I | BIOL 227 | 4 | Prerequisite | |
| • Math in Modern Society or College Algebra | MATH 123 or 143 | 3 | Prerequisite |
| Total / Prerequisites | 10 Cr. |
| Fundamentals of Nursing | NURS 100 | 3 | Fall - 1st Semester | |
| Health Assessment | NURS 101 | 2 | Fall - 1st Semester | |
| Health Assessment Clinic | NURS 102 | 1 | Fall - 1st Semester | |
| Nursing Intervention Skills Lab | NURS 103 | 2 | Fall - 1st Semester | |
| * Human Anatomy and Physiology II | BIOL 228 | 4 | * See below | |
| * Intro to Chemistry or High School Chemistry | CHEM 101 | - | * See below | |
| * Intro Microbiology or General Microbiology | BIOL 221 or 250 | 4 | * See below |
| Total / 1st Semester | 16 Cr. |
| Basic Medical Surgical Nursing | NURS 104 | 4 | Spring - 2nd Semester | |
| Basic Medical Surgical Nursing Clinic | NURS 105 | 3 | Spring - 2nd Semester |
| Total / 2nd Semester | 7 Cr. |
| Nursing Across the Lifespan | NURS 200 | 5 | Fall - 3rd Semester | |
| Nursing Across the Lifespan Clinic | NURS 201 | 4 | Fall - 3rd Semester |
| Total / 3rd Semester | 9 Cr. |
| Advanced Medical Surgical Health Care - 10 wks | NURS 202 | 3 | Spring - 4th Semester | |
| Advanced Med/Surg Health Care Clinic - 10 wks | NURS 203 | 4 | Spring - 4th Semester | |
| Managing Client Care: Preceptorship - last 5 wks | NURS 204 | 3 | Spring - 4th Semester |
| Total / 4th Semester | 10 Cr. |
| † Introduction to Sociology | SOC 101 | 3 | Co-requisites | |
| † English Composition II | ENGL 102 | 3 | Co-requisites | |
| † General Psychology | PSYC 101 | 3 | Co-requisites | |
| † Fundamentals of Oral Communication | COMM 101 | 3 | Co-requisites | |
| † Humanities (Pg 35 in CWI Catalog) | (Will Vary Per Humanity) | 6 | Co-requisites | |
| 34 | 36 | Total 70 Cr. |
• Prerequisites: Must be completed prior to applying to the RN program. |
What will I need for clinical assignments?
You will need proof of updated immunizations, CPR certification, and a Criminal History Background Check. Once you have been accepted into the Nursing Program you will receive instructions on submitting your request for a Background Check. Confirmation of the request for a Background Check will need to be submitted by July 1st. This check costs approximately $45 - $50.
Why do I need a Background Check?
Clinical experience within health care facilities is an invaluable part of your nursing education. To ensure the safety and well-being of clients health care facilities require that each student complete a Background Check. Results of the Background Checks are confidentially retained by the Nursing Program at CWI. A positive Criminal History Background Check will require further review with the student in order to maintain placement in the Nursing Program. Further information on the Criminal History Background Check policy can be found in the Idaho Board of Nursing FAQ on Licensure.
What can I do to be a successful student?
For nursing theory courses, students can anticipate studying as much as 2-3 hours for every credit hour each week; for example in a 3 credit hour class, plan to set aside 6 to 9 hours a week for study. Nursing course clinical experiences consist of exposure to the health care and community environment. Clinical assignments range from 3 hours to 9 hours, one to two days a week. This can be challenging for working students. During the final 5 weeks of the Nursing Program there will be approximately 135 hours of working in the health care environment.
Students are encouraged to attend advising forums, review curriculum materials, and consult their faculty and One Stop Student advisors. It is important to understand that students are responsible for monitoring their own progression in the Nursing Program and ensuring progression requirements are met.
For more information contact:
Casey Brown, Health Professions Enrollment Specialist
Phone: 208-562-2021
Email: caseybrown@cwidaho.cc
To Get Financial Aid:
Almost all prospective students are eligible for some kind of
financial aid, regardless of credit history, income or assets. Visit Financial Aid for more information.