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University of Washington

ABSN Application Requirements

Reapplying to the School of Nursing?

If you are reapplying to the School of Nursing you must submit all new materials with your application, including transcripts, letters of reference, etc. We will not copy materials previously submitted. Applications missing any piece outlined on the degree or certificate program's Application Requirements page are incomplete and will not be considered by the admissions committee.

Mail application materials in one (1) envelope, free of staples, paperclips, and binders, to Academic Services.


Minimum Requirements for Application to the ABSN Program

  • minimum college-level cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.8, based on all post-secondary course work; you can use our GPA Worksheet to determine if you are eligible to apply
  • a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field; although this is not required at the time of application, this must be completed prior to enrollment in the program
  • completion of a minimum of 3 of the required Natural World prerequisites (General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition) with a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course; the following also applies:
    • the minimum requirement to apply to the program is completion of 3 Natural World prerequisites; applicants offered admission to the program must complete all prerequisite courses (Lifespan Growth and Development and Statistics in addition to Natural World prerequisites) with a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course. Any remaining Natural World courses must be completed by the end of Spring Quarter prior to matriculating into the ABSN program.
    • If prerequisites are not complete by the end of Spring Quarter and/or do not have a minimum grade of 3.0, admission to the ABSN program will be canceled.
  • minimum 100 hours volunteer or paid health care experience in one setting working around RNs, over the course of three months, completed within twelve months preceding submission of application
  • meeting Essential Qualifications for Admission
  • proof of English language proficiency (all applicants)
  • after initial review, competitive applicants will write a proctored essay

Required Application Materials

Download, complete and return ALL of the following ABSN application materials. Read the instructions carefully since you will need to submit an electronic AND hard copy of your application. Your hard copy application and all required materials must be submitted in one packet, free of staples, clips or any other type of binder.

This application uses calculated fields. Make sure you have the most recent version of Adobe Reader installed when completing this application.

  1. ABSN application instructions
  2. ABSN application and Optional Applicant Data form
  3. Cover form for the letter of recommendation
  4. Background Check, Authorization for Repeat Checks, and Dissemination of Results form (do NOT run the background check when you apply)
  5. One (1) letter of recommendation
  6. Responses to the admissions questions outlined in the instructions and application
  7. Resume
  8. Official transcripts from ALL college or universities you have attended (including the University of Washington for current or former students)

In addition to the above materials, you will also complete:

  1. A written proctored essay, scheduled for Thursday October 20, 2011 from 6:00 - 7:00pm at the Health Sciences Building on the Seattle campus. If you live out of state, see the ABSN application instructions for information on how to arrange an out-of-area proctor for this. There are no make-up sessions for the proctored essay and your application will be automatically denied if this is not completed.
  2. If you are accepted the School of Nursing ABSN program, you will submit a post-baccalaureate UW Undergraduate Application. Enrollment in the ABSN is contingent upon successful admission to the University of Washington, and admission to the ABSN program does not guarantee admission to the UW.