BSN Programs Seattle, WA

Findings reveal that over ninety percent of BSN graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduating from the program. AACN data further reveals that the job offer rate for BSN graduates at the time of graduation is approximately sixty-two percent and varies from state to state. A common theme in all the data collected is that BSN graduates are picked up faster than their Associate Degree in Nursing counterparts and get the best opportunities to work and advance their careers. BSN graduates have the foundational preparation to pursue graduate study to assume advanced practice positions in the healthcare sector.

Seattle University – College of Nursing

Seattle University College of Nursing is home to one of the oldest nursing programs in Washington. The school has a long history of outstanding education for baccalaureate nursing students with a curriculum that is steeped in the Jesuit tradition of community outreach and service. During the comprehensive program, students will develop key skills such as critical thinking, leadership, communication, and management essential for professional practice in various health care settings. Graduates will be prepared to encounter the work, be adept in their discipline, be empowered to make a difference, and be committed to justice and ethical action. They will have the confidence to succeed on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 124
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: College Algebra for Business/Pre-calculus, Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry, Introductory Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Microbiology,

Core courses – Health Care 21st Century, Nutrition Foundational Skills Lab, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Older Adult Theory, Older Adult Clinical, Pop Health Internship, Psychiatric Mental Health Theory, Psychiatry Mental Health Clinical or Reproductive Health/OB Theory, Reproductive Health/OB Clinical, Statistics and Research Theory, Population Health Internship II, Population Health Internship III, Health/Community Nursing Theory, Promoting Health of Child/Family Theory, Promoting Health of Child/Family Clinical or Promoting Health of Adults Theory, Promoting Health of Adults Clinical, Senior Synthesis/Leader for Health Equity, Senior Practicum Theory, Senior Practicum Clinical

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses for all BSN nursing students before the nursing sequence begins in the sophomore year
  • Must earn a minimum of a C (GPA 2.0) or better in all nursing and prerequisite courses
  • Must be available on the first day of each quarter through final exams
  • Submit official ACT or SAT scores – optional for first-time college students
  • Must demonstrate English Proficiency – for applicants whose native language is not English
  • Must complete three years of college preparatory mathematics with a grade B or higher
  • Complete a full year of laboratory biology and laboratory chemistry with a grade B or higher
  • Must have current and up-to-date documentation of meeting all health and safety requirements for their Clinical Passport on file with CastleBranch
  • Must undergo a background check through CastleBranch and Washington State Patrol and provide results before the commencement of the clinical rotations
  • Must hold current certification in American Heart Association – Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course – 2-year certification
  • Obtain a physical exam from a licensed healthcare provider who will verify students’ health status based on professional judgment
  • Must carry comprehensive health and accident insurance
  • Provide documentation of immunization – 2-step TB skin test, hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, varicella, influenza, COVID-19

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $50,328 per academic year for full-time students. Other costs for CastleBranch, background check, CPR certification, fees, textbooks, health clearance, and equipment are additional.

University of Washington

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the UW Seattle campus prepares students for practice as a professional nurse. Students begin the program in their junior year having already completed 90 quarter college-level credits or a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The full-time program includes academic coursework that emphasizes critical thinking, care and therapeutics, and health care resources, lectures in the classroom with experienced nurse practitioners and researchers, clinical simulation activities in the school’s Learning Lab, and supervised direct patient care in the field. The clinical training will cover over 1,00o hours of hands-on patient care at respected health care facilities such as Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center. Due to the COVID pandemic some of the course may be delivered via distance learning. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and continue on to graduate nursing study.

Program Outline

Quarter Credits: 91 – not including prerequisite courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: College Algebra for Business/Pre-calculus, Introductory Biology, Introductory Chemistry, Introductory Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics, Microbiology,

Core courses – Health Assessment, Foundational Skills For Professional Nurses, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Foundations in Pharmacotherapeutics and Pathophysiology, Populations Health Through Community Health Nursing Partnerships, Foundational Skills For Professional Nurses, Practicum: Populations Health Through Community Health Nursing Partnerships, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice for Illness Care I, Health Equity, Foundational Skills For Professional Nurses, Practicum: Nursing Care of Ill Adults, Introduction to Research, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice for Illness Care II, Healthcare Systems and Policy, Practicum: Psychosocial Nursing, Ambulatory Care, Foundations of Interprofessional Practice,  Psychosocial Nursing in Health and Illness, Care Coordination and Case Management, Practicum: Pediatric Nursing, Practicum: Care of Childbearing Families, Foundations of Interprofessional Practice, Informatics, Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, Nursing Care of Childbearing Families, Child Health, Practicum: Transition to Clinical Practice, Foundations of Interpersonal Practice, Transition to Professional Practice, Seminar on Professional Nursing Topics in Research and Clinical Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses for all BSN nursing students with a minimum college-level GPA of 2.0
  • Must have completed three Natural World prerequisite courses (general chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or four Natural World prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 before applying to the nursing program
  • Must complete outstanding NW courses before enrolling in the program
  • Must complete 90 quarter credits of college-level prerequisites at the time of application
  • Meet the Essential Qualifications for BSN students
  • Must have current and up-to-date documentation of meeting all health and safety requirements for their Clinical Passport on file with CastleBranch
  • Must undergo a background check through CastleBranch and Washington State Patrol and provide results before the commencement of the clinical rotations
  • Must hold current certification in American Heart Association – Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course – 2-year certification
  • Obtain a physical exam from a licensed healthcare provider who will verify students’ health status based on professional judgment
  • Must carry comprehensive health and accident insurance
  • Provide documentation of immunization – 2-step TB skin test, hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, varicella, influenza, COVID-19

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $4,026 per quarter for full-time residents and $13,302 for non-residents. Other costs for CastleBranch, SoN background check, CPR training, HIV/AIDS training, photo ID fee, student health fee, clinical course fee, clinical placement, books, supplies, and transportation are not included.

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University facilitates a robust bachelor of science in nursing program that is grounded in Christian faith and values. Experienced and committed faculty prepare students for success in the field by providing personal attention and real-world experience in the classroom. They will emphasize health promotion and illness care, development of critical thinking, ethical thought and action, judgment, collaboration and caring, and holistic care integration mind, body, spirit, and surrounding environment in patient care. PU’s graduates are sought after as practitioners prepared to meet the challenges in the field. New cohorts are admitted three times per year.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 125 – including 80 upper division courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, General Microbiology, Survey of General Chemistry, Survey of Biological Chemistry, General Psychology: Individual in Growth, Lifespan Development Psychiatry, Intro to Statistical Reasoning, Introduction to Statistics for Sciences

Core courses – Health & Illness I: Theory, Health & Illness I: Practicum, Professional Nursing I, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health & Illness II: Theory, Health & Illness I: Practicum, Professional Nursing II, Health and Illness III: Theory, Health and Illness III: Practicum, Professional Nursing III, Health and Illness IV: Theory, Health and Illness IV: Practicum, Professional Nursing IV, Health and Illness V: Theory, Health and Illness V: Practicum, Professional Nursing V, Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement, NCLEX Preparation Course, Transition to Practice Synthesis, Transition to Practice Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses for all BSN nursing students with a minimum college-level GPA of 2.85
  • Provide a brief statement on the reason for choosing Nursing
  • Provide documentation of work or volunteer hours for the past three years
  • Provide documentation of awards or honors received in the past three years
  • Provide name and contact information of a professional reference
  • Complete a minimum of four prerequisite courses at the time of application
  • CNA certification is not required but recommended
  • Must undergo a background check through CastleBranch and Washington State Patrol
  • Must hold current certification in American Heart Association – Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course – 2-year certification
  • Obtain a physical exam from a licensed healthcare provider who will verify students’ health status based on professional judgment
  • Provide documentation of immunization – 2-step TB skin test, hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, varicella, influenza, COVID-19

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $36,504 per year for full-time students. Expenses for fees, books, supplies, personal effects, CPR training, background check, and drug screen are not included.

  • Website: https://spu.edu/
  • Address: 3307 3rd Ave West, Seattle WA 98119-1997
  • Phone: 206-281-2000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.71%

Washington State University – College of Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at WSU prepares students for a lifelong career in nursing practice. The school offers the largest program in the state and a history of graduating competent, compassionate nurses ready to practice in all health care settings. Students will have access to innovative practice labs and technology, interprofessional simulations, world-class researchers and faculty to obtain a solid foundation to begin their career as a registered nurse. The program is open only to students who have a junior standing and have completed the prerequisite and general university requirements. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 63 – not including prerequisite courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, General Microbiology, Survey of General Chemistry, Survey of Biological Chemistry, General Psychology: Individual in Growth, Lifespan Development Psychiatry, Intro to Statistical Reasoning, Introduction to Statistics for Sciences

Core courses – Professional Development I: Evidence-Based Practice, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing, Nursing Practice: Health and Illness, Intro to Nursing Practice in Health and Illness: Theory, Health Assessment, Intro to Gerontological Nursing, Professional Development II: Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making Processes in Nursing, The Human Experience of Diversity and Health, Nursing in the Genome Era, Nursing Concepts in Acute and Chronic Illness in Adults, Nursing Practice in Acute and Chronic Illness in Adults, Professional Development III: Leadership and Management, Family and Community as a Context of Care, Child and Family Health: Theory, Children and Families as the Focus of Nursing Care, Childbearing Health of the Family, Nursing Care of Childbearing Families, Professional Development IV: Transition to Practice, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Concepts, Nursing Practice: Psychiatric/Mental Health, Community Health Nursing Theory, Community Health Nursing Practice, Senior Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Must have junior standing (60 semester credits/90 quarter credits) and have completed nursing prerequisites and general university requirements at Washington University or any institution offering equivalent courses
  • Must take and pass the TEAS – scores are valid for one year
  • Must have 50 hours of work/volunteer experience in medical settings within the last 3 years
  • Download and complete the experience log form
  • Meet with the Undergraduate Admissions and Progression Committee at the College of Nursing and obtain a favorable evaluation
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all college coursework
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in College of Nursing’s prerequisite courses – courses must be completed before the start of the nursing program
  • Must pass a background check and drug screen
  • Must have current CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers
  • Complete a physical exam from a licensed healthcare provider
  • Provide documentation of immunization – 2-step TB skin test, hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, varicella, influenza, COVID-19

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $5,498 per semester for resident full-time students and $13,156 for non-resident students. Mandatory fees cost $710 per semester. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://wsu.edu/
  • Address: 103 E. Spokane Falls Blvd Spokane, WA 99201
  • Phone: 509-324-7360
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.26%

Pacific Lutheran University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Pacific Lutheran University includes a traditional pathway for students who are not licensed nurses and a LPN to BSN bridge for the licensed practical nurse pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. PLU provides an environment suited for learning and faculty and staff who are committed to students’ success. The curriculum is accredited by the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education in Nursing and will enable graduates to practice as generalist nurses within a complex healthcare system. It covers courses in the arts, humanities and sciences as the cornerstone for the practice of nursing. Students entering the program do so at the junior level after completing the general and nursing prerequisite courses. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 65 – not including prerequisite courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Human Anatomy & Physiology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology II, Introduction to Microbiology, Chemistry of Life, Development Across the Lifespan, Intro to Statistics, Nutrition

Core courses – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing I, Foundations of Care and Delivery & Health Promotion, Health & Physical Assessment, Clinical Practicum, Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership, Scholarly Writing Concepts, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing II, Care of Chronic Conditions, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Practicum II, Theory and Evidence, Research Methods, Healthcare Technology, Care of Complex Conditions, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing III, Clinical Practicum III, Healthcare Diversity, Informed Practice, Continuity of Care, Clinical Practicum IV, Organization & Economic Context of Care, Health Policy, Transition to Practice, Capstone Project

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the BSN program prerequisites with a grade B or better – valid for 6 years
  • Obtain formal admission to Pacific Lutheran University – admission does not guarantee admission to the nursing program
  • Complete at least 60 semester credits at the college level – equivalent to junior status
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on nursing prerequisite coursework
  • Complete the University math entrance requirement
  • Must have physical and emotional stability to meet the demands of nursing and provide safe patient care
  • Must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing college-level English
  • Must have civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any applicable territory or country

Program Cost:

Tuition and fees cost $50,928 per year for full-time students. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Northwest University

Northwest University has the highest NCLEX passing rate of Christian universities in Washington. The Bachelor of Science of Science in Nursing program integrates academic excellence and a spiritual foundation for students to be prepared to meet the challenges of the nursing profession. The curriculum blends scientific, clinical, and holistic health studies and facilitates study abroad so students will have a global perspective on engaging with human need. Hands on skills will be developed through activities in high and low fidelity clinical simulation. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurse. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Program Outline

Semester Credits: 125
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses: The Christian Scriptures, Work of God, Work of Humanity, How to Read the Bible, Foundations of Christian Faith, Composition I: Expository Writing, Composition II: Rhetoric and Research Writing, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, General Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Survey of Chemistry I, Survey of Chemistry I Lab, Survey of Chemistry II, Survey of Chemistry II Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Human and Physiology II, Human and Physiology II Lab, Diet and Nutrition, Microbiology, Life Calling, Gospel and Culture, Gospel and Culture

Core courses – Promoting the Health of Populations, Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Integration of Faith, Service, and Nursing, Health Assessment, Pathology, and Nursing Interventions, Adult and Gerontologic Health, Bio-Psychology Nursing, Global and Intercultural Health Care, Health Care Systems, Care Management, & Nursing Leadership, Therapeutic Nursing Interventions I, Therapeutic Nursing Interventions II, Issues of Graduate Nursing Practice, Issues of Quality Improvement, Health Care Finances & Strategic Planning, Health of the Childbearing Family, Health of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Across the Health Continuum and Lifespan, Communities and Diverse Populations As Clients, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Research: Methods and Applications, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Therapeutic Interventions, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family: Therapeutic Interventions, Community/Population Focused Nursing Practice, Nursing Practice As Ministry, Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application for admission to NW
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $30
  • Submit a biographical essay with the application form
  • Take and pass the Entrance Test
  • Submit official high school transcripts of work completed at the time of the application
  • Submit official college transcripts
  • Submit immunization information
  • Apply for admission to the nursing program

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $34,500 per year for full-time students (12 to 18 credits). Student fees cost $500.

  • Website: https://www.northwestu.edu/
  • Address: 5520 108th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
  • Phone: 1-800-669-3781
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.56%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.