Accelerated Track Nursing

For people with a bachelor’s degree in a different field who want to earn their BSN as a second degree.

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Nursing Accelerated Track


100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for all nursing programs in 2023

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Jewell can be done in a fraction of the time and cost of a four-year degree. We emphasize mind, body and spirit, both in the classroom and in life based upon our Nursing Hallmarks: Integrity, Compassion, Leadership, Scholarship, Excellence in Practice and Service to Others. Learn more about our fast track nursing program.

Why Accelerated Nursing at Jewell?

  • 85% employment rate prior to graduation
  • 100% employment rate within 3 months of graduation
  • 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for all nursing programs in 2023
  • You will be more than a number. Our program recognizes and supports your strengths.
  • Enjoy your learning environment. Jewell’s beautiful campus is a great place to do your best work.
  • Take the lead. Learn critical thinking and leadership skills that will last your entire career.
  • Have the most competitive clinical experiences. Attend clinicals in the best hospitals and care facilities in the nearby Kansas City region.
  • Be on the path for NCLEX success. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you to pass NCLEX the first time you sit for nursing boards. The focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment in the classroom and clinicals works to prepare you for NCLEX style questions and safe nursing practice. You will take part in predictor exams, a content review program and an NCLEX live review. Our designated NCLEX Success Coordinator individually guides students to success. If you are actively engaged in the resources provided and the NCLEX coordinator’s instructions, you can be 100% successful!
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How long will it take me to earn my BSN and when should I apply?

We offer two start times for the 12-month Nursing Accelerated Track.

  • Begins in late May, and you will graduate in May the following year. Final Deadline is March 1 before the May start.
  • Begins in January and you will graduate in January the following year. Final Deadline is November 1 before the January start.

Liberty Hospital + William Jewell Nursing Partnership

This new program is a great way to launch your career as a nurse for an affordable price!

  • Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 12 months
  • Guaranteed employment at Liberty Hospital
  • Pay just $15,000 for your BSN (with three years of employment at Liberty Hospital upon graduation)

Here’s how the program works:

✓ Apply to Jewell and be admitted to the Accelerated Track program
✓ Complete an interview with Liberty Hospital and receive $9,000 in scholarships from Jewell upon acceptance to the Partnership Program
✓ Complete Jewell’s BSN program and pass the NCLEX exam
✓ Receive $15,000 from Liberty Hospital ($5,000 for each year worked)

Accelerated Nursing Program featured on Fox 4 KC news


Dr. Leesa McBroom, nursing chair: "Our students are usually looking to make a difference in their community, and nursing brings that for them. They're compassionate, caring people who want to use their intellect and critical thinking skills, but also care for people."

View the story

Criteria for Program Selection

  • Preliminary Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
    • For January 2024 applications: Complete your application to William Jewell College through NursingCAS
    • For May 2024 applications: Complete your application to William Jewell College through NursingCAS
    • Completion of pre-nursing admission exam such as Kaplan, TEAS or HESI (if not previously submitted to NursingCAS).
      • Kaplan Admissions Exam – proctored by William Jewell College (fee applies). Register with Allie Foltz, Jewell Nursing Student Liaison: foltza@william.jewell.edu or 816-415-5072
      • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills): www.atitesting.com
      • HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated): www.elsevier.com
        Scores above national average. Preferences are given to candidates with a successful first attempt within the last two years. Consider taking an admission exam after completing half of the prerequisites including anatomy.

    Applicants are considered with the following critieria:

    • Applicants normally present a minimum GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale).  GPA may be calculated on applicant’s entire academic record or on last 3 years of college attendance whichever is higher.
    • Record of successful academic progress with B- or better in first attempt of prerequisite courses. An attempt is defined as enrollment in a class with the following indication on a transcript a) course grade, b) incomplete = I, c) Withdraw = W.
    • Any nursing courses, such as Nutrition, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, must be completed with a grade of B- or better on the first attempt.
    • Prerequisites must be completed in the last ten years if they are a science course (Anatomy with Lab, Physiology with Lab, Chemistry with lab or Microbiology with lab). They must have been completed in the last five years if they are a Nursing course (Pathophysiology, Nutrition). Psychology does not have a time limit.
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  • Secondary Requirements

    • A selective and competitive interview with a member of the Nursing Department

    If selected for interview bring:

    • One Reference (if not previously submitted to NursingCAS). Please bring contact information for a reference. Recommendations must come from a person who has served in a supervisory or professorial capacity in relationship to you. Personal references from family and friends will not be accepted.
    • Involvement Résumé (if not previously submitted to NursingCAS). Maximum length allowed is two pages. As applicable, focus on areas of professional healthcare experience, community service/volunteering, mentoring/leadership and education.
    • If you are interested in applying to Jewell as an Accelerated Track Nursing student, we encourage you to apply via NursingCAS.

     

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  • Prerequisites and Equivalencies

    You can enroll for any or all of the following coursework as needed at the corresponding school(s) with confidence. Documenting your ability to pass these courses with a grade of “B-” or better by requesting that the school(s) send separate and official transcripts directly to the Office of Admission at William Jewell College will result in fulfillment of prerequisite requirements upon verification by the Office of the Registrar.

    William Jewell College Nursing Prerequisites

    • Basic Psychology [PSY 101]
    • Pathophysiology [NUR 221]
    • Nutrition [NUR 211]
    • Microbiology with a lab [BMS 126/L]
    • Chemistry with a lab [CHE 113/L]
    • Anatomy with a lab [BMS 243/L]
    • Physiology with a lab [BMS 250/L]

    Metropolitan Community College

    • PSYC 140 - General Psychology
    • BIOL 137 - Intro to Pathology
    • BIOL 132 - Human Nutrition
    • BIOL 208 - Microbiology
    • CHEM 105 - Introductory Chemistry for Health Sciences
    • BIOL 110 - Human Anatomy
    • BIOL 210 Human Physiology
                 OR
    • BIOL 109 - Anatomy and Physiology

    Johnson County Community College

    • PSYC 130 - Intro to Psychology
    • BIOL 227 - Human Pathophysiology
    • BIOL 235 - General Nutrition
    • BIOL 230 & 231 - Microbiology
    • CHEM 122 – Principles of Chemistry
    • BIOL 140 - Human Anatomy
    • BIOL 225 - Human Physiology

    Kansas City Kansas Community College

    • PSYC 101 - Psychology
    • BIOL 285 - Introduction to Pathophysiology
    • BIOL 145 - Nutrition
    • BIOL 261 & 262 - Microbiology & Lab
    • CHEM 109 - General Chemistry
    • BIOL 141 - Human Anatomy & Lab
    • BIOL 271 & 272 - Physiology & Lab
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Scholarships

  • Nursing Scholarship Resources

    Students interested in applying for these scholarships should visit the sponsoring websites for more information. Any students who are awarded external scholarships should communicate with the Business Office or Financial Aid to ensure those funds are sent to the College correctly and applied to the student account.

    > View the scholarship list.

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BLOGS: Benefits of Accelerated Track Nursing

  • Choosing a program, Interview Tips and more

    Accelerated degree programs are designed for adults with previously completed degrees looking to return to school, change careers or pursue an additional certification. Having a previously completed undergraduate degree allows you to forgo the general core curriculum typically associated with earning a bachelor’s of science degree.

    Our accelerated nursing program at Jewell is created for those with undergraduate degrees looking to enter the nursing field or obtain an additional degree in nursing. In just 12 months, you can be equipped to start a new career. Continue reading to learn more about the other benefits of accelerated nursing programs.

    How it works

    Our accelerated nursing program is designed for those who have a previously completed or soon-to-be completed bachelor’s degree. This type of nursing degree is a good fit if you are looking to change careers, enter a new field or explore a new passion.

    An important thing to note is that our accelerated nursing program is not the equivalent of a four-year degree in two years. Because eligible students have already completed a bachelor’s degree or more, we are able to waive the general core requirements, which is what allows us to accelerate the program timeline.

    Program options

    There are two start dates for our accelerated track:

    1. A 12-month program beginning in May and ending the following May
    2. A 12-month program beginning in January and ending the following January
    Timeline and Curriculum

    Coursework is this accelerated program is more rigorous than our other program options due to the timeline. Because the curriculum excludes general education courses, classroom instruction is focused on nursing-based subjects like pathophysiology, virology and more. 

    Curriculum also includes clinical experience. Most Jewell students are able to complete clinical rotations in 8-10 different locations. The goal is always to afford you the most experience possible in the widest variety of specialties. Unlike other programs, you will also be able to work in highly specialized medical facilities such as pediatric centers, rural hospitals and level 1 trauma centers.

    Exceptional faculty and resources

    Most of our classroom instructors are practicing nurses. We highly focus our curriculum on professionalism and practical applications from the start of your undergraduate nursing education.

    The Jewell nursing program maintains relationships with healthcare providers in the following areas of care:

    • Hospitals
    • Home health
    • Public schools
    • County health
    • Senior care
    • Mental health

    Accelerated nursing program requirements checklist

    • Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Completed William Jewell College application
    • Copy of all previous college transcripts including GPA and course history
    • One reference letter, preferably from an employer or administrator 
    • Minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (this can be calculated from total academic record or last three years of college attendance, whichever is higher)
    • Grade of “B-” or better on your first attempt of each prerequisite course requirement
    • Resume of involvement and experience
    • Nursing school entrance exam scoresheet
    Steps to admission

    So you have completed all of the nursing school prerequisites and you are ready to submit your application, what happens next? Here is a quick look at the journey of your application from submit to accept:

    • Admission counselors review all prerequisites, including your course records, test scores and personal essays
    • The Nursing Department selects qualified candidates for a formal interview
    • The Nursing Department accepts your application and enrolls you in the accelerated nursing program

    This process can take up to a month, depending on how far in advance you apply.

    How to give your best admission interview

    Practicing confidence and professionalism in an interview setting is a skill that will take you far in life—both academically and professionally. Here are the top 3 tips for giving your best nursing school prerequisite interview.

    1. Be on time. Punctuality is crucial. Being on time is a simple way to make a good first impression. Not only is it polite, but it also demonstrates that you are organized, prepared and looking forward to the interview process.
    2. Practice a professional greeting. Speaking of first impressions, practice a professional and personable greeting before your interview. Be sure to smile warmly, say hello, and greet your interviewer with a polite handshake. Confidence is key, and a great first impression can be quite impressive.
    3. Prepare your own questions. When preparing for a prerequisite interview, practicing how you might answer certain questions is a great tactic, but you should also prepare questions of your own. 

    Asking your interviewer thoughtful questions demonstrates confidence, genuine interest in the program, and great listening skills just as much as your answers to their questions. It is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the university, program, admissions process, and more.

    Benefits of an accelerated program

    Our accelerated nursing track offers more than just fast-paced learning. There are many benefits to achieving your additional degree in this program.

    The curriculum meets you where you’re at. This program is engineered to consider your previous academic experience. We recognize that you are already an accomplished scholar by the start of this program, and we celebrate that by counting your experience in your favor. 

    We created our accelerated program partly in response to adults and students looking for a career change. We are committed to providing a space for you to explore a new passion through a curriculum that meets you where you’re at, instead of starting from square one.

    Begin work sooner. The accelerated pace of this program allows you to begin your new career in nursing sooner than traditional programs. We understand the sacrifice and undertaking that choosing to return to school can be. Our goal is to prepare you as best as possible, as soon as possible, for a successful career in nursing and caregiving.

    Additionally, this shorter program affords you less time away from work, activities and other obligations that you may devote less time to while you focus on earning your degree. 

    Learning among your peers. By creating a program specially tailored to those with previous degrees, we understand that many eligible students may be at a significantly different point in their life than students in our other undergraduate programs. By creating a curriculum and environment that is unique to your experience and needs, you can learn among your peers, both in and out of the classroom.

    Peer learning allows you to develop skills in organizing and planning, working collaboratively with others, giving and receiving feedback and better evaluating your own learning.

    Apply to our accelerated nursing program now

    Reading to refresh your education experience and start the path to a new career? Apply to our accelerated nursing program now and start the process to your BSN degree.

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  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. Do I need to have my previous degree completed before I apply?

    No, you can apply to our accelerated nursing program while your undergraduate is still in process. The deadline for completing your previous degree is before the start of your chosen accelerated nursing program, whether you start in January or May. 

    Q. Are there scholarships available to me as an accelerated student?

    While you may not be eligible for undergraduate scholarships from William Jewell, you may apply for and be awarded nursing scholarships from other organizations that you may use while enrolled in our accelerated program.

    If you have financial aid leftover from your previous undergraduate degree, you may use that money as well. You can check the status of this through the FAFSA website.

    Q. Do I need to live on campus?

    No, it is not required that you live on campus as an accelerated nursing student, although it is an option. We recognize that many students in our accelerated program have housing, families and other obligations. On-campus living is a resource for you, but not a requirement.

    Q. Can I take online courses?

    No, we do not currently offer online nursing education.

    Our accelerated nursing program is designed to respond to both the healthcare system’s timely increase in demand for nurses, and students’ desire to finish school quicker. This specialized nursing program allows students to fast-track their undergraduate degree and sooner provide the healthcare industry with the properly equipped support it needs.

    Many other nursing programs across the country are responding to these modern needs by providing online nursing education opportunities, at the expense of hands-on clinical experience. It is important to note that a bachelor’s of science in nursing cannot be earned in online curriculum alone; in-person experiential learning is essential in preparing students for a nursing career.

    Our accelerated program integrates critical thinking and processing skills, interpersonal experiential learning and a clinical environment to provide a well-rounded education in a shorter time frame. This is our response to the needs of our market, industry and students.

    Q. Will I have to take classes at night?

    No, students will not be expected to take classes at night. Our accelerated nursing program is structured so that your days are reserved for class and clinical rotations, and your nights are available for studying and preparing for exams. 

    With the accelerated program, you can expect to be in class or in a clinical setting for the majority of the day. 

    Q. Will I be able to work while I’m in the accelerated nursing program?

    As with all accelerated degree programs, the level of academic engagement, accountability and focus required to be successful is higher than traditional programs.

    Our number one priority is ensuring that you leave our accelerated program with the highest possible skill level, preparedness and confidence in your ability. With this in consideration, we do not advise that you continue to work while enrolled in this program. The bigger picture is to prepare you to begin a new career in the shortest possible time frame.

    Q. Does it matter what my previous degree is?

    There are no specific requirements for the subject of your previous degree; however, it is essential that you have completed each course on the list of prerequisites or its equivalent at another school.

    The list of prerequisite courses is as follows:

    • Basic Psychology
    • Pathophysiology 
    • Nutrition
    • Microbiology with a lab 
    • Chemistry with a lab 
    • Anatomy with a lab 
    • Physiology with a lab 
    • College-level math course
    • College-level written communication course

    With each prerequisite course, you must pass with a grade of B- or better on the first attempt. Any science course that includes a lab must be completed within the past 10 years and any nursing courses within the past 5.

    Q. What happens after I earn my BSN?

    After completing our accelerated nursing program, the final step to becoming a registered nurse (RN) is to take and pass an exam called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

    The NCLEX exam uses computer adaptive testing (CAT). This style of virtual testing provides a more accurate and valuable measurement of a candidate’s true ability by reducing the number of “easy” or “difficult” items as the test continues. Essentially, the test is being optimized to your ability level as it continues.

    While you can sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse with just an associate’s degree, earning your BSN affords you an advantage in the hiring market. Additionally, those with BSNs also earn higher pay and have more opportunities for leadership and management. Many states also require that you earn a BSN degree within 10 years of becoming an RN if you pass the NCLEX exam without it.

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  • Everything You Need To Know About Applying to Nursing School

    Nursing School Requirements: Courses, Skills and More

    If you’re interested in a career in nursing, it can be hard to know where to start. When it comes to nursing school requirements, they can be physical and emotional, as well as academic. Whether you’re coming in from high school, transferring from another program or looking to change career paths, the best thing you can do is be prepared.

    At Jewell, we offer four different Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs so you can tailor your nursing education to your needs as a student. Depending on the program you're interested in, the prerequisites will differ. Here is everything you need to know about nursing school requirements, including checklists for each program, interview tips and essay-writing best practices.

    Nursing school requirements

    Among all of the programs at Jewell, nursing education can be quite rigorous. For this reason, there may be some additional admission requirements to go along with your application. Here is our admission requirements breakdown by program, complete with checklists.

    Four-year program

    Our four-year nursing program is the most traditional track, with 124 credit hours spread out over 8 semesters. This program is well-suited for high school graduates looking to begin a career in nursing with less than 12 hours of AP credits or dual enrollment credits.

    Four-year nursing school requirements checklist:

    • Completed William Jewell College application or Common Application
    • Copy of your high school transcript
    • Copy of transcripts from any postsecondary institutions (if applicable)
    • Copy of ACT or SAT exam scores

    To apply for the four-year track, indicate which program you’re interested in on your Jewell application. After passing your nursing entrance exam and completing your application, you may qualify for direct admission. Requirements for direct admission are:

    • Completed William Jewell Application or Common Application
    • Declare nursing as your major within your first semester
    • ACT score of 22 or better
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
    • High school diploma or GED with less than 12 college credits

    The benefit to direct admission versus general admission is that you may begin a nursing curriculum and have an advisor in the nursing department within your first semester of college. General admission students should complete all general education curriculum before declaring their major.

    Three-year program

    Prerequisite coursework for our three-year nursing program is identical to our traditional four-year undergraduate nursing program; however, the three-year nursing program is best suited for students with AP course credits or dual enrollment course credits. General education courses like College Algebra, Composition and Reading and Introductory Psychology are suggested.

    Three-year nursing school prerequisites checklist:

    • Completed William Jewell College application or Common Application
    • Copy of official high school transcripts, including GPA
    • Copy of official college transcripts, including GPA (if applicable)
    • Copy of ACT and/or SAT scores

    Students applying to the three-year undergraduate nursing program may also be eligible for direct admission following the same criteria.

    Transfer program

    Our nursing school requirements for transfer students depend on the type of program you were previously enrolled in and how much progress you have made. Based on where you’re at academically, transfer students will enter into our four-year or three-year undergraduate nursing program.

    View the transfer nursing program requirements.

    Accelerated program

    Jewell designed our accelerated nursing program for those who have a previously completed or soon-to-be completed bachelor’s degree. This type of nursing degree is a good fit if you are looking to change careers, enter a new field or explore a new passion.

    Coursework in this accelerated program is more rigorous than our other program options due to the timeline. Because the curriculum excludes general education courses, classroom instruction is focused on nursing-based subjects like pathophysiology, virology and more. 

    Visit jewell.edu/nursing-accelerated-track for program requirements.

    After the nursing admissions staff reviews your application materials, you may be selected for a formal interview. This is the last step in the admissions process.

    Pre-nursing program

    The pre-nursing program is intended for students who wish to join one of the undergraduate nursing programs but are not eligible for direct admission. This track is designed for you to focus on your general education and prerequisite coursework to then be considered for the nursing program at a later semester.

    Because there are limited seats in the nursing program, there is a competitive selection process for students admitted to the pre-nursing track.

    Visit jewell.edu/pre-nursing-admission-policy for the pre-nursing program requirements checklist.

    Prerequisite testing for undergraduate nursing programs

    Before gaining admission to any of the undergraduate nursing programs at Jewell (as well as most accredited nursing schools), you must pass one of three admissions exams: 

    1. Kaplan Admissions Exam (Local applicants may register and take the Kaplan exam on our campus.)
    2. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
    3. Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI)
    Mental and physical requirements for nursing school

    Clinical practice is one of the pillars of nursing education. Working in the field provides invaluable, hands-on experience and allows you to experience all of the academic, physical and emotional demands and responsibilities of being a nurse.

    In order to successfully complete your clinical hours and to ensure the safety of both you and the patients, there are additional nursing school requirements beyond your prerequisite coursework and application materials.

    Physically, it’s important that you’re able to spend extended periods of time on your feet. It’s also essential that you can provide patients with physical assistance, which may require you to lift heavy amounts, crouch, squat, or kneel. It’s also important that your vision, fine motor skills and sensory abilities are optimal.

    Mentally, an even temperament and level head are necessary for a successful nursing students. The clinical environment can be fast-paced and demand quick, critical thinking and calm responses to stressful situations. 

    Our exceptional nursing faculty at William Jewell is dedicated to helping students develop these skills throughout their program, in addition to preparing students academically. Just as we focus on the whole patient in care standards of care, we focus on fostering a well-rounded nursing education that extends beyond the classroom. 

    Tips and resources to prepare your application

    For students hoping to join our institution, we want to provide you with tips and resources to help you build a strong application and prepare yourself for nursing school from the admissions process to graduation:

    Tips for successful test taking

    Your entrance exam scores will be considered along with the rest of your application materials when you’re being considered for one of our undergraduate nursing programs. You can employ these helpful tips to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your admissions test.

    • Get enough sleep
      Sleep is essential in studying and preparing for a test. Not only is it an important step in the process of retaining and storing information, but getting a good night’s rest allows you to be at peak performance on the day of your exam.
    • Eat a protein-rich breakfast
      Breakfast is brain food! Have a healthy breakfast with plenty of vitamins and protein on the day of your test to feed your body and mind. Foods rich in protein can also contribute to greater mental alertness. Try oats, grains, fruits and vegetables and eggs.
    • Read thoroughly
      When taking an exam, read each question thoroughly. Understanding the instructions should be the easiest part of a test, so take your time and be mindful. Many students find success in answering the questions they feel most confident about first and then circling back to spend extra time on the more difficult ones.
    • Essay writing best practices
      It’s important to follow essay-writing best practices, even when writing a personal essay. The same conventional concepts, like a central argument, clear narrative and proper syntax, can apply to both academic and personal writing. 
    • Analyze the question
      Make sure that the thesis, or central idea, of your personal essay is in direct response to the essay question. Your writing should illustrate that you thought critically about the question posed and crafted your essay around it. 
    • Create an outline
      Creating an outline before you begin writing can keep you on track during the writing process, and help you structure your essay in a way that clearly communicates your thoughts. An outline can also help to ensure that you stay on-topic and approach the question posed from every angle necessary.
    • Write clearly and concisely
      If you can communicate an idea in fewer words, you should. Writing concisely is important in making your points clear. It can also help to convey a clear timeline or order of events if you are telling a story. Eliminating fluff in your prose ensures that your readers can easily make sense of your points and leave with a clear understanding of your ideas.
    • How to make your admissions interview stand out
      Practicing confidence and professionalism in an interview setting is a skill that will take you far in life—both academically and professionally. Here are the top three tips for giving your best nursing school prerequisite interview:
    • Be on time
      Punctuality is crucial. Being on time is a simple way to make a good first impression. Not only is it polite, but it also demonstrates that you are organized, prepared and looking forward to the interview process.
    • Practice a professional greeting
      Speaking of first impressions, practice a professional and personable greeting before your interview. Be sure to smile warmly, say hello, and greet your interviewer with a polite handshake. Confidence is key, and a great first impression can be quite impressive.
    • Prepare your own questions
      When preparing for a prerequisite interview, practicing how you might answer certain questions is a great tactic, but you should also prepare questions of your own. 
      Asking your interviewer thoughtful questions demonstrates confidence, genuine interest in the program and listening skills just as much as your answers to their questions. It is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the university, program, admissions process and more.
    Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

    Apply to one of our leading BSN programs today to experience the Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

    > 4-year, 3-year and transfer nursing application (FREE)

    > Accelerated track nursing application

    If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.

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