WU School of Nursing, Vertical File

The Washington University School of Nursing was established in 1905 and was originally called the Training School for Nurses. In addition to courses on anatomy, obstetrics, and general nursing, students also received clinical instruction by the staff of the Washington University Medical School. The Training School originally consisted of a three-year program, and the first class of students graduated in 1908.

In 1924, the Training School was reorganized and its name officially changed to the School of Nursing. In addition to the three-year program, a five-year program was introduced leading to a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. During the Second World War, the shortage of nurses prompted the School to lower the age of admission to 17, and to admit three classes of students per year. This move substantially increased the number of nurses graduating each year.

In 1951, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing was introduced. The School of Nursing was reorganized again in 1954 and became an autonomous school within Washington University. Prior to this time, the School had been under the supervision of the University's School of Medicine. The three-year and five-year degree programs were discontinued and replaced with a basic four-year baccalaureate program. The School of Nursing formally closed in 1969. Over its 64-year history, the Washington University School of Nursing graduated over 2,000 nurses.