RN-to-BSN Application Requirements

New cohorts start in the Summer and Fall quarters. Students apply to Western and the program at the same time. The application deadlines are March 30^th and June 30^th. Early application is recommended for students interested in WWU and Woodring College scholarships.

• WWU & RN-to-BSN Application

Admission Requirements

• Associate degree (ADN) or diploma in nursing. Nursing DTA/MRP associate degree preferred.
• Completion of at least 90 transferable 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 (7-10 total credits)
• Meet the minimum WWU undergraduate admission requirements
• Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination. This provides 30 upper-division credits and 15 lower-division elective credits awarded toward the BSN degree.
• Verification of current Washington State RN license: License Search | WA HELMS

Application Requirements

• RN-to-BSN Application online form (combined WWU & RN-to-BSN)
• Non-refundable application fee ($70); fee may be waived for students transferring from WA partner community colleges. More information is on the Guarenteed Transfer Admission website
• Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
• Goal statement
• Resume

Program Admission

Applicants are admitted to the RN-to-BSN Program in one of the following ways:

• Full Admission: Applicants who have met all the admission requirements and hold an active WA state RN license are admitted to the program without stipulations.  
• Provisional Admission: Applicants who have not graduated from their associate degree (ADN) program at the time of application and who have not completed the NCLEX-RN examination may be offered provisional admission. This provision requires the applicant to complete their ADN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain WA state licensure before the winter quarter. Failure to pass the NCLEX-RN before the winter quarter will result in dismissal from the program, as students cannot participate in practice experience courses without a current RN license per WAC 246-840-522.
• Conditional Admission: Applicants who are missing one or more prerequisite courses but have an associate degree in registered nursing and hold a WA State RN license may be admitted to the program. The applicant will develop a plan with program staff to complete the required general education courses before the first quarter of the program or before program completion. 

What Happens After Applying to the Program

• Admission to the program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 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 must accept the offer of admission and pay the acceptance fee.
• Attend New Student Orientation.

Reapplying

Students who choose not to enroll in the program after accepting admission may request a deferral to the next admission quarter. More information is available on the WWU Admission Deferral website. Students who do not receive a deferral must reapply. Returning students are encouraged to contact the program at 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 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.