Program Details

• Major Name: Nursing
• Degree Program: Arts and Sciences
• Degree Designation: BSN
• College / School: School of Nursing

The West Virginia University School of Nursing (WVUSON): Potomac State Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a four-year, traditional baccalaureate nursing program located on the WVU Keyser campus at the J. Edward Kelley Complex. The BSN program is state approved by the West Virginia RN Board (5001 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston, WV 25309, 304-744-0900. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at West Virginia University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).

Students accepted for admission into the WVUSON Potomac State BSN program follow the same progression plan, student handbook, curriculum, policies, and procedures as students on our Morgantown campus, but complete all four years here on the Potomac State College campus. Students in the BSN program learn nursing principles in a smart classroom; build their confidence with skills and clinical judgment in state-of-the-science simulation labs; and provide hands-on care in many clinical facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community agencies. The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and nursing science; these courses are taken in conjunction with clinical nursing courses. Students apply their learning to client, family, and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, nursing students complete a rural clinical practice experience during their senior year. Throughout the nursing program, students also complete 100 hours of community service.

The School of Nursing’s vision, mission, and values are modeled by faculty, reflected in the teaching-learning process, and expected by students. Throughout all academic and clinical experiences, students and faculty focus on five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum: Critical thinking, nursing intervention, professional role, caring, and communication. Available services, including professional advising, peer tutoring, success coaching, NCLEX-RN review resources, and career counseling, provide students support they need as they acclimate to nursing school, progress through the nursing curriculum, take their nursing boards exam, and transition to nursing practice.

Acceptance into the WVUSON Potomac State BSN program is competitive and spaces are limited. Students admitted to the nursing program must successfully pass a background check, urine drug screen, and physical exam/immunizations review by their healthcare provider; complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)/confidentiality and American Heart Association Basic Life Support trainings; and maintain current health insurance.

Once admitted to the BSN program, students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Students who do not maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 will be placed on academic notice. Students who do not raise their overall GPA to at least 3.0 after two semesters on academic notice will be dismissed from the WVU School of Nursing. See the undergraduate handbook for further details regarding admission, progression, and graduation policies.

Transfer students in good standing from other colleges or universities may be eligible for admission. Students who have been dismissed from any nursing program (WVU or otherwise) are ineligible for admission to any of the WVU BSN programs; however, students who have received degrees or additional credentialing post-academic dismissal from a nursing program are eligible for admission to the BS/BA to RN, RN to BSN, or graduate programs provided that they meet all other admission requirements and based on space available. Students who have withdrawn from the WVU SON may be considered for readmission and may apply in accordance with guidelines and criteria found in the undergraduate handbook.

Admission to the BSN Program

Pre-BSN, pre-nursing, transfer, and other college major students may apply for admission to the WVUSON Potomac State BSN program after one semester of college coursework. Applications for fall admission will be accepted from November 1 through January 15 each year. A program applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all college coursework attempted; and
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the prerequisite coursework (courses listed below); and
• Completion of each of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better prior to enrollment:
  • General Biology with Lab – BIOL 102 and BIOL 102L (4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology – BIOL 230 and BIOL 230L (4 credits)
  • Chemistry with Lab – CHEM 111 and CHEM 111L (4 credits)
  • Chemistry with Lab – CHEM 112 and CHEM 112L (4 credits)
  • College Algebra – MATH 124 (3 credits)
  • English Composition – ENGL 101 (3 credits)
  • Intro to Psychology – PSYC 101 (3 credits)
  • Intro to Nursing – NSG 100 (2 credits)

Steps to apply to our BSN program:

1. Confirm that you meet the overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, and prerequisite coursework requirements.
2. Note that the application window opens on November 1 and closes on January 15; applicants have until January 15 to get all documents (transcripts and ACT/SAT scores) submitted.
3. Apply to WVU School of Nursing. Please follow the steps carefully. An application must be complete to be considered for admission.
4. Applicants admitted to the BSN nursing program are notified by e-mail, usually in mid-April.
5. All students accepted for admission to the BSN nursing program must complete the preparatory program requirements and attend an orientation session before they begin nursing classes in the sophomore year. Students will receive information about these requirements in a welcome letter sent via the student’s MIX e-mail, usually in early June. Students who are completing certain prerequisite courses may be offered admission, however, the offer will be rescinded if the courses are not completed successfully prior to the first day of classes.
6. All sophomore, junior, and senior nursing students must participate in our campus laptop program (see Laptop Program below).

Laptop Program

All students in the WVU School of Nursing: Potomac State BSN program must have a laptop that meets the program’s laptop requirements and bring it to class/small group/lab/clinical every day. The laptop is used for testing and completion of coursework in nursing courses throughout the BSN curriculum. To better serve our students, the WVU ITS department provides computer support should the need arise; the ITS Help Desk can be reached at:

Phone: 304-293-4444
Toll Free: 877-327-9260
Email: ITSHelp@mail.wvu.edu
Website: https://it.wvu.edu/