School of Nursing

T310 Health Sciences

Dean

Marla Salmon

T318 Health Sciences

Associate Deans

Brenda Zierler, Technology Innovations in Education & Research
Pamela H. Mitchell, Research
Susan L. Woods, Academic Services

Nurse professionals are members of interdisciplinary teams in clinics, hospitals, and community settings, and work with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyles to help them achieve the highest level of wellness possible. Nurse practitioners fill critical health care needs in both urban and rural settings, often for portions of the population who have not received adequate health care. Nurse scientists conduct important research about a variety of health problems and how best to promote health, prevent disease, and care for people who are ill. Nurses also teach in colleges and universities throughout the world.

Undergraduate Program

Adviser
T310 Health Sciences, Box 357260
206-543-8736
sonas@u.washington.edu

The School of Nursing offers the following programs of study:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with eligibility to take the licensure examination to become a registered nurse.
• An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing option for candidates with an existing bachelor’s degree. This option provides eligibility to take the licensure examination to become a registered nurse.
• A four-quarter modification of the basic curriculum is available for the registered nurse who is able to validate selected nursing courses through written examination and who intends to complete a master's degree program. This B.S.N. completion program is available at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: See below, under Admission Requirements.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the nursing major occurs once a year, for autumn quarter, with an application deadline of January 15. Selection is competitive.

Application

1. To be considered for admission, applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements at time of application.
   1. Three out of the total prerequisite science courses completed with a minimum GPA in these three courses of 3.00
   2. Four out of the total prerequisite science courses with a minimum GPA in these four courses of 2.80.

   The science prerequisite courses are CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221 (three-quarter chemistry series for UW students, two quarter sequence - one general chemistry and one organic - for non-UW applicants); BIOL 118/BIOL 119; B STR 301; MICROM 301 (-- MICROM 302 for UW students. Non-UW applicants - must take a separate microbiology lab if lab is not included in the general microbiology course.); NUTR 300.

2. Together with the application and college transcript(s), applicants submit a personal statement; a resume outlining volunteer/paid health-care experience, community service, and cultural awareness; and a recommendation from a health care provider (employer or volunteer coordinator).
3. Applicants are expected to have 100 hours of health care experience in a paid or volunteer position in one setting for three months or more. The majority of applicants present health care experiences of several hundred hours for nine months or more.
4. After an initial review of all applications, some applicants are asked to attend a proctored essay session. The proctored essay dates are published in the admissions publication. Eligible applicants are invited via email.

Entrance Requirements: Prior to beginning the nursing program in the autumn, students must meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 90 credits to include the following courses:
   1. Written communication (10 credits): English composition and W-courses.
   2. Problem-solving (8 credits): one QSR course, chosen from MATH 107, MATH 111, MATH 112, MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 134, MATH 144, PHIL 115, PHIL 120, PHIL 470, or Q SCI 291. One statistics course, such as STAT 220, STAT 311, Q SCI 381, QMETH 201, or EDPSY 490.
   3. Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA) (15 credits).
   4. Individuals & Societies (I&S) (15 credits): to include NURS 201 or equivalent.
   5. Natural World (NW) (26-33 credits): to include CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221 (three quarter chemistry series for UW students; two-quarter sequence - one general chemistry and one organic - for non-UW applicants); BIOL 118, BIOL 119; B STR 301; MICROM 301 plus (- - MICROM 302 for UW students. Non-UW applicants - must take a separate microbiology lab if lab not included in general microbiology course.); NUTR 300.
   6. Electives to complete 90 credits.
2. A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA is required, and a minimum grade of 2.0 for each prerequisite course. Because admission is competitive, the GPA for admission is usually significantly higher.
3. Non-citizen students must be exempted from all ESL requirements at UW in order to start the program. It is highly recommended that applicants take the English Diagnostic exam at the time of application.

For additional information on admission criteria, specific prerequisites, and deadlines, as well as application forms, contact the Office of Academic Services, School of Nursing, (206) 543-8736 or 1-800-759-NURS. Monthly information sessions are offered in the School of Nursing, Health Sciences Building T310, on the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. as well as evening sessions from 5:30 to 6:30p.m. on the first Thursday of January, May, September, and November.

Major Requirements

Students need a minimum of 180 credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington. The required credits in the nursing curriculum total 91-92; thus 88-89 credits must be earned through general education, nursing prerequisites, and elective courses.

Year One of Program

• Quarter 1 -- Autumn
  • NCLIN 302 Practicum: Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • NCLIN 306 Practicum: Basic Skills of Nursing Practice (4)
  • NURS 304 Human Responses I (3)
  • NURS 301 Clinical Applications of Anatomy and Physiology (3)
  • NURS 309 Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice I (2)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 16-17
• Quarter 2 -- Winter
  • NURS 401 Care in Illness I (5)
  • NCLIN 402 Practicum: Care in Illness II (4)
  • NURS 308 Human Responses II (3)
  • NURS 310 Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice II (3)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 15
• Quarter 3 -- Spring
  • NURS 405 Care in Illness II (5)
  • NCLIN 406 Practicum Care in Illness II (4)
  • NURS 303 Foundations of Professional Nursing (3)
  • NURS 407 Cultural Variation and Nursing Practice (3)
  • NURS 404 Gerontological Nursing (2)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 17

Year Two of Program

• Quarter 4/5* -- Autumn
  • NURS 415 Nursing of Families: Childbearing and Childrearing (5)
  • NCLIN 416 Practicum: Nursing of Families (4)
  • NMETH 403 Introduction to Research in Nursing (3)
  • NURS 410 Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice (3)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 15

  *Half of senior class completes courses listed above in Quarter 4, followed by those in Quarter 5; the other half of the class completes courses listed under Quarter 5, followed by those listed in Quarter 4.

• Quarter 4/5* -- Winter
  • NURS 417 Psychosocial Nursing in Health and Illness (3)
  • NCLIN 418 Practicum: Psychosocial Nursing (4)
  • NCLIN 409 Partnerships in Community Health (6)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 13

  *Half of senior class completes courses listed above in Quarter 4, followed by those in Quarter 5; the other half of the class completes courses listed under Quarter 5, followed by those listed in Quarter 4.

• Quarter 6 -- Spring
  • NCLIN 411 Transition to Professional Practice (12)
  • NURS 412 Health Care Systems (3)
  • TOTAL CREDITS: 15

TOTAL CREDITS IN NURSING MAJOR: 91-92

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing option

Admission Requirements

Admission occurs once a year, for summer quarter, with an application deadline in autumn quarter. Selection is competitive.

Application Requirements

• Cumulative college-level GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• At least four of the total prerequisite science courses completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course, and a cumulative GPA in these courses of 3.30 or higher. Science prerequisite courses are CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 231 (three-quarter chemistry series for UW students; two quarter sequence—one general chemistry and one organic—for non-UW applicants); BIOL 118/BIOL 119; B STR 301; MICROM 301 plus MICROM 302 for UW students. (Non-UW applicants must take a separate microbiology lab if lab is not included in the general microbiology course); NUTR 300.
• Together with the application and college transcript(s), applicants submit a series of personal statements; a resume outlining volunteer/paid healthcare experience, community service, and cultural awareness; and three recommendations: healthcare, academic, and character.
• Applicants are expected to have 200 hours of healthcare experience in a paid or volunteer position in one setting, completed within 12 months preceding submission of the application. The majority of applicants present healthcare experiences of several hundred hours.
• After the School of Nursing conducts an initial review of all applications, competitive applicants are asked to attend a proctored essay session.

Entrance Requirements: Prior to beginning the nursing program in summer, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
2. Completion of a lifespan growth and development course – NURS 201 or equivalent.
3. Completion of one statistics course, such as STAT 220, STAT 311, Q SCI 381, QMETH 201, or EDPSY 490.
4. Completion of all six Natural World courses: CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221 (three-quarter chemistry series for UW students; two-quarter sequence—one general chemistry and one organic—for non UW applicants); BIOL 118, BIOL 119; B STR 301; MICROM 301 plus MICROM 302 for UW students. (Non UW applicants must take a separate microbiology lab if lab not included in general microbiology course.); NUTR 300. Minimum cumulative 3.30 GPA in these courses.
5. Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA, and minimum 3.0 grade for each prerequisite course.
6. Non-citizen students must be exempt from all ESL requirements at UW to start the program. It is highly recommended that applicants take the English Diagnostic examination at the time of application.

For additional information on admission criteria, specific prerequisites, and deadlines, as well as application forms, contact the Office of Academic Services, School of Nursing, (206) 543-8736 or 1-800-759-NURS. Regular information sessions are offered in the School of Nursing.

Major Requirements

• Quarter 1: NCLIN 302 (4 credits), NCLIN 306 (4), NURS 303 (3), NURS 304 (3), NURS 308 (3), NURS 309 (2), NURS 310 (2). Total credits: 21
• Quarter 2: NURS 301 (3 credits; may be waived by completion of a challenge exam), NURS 417 (3), NCLIN 409 (6), NCLIN 418 (4). Total credits: 16
• Quarter 3: NURS 401 (5 credits), NURS 415 (5), NCLIN 402 (4), NCLIN 416 (4). Total credits: 18
• Quarter 4: NURS 404 (2 credits), NURS 405 (5), NURS 410 (5), NURS 412 (3) NCLIN 406 (4). Total credits: 19
• Quarter 5: NMETH 403 (4 credits), NURS 407 (3), NCLIN 411 (12). Total credits: 19

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The School of Nursing prepares its graduates to function as generalists in professional nursing practice and to collaborate with other health-care providers. The six-quarter undergraduate curriculum emphasizes theory and clinical practice to ensure critical thinking, human caring, and clinical expertise. Clinical experiences are provided in institutional and community settings for preventive and acute care. The ten goals of the BSN program are online at http://www.son.washington.edu/eo/bsn_description_goals.asp.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: Learning Laboratory
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Program Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research Internships and Service Learning: Students complete eight clinical courses during the B.S.N. program beginning with the first quarter of the program. Each student experiences placements in medical-surgical nursing, pediatric, family nursing, psychosocial mental health, and community-based nursing. Clinical hours per course range from six hours/week during the first quarter to 24 hours/week during the final quarter.
• Department Scholarships: Limited scholarships based on student need established by FAFSA. Students are invited to apply after they have been admitted to the program by completing the School of Nursing Financial Aid application.
• Student Organizations/Associations: Students may join the Professional Organization of Nursing Students (PONS) after admission to the program. PONS' involvement spans all aspects of the undergraduate program: recruitment, orientation, education, fund raising, and social events.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
T310 Health Sciences, Box 357260
206-543-8736
sonas@u.washington.edu

The School of Nursing offers graduate study leading to the degrees of Master of Nursing, Master of Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing science. At the master's level, programs are designed to meet the many needs of a diverse student body by providing opportunities for advanced study, practice, and research in nursing.

The Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) is a graduate study option for students without previous nursing preparation who have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field, and who wish to earn a one of the school's graduate degrees. GEPN is a two-part program. The first five quarters of GEPN are full time, provide a generalist foundation in nursing, award the BSN degree, and qualify the student to take the state RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. Once students have completed the first five quarters of GEPN, they begin regular coursework in one of the school's graduate degree programs (see below).

The Master of Nursing program develops increased competence in selected areas of clinical nursing. The following focus areas are available: adult acute-care nurse practitioner (cardiovascular/AIDS/oncology), adult/older adult nurse practitioner, advanced practice community-health systems nursing (cross-cultural nursing/occupational health nursing/healthy aging/communities for youth, rural health), advanced practice in care systems management, advanced practice forensic nurse specialist, adult nurse practitioner and home care, advanced practice genetics nursing, advanced practice options in bio-behavioral nursing, family-centered pediatric nursing, infectious disease nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, perinatal nursing/neonatal nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, adult and women's health nurse practitioner, rural adult nurse practitioner, and an independent M.N. Research is an integral part of all programs. A thesis is required in the Master of Science program. The Master of Nursing program provides the option of a thesis or non-thesis project.

Part-time study is available in most focus areas of the MN program. Course work may be started prior to formal admission to a program as a graduate nonmatriculated student (GNM). GNM status allows the student to earn up to 12 graduate-level credits which may be applied to a graduate program if the student is later admitted. Time limits for acceptance of courses taken as a GNM student are six years for a master's degree and ten years for a doctoral degree from the first course to completion of the degree.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program enhances evidenced-based, culturally competent, innovative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-effective, quality health care for patients throughout the country and globe. It prepares RNs for advanced practice in health and illness, with expanded expertise in clinical inquiry, leadership, and informational technology utilization. The term "practice," specifically nursing practice, refers to any form of nursing intervention that influences health care outcomes for individuals or populations, including direct care, management of care, administration of nursing and health care organizations, and development and implementation of health policy. Preparation at the DNP level is based on nursing science and is at the highest level of nursing practice.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science program prepares scientists capable of advancing nursing practice and education through research and scholarly activity. The program provides for rigorous research training designed for individuals interested in careers in academia or for other types of leadership positions in health-service agencies in which the ability to design, plan, and implement research in nursing is a significant expectation.

Graduate Entry Program in Nursing

Admission Requirements

GEPN applicants apply to a specific graduate program at time of application. Applicants may choose among the Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, or the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science programs. If an applicant selects the Master of Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, the applicant must choose a specific specialty to which they'd like to be admitted. The applicant also has the option of specifying a first and second choice of Master of Nursing or Doctor of Nursing practice specialty.

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 graded quarter credits by date of enrollment.
• Minimum 3.00 GPA for all college level work.
• Completion of required prerequisite courses, including:
  • Chemistry (three-quarter CHEM 120, CHEM 220, CHEM 221 for all UW students; two-quarter sequence - one general chemistry and one organic - for non-UW applicants), human anatomy, human physiology, human nutrition, and microbiology with a lab component - MICROM 302 for UW students (non-UW applicants should take separate microbiology lab if lab not included in general microbiology course). A minimum grade of 3.0 is required in each prerequisite course. Three of the seven (or six if non-UW applicant) courses must be completed at the time of the application. A fourth course must be completed by the end of autumn quarter (i.e., students applying for summer 2010 admission must complete the fourth course by the end of fall quarter 2009), and all six or seven courses before enrollment, with at least a 3.0 grade in each.
  • A 5-credit course in life span growth and development with a grade of at least 3.0, to be completed before enrollment.
  • A 3-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 3.0.
• International applicants, as well as immigrants to the United States and U.S. permanent residents, whose native language is not English, and who have not received a bachelor's degree or higher in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, must submit both TOEFL and TSE scores.
• Resume.
• Scholarly Paper (if applying to DNP or Ph.D. programs).
• Three letters of reference consisting of one health care reference, one academic reference, and one character reference.
• Admissions response questions relevant to the GEPN program and to the graduate program selected. Students who choose a first and second choice of specialty must submit a separate response to each.
• Criminal history/background check: Verified Credentials service as linked on the School of Nursing website is required.
• One official transcript from each collegiate institution attended.
• School of Nursing interview(s). Applicants considered competitive for GEPN after an initial review are invited for group interviews to determine if the applicant (1) is a potential match for the profession of nursing; (2) is a match for the graduate program applied to; (3) demonstrates breadth of understanding; (4) is an effective and sensitive communicator; and (5) demonstrates emotional maturity, insight, sound judgment, and critical thinking skills. Group interview invitations are sent mid-December 15; interviews are scheduled in early-January. Several specialties require individual interviews in addition to the GEPN group interviews; selected applicants to those areas are contacted directly to arrange the additional interview.

Degree Requirements

117-120 credits, as follows:

• BSN coursework:
  • Quarter 1: NCLIN 302 Practicum: The Nature of Health and Caring (4 credits), NURS 304 Bases for Understanding Human Responses I (3 credits), NURS 309 Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice I (2 credits), NURS 303 Introduction to Professional Nursing (3 credits), NCLIN 306 Practicum: Threats to Health (4 credits), NURS 310 Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice II (2 credits), NURS 308 Bases for Understanding Human Responses II (3 credits). Total Credits: 21.
  • Quarter 2: NCLIN 409 Partnerships in Community Health (6 credits), NURS 417 Psychosocial Nursing in Health and Illness (3 credits), NCLIN 418 Practicum: Psychosocial Nursing (4 credits), NURS 301 Clinical Applications of Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits; may be waived by completion of a challenge exam). Total Credits: 16.
  • Quarter 3: NURS 401 Care in Illness I (5 credits), NCLIN 402 Practicum: Care in Illness I (4 credits), NURS 415 Nursing of Families: Childbearing and Childrearing (5 credits), NCLIN 416 Practicum: Nursing of Families (4 credits). Total Credits: 18.
  • Quarter 4: NURS 405 Care in Illness II (5 credits), NCLIN 406 Practicum: Care in Illness II (4 credits), NURS 412 Nursing Care Systems (3 credits), NURS 522 Legal and Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing (5 credits), NURS 404 Gerontological Nursing (2 credits). Total Credits: 19.
  • Quarter 5: NURS 407 Cultural Variation and Nursing Practice (3 credits), NCLIN 411 Transition to Professional Practice (12 credits), NMETH 520 Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing Practice (4 credits). Total Credits: 19.
• Graduate Portion: Students who have made satisfactory progress in the first five quarters of GEPN, i.e., earning a minimum 2.0 in all graded classes and "Credit" in non-graded classes; earning a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA; meeting essential qualifications; earning the BSN degree; and who have passed the NCLEX, may begin regular graduate coursework in their chosen graduate program as described under the individual program categories described elsewhere in this catalog.

Master of Nursing

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 graded quarter credits, or
• Associate of arts degree or diploma from a nationally accredited RN program, in combination with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing, acceptable to the UW. In addition, RN's with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees are required to demonstrate competencies in community health and professional leadership equivalent to those of baccalaureate degree nursing graduates, and are required to submit nursing equivalency essays.
• A 3-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 2.0.
• An active, unrestricted United States RN license at the time of application. If the applicant does not have a Washington State license, the applicant must obtain one prior to beginning the UW Master of Nursing program.
• International applicants, as well as immigrants to the U. S. and U. S. permanent residents, whose native language is not English, and who have not received a Bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English language speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Required are a minimum TOEFLiBT exam score of the listening, writing and reading sections totaling at least 70 AND a separate speaking section score of 26 or higher. Other options are a minimum TOEFL score of 580 or a minimum TOEFLC score of 237 AND a score of 55 or greater on the International Test of Spoken English (TSE) or 230 or better on the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK). Test scores must be less than 2 years old from the test date. No waivers are allowed.
• Applications to both the School of Nursing and to the UW Graduate School via the Graduate School online admissions process.
• Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• Three letters of recommendation, one academic, one clinical, and one additional recommendation of either type. Recommendations may be submitted online through the Graduate School.
• Admission essay relevant to the focal area objectives. (If applying to two focal areas, a separate goal statement must be submitted for each.)
• Criminal history/background check clearances are required for all applicants. Effective June 1, 2007, the UW School of Nursing requires that all applicants use a designated outside service to obtain required background checks. All applicants will pay a fee for this service.
• One official transcript from each collegiate institution attended, mailed to the School of Nursing along with other application materials.

Degree Requirements

38-41 credits, as follows:

Nursing science and professional foundations (15 credits); clinical practice (6 credits); scholarly inquiry (11 credits with scholarly project or 14 credits with thesis); related coursework (6 credits). Specific courses determined in consultation with adviser according to the student's specific background and needs.

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 graded quarter credits by date of enrollment. Applicants to the Master of Science need not have a previous degree in nursing.
• A 3-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 2.0. Visit the School of Nursing website for a list of approved statistics courses.
• International applicants, as well as immigrants to the U. S. and U. S. permanent residents, whose native language is not English, and who have not received a Bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English language speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Required are a minimum TOEFLiBT exam score of the listening, writing and reading sections totaling at least 70. Additional requirements are a minimum TOEFL score of 580 or a minimum TOEFLC score of 237 AND a score of 7.0 or greater on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a score of 90 or better on the Michigan Language Test (MLT) (must be taken at the University of Washington). Test scores must be less than 2 years old from the test date. An MS applicant with a TOEFLiBT score (not including the speaking section in the total score) of 45-69, a TOEFL score of 500-580, a TOEFLC score of 173-237, an IELTS score or 6.0-6.9 or a MLT score of 80-90 might be admitted but would be required to take a placement test and appropriate English classes during the first quarter of study.
• Three letters of recommendation, two from persons qualified to comment on the applicant's academic abilities and one from a person who can provide work-related (practice) information.
• Applications to both the School of Nursing and to the UW Graduate School via the Graduate School online admissions process.
• Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• Admission essay relevant to the focal area objectives. (If applying to both focal areas, a separate goal statement must be submitted for each. The application is reviewed for the second choice after a decision has been made on the application to the first choice, and after the application deadline.)
• Criminal history/background check clearances are required for all applicants. Effective June 1, 2007, the UW School of Nursing requires that all applicants use a designated outside service to obtain required background checks. All applicants will pay a fee for this service.
• For students planning to take clinical nursing courses as part of their program of study, an active, unrestricted Washington RN license is required. Other applicants to the Master of Science program are not required to have an active RN license or to have a previous degree in nursing.

Degree Requirements

49 credits, as follows:

Nursing science (15 credits); professional foundations (3 credits); theory development (5 credits); modes of inquiry (11 credits); thesis (9 credits); related coursework (6 credits). Specific courses determined in consultation with adviser according to the student's specific background and needs.

Master of Nursing/Master of Public Health Concurrent Degree Program (MN/MPH)

Admission Requirements

See admission requirements for MN and MPH individual degrees. Students must apply separately to, and be accepted by, each school. Students already enrolled in one school may apply for admission to the other and to the concurrent degree track. Students are encouraged to complete up to one year of study in one school before entering the other.

Degree Requirements

See MN and MPH individual degree requirements; differences are as follows:

At least 18 quarter credits for the master's degree in each program must be numbered 500 and above. Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework for each degree and all required courses must be taken graded. Up to 12 credits taken in one school can be counted toward the other school's total credit requirements, if approved by both programs. Electives for each department can be fulfilled by taking the required courses of the other department.

One thesis is required. The nine required thesis credits can be taken in either school, which then becomes the home school and the source of the thesis committee chair as well as the program authorized to approve the thesis. Each school agrees to accept the other school's thesis as meeting its thesis requirement. Faculty from each school should be involved in development of the thesis and sit on the thesis committee.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 graded quarter credits. Applicants with a Masters degree from a nationally accredited nursing program are also welcome to apply and must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 graded credits of the Masters degree.
  - OR -
  Associate of Arts degree or diploma from a nationally accredited RN program, in combination with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing, is acceptable. In addition, RNs with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees are required to demonstrate competencies in community health and professional leadership equivalent to those of baccalaureate degree nursing graduates, and are required to submit nursing equivalency essays.
• If an applicant has not completed a Masters degree, a 3-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 2.0.
• International applicants, as well as immigrants to the U. S. and U. S. permanent residents, whose native language is not English, and who have not received a Bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English language speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Required are a minimum TOEFLiBT exam score of the listening, writing and reading sections totaling at least 70 AND a separate speaking section score of 26 or higher. Other options are a minimum TOEFL score of 580 or a minimum TOEFLC score of 237 AND a score of 55 or greater on the International Test of Spoken English (TSE) or 230 or better on the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK). Test scores must be less than 2 years old from the test date. No waivers are allowed.
• Applications to both the School of Nursing and to the UW Graduate School via the Graduate School online admissions process.
• Three letters of recommendation, one academic, one clinical, and one additional recommendation of either type. Recommendations may be submitted online through the Graduate School.
• Admission essay relevant to the specialty's objectives. (If applying to two specialties, a separate goal statement must be submitted for each.)
• Criminal history/background check clearances are required for all applicants. Effective June 1, 2007, the UW School of Nursing requires that all applicants use a designated outside service to obtain required background checks. All applicants will pay a fee for this service.
• Resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.
• An example of applicant's scholarly writing. This paper must analyze a current clinical problem or professional issue, using appropriate references to make the argument and support the applicant's position. The paper must be written solely by the applicant and be a maximum of 5 double-spaced pages (excluding references).
• One official transcript from each collegiate institution attended, mailed to the School of Nursing along with other application materials.
• All applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must have an active, unrestricted United States RN license at the time of application. If the applicant does not have a Washington State RN license, the applicant must obtain one prior to beginning the UW Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Degree Requirements

90 credits minimum, as follows:

Advanced Practice (minimum 45 credits): Courses vary depending on the student's clinical focus.

Leadership (minimum 15 credits): Courses vary depending on the student's focus and encompass an array of knowledge and skills essential to advanced practice.

Practice Inquiry (minimum 30 credits):

• Appraising Evidence for Clinical Practice: NMETH 533 (4 credits)
• Translating Evidence to Clinical Practice: Conceptual, Methodological and Clinical Issues: NMETH 534 (4 credits)
• Capstone Project:12 credits of NMETH 799
• Additional courses vary depending on student's focus.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized rank. Although the majority of applicants have a master's degree in nursing, neither a nursing background nor RN licensure is required for admission.
• Applications to both the School of Nursing and to the UW Graduate School via the Graduate School online admissions process.
• International applicants, as well as immigrants to the U. S. and U. S. permanent residents, whose native language is not English, and who have not received a Bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English language speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Required are a minimum TOEFLiBT exam score of the listening, writing and reading sections totaling at least 70. Additional requirements are a minimum TOEFL score of 580 or a minimum TOEFLC score of 237 AND a score of 7.0 or greater on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a score of 90 or better on the Michigan Language Test (MLT) (must be taken at the University of Washington). Test scores must be less than 2 years old from the test date. A PhD applicant with a TOEFLiBT score (not including the speaking section in the total score) of 45-69, a TOEFL score of 500-580, a TOEFLC score of 173-237, an IELTS score or 6.0-6.9 or a MLT score of 80-90 might be admitted but would be required to take a placement test and appropriate English classes during the first quarter of study.
• An example of applicant's scholarly writing (25 pages or less). Examples are a published or unpublished manuscript illustrative of concept analysis, an in-depth literature review in a focused area, or a research report. Theses are not accepted. The paper is reviewed for clarity and thoroughness, its articulation with relevant published literature, and the degree to which it raises important issues for the development of nursing science. (International students whose original scholarly writing is not in English should submit a copy of the writing translated into English).
• Letters of recommendation from three persons knowledgeable about the individual's potential for a research career in nursing.
• Personal statement in response to specific questions listed on the application related to the pursuit of doctoral studies. The statement is used to evaluate the applicant's ability in written self-expression and the congruency of goals and research interests with the program objectives.
• Criminal history/background check clearances are required for all applicants. Effective June 1, 2007, the UW School of Nursing requires that all applicants use a designated outside service to obtain required background checks. All applicants will pay a fee for this service.

Degree Requirements

93 credits minimum, as follows:

Theory and Domain of Knowledge (minimum 43 credits): Courses include: NURS 588 (3); NURS 589 (3) NURS 590 (5); NURS 592 (4); NURS 591 (3); NURS 595 (3); NURS 587 (2, 2); graduate nursing courses (6 credits); related fields (12 credits).

Scholarly Inquiry (minimum 50 credits): Courses deal with the means of developing knowledge. There is exposure to a variety of approaches with encouragement to develop advanced skills in at least one methodology. Courses in this category are grouped into four required sub-categories:

• Methodological Perspectives in Nursing Science: NMETH 580 (5 credits)
• Design/Methods/Analysis Sequence: 18 credits
• Advanced Methods: 8 credits minimum, from the following: NMETH 581 (2-6); NMETH 582, NMETH 583 (4, 4); NMETH 591 (4); NMETH 592 (2-4); NMETH 593 (4); NMETH 584 (4); NMETH 586 (4); NMETH 587 (4)
• Statistics: 10 credits minimum, from the following: BIOST 511, BIOST 512, BIOST 513 (4, 4, 4); EDPSY 593 (5), EDPSY 594 (5), PSYCH 513 (4), PSYCH 514 (4), PSYCH 515 (4); SOC 424, SOC 425 (3, 3); NMETH 590 (2). Optional advanced statistics courses include BIOST 524 (3), BIOST 574 (3), SOC 526 (3), SOC 529 (3)
• Dissertation: 27 credits of NMETH 800
• Optional Elective Colloquium: NURS 596 (2-6 credits)

Financial Aid

A limited number of nurse traineeships are available for pre-master's study. Other financial aid is available on a limited basis. Teaching assistantships and research assistantships are available to a limited number of students. Priority for these appointments is given to pre-doctoral students.

Contact the Academic Services Office, School of Nursing, for current information.