RN-BSN Application Checklist

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
• Experience in diverse communities and disadvantaged populations
• Special skills and experience (bilingual, international travel, research)
• Reasons for pursuing a BSN, 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) Recommendation Forms: Provide email addresses for the recommenders. Once the application is submitted a link will be sent to each email provided.

• Supervisor Recommendation: Someone that has supervised the applicant within the past two years in a paid or volunteer position in a health care setting and can attest to the applicant's clinical abilities. For current nursing students this can be an instructor.
• Academic Recommendation: Someone that has instructed the applicant within the past two years and can attest to the applicant's ability to learn. For nurses out of school for two or more years this can be a nurse educator.
• Professional Recommendation: Someone that has worked with the applicant within the past two years in a paid or volunteer position in a professional health care setting and can attest to the applicant's professionalism. For current nursing students this can be an instructor.

4) Read and adhere to the Essential Behaviors and Social Networking Policy and Guidelines Agreement.