RN to BSN Program

Advance Your Nursing Career at Western - Choose Online or Hybrid

Western’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses ready to take the next step in their professional journey. This one-year degree-completion program builds on your existing nursing education.

The program is intended for nurses who have completed an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and hold an RN license, or who will pass the NCLEX-RN exam before the winter quarter. 

Why Choose Western’s RN-to-BSN Program

  • Hybrid and online options
  • Full-time and part-time pathways for working nurses
  • Practice experience placements are arranged for students in their communities

The program’s innovative curriculum teaches students to lead population health and health equity work in their communities. Faculty and staff have created a supportive, engaged, and diverse learning community and provide a caring, nurturing environment.

Whether your goal is leadership or continuing your education to a master’s or doctoral degree, as a graduate of the RN-to-BSN program, you’ll be well-prepared for your next step.

Upcoming Info Session

Online - Zoom

New Fall 2026 - Online and Hybrid Options

Western’s RN-to-BSN program offers flexible learning options designed to fit the busy lives of working nurses. Whether you prefer the convenience of fully online coursework or the connection of periodic in-person classes, our program provides the same high-quality curriculum and hands-on practice experience. Attend an info session to discover the option that best supports your schedule, learning style, and professional goals. 

Online RN-to-BSN

Classes are fully online with 100 practice experience hours completed in your local community. 

A woman in a blazer works at a laptop on her RN to BSN program in a professional setting.

Hybrid RN-to-BSN

Students meet in person on Western’s Bellingham campus four Tuesdays each quarter with 100 practice experience hours arrange in the local community. The summer quarter is fully online.

A medical student in the RN BSN Program at WWU in teal scrubs carries books and wears a stethoscope, symbolizing healthcare education.
Logo of CCNE Accredited.

Program Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Western Washington University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

 

The RN-to-BSN Program holds full approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WA BON).

Contact Nursing

Rika Winquist, Nursing Program Manager
Rika.Winquist@wwu.edu
(360) 650-6777

Schedule a virtual advising appointment