Choose your Admission Path
The Basic BSN has two admission pathways based on your educational background. Explore the options below to find the path that best fits you and learn about requirements, application steps and important deadlines. Have questions? Visit the Basic BSN FAQs for answers about admission and the program.
Freshman Admission
Freshman admission is for students entering UW directly from high school who have not completed college coursework after graduation. This pathway allows incoming freshmen to begin their UW experience while completing the coursework required for the nursing major. Explore Nursing Visit Days to get an inside look at the School of Nursing and the Basic BSN experience.
Non-Freshman Admission
Non-freshman admission is for students who have completed college coursework, including UW pre-nursing and transfer students. Students must complete the required pre-clinical coursework and meet admission requirements before applying. The first step is meeting with an academic advisor to review your progress and prepare for the nursing application.
Complete the HESI A2 Exam
The HESI A2 is an entrance exam used as part of the Basic BSN admission process. Both freshman and non-freshman applicants may need to complete the exam as part of their admission pathway. Testing windows, score requirements and other admission criteria vary by pathway, so review your admission option for specific requirements.
Ready to test? Register for your HESI A2 exam through Evolve and ProctorU. Plan ahead to complete equipment checks and schedule your exam within the appropriate testing window.

Connect with Basic BSN advising
Advising can help you understand your next steps toward the Basic BSN, whether you're preparing to apply as a freshman or completing coursework before applying through the non-freshman pathway. Pre-nursing students work with ACES, while students preparing for non-freshman admission should meet with an academic advisor to confirm they are meeting requirements. Once admitted to the nursing major, students receive dedicated Basic BSN advising.

