RN-to-BSN Application Requirements

Apply to the RN-to-BSN Program & WWU at the same time

New cohorts start Fall Quarter. Applications for Fall 2024 are currently being accepted. Students may continue to apply even after the WWU application deadline.

• Western and RN-to-BSN Application

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 with lab (5 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology with lab (10 credits)
  • Microbiology (5 credits)
  • Introduction 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 & Nursing Program 
• 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 Application 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.
• Depending upon the number of qualified applicants and subsequent cancelations, offers may be made to qualified applicants up to the start of class for qualified applicants remaining on the waitlist.

Re-Applying

Any applicant who defers admission, withdraws from the program or is not accepted to the program must reapply to both Western Admissions and the RN-to-BSN Program. The program welcomes returning students. Contact the program more more information bsn.applications@wwu.edu.

Major Declaration Process

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

Additional Requirements for Registration for Practice Experience Courses

Upon acceptance and continuation in BSN Program:

• Declaration of all Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider (HCP):
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B
  • TDap
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Influenza
  • Annual two-step testing for tuberculosis (PPD or IGRA)
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Healthcare Provider CPR
• Background Check
• Malpractice/Liability Insurance
• Personal Health Insurance
• Drug Screening

Students must pass the drug screen and background before being released to register for first quarter program courses. All practice experience requirements must be met prior to registration for subsequent program courses.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C or better is required for a Nursing student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.