University of Washington School of Nursing
Academic Services Memorandum No. 5

Basis for Establishing Credit Hours for Nursing Classes
Revised February 2000

Fundamental Rule for Assigning Credit to a Lecture or Non-clinical Seminar Course
Each credit represents a time commitment of at least three hours per week on the part of a typical student for one academic quarter, 1 hour in class plus 2 hours preparation outside of class. One credit is given for each scheduled hour of lecture or formal numbered seminar type class (specifically excludes clinical seminars) per week.

Fundamental Rule for Assigning Credit to a Laboratory or 300-level Clinical Course
One credit is given for each two scheduled hours of laboratory, clinical seminar, or discussion group per week.

Fundamental Rule for Assigning Credit to a Laboratory or 400+-level Clinical Course
One credit is given for each three scheduled hours of laboratory or clinical seminar.

Illustration of approved credit ratios:

Type of Course	Contact Hours	Outside Hours (Prep)	Credits
Lecture	1	2	1
Non-Clinical Seminars	1	2	1
Lab or Clinical, 300 level	2	1	1
Clinical Seminar	2	1	1
Lab or Clinical, 400 level and higher	3	0	1

Refer to http://staff.washington.edu/uwcr/instructions.html for University of Washington policy on credits and hours.