Policy 1.8: Course Equivalency & Credit Substitution (Graduate Programs)  

I. Policy Statement

The School of Nursing (SoN) recognizes that students may enter graduate programs with prior graduate-level coursework that meets the learning outcomes of SoN required courses. Through a formal review process, prior coursework may be granted course equivalency (waiving the need to retake content) and, in some cases, credit substitution (applying credits toward the total degree requirement) in accordance with UW Graduate School policy.

The GCPAPN post-graduate certificate does not have a fixed program of study. The Specialty Director determines a GCPAPN student’s program of study through a gap analysis, which evaluates prior academic didactic coursework and faculty-supervised clinical hours against the competencies required for the new population focus, and identifies the additional didactic coursework and clinical hours the student must complete to meet expected outcomes. For GCPAPN applicants, the gap analysis precedes application and determines the quarter of entry. It is requested from the Specialty Director as described on the School of Nursing post-graduate certificates page; the process is described in Section IV.E.

Equivalency and substitution decisions maintain academic integrity, ensure alignment with program learning outcomes, and acknowledge prior learning while ensuring compliance with degree and accreditation requirements.

II. Definitions

• Course Equivalency: Prior coursework satisfies the content and skill outcomes of a required core course. The requirement is waived, but no UW credit is granted unless also approved for substitution.
• Course Substitution: Prior coursework is approved to count toward the total UW credits required for the degree or certificate, within Graduate School credit limits.
• Gap Analysis: A structured review of a student’s previous coursework and experiences against required program content and outcomes to identify potential equivalencies and substitutions.
• 3Ps: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology.
• Graduate Program Adviser: The OSAA staff member who advises students in a graduate program and reviews equivalency and substitution requests for Graduate School compliance. Referred to in full throughout this policy to avoid confusion with grade point average.

III. Documentation & Submission Requirements

A gap analysis is required for a DNP student who has accepted an offer of admission or is enrolled and who previously earned a graduate degree or completed graduate-level coursework. An incoming DNP student with any prior graduate training has an initial review of that coursework with their Specialty Director to identify which courses may be submitted for equivalency. GCPAPN post-graduate certificate students do not submit equivalency requests; their program of study is set by gap analysis under Section IV.E.

Students requesting course equivalency or credit substitution must provide:

• Transcript showing course completion and grade.
• Course syllabus, including course description, number of credits, objectives, and major assignments/deliverables.
• A written justification from the student explaining how the prior coursework meets the required course objectives and outcomes.
• DNP Students only:
  • Completed gap analysis form.
  • To request substitution of clinical hours or clinical experiences: official verification of faculty-supervised direct patient care completed within a graduate nursing program, with breakdown by type, setting, and total.
  • To request equivalency for Advanced Health Assessment (NCLIN 500) by challenge exam: proof of a passing score on the written challenge exam and successful completion of the Timed Observed Physical Exam (TOPE), prior to final approval.
  • To request equivalency for Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (NURS 557): documentation that the course was completed within five years of matriculation.
  • To request equivalency for Advanced Pharmacology (PHARM 514) by challenge exam: proof of a passing score on the written challenge exam, prior to final approval. See the note on prescriptive authority in Section IV.C.
  • To request a 3P waiver as a licensed, practicing ARNP or APRN: documentation of current licensure and current practice, and the syllabus for the qualifying prior course. Where a waiver is granted, the challenge exam and TOPE are not required.

Timing of Submission

• Newly admitted students should submit requests before the May meeting of the relevant coordinating committee (prior to matriculation).
• Late-admitted students will have requests reviewed at the start of the academic year.
• Currently enrolled students must submit requests at least one quarter before a decision is needed about whether to take a core course (May for Autumn, October for Winter, January for Spring).
• Students may submit multiple course equivalency requests at the same time.

IV. Requirements and Processes

A. Degree Programs (MS-CIPCT, DNP, PhD)

This subsection applies to students in the MS-CIPCT, DNP, and PhD degree programs. GCPAPN post-graduate certificate students follow the process in Subsection E. Program approval and confirmation of policy compliance by the Graduate School are required before any prior coursework is applied to degree requirements.

• Credits applied toward a graduate degree must include University of Washington coursework of at least 18 credits at the 500 level and above, and at least 18 numerically graded credits at the 400 and 500 level, excluding 499 and transfer credit.
• Up to 6 credits of 400- or 500-level coursework completed as a senior while an undergraduate at the University of Washington may be applied.
• Credit taken as a non-matriculated (NM) student through UW Educational Outreach, or while matriculated as a post-baccalaureate student at the University of Washington, may not be applied.
• Credit by independent study or advanced credit examination, whether from UW or another institution, may not be applied.
• Coursework completed more than 10 years prior is evaluated by the program for currency, and documentation of currency may be required.
• Course equivalency satisfies a specific course requirement without granting credit. Credit substitution applies prior graduate credits toward the credits required for the degree, within the limits below. Neither reduces the number of credits required, and no prior credit of any kind may be applied toward a culminating experience — the DNP project, dissertation, thesis, or capstone — all of which must be completed at the University of Washington. See UW School of Nursing Policy 1.9: Final Scholarly Project and/or Dissertation Requirements.
• For students in tracks subject to specialty accreditation, review is conducted against the standards governing the track: the National Task Force Standards for NP population-focused tracks, and the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education criteria for the nurse-midwifery track.
• Where GNM credit is applied, the time-to-degree limit commences at enrollment in the first GNM course later applied for credit (UW School of Nursing Policy 2.5: Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) Enrollment).

Credit limits by degree

Limits are set by UW Graduate School Policy 1.1: Graduate Degree Requirements and apply in combination, not as alternatives.

Credit limits by degree

Source of credit	MS-CIPCT	DNP	PhD
From a completed relevant degree	Not applicable	Up to 30 of the credits required for the degree, from a completed PhD or master’s. A prior DNP does not substitute.	Up to 30 of the credits required for the degree, from a completed master’s. A prior PhD or DNP does not substitute.
From coursework without a completed degree (GNM, unfinished UW graduate program, transfer)	12	12	12
Of which, from outside UW	6	10	None permitted
Maximum prior credit overall	12	30	30

B. Master’s Program (CIPCT): Equivalency Review

If no supervisory committee is established:

• Student submits required documentation to faculty scheduled to next teach the course.
• Faculty provides written equivalency determination to M/PhDCC.
• M/PhDCC reviews materials and consults with the student’s academic adviser, then makes a determination (votes).
• M/PhDCC Chair notifies the student.
• Graduate Program Adviser files the final committee decision in the student’s official record.

If a supervisory committee is established:

• Same initial faculty review as above.
• Faculty’s justification is reviewed by the supervisory committee.
• Supervisory committee chair notifies the M/PhDCC chair in writing, indicating whether the course fulfills a core course requirement.
• M/PhDCC discusses the supervisory committee determination.
• Committee consults the adviser, notifies the student, and files the decision in the student record.

C. DNP

1. Initial Gap Analysis

Student initiates the request to their Specialty Director (SD). The SD conducts the initial gap analysis by reviewing the student’s materials and the SoN list of prior approved courses. The initial gap analysis identifies courses that may be eligible for equivalency and/or credit substitution, in accordance with the limits in Subsection A.

2. Special Considerations

• Clinical Coursework & Hours:
  • Faculty-supervised direct patient care clinical hours and clinical experiences completed within another graduate nursing program may be substituted toward the minimum required by the specialty accreditation standards governing the student’s track. Hours or experiences accrued in practice as a licensed APRN or licensed midwife are not counted, and simulation is not direct patient care. Minimum clinical hours requirements are stated in UW School of Nursing Policy 1.5: Program Duration & Graduation Eligibility.
• 3P Core Courses:
  • Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (NURS 557): prior standalone graduate course at an accredited institution, completed within five years of matriculation. Waiver possible for licensed, practicing ARNPs/APRNs with a qualifying advanced physiology/pathophysiology course covering general principles across the lifespan.
  • Advanced Health Assessment (NCLIN 500): prior standalone course at an accredited university plus successful completion of a written challenge exam (≥ 75%) and a Timed Observed Physical Exam (TOPE) in the UW SoN Simulation Center. Waiver of course (and challenge exam and TOPE) possible for licensed, practicing ARNPs/APRNs with a qualifying advanced health assessment course covering all systems and advanced techniques.
  • Advanced Pharmacology (PHARM 514): prior standalone 3+ credit graduate course plus a written challenge exam (≥ 75%). A student granted equivalency should confirm with the Washington State Board of Nursing that their prior coursework satisfies the advanced pharmacology education required for ARNP prescriptive authority. An applicant without qualifying advanced pharmacology education must complete additional pharmacology education and supervised advanced clinical practice hours before prescriptive authority is granted (WAC 246-840-410). Waiver of course (and challenge exam) possible for licensed, practicing ARNPs/APRNs with a qualifying advanced pharmacology course covering pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics across all major drug classes.

3. Submission

• Student assembles required documentation.
• The student and SD complete the Gap Analysis Form.
• SD uploads the materials to the secure Gap Analysis folder and emails the Graduate Program Adviser for review (dnpadv@uw.edu).

4. Graduate Program Adviser Review

The Graduate Program Adviser reviews all submitted materials for completeness and compliance with Graduate School policy, and prepares a review report for the DNP Coordinating Committee (DNPCC) Chair.

5. DNPCC Review and Decision

• The DNPCC Chair places the gap analysis review on the agenda under executive session for discussion.
• The DNPCC Chair reviews the request and the Graduate Program Adviser’s report.
  • For any course previously deemed not equivalent, the DNPCC Chair denies the request.
  • The DNPCC Chair seeks a recommendation from the faculty currently teaching the course on the extent of equivalency.
  • The DNPCC Chair offers a preliminary decision based on review of the materials and input from course faculty.
• The DNPCC Chair communicates the preliminary decision and any course faculty input to the Committee for review.
• At the DNPCC executive session, the Chair reports denied requests, and the Committee makes a determination (votes) on all remaining requests.

6. Decision Communication

• If the DNPCC does not accept previous coursework as equivalent, the Chair sends a brief written rationale by email to the Specialty Director, with a copy to the Graduate Program Adviser.
• If the DNPCC accepts previous coursework as equivalent, the Chair notifies the Specialty Director by email, with a copy to the Graduate Program Adviser, and includes:
  • Required “risk” language to the student regarding equivalency.
  • If applicable, language related to Graduate School requirements for waiving credits when coursework is deemed substitutable.
• The Specialty Director forwards the decision to the student and collaborates with them on coursework planning.

7. Record Keeping and Updates

• The Graduate Program Adviser files the written decision in the student’s academic file and updates the gap analysis to reflect only courses deemed equivalent and/or substitutable.
• For courses requiring a challenge exam, the exam must be successfully completed before the DNPCC issues a final determination.

D. PhD

1. Without Supervisory Committee

• Student works with Faculty Academic Adviser to prepare request.
• Student submits the request to the Graduate Program Adviser (phdadv@uw.edu) and the M/PhD Coordinating Committee (M/PhDCC) Chair.
• The Graduate Program Adviser reviews for Graduate School compliance.
• M/PhDCC consults with the student’s Graduate Program Adviser and makes a determination (votes) on the request.
• M/PhDCC Chair notifies the student of the committee decision with a copy to the Graduate Program Adviser (phdadv@uw.edu). If the committee denies equivalency, the Chair provides a brief rationale.
• The Graduate Program Adviser files a copy of the decision in the student’s file.

2. With Supervisory Committee

• Same process as above except the student submits the request to their supervisory committee chair.
• Supervisory committee reviews and makes a determination.
• Supervisory committee chair notifies the M/PhDCC chair of the decision.
• M/PhDCC discusses the supervisory committee decision and makes a determination (votes) whether to approve or deny the request.
• M/PhDCC Chair notifies the student of the supervisory committee decision with a copy to the Graduate Program Adviser (phdadv@uw.edu).
• The Graduate Program Adviser files a copy of the decision in the student’s file.

E. GCPAPN Post-Graduate Certificate

A GCPAPN student’s program of study is determined individually rather than assembled against a fixed curriculum, so the credit limits in Subsection A do not apply. The gap analysis is the mechanism by which the GCPAPN program of study is set, and it precedes application.

1. Requesting the gap analysis

• Before applying, the prospective student emails the Specialty Director for the certificate of interest to request a gap analysis, copying songradapply@uw.edu, and includes a transcript showing the graduate nursing degree, earned or in progress. Specialty Directors for each certificate are listed on the School of Nursing post-graduate certificates page.
• The Specialty Director may request additional course materials, including syllabi, verification of faculty-supervised direct patient care clinical hours, and documentation of current licensure and practice.

2. Conducting the gap analysis

• The Specialty Director evaluates prior academic didactic coursework and faculty-supervised clinical hours against the competencies required for the new population focus.
• The analysis identifies the credit granted for prior didactic and clinical work, and the additional didactic coursework and clinical hours the student must complete to meet expected outcomes.
• The resulting program of study comprises the 3P courses, health promotion, and track-specific didactic and clinical coursework.
• Where the analysis finds prior coursework meets a required competency, that course is not included in the program of study. GCPAPN students do not submit course equivalency or credit substitution requests; the gap analysis determines what the student must complete.
• Where the analysis is inconclusive for a 3P course, the Specialty Director may require the challenge examination or Timed Observed Physical Exam described in Subsection C.2 before excluding the course from the program of study.

3. Outcome and record

• The Specialty Director communicates the outcome to the applicant, including the quarter for which they should apply.
• The Specialty Director files the completed gap analysis in the secure Gap Analysis folder. Access is limited to program faculty and staff; students do not submit to this folder directly and work through their Specialty Director.
• The completed gap analysis is provided to the DNP Coordinating Committee and recorded in the minutes.
• On enrollment, the Graduate Program Adviser files the gap analysis and the resulting program of study in the student’s academic file.

V. Decision Authority and Appeals

• Graduate Program Adviser: Reviews requests for completeness and Graduate School compliance before committee review.
• Masters & PhD student requests: M/PhDCC decides, with possible PhD supervisory committee recommendation (if applicable).
• DNP student requests: DNPCC decides.
• GCPAPN students: The Specialty Director determines the program of study through the gap analysis described in Section IV.E. GCPAPN students do not submit equivalency or substitution requests.
• Appeals: Students may request a meeting with the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs (sonadaa@uw.edu), who will review the Gap Analysis process for procedural compliance. If concerns are identified, the ADAA may remand the matter to the relevant committee for reconsideration but does not have authority to overturn the committee’s decision. Course equivalency and substitution are academic judgments reserved to the faculty through the Coordinating Committees. A student who is not satisfied following ADAA review may grieve the decision under UW School of Nursing Policy 5.2: Student Grievance and Appeals Process.

VI. Roles and Responsibilities Summary

Last updated: September 2026