Pathway to Nursing Program in Manhattan
This unique dual degree program offers you a valuable opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Kansas State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) from 黑料网. Both programs are conveniently located on the K-State campus in Manhattan, KS.
A degree from K-State will accelerate your nursing career toward your specialty area of interest and allow you to have twice the impact on patient care. For example, if you鈥檙e interested in mental health, pairing your BSN with a degree in psychology can provide valuable insights into mental health, while a degree in business can equip you with entrepreneurial skills essential for navigating healthcare systems.
The 黑料网 BSN program is the first and only BSN program in Kansas located at two state universities. Students develop their skills in our state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and diverse clinical rotations. With small class sizes, students are personally mentored by faculty members who are experts in their field.
Contact us to learn more about the benefits of the dual degree program and find out which degree pairings are popular for nursing careers.
Prospective students starting the Nursing program in spring 2026
To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, students must meet all of the following requirements before submitting their application:
General Requirements
- Be admitted to 黑料网 (WSU) as an active, degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- You must reactivate your student status if you were admitted to WSU but haven鈥檛 taken classes in the past two years. Visit the WSU Reactivation Page for help.
- Submit all official transcripts from other schools showing completed courses with final grades.
- Provide unofficial transcripts for any courses you are currently taking.
- Find all prerequisites listed in the BSN checksheet.
- Must remain a current undergraduate student at Kansas State University. You cannot graduate from Kansas State University while pursuing the dual degree.
Academic Requirements
- You may have no more than 6 credit hours of general education or elective courses left when the nursing program begins.
- You must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
- If you鈥檝e taken classes at WSU, your WSU GPA must be at least 2.00.
- You must have already completed three of the five of the following five science courses:
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
Application Requirements
- Submit your application by September 1.
- Make sure your application packet is complete and submitted by the deadline.
Program Entry Requirements
After admission, to be eligible to enter the nursing program, students must meet the following academic and administrative requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Maintain a WSU GPA of 2.00 or higher (if applicable)
- Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher across the following five science
courses:
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Have no more than 6 credit hours of general education or elective courses remaining during the nursing program
Transcript Submission
- Submit all official transcripts for courses taken outside of WSU (including WSU Tech and KSU) to the WSU Registrar鈥檚 Office immediately after the semester ends.
Program Deposit
- A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot in the program.
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Orientation Requirement
- Attend the mandatory nursing program orientation, typically held the Thursday or Friday before the first day of classes each semester.
Final Academic Check
- The School of Nursing will conduct final academic checks the week before classes begin.
Note: Failure to meet all the above conditions will result in forfeiture of your final admission to the nursing program.
How to Apply
Applications for Spring 2026 open July 1, 2025 and close September 1, 2025 at midnight.
- The application link will be posted here when available.
- Admission notifications will be sent by October 26, 2025.
Before You Begin Your Application
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Your WSU ID (e.g., X989Z989)
- Your WSU Email (e.g., firstinitiallastname@shockers.wichita.edu)
Note: Your WSU email includes your name, not your ID. All communication will be sent to your WSU email address. If you need help setting up your email, please contact the WSU Help Desk.
- Unofficial transcripts from all outside institutions (including WSU Tech and KSU)
Ensure your name is visible and current courses are listed. - Licenses or certifications (e.g., LPN, CNA, CMA) (if applicable)
Must include:
- Your full name
- Certification or license number
- Date issued
- Healthcare experience (if applicable)
Include employer name and dates of employment for at least 6 months of hands-on, paid experience.
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree information (if applicable)
Include degree name, institution, and date conferred (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Washburn University, Dec. 2019).
Essay Submission
Submit a typed essay (max 350 words) addressing:
- Your understanding of the role of the nurse
- Why you want to be a nurse
- Essays may be reviewed using AI detection tools.
Selection Rubric
GPA
Your overall GPA will be multiplied by 10 to determine your score.
- Example: A GPA of 3.65 脳 10 = 36.5 points
- The total possible score for the science course requirement is a maximum of 40 points.
Science Grades (Maximum 30 Points)
You will receive 6 points per science course with a grade of C or better, based on your most recent grade. The total possible score for the science course requirement is a maximum of 30 points
Healthcare Experience (Maximum 3 Points)
Points are awarded based on qualifying healthcare experience as detailed in your application packet. The total possible score for the healthcare experience requirement is a maximum of 3 points.
Volunteerism (Maximum 2 Points)
You must have completed at least 20 volunteer hours within the last 5 years.
The total possible score for the voluteerism requirement is a maximum of 2 points.
Previous Bachelor's Degree (Maximum 2 Points)
Applicants with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree posted on their transcript at the time of application will receive 2 points. The total possible score for the previous bachelor's degree requirement is a maximum of 2 points.
Typed Essay (Maximum 3 Points)
Submit a typed essay (no more than 350 words) addressing both of the following prompts:
- Your understanding of the role of the nurse
- Why you want to become a nurse
- Both prompts must be answered.
The total possible score for the typed essay requirement is a maximum of 3 points.
Program FAQs
- Students apply to K-State and declare pre-nursing.
- Students work on nursing pre-requisites while simultaneously working to complete K-State degree.
- After completing pre-requisites, students apply to 黑料网 and the WSU Traditional BSN program.
- Students graduate at the same time with both bachelor's degrees.
All students are assigned a health professions advisor in the College of Health and
Human Sciences that work in conjunction with the students鈥 academic advisor. Students
begin the program working towards their bachelor鈥檚 degree from K-State while fulfilling
the requirements needed for the nursing program. Once requirements are met, students
submit an application for WSU鈥檚 Traditional BSN program. Accepted students will spend
the next two years in the Traditional BSN program and earn a BSN degree from WSU.
Both degree programs are based in Manhattan, Kansas.
This information can be found on the Tuition and Fees web page.
The Kansas State Board of Nursing granted approval for WSU to accept students to its Traditional BSN program in fall semester 2022.
This dual degree program gives students the valuable opportunity to earn two degrees from two prestigious universities in approximately five years. A degree from K-State will advance your nursing career toward your specialty area of interest and allow you to have twice the impact on patient care.
This program is available to any student who is admitted to K-State. Students will apply to K-State and declare their major of choice as well as declare pre-nursing. Students who meet the eligibility requirements established will be eligible to apply to the WSU Traditional BSN program. Please visit the WSU School of Nursing website for information about the Traditional BSN program鈥檚 eligibility requirements.
The Pathway to Nursing program may be completed in as little as five years, but may require additional time depending on the K-State major selected by the student. There are some majors whose coursework requirements are better suited for this program. Students should work with the health professions advisor to review their long-range plan to determine the time it would take to complete both degrees.
In addition to the program requirements for students enrolled at WSU's main campus in Wichita, students must also be an active, degree-seeking student at KSU to apply. Please visit the WSU School of Nursing website for information on the Traditional BSN program and graduate programs.
There are several majors specifically coordinated with the nursing program designed for program completion within five years. These majors include human development and family science, integrative human sciences, nutrition and health, and kinesiology. However, students in the pathway program may choose to enroll in any of the 250 majors offered at K-State.
Before selecting any major, students should visit with a College of Health and Human Sciences representative to create a long-range plan with the student's selected major to understand the course load and sequence of courses that will be required to fulfill both the K-State degree and the nursing pre-requisite courses.
All courses will be on the K-State campus in Manhattan, Kansas. Clinical rotations will be held at various clinical sites across the state of Kansas.
Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more about required prerequisite courses.
All students applying to the WSU Traditional BSN program will complete the same application. Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more.
Students who enter the Pathway to Nursing program will meet with an academic advisor, (sometimes called a major advisor) specific to their major, and a health professions advisor in the K-State College of Health and Human Sciences. Academic advisors help students understand what they must do to complete the requirements of their major (degree). Health professions advisors help students understand what they must do to become competitive applicants to health professional schools and programs.
Once a student applies and is accepted into the WSU Traditional BSN program, students will transition to a WSU nursing advisor as they complete the nursing portion of the program.
20 students will be admitted into the program each semester.
There are two Program Entry Points for the Traditional BSN Program: Spring and Fall. Application deadlines are Feb. 1 for fall entry and Sept. 1 for spring entry.
Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more about coursework.
No, admission to the traditional BSN program at WSU is not guaranteed. All students will apply to the traditional BSN program and admission is competitive. Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more.
Students in the program will have met the general requirements to apply to other nursing programs. However, specific nursing programs may require additional courses that were not required for this program. Required courses for certain nursing programs should be discussed with your health professions advisor.
If a student already has their RN license and holds an Associate鈥檚 Degree, the program that would fit their interest is WSU鈥檚 RN-BSN completion program. The RN-BSN program is completely online and can be completed in three semesters as a full-time student.
Prospective students starting the Nursing program in fall 2026 and beyond
Eligibility and Requirements for the BSN Program
To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, students must meet all of the following requirements before submitting their application:
General Requirements
- Be admitted to 黑料网 (WSU) as an active, degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- You must reactivate your student status if you were admitted to WSU but haven鈥檛 taken classes in the past two years. Visit the WSU Reactivation Page for help.
- Submit all official transcripts from other schools showing completed courses with final grades.
- Include a plan for finishing any remaining prerequisite courses.
- Provide unofficial transcripts for any courses you are currently taking.
- Find all prerequisites listed in the BSN checksheet.
- Must remain a current undergraduate student at Kansas State University. You cannot graduate from Kansas State University while pursuing the dual degree.
Academic Requirements
- You may have no more than 6 credit hours of general education or elective courses left when the nursing program begins.
- You must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
- If you鈥檝e taken classes at WSU, your WSU GPA must be at least 2.00.
- You must have already completed three of the four required science courses :
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Biology
Application Requirements
- Submit your application by:
- August 15th (spring start)
- January 15th (fall start)
- Make sure your application packet is complete and submitted by the deadline.
Program Entry Requirements
After admission, to be eligible to enter the nursing program, students must meet the following academic and administrative requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Maintain a WSU GPA of 2.00 or higher (if applicable)
- Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in the required science courses.
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Biology
- Have no more than 6 credit hours of general education or elective courses remaining during the nursing program
Important Update for Spring 2027 Applicants
- Beginning with the Spring 2027 application cycle, all fall entry applicants must complete all prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester prior to starting the program.
- Prerequisite courses may not be taken during the summer semester immediately before the program begins.
Transcript Submission
- Submit all official transcripts for courses taken outside of WSU (including WSU Tech and KSU) to the WSU Registrar鈥檚 Office immediately after the semester ends.
Program Deposit
- A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot in the program.
Deadline:- December 1st for spring start
- May 1st for fall start
Orientation Requirement
- Attend the mandatory nursing program orientation, typically held the Thursday or Friday before the first day of classes each semester.
Final Academic Check
- The School of Nursing will conduct final academic checks the week before classes begin.
Students who do not meet all entry requirements at that time will not be allowed to start nursing classes.
How to Apply
Applications open
- Fall program starts 鈥 July 1 to August 15; notification of admission by October 15
- Spring program starts 鈥 December 1 to January 15; notification of admission by March 15
- The application link will be posted here when it is available.
Before You Begin Your Application
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Your WSU ID (e.g., X989Z989)
- Your WSU Email (e.g., firstinitiallastname@shockers.wichita.edu)
Note: Your WSU email includes your name, not your ID. All communication will be sent to your WSU email address. If you need help setting up your email, please contact the WSU Help Desk. - Unofficial transcripts from all outside institutions (including WSU Tech and KSU)
Ensure your name is visible and current courses are listed.
- Licenses or certifications (e.g., LPN, CNA, CMA) (if applicable)
Must include: - Your full name
- Certification or license number
- Date issued
- Healthcare experience (if applicable)
Include employer name and dates of employment for at least 6 months of hands-on, paid experience.
- Bachelor鈥檚 degree information (if applicable)
Include degree name, institution, and date conferred (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Washburn University, Dec. 2019).
Essay Submission
Submit a typed essay (max 350 words) addressing:
- Your understanding of the role of the nurse
- Why you want to be a nurse
- Essays may be reviewed using AI detection tools.
Selection Rubric
GPA
Your overall GPA will be multiplied by 10 to determine your score.
Example: A GPA of 3.65 脳 10 = 36.5 points
The total possible score for the science course requirement is a maximum of 40 points.
How Science Courses Are Scored
To meet the science requirement for admission, applicants must successfully complete three out of four designated science courses. Each course is evaluated based on the highest grade earned, with 10 points awarded for an A and 7 points for a B.
Students who choose to repeat a course to improve a passing grade (C or higher) will not be penalized; the most recent grade will be used in the admission scoring. However, if a course is repeated due to a failing grade (below a C), a reduced point system will apply:
- On the second attempt, an A will receive 7 points and a B will receive 3 points.
- On the third attempt, an A will receive 3 points, and a B will receive 0 points.
Only the most recent grade for each course will be considered in the final admission score. The total possible score for the science course requirement is a maximum of 50 points.
For Example:
| Attempt | #1 | #1 | #1 | #2 | #2 | #2 | #3 | #3 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | A- to A | B- to B+ | C to C+ | A- to A | B- to B+ | C to C+ | A- to A | B- to B+ | C to C+ |
| Points awarded | 10 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Healthcare Experience (Maximum 3 Points)
Points are awarded based on qualifying healthcare experience as detailed in your application packet. The total possible score for the healthcare experience requirement is a maximum of 3 points.
Volunteerism (Maximum 2 Points)
You must have completed at least 20 volunteer hours within the last 5 years.
The total possible score for the volunteerism requirement is a maximum of 2 points.
Previous Bachelor's Degree (Maximum 2 Points)
Applicants with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree posted on their transcript at the time of application will receive 2 points. The total possible score for the previous bachelor's degree requirement is a maximum of 2 points.
Typed Essay (Maximum 3 Points)
Submit a typed essay (no more than 350 words) addressing both of the following prompts:
- Your understanding of the role of the nurse
- Why you want to become a nurse
- Both prompts must be answered.
The total possible score for the typed essay requirement is a maximum of 3 points.
Program FAQs
- Students apply to K-State and declare pre-nursing.
- Students work on nursing pre-requisites while simultaneously working to complete K-State degree.
- After completing pre-requisites, students apply to 黑料网 and the WSU Traditional BSN program.
- Students graduate at the same time with both bachelor's degrees.
All students are assigned a health professions advisor in the College of Health and
Human Sciences that work in conjunction with the students鈥 academic advisor. Students
begin the program working towards their bachelor鈥檚 degree from K-State while fulfilling
the requirements needed for the nursing program. Once requirements are met, students
submit an application for WSU鈥檚 Traditional BSN program. Accepted students will spend
the next two years in the Traditional BSN program and earn a BSN degree from WSU.
Both degree programs are based in Manhattan, Kansas.
This information can be found on the Tuition and Fees web page.
The Kansas State Board of Nursing granted approval for WSU to accept students to its Traditional BSN program in fall semester 2022.
This dual degree program gives students the valuable opportunity to earn two degrees from two prestigious universities in approximately five years. A degree from K-State will advance your nursing career toward your specialty area of interest and allow you to have twice the impact on patient care.
This program is available to any student who is admitted to K-State. Students will apply to K-State and declare their major of choice as well as declare pre-nursing. Students who meet the eligibility requirements established will be eligible to apply to the WSU Traditional BSN program. Please visit the WSU School of Nursing website for information about the Traditional BSN program鈥檚 eligibility requirements.
The Pathway to Nursing program may be completed in as little as five years, but may require additional time depending on the K-State major selected by the student. There are some majors whose coursework requirements are better suited for this program. Students should work with the health professions advisor to review their long-range plan to determine the time it would take to complete both degrees.
In addition to the program requirements for students enrolled at WSU's main campus in Wichita, students must also be an active, degree-seeking student at KSU to apply. Please visit the WSU School of Nursing website for information on the Traditional BSN program and graduate programs.
There are several majors specifically coordinated with the nursing program designed for program completion within five years. These majors include human development and family science, integrative human sciences, nutrition and health, and kinesiology. However, students in the pathway program may choose to enroll in any of the 250 majors offered at K-State.
Before selecting any major, students should visit with a College of Health and Human Sciences representative to create a long-range plan with the student's selected major to understand the course load and sequence of courses that will be required to fulfill both the K-State degree and the nursing pre-requisite courses.
All courses will be on the K-State campus in Manhattan, Kansas. Clinical rotations will be held at various clinical sites across the state of Kansas.
Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more about required prerequisite courses.
All students applying to the WSU Traditional BSN program will complete the same application. Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more.
Students who enter the Pathway to Nursing program will meet with an academic advisor, (sometimes called a major advisor) specific to their major, and a health professions advisor in the K-State College of Health and Human Sciences. Academic advisors help students understand what they must do to complete the requirements of their major (degree). Health professions advisors help students understand what they must do to become competitive applicants to health professional schools and programs.
Once a student applies and is accepted into the WSU Traditional BSN program, students will transition to a WSU nursing advisor as they complete the nursing portion of the program.
20 students will be admitted into the program each semester.
There are two Program Entry Points for the Traditional BSN Program: Spring and Fall. Application deadlines are Feb. 1 for fall entry and Sept. 1 for spring entry.
Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more about coursework.
No, admission to the traditional BSN program at WSU is not guaranteed. All students will apply to the traditional BSN program and admission is competitive. Please visit the WSU Traditional BSN Program website to learn more.
Students in the program will have met the general requirements to apply to other nursing programs. However, specific nursing programs may require additional courses that were not required for this program. Required courses for certain nursing programs should be discussed with your health professions advisor.
If a student already has their RN license and holds an Associate鈥檚 Degree, the program that would fit their interest is WSU鈥檚 RN-BSN completion program. The RN-BSN program is completely online and can be completed in three semesters as a full-time student.