Western’s RN-to-BSN Completion Program to hold several upcoming information sessions

Western Today staff

September 27, 2013

Western Washington University will hold several upcoming information sessions for its RN-to-BSN completion program.

Information sessions are scheduled for:

  • 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, at Bellingham Technical College, Haskell Center 108
  • 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Skagit Valley College, Angst Hall A-129
  • 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Whatcom Community College, Health Professions Building
  • 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at South Seattle Community College, Jerry Brockey Student Center Room A

The program, which ushered in its first cohort in fall 2013, allows for registered nurses to complete their bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN).

Information sessions will be led by Casey Shillam, newly appointed director of Western’s RN-to-BSN program. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Western’s BSN staff and faculty, and other university representatives, to help them better understand:

  • How to apply for the program, tips and deadlines
  • Financial aid resources
  • Course requirements for admission

Offered through Western’s Woodring College of Education, the program is designed for associate-degree and diploma-prepared nurses who have completed their pre-licensure registered nurse (RN) studies. It provides RNs in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties the opportunity to continue their professional education to the bachelor’s degree level, along with structure to support students’ ability to balance school with busy work, family and personal lives. Classes are scheduled to meet one day per week on Western’s campus.

A number of studies link better patient outcomes in facilities having greater percentages of more highly prepared nurses with bachelor’s degrees. The 2011 Institute of Medicine “Report on the Future of Medicine” recommends that 80 percent of the national RN work force hold BSNs by 2020.

Statewide estimates show that only 51 percent of the state’s nursing work force is baccalaureate-prepared. The figure for Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties is even lower, at 45 percent.

Western’s innovative RN-to-BSN program responds to these local, state and national recommendations to increase the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses through seamless academic progression between associate degree and BSN-completion programs.

For more information, please visit www.wwu.edu/bsn, email bsn.info@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-6700.