Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)

What is the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) Option?

An innovative partnership between participating Community College nursing programs and WSU RN-BSN program to allow Community College nursing students to enroll at WSU and take RN to BSN courses during summers while in the Community College nursing program. This option will provide a seamless transition for students between academic institutions towards their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The curricular plans for the CEP program have been developed to facilitate students’ progress toward their BSN without increasing student workload and burden during their courses at the Community College. 

Participating Community Colleges

• Big Bend Community College – Mose Lake, WA
• Clark College – Vancouver, WA
• Lower Columbia College – Longview, WA
• South Puget Sound Community College – Olympia, WA

As regional demand increases, additional community college will be added to the program. If you don’t see your community college listed, contact an undergraduate advisor to see when the CEP program may be available at your school.

Benefits

What is the benefit of earning a BSN?

Pursuit of a BSN degree benefits nurses’ employment opportunities as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN) (2014) reported approximately 77% of responding hospitals now require or strongly prefer to hire nurses with a BSN degree. Magnet status compliance for hospitals has been the principal grounds for RNs pursuing a (BSN) degree. Several local hospitals are seeking magnet status and give priority to applicants who have earned or are pursuing a BSN.

When and how can I apply?

Students will be provided with details about application and enrollment at WSU after they are selected into the Community College nursing program. Students will apply to WSU and to the WSU RN to BSN program.

Virtual information sessions will be offered to explain the process of applying and other program details.

Getting Started

When and how can I apply?

Students will be provided with details about application and enrollment at WSU after they are selected into the Community College nursing program. Students will apply to WSU and to the WSU RN to BSN program. Students will need to send official transcripts to WSU when they apply. There is a $70 application fee.

Need more information?

Complete the Concurrent Enrollment Information Request form on this page or contact an undergraduate advisor in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I enroll in the CEP or wait until I graduate from my Community College to pursue a BSN?

Thinking about joining the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)?

Before making a decision, we encourage students to connect with their ADN advisor. They can help you explore whether CEP is the right fit for your academic and personal goals.

Your success in your community college nursing program is the foundation of everything. CEP students must maintain strong academic progress in their ADN coursework to stay eligible—so it’s important to make sure you’re ready to balance both programs.

And remember pursuing your BSN after graduating from your ADN program is always an option. CEP offers a great opportunity for some students, but it’s not the best path for everyone. We’re here to support you in finding the route that works best for you.

Who is eligible?

All students accepted into a participating Community College nursing program will be given the option to apply for the CEP with WSU. Students must maintain satisfactory academic status in the Community College nursing program to continue enrollment in the CEP. Students must also pass all BSN courses at WSU with a C (73%) or higher to continue in the CEP.

If I enroll, when will I take the RN-BSN courses?

Students will take selected RN-BSN courses during the summers while they are in the nursing program. This will allow students enrolled in the CEP to focus on their Community College nursing coursework during fall, winter and spring quarters and BSN coursework during the summers.  Students will take the remaining RN-BSN courses after graduation from the Concurrent Enrollment Program.

How long will it take to earn my BSN?

This depends on when you start the Concurrent Enrollment Nursing Program (fall, winter or spring start) as that determines the number of summers while in the program. Students may also opt to take one or two RN-BSN courses each summer. The time to degree completion will vary based on these individual factors.

How often do I need to come to campus?

Students do not attend classes on campus. Instead, you’ll participate in a virtual seminar once per semester via Zoom. The rest of the coursework is delivered asynchronously through Canvas, allowing you to complete assignments and engage with materials on your own schedule.

How much does it cost?

Current WSU Summer tuition is $550.80 per credit and students may take 3-6 credits each summer while they are in the Concurrent Enrollment nursing program. Tuition will range from $1,652.40 – $3,304.80 each summer. Additional fees may apply.

Upon completion of the Community College AA in Nursing DTA/MRP degree, students will continue as part-time or full-time students at WSU.

Students are charged the cost of 1 credit (approximately $550.80) for the NCLEX transfer fee after licensure, which transcribes 32 credits to cover their junior year at WSU.

Full-time tuition for undergraduate students is $5,508 per semester.