3+1 Accelerated Nursing with Creighton University
The 3+1 dual-degree Accelerated Nursing program is a partnership program between Wayne State and Creighton University. You'll spend your first three years at WSC to earn a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, followed by one year at Creighton University's College of Nursing to earn your Accelerated Bachelor's degree in Nursing from them.
4+1 Accelerated Nursing with University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
This 4+1 accelerated nursing program with UNMC allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree in any major at WSC while also completing preparatory BSN curriculum. Upon graduation from WSC, you’ll apply to the accelerated BSN program at UNMC’s campus in Norfolk, Neb. You’ll then complete one year of nursing courses at UNMC and receive a bachelor's degree in nursing from them.
2+2 Early Admission Nursing with UNMC
The early admission nursing pathway is a partnership program between Wayne State and UNMC. You'll spend your first two years at WSC, followed by two years at UNMC's campus in Norfolk, Nebraska. This selective BSN program guarantees early admission to nursing school, serves an increased demand for qualified nurses, and helps meets the state's workforce needs
Pre-Nursing (general)
While there is no bachelor's degree in "Pre-Nursing," many students complete a four-year degree in Health Sciences before entering nursing school. Or, you can start your education at WSC and transfer to a nursing school of your choice to earn a BSN from them. Whichever path you choose, you'll receive an excellent preparatory education at a low price, making nursing school more attainable.
RHOP Nursing
Nursing is an eligible track within the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP). RHOP offers a full-tuition scholarship while at Wayne State, among other benefits, along with guaranteed admission into the Nursing program (BSN) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) upon satisfactory completion of the two-year undergraduate program at Wayne State.
Department faculty
Douglas Christensen, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Doug Christensen is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests include utilization of molecular biology in a broad range of sciences (including medical, environmental, and industrial fields); teaching about battles between the immune system and the evolving world of bacteria and viruses; microbiology; molecular genetics; and immunology.
Buffany DeBoer is a biology instructor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests are general education biology and environmental science.
Dr. Mark Hammer is a biology professor at Wayne State College. He advises students who are interested in a career as a conservation biologist, physician assistant (including RHOP pre-PA), or occupational therapist. He is also the director of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
Michael Mutehart, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michael Mutehart is a life sciences professor at Wayne State College. Mutehart has a strong background in clinical anatomy education. His teaching responsibilities are mainly in the field of human gross anatomy and its related counterparts (histology, comparative anatomy, etc.).
Dr. Shawn Pearcy is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are biology, human physiology, vertebrate embryology, and physiological ecology.
Danielle Peekenschneider, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Danielle Peekenschneider is a biology professor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests include general education biology, oncology, and immunology.
Jillian Wormington, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Jillian Wormington is a biology professor at Wayne State College and the zoological curator of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
Best Colleges for Health Sciences in Nebraska
CampusReel recognized Wayne State as one of the Best Colleges in Nebraska for Health Sciences based on alumni salaries after graduation, student loan debt, and other metrics.
A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.
A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.
