RN to BSN Programs Seattle, WA

Since more than 80 percent of job opportunities for registered nurses require a bachelor of science in nursing, you should consider continuing your education beyond the associate nursing degree. A BSN degree will not only prepare you for new opportunities but will also open the door to positions in leadership and graduate study to obtain a master of science or doctor of nursing practice. The RN to BSN program provides for the seamless transition from the associate degree to the BSN. The program awards credit for the associate degree and success on the NCLEX so you can complete the BSN in 18 months or less. Moreover, the content is delivered fully online or in a hybrid modality so you can conveniently manage work commitments with your desire to advance your education.

University of Washington Bothell

The RN to BSN at UW Bothell is open to nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and want to advance their education and career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The curriculum is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It emphasizes evidence-based practice and nursing inquiry, cultural and social issues, legal and ethical issues in practice, and relational leadership in nursing. Students will complete 100 practice hours as a part of the program. Classes meet one day every other week from approximately 8:00-5:30 pm. Two of the required Health coursework may meet online or as a hybrid, meeting in-person one to three times in a quarter. Students will also complete a Community Health fieldwork course which requires travel within the region. The fieldwork course requires students to be available for 10 in-person/on-site sessions – one session each week.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 45 credits
Duration: 4 quarters full-time or 8 quarters part-time
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics

Courses – Critical Reading and Information Literacy in Nursing, Social Justice in Health,

Translating Scholarly Knowledge to Nursing, Health Policy and the Organization of Healthcare, Team Leadership and Care Coordination, Ethical and Quality Nursing Care, Population-Based Health in Community Practice, Writing, Health Coursework

Admission criteria:

  • Must have completed the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
  • Must have an Associate Degree in Nursing or an Associate in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing from a hospital-based school
  • Must have a current (or pending) RN license in the state of Washington – applicants hwo have not yet completed the NCLEX are admitted conditionally for two quarters
  • Must have a minimum of 90 transferable quarter credits from an regionally accredited college or university
  • Submit a nursing resume and a professional or academic recommender
  • Submit official transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check

Program Cost:

The total cost of tuition is $16,221 for full-time Washington State residents.

  • Website: https://www.uwb.edu/
  • Address: 18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011-8246
  • Phone: 425.352.5000

Western Washington University

The nationally accredited RN-to-BSN program at Western Washington University is a degree completion program for nurses to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Nurses will receive credit for all nursing credits completed in an Associate Degree pre-licensure program, as well as other credits that apply towards Western’s General University Requirements (GUR). They will complete 48 upper-division credits at Western. The program is open to nurses who have completed an Associate’s or Diploma nursing program and have their RN license already or who will pass the NCLEX-RN exam by the end of their second quarter of study. It is delivered in a hybrid format with classes meeting face-to-face during some weeks and online during others. Classes occur on the same day each week for the entire program to allow working nurses to balance their professional education along with ongoing work and personal responsibilities. Students learn new skills and concepts in the classroom and then apply that knowledge through a variety of Practice Experiences in the community. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Graduates may go on to successfully earn graduate and advanced practice degrees.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 48 credits
Duration: 4 quarters full-time or 8 quarters part-time
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Humanities Electives

Courses – Information Literacy to Support Academic Discourse, Social Justice and Healthcare, Writing Across the Curriculum, Transitions in Professional Nursing Practice, Translational Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Translational Research – Practice Experience, Policy, Leadership and U.S. Healthcare, Organizational Change for Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Community Based Care for Vulnerable Populations, Community Based Care Practice Experience, Interdisciplinary Care Coordination, Interdisciplinary Care Coordination Practice Experience, Global Health Inequities and Interventions

Admission criteria:

  • Must have completed the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
  • Must have an Associate Degree in Nursing or an Associate in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing from a hospital-based school
  • Must have a current (or pending) RN license in the state of Washington – applicants who have not yet completed the NCLEX are admitted conditionally for two quarters
  • Must have a minimum of 90 transferable quarter credits from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Must show evidence of good academic standing with a grade of 2.0 or higher for each RN to BSN program prerequisite and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Must have internet access and willingness to learn new technologies
  • Submit a nursing resume
  • Submit academic and professional references (2)
  • Submit official transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check
  • Must declare all CDC-recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider
  • Must have current COVID vaccination – waiver of vaccination cannot be accepted
  • Must have Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Must have malpractice and personal health insurance
  • Must complete required drug screening

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $7,761 per year for full-time Washington State residents.

  • Website: https://www.wwu.edu/
  • Address: 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Phone: (360) 650 – 3000

Olympic College

The RN-BSN pathway at Olympic College is designed for busy RNs. Courses are offered in a hybrid format, blending online learning and in-person interaction. The program prepares RN students to successfully matriculate, graduate with their BSN, and gain access to new employment opportunities. Graduates will be prepared to synthesize empirical and theoretical knowledge from nursing, integrate person-centered care and principles of population health, incorporate foundational elements of quality, safety, and value in the coordination and delivery of care to achieve quality person-centered outcomes, leverage clinical informatics and healthcare technology to enhance person-and population-centered care, transform healthcare systems by applying principles of leadership through interdisciplinary collaboration,  and pursue a spirit of inquiry, reflection, self-care, and resiliency that fosters professional growth and accountability.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 35 credits
Duration: 4 quarters full-time
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Humanities Electives

Courses – Advanced Clinical Reasoning, Professional Writing for Nurses, Family and Genomics in Population Health Theory, Connecting Research to Nursing, Family and Genomics in Population Health Fieldwork, Population Health Nursing Theory, Contemporary Ethics in Nursing, Population Health Nursing Application, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems, Interactive Nursing Communication, Professional Development Seminar I, Professional Development Seminar II

Admission criteria:

  • Must have completed the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
  • Must have an Associate Degree in Nursing or an Associate in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing from a hospital-based school
  • Must have a current (or pending) RN license in the state of Washington
  • Must have a minimum of 90 transferable quarter credits from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Must submit an RN-BSN pathway application and all supporting documents
  • Must submit a personal essay describing personal and professional experiences
  • Must have one year of clinical practice – nursing school clinicals apply as experience
  • Must have internet access and willingness to learn new technologies
  • Submit a nursing resume
  • Submit three recommendations from licensed healthcare professionals capable of evaluating nursing practice
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check
  • Must declare all CDC-recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider
  • Must have Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Must have malpractice and personal health insurance
  • Must complete required drug screening

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $4,197 per year for full-time Washington State residents.

Bellevue College

The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Program is designed for students who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing from an accredited college or nursing program. The curriculum builds on students’ prior knowledge and skills and develops their understanding of evidence-based practice, community health, professional communication, leadership, and health information technology (HIT), as well as healthcare systems and policies. Learning experiences are focused on individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students complete a scholarly project over the last two quarters to demonstrate learning in leadership and management. Graduates are prepared to function as managers of care, providers of care, and active members of the profession. Full-time and part-time schedules are available to assist working RNs. Courses are delivered in hybrid, online, and face-to-face formats. Students will meet on campus for only one day per week.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 35 credits
Duration: 4 quarters full-time
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Humanities Electives

Courses – Foundations of BSN Practice, Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry, Scholarly Inquiry Project Development, Management in Healthcare, Community and Public Health Nursing, Leadership in Healthcare, Leadership Scholarly Project, Health Information Technology, Fieldwork in Community and Public Health Nursing

Admission criteria:

  • Must have earned 35 nursing credits (quarter system) from an associate degree or diploma nursing program at a regionally or nationally accredited institution
  • Must have an Associate Degree in Nursing or an Associate in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing
  • Must have a current unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state of Washington. Students in the final year of a WA state Department of Health approved nursing program may be admitted and must pass the NCLEX before the BSN degree in awarded
  • Must submit a completed application and all supporting documents
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all college coursework
  • Must have one year of clinical practice – nursing school clinicals apply as experience
  • Submit letters of recommendation from licensed healthcare professionals
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check
  • Must declare all CDC-recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider
  • Must have Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Must have malpractice and personal health insurance
  • Must complete required drug screening

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $123.58 per credit for residents.

WSU College of Nursing

The RN to BSN program at Washington State University offers the convenience of online learning. Students will complete the practice experience hours through the completion of a community/population health project and a capstone project. Most of the content will be delivered online – requires one attendance day per semester for interactive learning and meeting with the course instructors. Students can begin the program any semester. even more convenient.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 4 quarters full-time
Method of instruction: Online

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Humanities Electives

Courses – Contemporary Nursing, Nursing Research and EBP, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Management of the Healthcare Environment, Healthcare Informatics, Population Health Theory, Coordination of Care Across Complex Populations, Application of Population Health Principles, Advanced Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Must have completed College of Nursing prerequisite courses and WSU’s University Common Requirements or equivalent coursework
  • Must be at junior standing (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) or have a direct transferable associate degree or have a bachelor’s degree
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all college coursework
  • Must have a current unrestricted Washington State RN license or be eligible for licensure
  • Must submit a completed application and all supporting documents
  • Submit letters of recommendations from licensed healthcare professionals
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check
  • Must declare all CDC recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider
  • Must have Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Must have malpractice and personal health insurance
  • Must complete required drug screening

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $5,777 per semester for residents.

University of Washington Tacoma

Students in the RN to BSN program are registered nurses who have completed an associate degree or diploma nursing program. The curriculum supports students desire to broaden their understanding of the profession. The curriculum builds upon professional skills and provides the opportunity for nurses to apply new knowledge, make informed choices, advocate for others, facilitate change, improve communication, work with diverse populations, thinking critically, assume leadership roles, gain self-confidence and bolster self-esteem. Students will be prepared to apply course content to professional practice. Hybrid formats are available for busy professionals. Part-time and full-time schedules are available.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 35 credits
Duration: 3 quarters full-time
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology,  English Composition, General Chemistry with Lab, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Humanities Electives

Courses – Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Care Coordination and Person-Centered Care, Nursing Leadership, Leading Health Care System Quality and Safety, Transition to Baccalaureate Education, Health, Communities and Populations, Special Project in Nursing, Advanced Nursing Practicum, Genetics, Genomics and Nursing Practice, Critical Analyses and Nursing Scholarship, Diversity, Health and Inequities

Admission criteria:

  • Must complete the prerequisite courses with a passing grade
  • Must have 00 quarter hours of transferable credits
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all college coursework
  • Must have a current unrestricted Washington State RN license or be eligible for licensure
  • Must submit a completed application and all supporting documents
  • Submit letters of recommendation from licensed healthcare professionals
  • Complete a National and Washington State background check
  • Must declare all CDC-recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider
  • Must have Healthcare Provider CPR
  • Submit a current resume
  • Submit an essay highlighting personal and professional experiences
  • Must have malpractice and personal health insurance
  • Must complete required drug screening

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $4,273 per semester for residents.

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.