Nurse in white lab coat facing a wheat field.
TRAIN WHERE YOU LIVE

Rural Nursing Pathway

A new opportunity for aspiring nurses in rural Washington to earn their RN degree without leaving home.

Rural Education for Nursing in Washington

The WSU College of Nursing, supported by a grant from the Washington State Department of Health, is launching a Rural Nursing Pathway to help train nurses in their own communities. Students complete clinicals at a local hospital, take classes via Zoom, and receive support from adjunct WSU faculty—all while staying close to home.

This program helps rural hospitals grow their own RN workforce and supports students with affordable, flexible education options.

Application Deadline

For student application information
contact a WSU College of Nursing Advisor in Spokane.

Connect with an advisor

How It Works

  • Didactic Courses: Attend live Zoom classes alongside fellow WSU nursing students throughout the program.
  • Clinical Training: Complete clinicals at your local rural hospital under a WSU-hired adjunct faculty member.
  • Campus Visits: Travel to WSU’s Spokane campus up to 4 times per semester (6 total per year) for simulation and skills lab validation.
  • Specialty Rotations: Obstetrics and/or Pediatric clinical rotations may take place at a nearby facility if your hospital does not offer this service.

Program of Study

  • Follows the same curriculum and academic standards as WSU’s pre-licensure BSN program.
  • Includes a 1-credit rural health course focused on preparing nursing graduates for the unique rural health care environment—taught by WSU College of Nursing rural health lead faculty.

Student Qualifications

  • Currently working or living in a rural community.
  • Must meet WSU College of Nursing BSN admission requirements.
  • Direct admission to WSU College of Nursing through participation.
  • Financial aid and rural nursing scholarships may be available.

Site Qualifications

  • Must be a rural or critical access hospital in Washington State.
  • Management support and classroom space for students.
  • Identification of 1-2 nursing staff to serve as adjunct clinical faculty (minimum BSN degree).

Partnering with
Rural Facilities

Help us build the future of rural nursing.

Hospitals interested in joining as training sites can fill out this form to get started.

Site Inquiry

Rural Nursing Pathway Advisors