RN-to-BSN Application Requirements

Apply for Fall 2025

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now being accepted.

The program is holding a virtual Information Session on Tuesday December 10th 3:00pm-4:00pm on Zoom. Register for the event or email bsn.applications@wwu.edu for more information. 

Apply to the RN-to-BSN Program & WWU

New cohorts start Fall Quarter. Student apply to Western and the program at the same time. Application deadline is June 30th.

Admission Requirements

  • Associate degree (ADN) or diploma in nursing. Nursing DTA/MRP associate degree preferred.
  • Completion of at least 90 transferrable quarter-system credits including the following nursing prerequisite general education courses: (5 quarter credits = 3 semester credits)
    • English Composition (5 credits)
    • Chemistry w/lab (5 credits)
    • Anatomy & Physiology w/lab (10 credits)
    • Microbiology (5 credits)
    • Intro to Psychology (5 credits)
    • Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)
    • Statistics (5 credits)
    • Humanities electives (12 total credits required; 5 of which are included in the program)
  • Applicants must show evidence of good academic standing with a grade of 2.0 or higher for each RN-to-BSN program prerequisite and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. RN-to-BSN applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may contact the program to discuss the admissions exceptions policy. A personal interview will be required.
  • Successful completion of NCLEX-RN examination. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination provides 30 upper-division credits and 15 lower-division elective credits awarded towards the BSN degree.
    NOTE: Pre-licensure nursing students may apply if graduating before the RN-to-BSN program start date. New graduates may be offered provisional admission pending successful NCLEX-RN examination and RN licensure. Students must be licensed as an RN by the start of winter quarter.
  • Verification of current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Washington State.
    NOTE: Applicants licensed in other U.S. states or in other countries will need to visit the Washington State Board of Nursing for information on how to become licensed in Washington State.

Application Requirements

  • RN-to-BSN Application online form (combined WWU & RN-to-BSN)
  • Non-refundable application fee ($70)
  • Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
  • Goal statements and resume
  • Academic and professional references (2)

What Happens After Applying to the Program

  • Students should monitor their email for communications from Western Admissions and the Nursing Program.
  • Applicants will receive an email offer of admission from Western and the Nursing Program. Students will need to accept the offer of admission and pay the acceptance fee.
  • Attend New Student Orientation.

Reapplying

Any applicant who defers admission, withdraws from the program or is not accepted to the program must reapply to Western and the RN-to-BSN Program. See WWU Returning Students website for more information. The program welcomes returning students. Returning students are encouraged to contact the program bsn.applications@wwu.edu.

Major Declaration Process

An offer of admission to the RN-to-BSN program satisfies the major declaration process.

Registration for Program Courses

After students are admitted to the RN-to-BSN Program and prior to registration for practice experience courses, students must meet RN licensure and and practice experience agency placement requirements. Washington State or compact state RN license must be current for the duration of the program.

Practice Experience Placement Requirements include but may not be limited to:

  • WA state Registered Nurse license or compact state license
  • Background check, including self-disclosure showing no disqualifying crimes
  • Negative urine drug screen
  • American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider CPR or AHA ACLS certification
  • Personal Health Insurance
  • Malpractice/Liability Insurance
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
  • COVID 19 vaccination
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Influenza (current flu season)
  • Annual tuberculosis (TB) screening 2-step PPD or IGRA blood test

Please contact the program for more information about the process and requirements.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C or better is required for an RN-to-BSN student's major courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.