Join the Next Generation of
Compassionate Caregivers

Work in a field where every day presents new patients, new challenges, and new opportunities to answer the call to care. Begin your nursing career at William Carey University, and learn from a team of faculty and staff who are invested in your success. The healthcare field needs compassionate, qualified nurses who live out the call to care. Pursue your passion, and start changing patients’ lives by investing in your own.

Healing Communities
Through Healthcare

The challenging pre-licensure baccalaureate-nursing curriculum embodies diverse teaching and learning opportunities for patient care experiences in the context of a well-balanced educational program. The post-licensure RN-BSN program augments the associate’s degree in a student-friendly online educational environment. The undergraduate programs focus on preparation of the nurse generalist who successfully transitions to practice and graduate programs. The accomplishments of school of nursing graduates who consistently perform well on the national licensure examination, who are highly valued by employers, and who, in large numbers, hold management positions in the healthcare arena demonstrate the success of the undergraduate programs.

The school of nursing also offers innovative graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. Students in the master’s and PhD programs are prepared to develop undergraduate and graduate students who will be able to contribute to the health and well-being of diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates of the PhD programs gain knowledge in nursing education practices as well as acquire leadership skills to assume the role of administrators within the academic and/or clinical practice environment.

Whether you are beginning your nursing education or continuing previous nursing education, WCU has a program designed to fit your needs. Come take a closer look at the phenomenal nursing programs offered through the Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing at William Carey University!

Your Future Starts Here

Whether you are a first-time student or a working professional seeking to advance your career, William Carey College of Health Sciences has a place for you. We are excited to connect with you and guide you on your way toward joining the next generation of leaders and difference-makers in the global community!

The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at William Carey University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

For Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements, click here.


Meet the Dean

Kelly Williamson, PhD, RN

Dr. Kelly Williamson was named dean of the School of Nursing in May 2024. She began her career in nursing education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2008 and became faculty at William Carey University School of Nursing in 2016. Additionally, she has served in the role of Undergraduate Academic Director, Lead Academic Director, and Associate Dean of Nursing at William Carey University. Dr. Williamson is responsible for academic programs on all three campuses, including the Pre-licensure BSN, LPN Advanced Placement Hybrid BSN, 2nd Degree Hybrid BSN, Healthcare Transitions Hybrid BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, PhD, and DNP to PhD programs.

Dr. Williamson has been instrumental in assisting in the development of new programs and acquiring grants within the College of Health Sciences. Her areas of teaching include leadership, medical surgical, health assessment, and pharmacology. She currently teaches nursing coursework at the graduate and doctoral level in the School of Nursing.

Dr. Williamson currently serves in professional organizations on the local, regional, and national level. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and is actively involved in the nursing community, serving as an active member of the Mississippi Nurses Association, and on advisory boards for various healthcare facilities.

“I enjoy working with students at various educational levels and assisting them in pursuing their dreams and goals within the realm of nursing,” Dr. Williamson said.  “At Carey, it is our mission to help improve health outcomes in Mississippi and Louisiana by preparing and graduating students who are equipped both academically and spiritually.”