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Applying to the RN to BSN Program
The School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership is making it easier to turn your registered nursing (RN) license into a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. UW Tacoma's RN-BSN is a hybrid program, including in person classes and online coursework. Our program emphasizes communication, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, enhanced patient care, research and scholarship, health promotion and education, and adapting to changes in the healthcare setting.
Hybrid program:
- Complete our program in as little as 3 quarters
- Full-time students take 3 courses per quarter
- Classes meet in-person on Wednesdays; additional coursework online
✓ Prerequisites completed with a 2.0 grade or higher (see table below).
✓ Minimum 90 college-level credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all college coursework.
✓ Associate degree or a diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
*Students enrolled in the last year of an Associate Degree in Nursing program and those who have not yet taken the NCLEX may apply for provisional BSN admission prior to RN licensure.
✓ Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington. If you do not have your RN license or are not currently enrolled in an RN program, you cannot apply to this program yet. Click here to learn more about becoming an RN.
✓ One year of clinical practice. Previous nursing school clinicals apply as experience.
✓ Read and agree to adhere to the Essential Behaviors for Admission, Continuation and Graduation and Social Networking Policy
Applying for admission to the BSN program is a two-step process: submitting Application materials for UW Tacoma and the RN-BSN Program Application. An online application and official transcripts must be submitted to the University; other required supplemental materials go directly to the UW Tacoma School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership.
Make sure you have everything you need by checking the application checklist. All items must be submitted digitally via the program application. Do not submit any documents as hardcopies.
Step 1: Complete the UW Tacoma Transfer Application
1) Complete the UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and pay appropriate application fee.
2) Request an official transcript for all college-level coursework. UW Tacoma requires electronic transcript submission from all Washington state community and technical colleges. Please use ET code 412 for processing. High school transcripts are required only if foreign language or mathematics requirements were completed in high school.
Step 2: Complete the RN-BSN Program Application
1) RN-BSN Application Essay: Write about personal and professional experiences. Your essay should be no more than two pages, typed and double-spaced with a 12-point font. The essay should be an example of your ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Address all of the following areas as they pertain to you:
- Leadership, achievements and accomplishments
- Your journey to becoming a nurse and reasons for pursuing a BSN
- Experience in diverse communities and disadvantaged populations
- Special skills and experience (multilingual, international travel, research)
- Provide your proposed strategy for effectively balancing your personal commitments and academic workload upon admission
- Expectations and outcomes desired for your educational experience and future educational or professional goals.
2) Current resume: Include work and volunteer experience and any honors or awards.
3) Read and adhere to the Essential Behaviors and Social Networking Policy and Guidelines Agreement.
- Approved Statistics Courses
- Prospective Transfer Student Planning Guide
- Transfer Credit Policies
- UW Transfer Equivalency Guide see how Washington state community and technical courses transfer to UW!
Admission prerequisite course table
| Course Title | Washington State College Common Course Numbering |
| English Composition (5 cr) | ENG& 101 |
| Chemistry (5 cr) | CHEM& 121 |
| Anatomy and Physiology I (5 cr) | BIOL& 241 |
| Anatomy and Physiology II (5 cr) | BIOL& 242 |
| Microbiology (5 cr) | BIOL& 260 |
| Statistics (5 cr) | MATH& 146 |
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Jaime Mason
Admission Advisor
If you have any questions about the application process or encounter any technical difficulties, please reach out.
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RN-BSN Application Dates
Applications for Summer and Autumn 2025 are OPEN!
Application deadline is March 15th.
This program allowed for so much growth when it comes to my nursing career. It opened many doors in community nursing and seeing health care as more than just pushing medications at our community members. It made me want to be part of the bigger picture in nursing with education and outreach for our community members. This program allowed for much growth in seeing where health care needs improvement and what we as nurses can do to be part of the solution." -SNHCL Alum
