BSN: overview
UW Tacoma Nursing takes a registered nurse, licensed in Washington State, to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree. The courses support students in developing professionally. The program goals, in part, stress communication, critical 
thinking, cultural sensitivity, enhanced patient care, research and scholarship, health promotion and education, and adapting to changes in the healthcare setting.
For passing the RN licensure exam (NCLEX), UW Tacoma Nursing awards advanced placement, which reduces the number of in-residence credits to 45. Please see a sample program plan for required courses. Applicants must already be Registered Nurses (RNs) who are licensed in the state of Washington.*
The BSN curriculum is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's document, The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008).
Please see the following in order to gain a complete understanding of the program:
What Makes the Program Unique
- Applies course content to professional practice.
- Combines the acclaimed program of the UW School of Nursing with opportunities in UW Tacoma's innovative programs in Business, Education, and Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
- Uses a non-traditional approach that values professional experience.
- Works for both part-time and full-time students.
- Provides opportunities to explore interests and be creative.
Full-time or Part-time Path
The full-time BSN path requires a student to begin in Summer Quarter. Students take between 9-13 credits per quarter over four (4) consecutive quarters. Students relying on financial aid should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for guidance since full-time students will not meet credit minimums every quarter.
The part-time BSN path begins in Autumn Quarter. As space allows, part-time students may choose to begin in Summer or Autumn Quarter. If beginning in Summer, students take one or both of their required upper-division electives prior to beginning Nursing coursework in Autumn. Students take between 5-7 credits per quarter over two years. Part-time students relying on financial aid should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for guidance since they will not meet credit minimums every quarter.
Campus tours and information sessions
The Office of Admission Advising and Outreach provides campus tours and information sessions for potential UW Tacoma undergraduate students. Please see Campus Visit for additional information.
*Students enrolled in the last year of an associate degree in nursing program may apply for provisional BSN admission prior to RN licensure.