Requirements

Degree Plan

• Nursing Associate of Science (AS)
• Nursing LPN to Associate of Science

*The AS Nursing program is 70 credit hours, including prerequisite courses

How do I apply to the CWI Nursing Associate of Science Program?
1. Complete the admission requirements to College of Western Idaho.

2. Complete the Nursing Association of Science Program Application

* Skip to the Pointers listed below for advice on how to submit a quality application.

How do I apply to the CWI LPN to Associate of Science in Nursing Bridge Program?
1. Complete the admission requirements to College of Western Idaho.

2. Complete the LPN to AS in Nursing Bridge Application

* Skip to the Pointers listed below for advice on how to submit a quality application.

Pointer #1:  TRANSFER CREDITS

After transfer credits are evaluated, you will receive, via mail, a Transcript Evaluation Report (TRER). It is strongly recommended that YOU carefully examine your TRER to ensure they received the transfer credit they need to apply!  Once you become a CWI student, you can run a degree audit in your MyCWI account which will show you exactly what you still need and what you have successfully completed.

If you are transferring to CWI with a Bachelor Degree and/or Master’s Degree, you must complete a Bachelor’s Degree Evaluation Request Form with any prerequisite and co requisite courses if you expect to receive transfer credit towards the AS Degree. Submit the completed form to the One Stop Student Services Office. Please allow up to two weeks for processing.  This form will generate a Transcript Evaluation Report (TRER) to be sent to you via mail.  If this step is not completed, when your application is processed, it will appear that you do not have any transfer credits in your records.

Pointer #2:  HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

If you have not yet completed a college-level chemistry course, which is highly recommended, and must use your full year of high school chemistry with a “C” or better to fulfill the chemistry prerequisite, please  make sure that an official copy of your high school transcripts are on-file at CWI!  If not, we will be unable to verify that your chemistry prerequisite has been fulfilled and you will be disqualified.

Pointer #3:  PREREQUISITE COURSES

Documentation from official transcripts or TRER must show completion of either one-year of high school chemistry or college-level chemistry (CHEM 101 or higher level), completion of college-level math (MATH 123 or higher) and a Pass on Computer Skills Assessment (CSA) or completion of CISA 101 OR BUSA 215 with a grade of “C” or above.  Failure to successfully complete either CSA, CISA 101 or BUSA 215 is the most common reason that applicants are disqualified.

Should you take Math 123 OR Math 143? 

• MATH 143 - If you have not yet completed college-level chemistry.  Please check the CWI Catalog for CHEM 101 prerequisites which are Math 108 or placement score into Math 143. 
• MATH 143 – If you are planning to obtain an advanced degree in nursing which most likely will require a statistics course.  CWI’s statistics course (STAT 253) course has the prerequisites of Math 130 or Math 143.
• MATH 143 - If you are planning to obtain an advanced degree in nursing which most likely will require a college-level algebra course such as Math 143.    

Pointer #4:  TEST OF ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS (TEAS)

Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Completion of the TEAS is required. The cost will be determined by the company (ATI) and the CWI testing center. Exam study guides and information can be found online at: www.atitesting.com.   The TEAS can be taken as many times as the applicant desires, prior to submission of their application, but the most recent score will be used for ranking.  Please call the CWI Assessment Center at 208.562.2542, 208.562.2440, or e-mail cwiproctor@cwidaho.cc  for more information.   TEAS scores are good for five years.

The following is taken from the ATI Web site (www.atitesting.com) under ATI Product Solutions, then Test of Essential Academic Skills: “This is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage.  The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which nurse educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants.”

Scores may not reflect which student has the biggest desire for a nursing career, but scores will show who has the biggest potential. Time Limit is 209 minutes with four-option multiple-choice with 170 total questions. Calculators may NOT be used for the test. Test results available 48 hours after completion of the test.

 Scoring Example:  If you score a 61.4% on the TEAS assessment, then your application will be scored with 6.14 points.  Since 99% is possible, one can almost always increase their scores by studying and retaking this assessment.  Generally, students are surprised to find out how difficult the TEAS test is so please go in prepared!  There are no “good” scores or “bad” scores necessarily.  It is your overall application score that we look at – not your individual TEAS score!

Pointer #5:  PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE FORMS

Three professional references are required. Only three references will be accepted. Reference letters (not on the CWI form) will not be accepted. Professional, healthcare references are desired but not required.   When you request to have a Reference Form completed on your behalf, ask that they complete two forms, sealed in two separate envelopes, signature across the back and return to you.  If you don’t get accepted into the program of your choice the first time, you will be prepared to reapply without having to contact references again. Preferably Reference Forms should be signed and dated within the last two years; however, Reference Forms up to five years old, may be considered as long as the other Reference Forms are more current. 

POINTER #6:  HEALTH PROVIDER CERTIFICATIONS

 Include a copy of a current health provider certification such as CNA, CMA, EMT, etc.  While not required, this is a competitive program and these certificates may count towards your ranking points.  Expired or lapsed certifications will not be accepted. If you are unsure if your specific health provider certification qualifies for applications points, feel free to include a copy of your certification and the application review committee will make that determination.   CPR and First Aid Certificates are not awarded points on the application. 

POINTER #7:  HEALTHCARE VERIFICATION

Please document any employment and/or voluntary health-related experience by completing a CWI Healthcare Verification Form.  We are primarily looking for direct patient care experience; however, if you have had other healthcare experience, you may submit a completed Healthcare Verification Form with your application as well.  The review committee will determine points on a case-by-case basis. 

If your place of employment (previous or current) does not verify employment, you may have to get creative and enclose a pay stub, job description and/or a statement by a supervisor or co-worker.  Please note, this is not guaranteed to replace the option of a signed Healthcare Verification Form but at least the Review Committee can make an informed determination on a case-by-case basis.

POINTER #8:  HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Attend a Healthcare Information Session which are offered twice a month!!  The schedule is conveniently located on the main CWI Nursing Page (under “Resources” on the bottom left-hand side).  This is a great venue for getting answers to your questions and finding out what CWI has to offer in regards to our fantastic health programs!