Winona State University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & What Applicants Should Know (2026)
Nestled on the Mississippi River bluffs, Winona State University operates the College of Nursing & Health Sciences with pre-licensure nursing on Winona and Rochester campuses, an online RN-BS completion pathway, and hybrid graduate nursing centered in Rochester—including CCNE-accredited MS Nurse Educator and DNP/APRN options plus post-master’s certificates. Figures below cite WSU Fall 2025–Summer 2026 tuition pages and the Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN statistical PDF (2022–2025).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
WSU’s Bridges Health clinic, simulation partnerships with Winona Health, and clinical contracts stretching from Winona and Rochester to the Twin Cities, La Crosse, and national exchanges give pre-licensure students realistic immersion and public-health exposure. Graduate nursing stays intentionally hybrid—online coursework plus face-to-face labs in Rochester—while RN-BS completion stays online-first for working nurses.
Overview & Why Students Choose Winona State University
Winona State University is a public Minnesota State institution with flagship programs in the health sciences. The College of Nursing & Health Sciences emphasizes relationship-centered, evidence-based education—underscored by CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs per the college’s accreditation disclosure. Pre-licensure students can stay in the scenic Winona campus community or join the Rochester site where WSU co-locates undergraduate nursing with a growing health-care economy anchored by Mayo Clinic.
Start with the Nursing major overview, the Department of Undergraduate Nursing, and the Graduate Nursing Department to choose between Generic Option pre-licensure study, RN-BS completion, or hybrid APRN doctoral preparation.
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing Number and First-time Success Rate of NCLEX-RN Candidates Educated in Minnesota Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs 2022–2025 (PDF), Winona State University had an 87.15% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 among 179 first-time candidates. The same PDF reports a 2025 aggregate first-time pass rate of 85.12% for all Minnesota baccalaureate-and-higher RN program candidates. Confirm newer cohorts via the Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Data page and WSU.
Reasons students choose WSU
Dual-campus pre-licensure access
The Generic Option BSN runs on both Winona and Rochester, letting students pick a small-college river town or a med-hub city while following the same accredited curriculum.
Published Fall 2025–Summer 2026 tuition bands
WSU’s undergraduate tuition tables spell out banded full-time rates, nursing differential dollars per credit, and separate graduate nursing per-credit pricing—reducing guesswork when you budget.
Simulation + community care pipelines
WSU highlights a dedicated Nursing Simulation Lab and partnerships such as Winona Health simulation space plus service learning through Bridges Health, aligning skills practice with population health outreach.
Hybrid APRN & educator tracks in Rochester
Graduate nursing remains hybrid (online + on-campus intensives) with clinical coordination for placements at regional affiliates ranging from Mayo and Gundersen to Allina and Sanford—confirm your role-specific site list with the Clinical Placement Coordinator.
Direct-admission pathway for high achievers
New freshmen who meet published ACT/SAT thresholds can secure guaranteed progression via Direct Admission if they sustain prerequisite performance—an option for planners who want early certainty.
Nursing Programs Offered
The pathways below match College of Nursing & Health Sciences disclosures, the Nursing major narrative (including ~550 clinical hours and a 120-hour immersion), and the graduate nursing program menus. Content is grouped pre-licensure, then post-licensure, then graduate/doctoral certificates.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN intent)
Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Generic Option)
The traditional four-year pre-licensure track for students without prior RN licensure. WSU structures the major across four academic terms of nursing content (pharmacology, pediatrics, high-acuity care, transition to practice, public health foundations, etc.) with multiple clinical models (traditional unit, Dedicated Education Unit, preceptor-led experiences). Graduates qualify to sit for NCLEX-RN and are prepared for Minnesota Public Health Nurse certification application flow described by WSU.
Post-licensure
RN-to-BS Completion (NRNA)
Upper-division online completion for licensed RNs; WSU positions it for working adults needing flexible scheduling. Admission requires DARS GPA ≥2.5 (or last-50-credit review if below) and an active RN license within the first semester per the RN-BS admission page.
Graduate (MSN) & certificates
Master of Science in Nursing — Nurse Educator
Prepares nurses to teach in academic or practice settings; offered with the department’s standard hybrid delivery. WSU lists CCNE accreditation for the master’s program suite on its college accreditation page.
Nursing Leadership (MS & DNP)
WSU’s graduate program overview states Nursing Leadership is not accepting new students. If you are researching leadership credentials, verify whether enrollment has reopened before investing in prerequisite coursework.
Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing Education
Graduate certificate aligned with the coursework needed to sit for WOC certification exams; billed on its own per-credit schedule in WSU’s graduate tuition tables.
Doctor of Nursing Practice & APRN pathways
Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, AGACNP, AG-CNS, PMHNP, Nurse Educator)
WSU markets discrete DNP tracks for Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Nurse Educator, each paired with matching post-graduate certificate options where applicable. Instruction blends online courses with on-campus labs/simulations in Rochester; practicum coordinators arrange affiliate placements across the upper Midwest.
WSU does not market a stand-alone Accelerated BSN (ABSN) or community-college ADN on the pages reviewed for this guide—students seeking those architectures should compare other Minnesota nursing schools or ask admissions whether any individualized plan exists.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes for Minnesota baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing programs in a single historical table. Winona State University appears once per year—figures reflect all WSU-educated first-time testers captured in that dataset, not separate subtotals for Winona- versus Rochester-campus cohorts unless the Board adds narrower breakdowns later.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 — Winona State University | 87.15% first-time pass (179 first-time candidates) |
| 2024 | 81.71% (175 candidates) |
| 2023 | 89.09% (165 candidates) |
| 2022 | 76.77% (155 candidates) |
| 2025 — Minnesota aggregate (all baccalaureate-and-higher programs, same PDF) | 85.12% first-time pass (1,721 first-time candidates statewide) |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Baccalaureate & Higher Degree Programs 2022–2025 (PDF); Education Statistical Data. Confirm current outcomes with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and WSU. |
NCLEX pass rates move with each graduating class. Always confirm the latest first-time statistics with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and Winona State’s undergraduate nursing office before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants must clear WSU Admissions, any program-level English proficiency benchmarks, and—for pre-licensure students—requirements for CNA certification, background checks, and high-touch clinical placements. Policies can differ between F-1 students and internationally educated RNs seeking RN licensure via endorsement. This section is guidance only—not legal, visa, or licensure advice.
- English-language proficiency: Compare WSU International Student & Scholar Services requirements with any higher thresholds set by the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Plan for accepted evaluators (for example WES) if you completed prerequisites outside the U.S., and reconcile course equivalencies with the nursing prerequisite grid.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses must follow Minnesota’s pathway for NCLEX eligibility, transcripts, and English testing—confirm every document with the Board.
- Visas & hybrid coursework: Graduate hybrid sessions require periodic on-site attendance in Rochester; pre-licensure students need continuous clinical access in Minnesota/Wisconsin communities. Ensure your immigration status supports those obligations.
Requirements change often. Double-check with WSU’s international office, nursing department contacts, and the Minnesota Board of Nursing before you commit to a start term.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pre-licensure nursing at WSU uses either Direct Admission (guaranteed seat for qualifying new freshmen who maintain prerequisites) or Holistic Admission for students without direct status—with most applicants following the holistic route per WSU’s admission overview. Holistic candidates need at least 45 college credits, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, ATI TEAS ≥ 58.7 overall “proficiency,” completed prerequisite progressions, volunteer service, references, a personal statement, and—if selected—an interview. See the official Pre-Licensure Nursing Program Admission page.
RN-BS completion students apply to the university first, then meet an assigned advisor before registration. Graduate nursing applicants follow the Graduate Nursing admission portfolio—including transcripts, RN licensure, recommendations, and any track-specific requirements.
Application timeline (pre-licensure)
| Entry point | Application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring cohort start | Aug. 1 – Sept. 15 | All materials—including TEAS and references—due Sept. 15; confirm interview expectations if you are holistic. |
| Fall cohort start | Dec. 1 – Feb. 1 | Holistic interviews for Fall 2026 were slated for March 2 when this page was drafted; verify updated dates after each bulletin. |
| RN-BS completion | Rolling advising appointments | Example final advising deadlines listed: Aug. 11 (Fall 2025) and Dec. 17 (Spring 2026) per RN-BS admission text—always confirm the current semester memo. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed; WSU states the process is competitive and multifactorial. |
| Minimum GPA (Holistic) | 3.0 cumulative college GPA; RN-BS requires 2.5 DARS cumulative GPA (or last 50 credits if below 2.5). |
| ATI TEAS | Required for Holistic Admission with a published minimum proficiency score of 58.7; Direct Admission route uses ACT ≥27 or SAT ≥1280 thresholds instead for eligible freshmen. |
| Clinical compliance | Before upper-division nursing begins you must be an active CNA on a U.S. registry, hold AHA/Red Cross BLS CPR, pass background checks, and complete immunization documentation via Clinician Nexus after admission. |
Honest tip: Document 10 volunteer hours per fall/spring semester while a full-time WSU student—the hours must occur in Winona, Rochester, or within a 30-mile radius. Keep verification paperwork organized because audit trails are part of holistic readiness.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Rates below are quoted from Winona State’s Undergraduate Tuition & Fees and Graduate Tuition & Fees for Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. Add the eWarrior laptop program ($485/semester if applicable), housing/meal estimates from the same pages, and any differential or online-course surcharges when modeling a full budget.
| Category | Published 2025–2026 highlights |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time band (12–18 credits / semester, Minnesota resident) | Tuition $4,466.34 + eWarrior $485 + Winona campus fees $652.80 (use Rochester fees $337.29 if that campus applies) + $0.80/credit Students United fee. |
| Undergraduate part-time (per credit, Minnesota resident) | Tuition $295.43 + Winona fees $50.27 or Rochester fees $27.72 per credit. |
| Nursing differential (all delivery modes) | $45.79 additional tuition per nursing credit (listed on WSU differential table). |
| Representative non-resident full-time band | Tuition $8,051.24 (same laptop/fee structure as chart)—use the official table for WI/ND/SD variants. |
| Graduate nursing (program-specific, Rochester) | $1,164.05 tuition + $27.72 fees per credit. |
| Wound, Ostomy & Continence certificate (Rochester) | $985 tuition + $27.72 fees per credit. |
| Non-nursing graduate comparison (Mn resident, Rochester) | $529.74 tuition + $27.72 fees per credit for standard graduate programs (context only). |
| Source | WSU — Undergraduate tuition; WSU — Graduate tuition; Student fees detail. |
Submit the FAFSA, review WSU financial aid, and explore nursing scholarships via the Academic Works portal referenced on the nursing major page.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Treat the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate section as your externally verified benchmark for pre-licensure performance. For employment context, the WSU undergraduate nursing page states a reported 96% job placement among nursing students (school-reported metric without an on-page cohort year when reviewed—confirm methodology and year with the department before relying on the figure). Macro salary and demand context is available from the BLS Registered Nurses outlook.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (Winona State, 2025) | 87.15% (179 first-time testers), per Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF cited in NCLEX-RN Pass Rate. Confirm current cohorts with the Board. |
| Job placement (school-reported) | WSU Department of Undergraduate Nursing marketing copy cites about 96% of students obtaining field-related employment after graduation—verify definition, timeframe, and survey year with WSU before treating this as a forward-looking guarantee. |
| Clinical hours (pre-licensure) | The nursing major page references roughly 550 clinical hours including a 120-hour immersion with an RN preceptor—confirm updates in the current student handbook. |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF; WSU undergraduate nursing; WSU nursing major page. |
Is Winona State University the Right Fit for You?
WSU blends scenic residential campuses, a Mayo-adjacent Rochester site, and online RN-BS flexibility—plus hybrid doctoral delivery for APRNs who can commute for intensives. Balance those strengths against competitive holistic reviews, CNA compliance, and the travel expectations built into graduate practicum planning.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a CCNE-accredited BSN within the Minnesota State system and are ready for holistic review (GPA, TEAS, service, interviews).
- Prefer choosing between a bluff-country residential experience (Winona) and a major medical city (Rochester) for the same pre-licensure curriculum.
- Value service learning through initiatives like Bridges Health alongside traditional acute-care rotations.
- Are licensed RNs needing an online baccalaureate completion with telephone access to Rochester advisors.
- Plan to pursue APRN DNP education that intentionally mixes online classes with on-campus simulation days in Rochester.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program—WSU still expects immersive clinical compliance tied to Minnesota/Wisconsin sites.
- Cannot meet CNA registry, volunteer-hour, or TEAS expectations spelled out for holistic applicants.
- Require an open Nursing Leadership graduate track today—WSU states that pathway is not admitting new students as of the graduate FAQ/program overview.
- Expect a marketed Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—WSU highlights the traditional Generic Option for first RN preparation, not a separate ABSN track.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Winona offers river-town community hospitals and Winona Health, while Rochester anchors one of the country’s densest medical economies around Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center. WSU’s own marketing describes clinical partnerships stretching to La Crosse, the Twin Cities, Gundersen Health System, Mercy-affiliated sites in Iowa, and more—always confirm your assigned contracts with the clinical placement office because contracts rotate.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic / Mayo Clinic Health System | Frequent destination for specialty rotations, immersion, and employer pipelines; graduate nursing lists Mayo among affiliate partners. |
| Gundersen Health System | Large regional network serving southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin—useful for cross-border clinical variety. |
| Winona Health & community partners | Supports local med-surg, public health, and simulation collaboration cited by WSU’s nursing department. |
| Twin Cities networks (Allina, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners) | Named on WSU graduate clinical affiliates roster for students needing metro experiences. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing students split time between skills labs, the Nursing Simulation Lab (multi-age manikins and high-fidelity scenarios), and student organizations such as Minnesota Student Nurses Association chapters and special interest clubs highlighted on WSU’s nursing major page. The college also notes Bridges Health for community-facing practice and optional global experiences. Graduate students should expect recurring trips to Rochester for labs, simulations, and intensives even when classes are online.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Winona, Minnesota
- Mailing / street address
- Winona State University, P.O. Box 5838, 175 West Mark Street, Winona, MN 55987, US
- Undergraduate nursing (Winona)
- Stark Hall 303 · (507) 457-5120 · nursing@winona.edu
- Undergraduate nursing (Rochester)
- WSU-Rochester Center, 859 30th Ave SE · (507) 285-7349 · rn-bscompletion@winona.edu
- Graduate nursing (Rochester)
- 400 South Broadway, Suite 204 · (507) 535-2580 · gradnursing@winona.edu
- General switchboard
- (507) 457-5000
- Website
- winona.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest application checklist PDF and note whether you target Winona or Rochester seat availability.
- Compare your transcripts to WSU’s published natural and social science prerequisite grid; schedule any repeats before application.
- Register for ATI TEAS early enough to meet the holistic deadline and gather professor/employer references.
- Model tuition using the Winona vs Rochester fee rows plus the nursing differential on WSU’s charts.
- Bookmark the Minnesota Board NCLEX PDF for multi-year comparisons.
- If you are an RN-to-BS applicant, call the Rochester office to secure advisor access before registration windows close.
- Graduate applicants should email gradnursing@winona.edu to confirm hybrid intensives and preceptor requirements for your track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Winona State University offer?
WSU lists CCNE-accredited pre-licensure BSN (Generic Option) in Winona and Rochester, an online RN-BS completion degree, hybrid graduate nursing in Rochester—including MS Nurse Educator, DNP pathways for FNP, AGACNP, AG-CNS, PMHNP, and Nurse Educator, plus post-graduate APRN certificates and a Wound, Ostomy & Continence graduate certificate. WSU states Nursing Leadership is not accepting new students. Confirm live catalogs on winona.edu.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Winona State University?
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF NCLEX-RN … Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs 2022–2025, Winona State University had an 87.15% first-time rate in 2025 among 179 testers, versus an 85.12% aggregate for all Minnesota baccalaureate-and-higher candidates that year. See Education Statistical Data for the newest publication.
Does Winona State require TEAS for pre-licensure nursing?
Holistic Admission applicants must submit ATI TEAS scores meeting the published minimum proficiency of 58.7. Direct Admission freshmen instead qualify via ACT ≥27 or SAT ≥1280 plus other maintenance rules. Review the latest PDF tip sheets on the admission page.
What are the pre-licensure nursing application deadlines at Winona State?
WSU opens applications Aug. 1–Sept. 15 for spring admission and Dec. 1–Feb. 1 for fall admission. Interview scheduling (e.g., March 2 for Fall 2026 holistic candidates) occurs after deadlines—rely on the official site for the active calendar.
Does Winona State offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
The materials reviewed market a traditional Generic Option for first RN preparation—not a dedicated ABSN brand. Applicants with prior degrees should speak with WSU advisers rather than assuming an accelerated calendar.
Where are Winona State nursing classes held?
Pre-licensure coursework and labs occur on the Winona or Rochester campus you select. RN-BS completion is delivered online with Rochester-based advising. Graduate nursing is hybrid with substantial face-to-face time in Rochester.
What tuition does Winona State publish for 2025–2026?
Undergraduate tables list $4,466.34 tuition per semester for Minnesota residents in the 12–18 credit band plus laptop, campus, and student-government fees; nursing adds $45.79/credit. Graduate nursing (Rochester) is $1,164.05 + $27.72 fees per credit. See undergraduate and graduate tuition pages.
Is Winona State’s Nursing Leadership program open to new students?
WSU’s graduate program overview states Nursing Leadership (MS/DNP) is not accepting new students. Re-check before you plan prerequisite coursework.
How do I contact Winona State undergraduate nursing?
Call (507) 457-5120 or email nursing@winona.edu for Winona campus questions; Rochester callers may use (507) 285-7349 / rn-bscompletion@winona.edu.
References
- Winona State University — College of Nursing & Health Scienceswinona.edu/academics/colleges/nursing-health-sciences
- WSU — Nursing major (pre-licensure overview)winona.edu/academics/programs/nursing
- WSU — Department of Undergraduate Nursingwinona.edu/undergrad-nursing
- WSU — Pre-Licensure Nursing Program Admissionwinona.edu/undergrad-nursing/fall-preparing-apply.asp
- WSU — RN-BS Completion Programwinona.edu/academics/programs/nursing-rn-bs
- WSU — Graduate Nursing Department & programswinona.edu/…/graduate-nursing-department/programs
- WSU — Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025–Summer 2026)winona.edu/financial-aid/cost/undergraduate-tuition
- WSU — Graduate Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025–Summer 2026)winona.edu/financial-aid/cost/graduate-tuition
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Datamn.gov/boards/nursing/education/education-statistical-data
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Baccalaureate & Higher Degree Programs (2022–2025 PDF)2022-2025_RN_NCLEX PDF
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment between Winona State University nursing program scope (pre-licensure BSN in Winona/Rochester, online RN-BS completion, hybrid graduate/APRN offerings), WSU Fall 2025–Summer 2026 tuition disclosures, and first-time NCLEX-RN statistics from the Minnesota Board of Nursing 2022–2025 PDF.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy