Launch Your Nursing Career

Ready to launch your nursing career? The Nursing Bridge Program is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity that creates a pathway for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the WSU College of Nursing.

Over the course of this two-year program, students will gain the critical thinking skills and work experience required to successfully transition into our full-time BSN nursing program.

Four WSU Tri-Cities students and instructor dressed in scrubs looking at mannequin on a bed.

What Makes Nursing Bridge Unique?

The Nursing Bridge program is a partnership between WSU Tri-Cities, WSU College of Nursing, Tri-Tech Skills Center, the Employment Security Department, and local hospital partners (Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Lourdes Health, and Trios Health). Nursing Bridge provides students interested in careers in nursing the following:

  • Mentorship and support during the college application and financial aid process, as well as mentorship throughout the program.
  • Career connected learning in the form of two years of paid work in a hospital setting.
  • Nursing prerequisite classes that prepare you for success in college and the nursing program.

How Do I Apply?

Students who have completed the CNA program at Tri-Tech Skills Center are eligible to apply to the Nursing Bridge program. Before applying, students must be admitted to WSU Tri-Cities.

Nursing Bridge Admissions Checklist

*For scholarships, we recommend applying by the priority deadline of January 31.

Two nursing students wearing scrubs pouring medicine into a glass by a hospital bed.

Nursing Bridge Overview

Courses

Nursing Bridge students spend two years on general university requirements and nursing prerequisites (see outline below). Additionally, students are automatically enrolled during the Fall of their first year in University 104, a special support class to help them transition successfully to WSU Tri-Cities. This course addresses strategies and resources for academic, career, and personal success.

Career-Connected Learning

Connecting what students learn in the classroom to the real world is what Nursing Bridge is all about. WSU Tri-Cities is partnering with three hospitals to ensure students are employed as CNAs for the duration of the two-year Nursing Bridge program. Students will collaborate with the employing hospital to complete the necessary employment application, paperwork, and training prior to the start of the program.

Nursing Prerequisites

Course SubjectSemester Credits*Quarter Credits*Notes
Human Anatomy & Physiology810Must include labs.
Chemistry courses to include inorganic, organic, & biochemistry810Must include labs for both classes.

Rarely, schools will only offer one course that covers general, organic, and biochemistry (GOB) chemistry in one package. If you would like to see if that will work for us, please contact an academic advisor for a chemistry review by providing that course's syllabus.
Human Growth & Development across the Lifespan34Developmental Psychology will be approved only if it addresses conception through death. Courses only covering conception through adolescent development will not be approved, unless coupled with a course covering adulthood through death.
Human Nutrition34Sports nutrition not acceptable.
Introduction to Sociology34Other social science courses may work as well. Please contact an advisor to review options if you have not taken a sociology course.
Introduction to Psychology34
Microbiology45Must include lab.
Statistics34Must include inferential and descriptive statistics.

Year 1

  • Start general university requirements and nursing prerequisite classes at WSU Tri-Cities
  • Begin CNA work at designated hospital

Year 2

Year 3

  • Be admitted into the WSU BSN program (Tri-Cities or Yakima location)
  • Work on required nursing coursework
  • Complete direct care clinical and simulation hours

Year 4

  • Finish required nursing coursework
  • Complete direct care clinical and simulation hours

Paying for Your Education

Students have various options for funding their education, including financial aid, grants, scholarships, and employment. Be sure to complete the FAFSA or WSAFA, along with the general WSU Scholarship application, by January 31. The WSU Financial Aid website offers helpful resources and deadlines to guide you through the process.

There are even more scholarships available to students applying to the nursing program. For additional information, please visit the WSU College of Nursing Scholarships website.

Contact Us

photo of Heather Kraemer
Heather KraemerNursing Bridge Program Coordinator509-372-7192
Want to learn more?