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Pre-Nursing

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions you can choose. Beyond the personal satisfaction of treating patients with care and compassion, the nursing profession often provides many choices of where (and when) to work, areas of specialization, and opportunities for advancement.

Prepare to Make a Difference

The 3:2 Pre-Nursing Articulation with the University of Maryland School of Nursing

Students may earn a bachelor’s degree from Washington College and then earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) from the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). This dual-degree program requires five years of study. The first three years are spent at Washington College fulfilling the general education requirements, requirements for a major, and the prerequisites for entrance into the school of nursing. Then, students enter the “Traditional Baccalaureate Program” at the University of Maryland which takes two years. Once matriculated to UMSON, students’ successful completion of their first year will satisfy the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from Washington College. The successful completion of the second year at UMSON will earn the student a BSN from the University of Maryland. 

Pre-Nursing 4-Year Option

Students interested in pursuing a career in nursing can also earn a four-year bachelor’s degree at Washington College while completing the prerequisite courses for nursing school.  Following graduation, students can attend nursing school elsewhere to earn a bachelor’s degree through an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) program or choose a direct entry master of science in nursing degree (MSN) program. 

Washington College has a partnership with one such direct entry MSN program - the Master of Science in Nursing: Entry into Nursing Program at Johns Hopkins University. This letter of agreement with the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) allows our students to apply for the program with the assistance of a JHUSON liaison. To qualify, students must achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or better and complete  all prerequisite courses. 

To better understand what Washington College Alumni have accomplished with these different academic approaches listed above, please review the Acceptances and Outcomes section of the Pre-Nursing website. To determine which pathway and which degrees would be ideal for you, please make an appointment with either the Pre-Nursing Program Faculty Advisor, Dr. Tia Murphy, or the Coordinator of Pre-Health Professions Programs, Phil Ticknor (pticknor2FREEwashcoll).

WATCH: "Trailblazing a COVID-19 Response" - presented by Vanessa A. Makarewicz ’02, RN MN CIC