Wy’east B.S. in Nursing for Native Students
The Wy’east nursing pathway is a partnership between the OHSU School of Nursing and the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence. The program supports American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) students who want to become nurses.
What is the Wy’east nursing pathway program?
The Wy’east Nursing pathway is a three-month, tuition-free, online bridge program for American Indian and Alaska Native students. You will build academic skills, connect with mentors and advisors and prepare for nursing school.
The program runs for three months before your B.S. in Nursing program begins.
After completing the pathway program, you move into one of these OHSU nursing degree programs:
- B.S. in Nursing: For students completing prerequisite coursework without a previous degree. Complete your degree in 3 years in Ashland, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Monmouth or Portland.
- Accelerated B.S. in Nursing: For students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Complete your degree in 15 months in Ashland, Bend or Portland.
What you will do during the pathway program
During the three-month program, you will:
- Attend Wy'east orientation
- Complete a math and science review course
- Take a course in indigenous wellness and nursing
- Meet with an academic advisor to prepare for the B.S. program
- Begin career planning
- Work with an AI/AN mentor
Ongoing support
During your bachelor’s program, you will continue to receive:
- Academic advising
- Mentorship from AI/AN mentors
- Invitations to community events
How to get started
You don't have to navigate this process alone.
Wy’east nursing pathway coordinator Brianna Wing, RN ARNP supports students before and during the application process. She can help you with:
- Prerequisite planning
- Nursing program applications
- Essay writing and interview preparation
- Scholarship applications
- Decision-making and long-term planning
Email Brianna at wingb@ohsu.edu to explore whether nursing is the right fit for you and to get personalized guidance.
Pathway coordinator
Pathway director
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are a citizen or descendant of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribe
- Meet the admission requirements for one of the B.S. in Nursing programs listed below
Which nursing program is right for me?
| Program | Degree required | Program length | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. in Nursing | No degree required | 3 years | Ashland, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Monmouth or Portland |
| Accelerated B.S. in Nursing | Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field (can be in progress) | 15 months | Ashland, Bend or Portland |
B.S. in Nursing admission requirements
To apply you need:
- At least 28 quarter credits completed
- C- or better in all prerequisite courses
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher
If you apply to the Ashland, Monmouth or Portland campus, complete prerequisite credits by the end of fall term. If you apply to the Klamath Falls or La Grande campus, complete prerequisites by the end of winter term.
Prerequisite courses
- Anatomy and physiology with lab: 12 credits
- Microbiology with lab: 4 credits
- Human development: 3 credits
- Nutrition: 3 credits
- Written English/English composition (WR 121 and 122 or equivalent): 6 credits
- Social science electives: 6 credits
- Intermediate algebra/math 95 or higher: Pass the competency test or complete a qualifying math course
Accelerated B.S. in Nursing admission requirements
To apply, you need:
- Bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing major
- B- or better in all prerequisite courses
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher
You may apply while completing your degree, but you must finish it before the program begins.
Prerequisites
- Anatomy and physiology with lab: 12 credits
- Microbiology with lab: 4 credits
- Nutrition: 3 credits
- Human development: 3 credits
- Introduction to genetics: 3 credits
- Statistics: 3 credits
Find full details for required courses before you start the Accelerated B.S. in Nursing program.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply to the Wy'east nursing pathway program:
- Submit an application to the Wy’east pathway. After you submit your application, our team will contact you to guide you through the next steps.
- Apply to your chosen nursing degree program through NursingCAS. Our team will help you through this process.
We admit students on a rolling basis until all spots fill. The Wy'east program begins three months before your B.S. in Nursing Program.
Email Brianna at wingb@ohsu.edu about possible fee waivers for your NursingCAS application.
Cohort experience
Each Wy'east nursing pathway cohort includes about eight students.
The three-month program takes place online. Optional in-person events offer opportunities to build community with your cohort and mentors.
Scholarships and financial aid
OHSU offers many scholarships for nursing students. We automatically consider you for several scholarships when you apply.
You may also qualify for Indian Health Service scholarships. We can help you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply to both the Wy'east pathway program and the nursing degree program?
Yes. You apply to the Wy’east nursing pathway through OHSU’s application, and you also apply to your nursing degree program through NursingCAS. We offer you support to guide you through your degree application.
Email Brianna at wingb@ohsu.edu about possible fee waivers for your NursingCAS application.
When should I apply?
Submit your Wy'east application as early as possible. The program begins three months before the start of your B.S. in Nursing program. Admission is rolling until all spots are filled.
The B.S. in Nursing and Accelerated Nursing program deadlines vary.
What if I haven't finished my prerequisites?
Email our pathway coordinator Brianna Wing at wingb@ohsu.edu for guidance on completing prerequisites and planning your application timeline.
Can I choose my campus location?
Yes. After you successfully complete the Wy’east program, you choose from available campus locations for your nursing degree program.
The B.S. in Nursing 3-year program is offered in Ashland, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Monmouth or Portland.
The Accelerated B.S. in Nursing program is offered in Ashland, Bend or Portland.
What support do I receive during my degree program?
You receive ongoing academic advising, mentorship and community connection opportunities throughout your program.
Nursing scholarships
OHSU offers more nursing scholarships than ever before. See if you qualify.
Contact us
Email our pathway coordinator Brianna Wing at wingb@ohsu.edu with questions.