Accelerated BSN in University of Washington

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 8, 2010

Getting into the UW is pretty competitive. They just started the ABSN program this year, so the first cohort is going through it right now. I believe they had about 80 students apply and only 16 were accepted. One of my good friends is going through it right now. It's been around for awhile, but it's always been part of the GEPN track where people get their "BSN equivalent" after 15 months and then are expected to start an advanced practice training specialty shortly after.

The UW School of Nursing found that many people in the GEPN program would suddenly switch from their intended tracks or just stop school after 15 months and work as a bedside RN. So to compensate for this, they're putting the GEPN program on hold and adding more spots to the ABSN program. I heard they're going to select 80-some this year, but that's just a rumor.

I was going to apply for the first ABSN cohort last year, but I opted for the BSN because of the price. It's not that much longer in time and significantly cheaper. Even though it's considered an undergraduate program, they charge the graduate tuition, which amounts to a little over $40,000 for the five consecutive quarters. With the exception of 3 letters of recommendation, instead of the 1 required for the traditional BSN route, the application process is pretty much the same. I would browse the UW BSN thread in this forum and see what others have posted. You might get some insight on the proctored essay that you'll have to write if you make it to that application stage.

Good luck and welcome to Seattle! There are some great nursing schools and teaching hospitals in the area.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2010

to add - there are a lot of 2nd degree students in the traditional bsn program.. that being the ABSN option wasn't available at the time, but some students chose this rather then the GEPN program... due to cost, time line of learning, etc.... There are some advantages to a traditional the cost was mentioned but also in today's job market to have the time to work as a nurse tech or cna within a hospital could be valuable to landing a job.

SDnurse2011 · Oct 21, 2010

agetro-

did you end up applying? I worked really hard on the personal statement and was worried that the proctored essay would be difficult, but it was pretty straight-forward in my opinion. Also, the drug calculations for the second half were basic multiplication/division.

I'd love to hear from anyone else who applied for the 2011 cohort and is as anxious as I am. Lets commiserate :)

SDnurse2011 · Jan 22, 2011

Anyone hear back from UW? I got waitlisted. wooo!

ajwarr · Jan 27, 2011

Hi SDNurse!

Congratulations on getting waitlisted! I'm on there, too. It's definitely better than a rejection letter, but I'm still so anxious to know whether or not I'll end up with a seat in this year's class. The worst part is that we have to act as if we've been accepted--apply to UW, get CPR certified, even attend the orientation, etc--just in case they offer us a spot. It must be even worse for you living in San Diego and not knowing yet whether or not you'll have to move. Do you know if those who've been offered a seat have a deadline accept their acceptance, so to speak?

bayeux · Feb 15, 2011

Hi ajwarr!

I was also waitlisted for UW's ABSN program and was told when I called in for more info that as soon as the February 15th deadline for the Grad application rolls around (today) that waitlisters should begin hearing back (by phone call) as spots begin opening up (such as accepted students forgetting to apply or choosing not to enroll, as well as people further up on the waitlist then you choosing not to wait it out). This could take a while due to processing all those grad applications but don't lose hope! Who knows how many will chose not to enroll!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2011

...hold out for hope! Remember some students applied and may have gotten accepted to ABSN but are dually applying to BSN program - they might not turn down ABSN until BSN results are sent out in a few months...

ajwarr · Feb 16, 2011

Just_Cause and Bayeux, you guys are great! Thanks so much for the words of encouragement :) And you were totally right, I just got a call from the admissions office and have been offered a spot in this year's class! Words cannot describe how happy I am right now! Please keep me posted on your status; I'm so curious to know who my classmates will be :)

bayeux · Feb 16, 2011

Just_Cause and Bayeux, you guys are great! Thanks so much for the words of encouragement :) And you were totally right, I just got a call from the admissions office and have been offered a spot in this year's class! Words cannot describe how happy I am right now! Please keep me posted on your status; I'm so curious to know who my classmates will be :)

Congrats ajwarr!!!! How far down were you on the waitlist?

ajwarr · Feb 16, 2011

I started out at #5 on the waiting list. I had called the school at the beginning of January to ask how many people they anticipate taking off the waitlist. Since the ABSN program is relatively new at UW, they weren't able to give me an estimate, but did say that they take about 10-20 students off the waitlist for the traditional BSN program, which has twice as many seats available as the ABSN program. Hope that helps :) Best of luck to you!

SDnurse2011 · Mar 26, 2011

Ajwarr, CONGRATS!!!

I just found out I'm #3 on the waitlist and that I'll probably be admitted soon. I know you live in SD too, so lets meet up once I get the official offer :)