About the School of Health Sciences
Get Answers: Undergraduate Nursing
How do I get into the prenursing program?
Information sessions are available to all interested prospective students. Contact 206-281-2233 to find out when these sessions will occur.
Current SPU students must apply to the School of Health Sciences Lydia Green Nursing Program on or before January 15 of their sophomore year. The application and recommendation forms are available by mid-October for program entry the following autumn. In order to be considered for entry into the nursing major, a nursing application, recommendation form, and official copies of all college transcripts of courses not taken at SPU, along with course descriptions, must be submitted to the School of Health Sciences on or before January 15.
Transfer students must complete 90 transferrable credits by the June before the beginning of the program. All transfer work must be directly transferable to the equivalent SPU course. Mid-nursing program transfer students should contact the SHS office for an appointment with a nursing faculty member/advisor at 206-281-2233 or 1-800-899-1769.
I’m a pre-nursing student. How do I connect to the program?
SPU pre-nursing students have opportunities to connect with the nursing program through NAPS, cadres, nursing advisors, and selected events. Contact the SHS office for more information at 206-281-2233 or nursbacc@spu.edu.
Why should I come to SPU's nursing program?
At SPU, you'll find a nursing program that's considered among the best in the region. You'll also find faculty members who recognize that obtaining a nursing degree is challenging work and who are committed to your success. This means that personal, individual attention will be a significant part of your academic experience.
What's more, SPU faculty members bring "real-world" experience to the program making coursework stimulating and clinically relevant. The program is built upon a Christian faith perspective, with a mission to develop graduates who engage the culture, change the world, and serve all people with the highest level of professional care.
Where will I do the do the clinical portion of my studies as a nursing student?
Students take what they are learning to local hospitals and health care agencies where they work directly with clients. Students experience a full array of settings, including hospitals, homeless shelters, public schools, and psychiatric facilities.
Are there study abroad programs in the nursing major?
Each year, 10 senior nursing students travel to Vietnam during winter quarter. Students take five weeks of courses at SPU, and five weeks of pediatric and community health nursing courses in Vietnam.
Under the guidance of SPU professors, the students also spend time in Vietnamese city hospitals and rural clinics providing health education and nursing care to children and families.
How much does the program cost?
The costs for the 2009-2010 academic year are:
Tuition and Fees $27,450
Room and Board $8,544
The 2008-9 scholarship and financial aid awards totaled approximately $60 million. In fact, 90 percent of our undergraduate students receive merit-based scholarships and/or need-based financial aid. So look into our scholarships, our financial aid, and don't forget to fill out that FAFSA.
Will the B.S. with a major in nursing permit me to enter a graduate program?
An R.N. license with a B.S. degree, or with a non-nursing bacclaureate degree is required for admission to the graduate program. For more information, visit graduate nursing admissions.
Is the undergraduate program accredited?
The undergraduate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the undergraduate prelicensure program is fully approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Read about our recent 10 year accreditation.
Get Answers: R.N. to B.S. Program
Why do I have to take non-nursing courses?
Students must meet four areas of competency to receive a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University. All undergraduate students must demonstrate math and English competency early in their career at SPU and as a condition of graduation.
The Common Curriculum is at the heart of a liberal arts education at SPU, and it includes eight required courses spread over four years. Those classes begin with the University Seminar and include University Core courses and University Foundations courses.
"W" writing requirements must also be met before a degree is awarded.
I’m an R.N. Why should I get a baccalaureate degree in nursing?
As the healthcare's system becomes increasingly complex, highly skilled nurses are in demand like never before. Those who earn a baccalaureate degree from SPU's School of Health Sciences are prepared for jobs and are offered a variety of job choices. A baccalaureate degree in nursing will open new doors and create exciting new career paths.
Is the program accredited?
As part of the undergraduate program, the R.N. to B.S. program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Read about our recent 10 year accreditation.
Get Answers: Graduate Program
Do I have to take the GRE?
SPU no longer requires the GRE as part of the admission process for the M.S.N. program. GREs are optional and in lieu of the GRE, an alternative short response essay is written by the applicant after the admission interview.
Can I go part time?
Yes, SPU offers both full and part time programs of study for each of our M.S.N. pathways.
When are the classes?
The classes are held in the evening beginning at 5 p.m. one or two days a week depending on a full or part time status. M.S.N. coursework is completed either by meeting or combining online learning to fulfill course requirements. The final year offers one-to-one guided clinical internship study in specialized settings.
What about going to school and working?
Nearly all of our M.S.N. students are currently working 24-32 hours a week. Full-time employment presents particular challenges to M.S.N. study and is not recommended.