Introduction
The RN-to-BSN program is a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) completion program for graduates of an associate degree registered nursing (ADN) program. The program includes GUR courses and 45 upper-division major credits, allowing students to complete the program in four quarters full-time to earn their BSN. Students eligible to enroll in the program must hold an active Washington State RN license or be eligible for licensure before the winter quarter. The program is unable to admit students without an ADN or those with a pre-nursing associate degree.
Why Choose Western’s RN-to-BSN Program
Students have the option of a hybrid or online pathway, available full-time or part-time, meeting the needs of working nurses. 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, diverse learning community to provide a caring and nurturing environment. The program arranges all practice experience placements for students in their communities.
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.
Student Resources
Department website: WWU Nursing
Contact information:
Department Advising: RN-to-BSN webpage
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Community Health Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Outpatient Clinic Services, Leadership and Management, Pathway to graduate programs including Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Capacity-constrained major
The RN-to-BSN Program admits students in the summer and fall, using a cohort model. Students apply as transfer students to both the university and the program through a single application. Students in the final year of their associate degree registered nursing program may apply, provided they can become licensed as an RN before the start of the winter quarter.
All students interested in Nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.
Admission Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing, Nursing DTA/MRP preferred.
- Completion of at least 90 transferable quarter-system credits including the following nursing prerequisite courses:
- English Composition (5 credits)
- Chemistry w/lab (5 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology w/lab (10 credits)
- Microbiology (5 credits)
- Introduction to Psychology (5 credits)
- Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)
- Statistics (5 credits)
- Humanities electives (12 credits)
- Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination provides 30 upper-division credits and 15 lower-division elective credits awarded towards the BSN degree
- Verification of current Washington State RN license
- Meet the minimum WWU undergraduate admission requirements
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Goal statement
- Criminal history disclosure
- Resume
Registration for Program Courses
After students are admitted to Western Washington University and the RN-to-BSN program and prior to registration for practice experience courses, students must meet the RN licensure and practice experience agency placement requirements. No RN-to-BSN student will be allowed to register for subsequent quarters without being in full compliance with all practice experience agency placement requirements.
Practice Experience Agency Placement Requirements include but are not limited to the following:
- 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
- WWU Student Medical Malpractice Insurance
- Annual tuberculosis (TB) screening; 2-step PPD or IGRA blood test
- Proof of immunization:
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Influenza (current flu season)
Applicants with questions about these requirements should contact the program.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
