RN-to-BSN

Requirements

 

Prospective Nursing students should review the student requirements below, prior to applying to our program. 

Undergraduate Nursing students are required to complete a National and Washington State background check, a set of immunizations & trainings, have an active RN License in the State of Washington, satisfy all grade and credit requirements. 

Background check policy

Newly admitted and returning undergraduate Nursing students are required to complete a National and Washington State background check.  Current Nursing students are required to complete a Washington State-only background check annually if their initial background check expires while in the program.  Every background check completed is valid for one calendar year from the date of purchase. 

Background check process 

We currently partner with CastleBranch. Background checks from other vendors, or that were completed for other schools through CastleBranch, are not acceptable.

Your background check should be run according to the table below.

Quarter of Admission Time Range 
Summer  June 1- June 15
Autumn  September 2 - September 16
Winter  December 2 - December 29

Pricing Information

All students must pay the required fee for this service, waivers are not available.

  • The initial National and Washington State check costs $53.00.

Order

Do not purchase a background check, before the dates listed above. 
Admitted applicants can place an order for your background check here:
 https://portal.castlebranch.com/UH80/spif/UH81/UH81bg

Additional Information

  • The UW Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies will have online access to your completed background check. 
  • If your background check raises concerns related to your participation in a nursing program, you will be contacted by a School representative.
  • Background checks that show evidence of a positive criminal history are considered on a case-by-case basis. For examples of offenses that would result in ineligibility, see the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Disqualifying list of Crimes and Negative Actions.

Credits & grade requirements


Program credit structure

Student must complete 180 credits to earn a BSN degree.  The table below displays the program's credit structure.  

Requirement Credits
Transfer credits 90
NCLEX credits 45
UWB Nursing coursework 45
Total Credits: 180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nursing students must complete all university and major requirements listed below. 
Students must earn a 2.0 or higher in all Nursing (BNURS) coursework.  Student who earn less than 2.0 will be required to repeat the coursework.  

Requirements Credits 
BNURS 360 Critical Thinking in Nursing  5
BNURS 420  Health Policy and the Organization of Healthcare 5
BNURS 460  Translating Scholarly Knowledge to Nursing Practice 5
BNURS 421  Social Justice in Health 5
BNURS 422  Team Leadership & Care Coordination 5
BNURS 423  Ethical and Quality Nursing Care 5
BNURS 424 Population Based Health in Community Practice 5
BHLTH 4XX Health Coursework  5
BHLTH 4XX Health Coursework or Other   5
Total Credits Required 45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit completion 

A Bachelor's Degree requires 180 applicable credits. Students typically transfer in 90 lower division credits. Those who do not will need to complete the missing credits to reach the 180 required for the undergraduate degree. 

General education

General Education or any deficencies must be completed before a student may earn a bachelor’s degree.

Registered Nurse licensure requirement
Licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington is required. Students who have not yet completed the NCLEX are admitted conditionally for two quarters.   A student without an active RN license by the end of the second quarter will need to pause their studies.   Students may return to the program, upon passage of the NCLEX.  

Health and Safety requirements for fieldwork
 

Nursing students are required to complete the Health & Safety (immunizations and training) requirements,ts, before registering for fieldwork (BNURS 424).  Students must maintain the requirements throughout fieldwork enrollment.  

Fieldwork overview 

As a student in the program, you will complete a minimum of 100 practice hours. These practice hours are integrated into two courses, BNURS 460 (35 hours) Translating Scholarly Knowledge to Nursing Practice, and BNURS 424 (65 hours) Population-based Health in Community Practice.  

Your academic advisor will provide you with project overviews, and the site information on the Nursing Student canvas site.    The descriptions will include the community partner name, location, hours required, if you are required to participate in evening hours, and any other pertinent information.

  • You must complete the Health & Safety requirements to be eligible to register, for your fieldwork.  
  • You will complete 65 practice hours in the field. Practice hours are mandatory and cannot be made up.   
  • This course is not offered in a hybrid modality.  You must be available to meet each week on your designated class day, between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.
  • Practice hours may extend into the evening hours.  
  • Travel is required to and from the community partner site, and travel is not considered practice hours. 
  • You can expect to spend 6-7 hours in the field with the community partner, plus an additional 7-8 hours on assignments/class time per week.

Fieldwork participation is contingent on your completion of the Health & Safety requirements.  These requirements were created with our participating community partners.  We recognize that these requirements may be stricter than individual healthcare employers. Non-compliant students will not be eligible to register for fieldwork until the requirements have been completed.   If you are a current BSN student, please refer to your Nursing Student Canvas site for instructions, deadlines, and additional resources.

Immunizations

  • COVID-19 
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDaP)
  • Influenza (for the current flu season)

Training & professional requirements

  • RN License (active and unencumbered)
  • CPR training (valid American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Certificate and/or eCard accepted)
  • HIPAA Training (short online course to be completed through CastleBranch)
  • Acknowledgment of Social Networking Policy
  • Acknowledgment of Blood-Borne Pathogen Policy
  • Background Check (annual check)
  • Annual Criminal Disclosure Form
  • Authorization for Release of Records Form
  • COVID-19 Fieldwork Policy 

Pricing Information

$63.00 -  eLearning - Medical Document Manager package

Need Assistance?

Call 425.352.5376 and ask to speak to the Health and Safety Coordinator, or email uwbnursingcompliance@uw.edu