Our unique four-quarter (autumn to summer, or spring to winter) full-time program is designed for students who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, self-reflective, and strongly committed. A solid foundation of science and humanities prerequisite coursework sets you up for success in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The Accelerated BSN program includes:

• Coursework focused steeped in critical thinking, care and therapeutics, and health care resources.
• In-person lectures with experienced nurse practitioners and researchers
• Clinical simulation exercises in our state-of-the-art Learning Lab, and
• Supervised direct patient care in the field.

View Sample Spring Curriculum
View Sample Autumn Curriculum

The ABSN program prepares graduates to:

1. 1. Integrate concepts from the arts and sciences in promoting health and managing complex nursing care situations.
   2. Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision-making in the provision and oversight of nursing practice in a variety of settings.
   3. Translate principles of patient safety and quality improvement into the delivery of high-quality care.
   4. Appraise, critically summarize, and translate current evidence into nursing practice.
   5. Integrate knowledge, processes, and skills from nursing science, information and patient care technologies, and communication tools to facilitate clinical decision-making and the delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
   6. Describe the effects of health policy, economic, legal, political, and socio-cultural factors on the delivery of and advocacy for equitable health care.
   7. Demonstrate effective professional communication and collaboration to optimize health outcomes.
   8. Deliver and advocate for health promotion and disease prevention strategies at the individual, family, community, and population levels.
   9. Demonstrate value-based professional behaviors that integrate altruism, autonomy, integrity, social justice, and respect for diversity and human dignity.
   10. Demonstrate critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and psychomotor skills necessary for the delivery of competent, evidence-based, holistic, and compassionate care to patients across the lifespan.
   11. Demonstrate critical interrogation of positionality, recognition of implicit biases, as well as knowledge and application of anti-racism principles to promote health equity.

The primary difference between the ABSN and BSN programs is that you must have a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field before enrolling in the ABSN program.

Otherwise, choosing between the Accelerated BSN program and regular BSN program is a personal decision. For some students, being able to earn their degree faster is worth the higher cost of the ABSN program. Other students prefer the pace and cost of the BSN program. There is no difference between the programs regarding the courses you complete or the degree you earn.

• A baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field OR enough time to complete a bachelor’s degree in time to start the program
• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 for all completed college-level coursework
  • At the time you submit your application, at least three of the Natural Sciences (NSc) prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in each course
  • A minimum grade of 3.0 (“B”) in each ABSN prerequisite course, including all Natural Sciences courses, Lifespan Growth & Development, and Statistics
  • There is no expiration date for prerequisite courses; however, you may wish to re-take a course if you feel you need a refresher
• At the time you submit your application, completion of a minimum of 100 hours of paid or volunteer health care experience in one setting within a three-month span, completed within 12 months before applying
• A clear understanding of the Registered Nurse (RN) role
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Meet Essential Qualifications for ABSN students
• Transcript evaluations are required for international college-level coursework completed.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements above, you should not submit an application at this time.

You must also apply to the UW as a post-baccalaureate student for spring or fall quarter; this is a separate process from School of Nursing admission. Admission to the School of Nursing does not guarantee admission to the UW.

Academic History

• List all colleges attended
• Upload official transcripts within the application
• Submit a credential evaluation if coursework was completed outside the U.S. (WES recommended)

Prepare now: Review your academic record and request official, up-to-date transcripts.

Prerequisite Courses

• Enter completed prerequisite coursework
• Identify courses in progress or planned

Prepare now: Review prerequisite requirements and confirm your academic plan.

Experience & Training

• Describe healthcare, professional, volunteer, or leadership experiences
• Include relevant trainings and language proficiency

Prepare now: Reflect on experiences that demonstrate your readiness for nursing study.

Essays

• Respond to required prompts about your motivation, preparation, and alignment with the School’s mission
• Optional statement to address academic concerns, if applicable

Prepare now: Begin outlining key experiences and motivations that shaped your path to nursing.

Recommendation

• One required recommendation form addressing specific questions

Prepare now: Ask someone who can speak to your qualifications, professionalism, and readiness for the program.

If you have completed some or all of your coursework outside of the United States, visit our International Applicants page for additional application guidelines.

• ABSN prerequisite worksheet
  • Sample ABSN prerequisite worksheet
• Evaluate your transcripts
• Healthcare experience