"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
Overview

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 program offers hybrid (online + on-campus) study options for students. 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 (effective starting Summer 2022)
- Courses meet on Wednesdays; additional coursework online
Requirements
Admission Requirement Checklist
✓ Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington.
Advanced placement (junior year) credit is awarded based on verification of successful completion of NCLEX (RN) exam.
✓ 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.
✓ One year of clinical practice. Previous nursing school clinicals apply as experience
✓ Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all college coursework
✓ Read and agree to adhere to the Essential Behaviors for Admission, Continuation and Graduation and Social Networking Policy
Application Resources
- Approved Statistics Courses
- BSN Prerequisite Course Table
- Prospective Transfer Student Planning Guide
- Transfer Credit Policies
- UW Transfer Equivalency Guide see how Washington state community and technical courses transfer to UW!
Application Checklist
Applying for admission to the BSN program is a two-step process. 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.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, after all application materials and transcripts have been received. Those meeting the deadlines listed are assured of a review. Applications completed after that date will be considered as space allows. If the number of applications exceeds the available space, admissions will be competitive.
How to Apply
Determine the quarter you are applying for:
- Summer
- Autumn
Returning students and international students should send an email for more information.
Transfer from RN programs:
Apply online for the RN-BSN Program by completing the steps listed below in order. Please note you will NOT hear any admission decisions until step #2 is complete.
- Apply to UW-Tacoma as a Transfer Student.
- Complete the RN-BSN Program Application Online
Not an RN?
Kelly Kledzik
Admissions Advisor
Autumn 2023 applications are open!
Applications submitted after the deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis until the program is full, at which time the application will close.
If you have any questions about the application process or encounter any technical difficulties, please contact Kelly Kledzik by email.
"From the start, I was able to experience a program that emphasized the value of integrity, inclusion, diversity, and advocacy." -SNHCL Alum