Nursing AAS-T Information

The final decision status will be available on your online account. You can check decision status by logging into your Self-Service Center. To accept the offer of admission, you must return an accept/decline form. Click Respond in the top-right of this letter and submit online. If you experience any difficulty with this form, please email email Selective Admission or call (425) 739-8104 to get assistance.

• If you experience any difficulty with this form, you can also email Nursing@lwtech.edu or call (425) 739-8104 to get assistance

Students accepted into the Nursing Program are required to complete a mandatory Nursing Orientation:

Mandatory Spring Nursing Orientation: March 11, 2025 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Room A102

Failure to complete the Nursing Orientation will result in the student's withdrawal from the Nursing cohort.

The Nursing Program admits 24 students per cycle. There is an average of 160 applicants per cycle. Unfortunately, this means that even a very strong candidate may not be admitted to the program.

The denial letter will contain your scores and provide averages for the admitted applicants. You are encouraged to review this and glean where you scored lower than those who were admitted.

If you have questions or concerns about why you were denied, you may contact Nursing@lwtech.edu. Please note that it may take 2-3 weeks for them to reply with this information.

Alternative Admission Offers

Students who are denied from the Nursing program, yet meet the pre-requisites for healthcare related BAS programs at LWTech may be offered admission to those programs, such as BAS in the Public Health, Behavioral Healthcare, Applied Management - Entrepreneurship, or Physical Therapist Assistant AAS.

The Nursing AAS-T program at LWTech, like programs across the country, is very competitive. Grades are weighted heavily in our admission process.

Careful pre-requisite planning is strongly encouraged.

Ask yourself the following questions as you plan to take the pre-requisite courses:

What are your life obligations?

• Do you work? Have children? Have other obligations in addition to going to school? It is important to consider the pace and order in which you take classes. It is also important to look into support services you may qualify for.

How much time do you have to dedicate to each class you're taking?

• Consider taking 1- 2 classes per quarter. Going slower may allow you to dedicate more time to your class(es) and higher grades.

Can you get a 3.8 or higher (the average grade for the required courses) if you take these classes together?

• Pair classes thoughtfully. Know which courses are going to take you more effort and pair them with classes that you feel more confident in.

Do you enjoy and understand the pre-requisite class content?

• As you take your pre-requisite courses in preparation of applying to the nursing program, please keep in mind that the courses required are required for a reason.
• The pre-requisite courses are core components of your education and the knowledge gained in them will be used throughout the Nursing curriculum. You will be expected to bring that knowledge to the very first quarter of the nursing program. This is especially true of the science courses.

Example Prerequisite Plans

Below are two example plans for completion of pre-requisites. There are many different timelines and combinations to take your pre-requisite courses. Individual circumstances will determine which plan is best for you. 

Example plan for student who has few outside obligations and wishes to complete pre-requisites quickly:

• Quarter 1
  
  • BIOL&160
  • CHEM&121
  • PSYC&200
• Quarter 2
  
  • BIOL&241
  • CMST&(210, 220, 230 or CMST 280)
  • ENGL&101
• Quarter 3
  
  • BIOL&242
  • NUTR&101
• Quarter 4 
  
  • BIOL&260
  • MATH&146

Example plan for student who has outside obligations and wishes to take a reduced course load:

• Quarter 1
  
  • BIOL&160
  • CHEM&121
• Quarter 2
  
  • BIOL&241
• Quarter 3
  
  • BIOL&242
• Quarter 4 
  
  • BIOL&260
• Quarter 5
  
  • ENGL&101
  • NUTR&101
• Quarter 6
  
  • MATH&146
  • CMST&(210, 220, 230 or CMST 280)

State 1 of the application process:

Up to 40 Pts - Science GPA:

• BIOL&241
• BIOL&242
• CHEM&121
• BIOL&260

Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Each course must be completed with a 2.0 or better. Science courses must have been completed in the past 7 years.

Up to 20 Pts - Non-Science GPA:

• ENGL&101
• MATH&146
• PSYC&200

Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Each course must be completed with a 2.0 or better.

0 Pts - must be completed at time of application:

• NUTR&101
• CMST&(210, 220, 230) or CMST 280 (or equivalent)

Up to 20 Pts - TEAS test (less than 2 years old, minimum score of 70 required)

80 Possible Points after Stage 1 of the application process.

Stage 2 of the application process:

Up to 20 Pts - On-Campus Essay

• The top 50 scoring candidates based on Science GPA, Non-Science GPA, and TEAS score will be invited to participate in an on-campus essay

Total Possible Points of entire application process: 100 Points

It can be helpful for prospective Nursing applicants to review the statistics of the students recently admitted to the program. Comparing your scores to the admission statistics can provide a better understanding of how competitive of an applicant you are.

Spring 2024 Admission Statistics

• Total Applicants: 40
• Average Science pre-requisite GPA: 3.58
• Average Non-science pre-requisite GPA: 3.66
• Average TEAS Composite Score 83.24
• Average Essay Score: n/a

Winter 2024 Admission Statistics

• Total Applicants: 35
• Average Science pre-requisite GPA: 3.69
• Average Non-science pre-requisite GPA: 3.76
• Average TEAS Composite Score 84.64
• Average Essay Score: n/a

Fall 2023 Admission Statistics

• Total Applicants: 62
• Average Science pre-requisite GPA: 3.66
• Average Non-science pre-requisite GPA: 3.76
• Average TEAS Composite Score 83.62
• Average Essay Score: 16.48

The TEAS test is the Test of Essential Academic Skills. It is required to apply to the Nursing program.

Applicants must have a minimum score of 70 to be considered for admission. Applicants with a score of under 70 will not be considered.

The TEAS is divided into the following sections:

• Reading: paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences/conclusions
• Math: whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions, decimals, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratio/proportions, statistics
• Science: reasoning, science knowledge, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, basic physical principles, and general science
• English and Language User: punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling

LWTech TEAS Testing Policy

Please submit your highest TEAS score that is no older than 2 years from the application deadline. Minimum score of 70 required.

Taking the TEAS at LWTech

Go to the LWTech Assessment page and fill out the web form to schedule your TEAS test.

• The test takes approximately 3.5 hours and cost $115 (subject to change).
• Due to COVID-19, the test can be taken remotely through LWTech's Assessment Center.
• Test spots fill quickly.

Sending TEAS Scores to LWTech

• Go to the ATI site and order your TEAS transcript to be sent to the LWTech database.
• ATI charges a fee (approximately $27) to have the results transferred to LWTech.

Studying for the TEAS

• Students are encouraged to review the TEAS study materials listed on the ATI website. They offer practice tests, books, and other preparatory materials.
• Students are highly encouraged to take the TEAS test after they complete their pre-requisite course work and to study for the TEAS prior to taking the exam.
• LWTech's TRiO program created a presentation to prepare students for the TEAS test.
• TRIO provides additional support to eligible first-generation to college, low-income students, and students with disabilities such as one-on-one tutoring for pre-requisite courses, support completing scholarship and FAFSA forms, help with selective admission advising and completing selective admission applications. For more information, and to see if you qualify, contact TRIO at (425) 739-8361 or by email at trio@lwtech.edu

The following courses must be completed to apply to the Nursing program.

Required Courses

• Courses cannot be “in progress” at time of application.
• Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the GPA bearing course requirements.
• Each course must be completed with a 2.0 or better.

Minimum Grade Requirements

• Students must meet or exceed a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the following prerequisite courses:
  • CHEM&121
  • BIOL&241
  • BIOL&242
  • BIOL& 260
  • ENGL&101
  • PSYC&200
  • MATH&146
    
• Students must have a 2.0 or higher in the following prerequisite courses (these courses are not used in the cumulative GPA):
  • NUTR&101
  • CMST&(210, 220, 230) or CMST 280 (or equivalent)

The Advising Department and the Science Department strongly recommend students consider the following:

Sequencing:

• Take the science courses in the following sequence:

CHEM&121
BIOL&160
BIOL&241
BIOL&242
BIOL&260

• Take BIOL&241 and BIOL&242 sequentially, without any gap quarters, to ensure you retain information. Start this sequence in either Fall or Winter quarter to avoid needing to take either course in Summer quarter (which is shorter and thus accelerated).
• BIOL&260 should be taken last in the science sequence even though the pre-requisites allow it to be taken after completion of CHEM&121/BIOL&160.

Course Load:

• With the exception of CHEM&121 and BIOL&160, students should never take two sciences together in the same quarter. For some students, even taking CHEM&121 and BIOL&160 in the same quarter can be an overload. Talk to an advisor to determine if taking them together is the right choice for you.
• Start your BIOL&241 and BIOL&242 sequence in Fall or Winter so that you can take the courses sequentially during the longer quarters. The summer quarter is a short quarter, which can be overwhelming to many students. The same amount of content is covered in 8 weeks for summer quarter rather than the normal 10 week quarter for fall, winter, or spring. If students plan to take one of these courses in a summer quarter, they are strongly advised to only take 1 course.

Studying:

• BIOL&160 is a pre-requisite to BIOL&241. While it is not required or considered for Nursing AAS-T admission, work hard and pay close attention to this course. This course is important to build a strong foundation in preparation for your other science requirements that are GPA bearing.
• LWTech offers free tutoring for all of the nursing pre-requisites. Students are strongly
  encouraged to utilize the Learning Lab for their sciences and other requirements.

• The Learning Lab: The Learning Lab is a drop-in tutoring center that supports all LWTech students in math, English, science, social science, pre-requisite, and select program classes. The Learning Lab offers free drop-in tutoring from faculty, staff, and certified tutors to support students in understanding course concepts and accessing resources.
• TRIO: The goal of TRIO is to provide services to students who are low-income, first-generation (neither parent nor guardian has a bachelor's degree and neither does the student), or students with disabilities. TRIO offers one-on-one tutoring, academic advising, and more.

LWTech offers many resources to assist students who are interested in pursuing the Nursing program with paying for college.

Visit our Paying for College webpage for more resources.

Major Declaration

The Nursing AAS-T program is a competitive entry program. If you have not been admitted to the Nursing AAS-T program, you are not eligible to receive Financial Aid for it.

Students interested in using financial aid while pursuing pre-requisites for the Nursing program are strongly encouraged to review information about Health Sciences AAS-T or Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP for more information on how this program may be the best fit to help you reach your goals.

Unlike the Nursing AAS-T, these programs are not competitive entry, but open to all. They embed all of the pre-requisites to the Nursing AAS-T program and provide a financial aid benefit to students as well as degree progression in the case they are not admitted to the Nursing program.

If you wish to update your program of study to either of these programs, you can do so through our online change of program form.

Health Sciences AAS-T

The Health Sciences AAS-T is a program that embeds all of the pre-requisites for the Nursing program. It also requires the Nursing Assistant Certificate which will provide students the opportunity to learn hands on skills related to their nursing goals. 

There are numerous benefits to this option:

• Not competitive admission, can declare major any time and start any quarter.
• Program embeds all pre-requisites for Nursing AAS-T program, which presents a financial aid benefit (pre-requisite courses are eligible to be paid for by financial aid).
• If you are not admitted to the Nursing program, you will still be able to move forward in completing this degree, which upon completion gives you the pre-requisites needed to apply to Bachelor of Applied Science options, such as Public Health or Behavioral Health.

Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP

The Associate in Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP pathway offers a broad selection of academic courses that prepares students for upper division coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science, Nursing Degree (Entry-to-practice/basic BSN). It also embeds all of LWTech's Nursing AAS-T pre-requisites.

Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP graduates are prepared to apply to BSN programs at various institutions across Washington state including the following baccalaureate institutions offering an entry-to-practice/basic BSN program and the community and technical colleges system:

• University of Washington, Seattle
• Washington State University
• Northwest University
• Seattle University
• Seattle Pacific University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Walla Walla College
• Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing

There are numerous benefits to this option:

• Not competitive admission, can declare major any time and start any quarter.
• Program embeds all pre-requisites for Nursing AAS-T program, which presents a financial aid benefit (pre-requisite courses are eligible to be paid for by financial aid).
• If you are not admitted to the Nursing program, you will still be able to move forward in completing this degree, which upon completion gives you the pre-requisites needed to apply to Bachelor of Applied Science options, such as Public Health or Behavioral Health.
• Upon completion of this program, you are also eligible to apply to the direct-entry BSN programs listed above.

Science Time Limits

• Sciences have a time limit of 7 years from the admission deadline.

Non-Science Time Limits

• Non-Science classes do not have a time limit.

The average GPA for the sciences and non-sciences is a 3.8. The fall admission cycle is typically the most competitive with the highest GPAs. Winter and spring have historically had less applicants and lower GPAs. Students are encouraged to re-apply if they are not admitted the first time they apply.

Students who earn grades lower than this may want to consider retaking courses for a higher grade to be more competitive applicants.

Course Retake Policy

LWTech's nursing program does not have a policy about course retakes, you can simply report the course with the highest grade if you retake a course.

Financial Aid and Retaking Classes

Please note that course retakes in cases where you have passed the course (2.0 or higher) and wish to retake it for a better grade are not typically covered by financial aid. Please contact Financial Aid to inquire about their retake policy.

Other Colleges Retake Policies

Not all other schools allow students to retake classes or accept classes that have been retaken for Nursing admission. It is important you do your own research to be aware of how retaking courses will impact you if you are applying to other programs. LWTech Advisors cannot advise on other colleges policies.

All official transcripts must be received by the published deadline for consideration.

If your transcript is not received by the published deadline, it will not be considered for admission and you are encouraged to apply again in a future admission cycle.

You will undergo a background check for the program. This is your access to clinical facilities. If you don't pass the background check, you will not be able to complete the program of study.

Washington State Department of Health does background checks prior to issuing license. Their website gives a list of felonies and misdemeanors that are not acceptable for licensure. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the Department of Health.

Upon admission to the Nursing AAS-T, all students are required to submit a Clinical Passport. Background check, Immunizations, and AHA BLS Provider CPR card are due, week 1, of the quarter. All immunizations are required.

• Medical exemption from a provider is needed for any declination. Clinical agencies may deny placement if you are unable to meet the immunization standards.
• Immunizations and blood work for titers take time and may be expensive. We highly recommend obtaining immunizations and CPR now and do not delay.
• Required immunizations for clinical eligibility/clearance may include:
  • COVID-19 vaccination
  • Hepatitis B Series Vaccine X 3 and a positive titer 
  • Seasonal influenza vaccine
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine
  • TB Test (Tuberculosis) 2 step PPD Skin Test or 2 consecutive yearly PPDs. QuantiFERON is also an acceptable lab result.
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine X2 or titer showing immunity 
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine X 2 or titer showing immunity
  • National Criminal Background check 
  • CPR: American Heart Association BLS