Become a Registered Nurse
Start with your RN License. Then Take the Next step with UW Bothell’s RN-to-BSN.
The UW Bothell Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program is designed for graduates of nursing programs who have:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing from a hospital-based program.
- Hold or are in the process of obtaining, a valid Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) license.
How to Become a RN in Washington State
To become a Registered Nurse (RN) through the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathway in preparation for application to the UW Bothell RN-to-BSN program, you must first complete foundational prerequisites and earn an Associate in Nursing Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA/MRP) degree. Following graduation, you must apply to the Washington State Board of Nursing for licensure, clear required background checks, and pass the national NCLEX-RN exam. Passing the NCLEX grants you an active RN license and yields 45 proficiency credits applied to the RN-to-BSN program.
Becoming an RN through a hospital-based nursing program may require additional academic credits for application to the RN-to-BSN program.
Associate Degree RN Programs
Washington State offers multiple Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs that meet the UWB Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) initial educational and RN licensure requirements. Explore approved programs, on the Washington State Department of Health webpage.