In this article, we take a look at the top 47 nursing schools in Washington, in no particular order. These schools have nursing programs.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse and studying in Washington, then this article is for you. Ensure you click on the links to know the entry requirements for nursing schools in Washington and also the different programs offered.
The registered nurse (RN) is a qualified healthcare worker who plays a vital and dynamic position on the healthcare team.
RNs work in a number of places, including hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, long-term care institutions, rehabilitation centers, schools, prisons, and home health care agencies. Patients are cared after by registered nurses from birth till the end of life.
The protection, promotion, and enhancement of health and abilities, the avoidance of disease and injury, the promotion of healing, the reduction of suffering through the identification and management of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations are all aspects of nursing practice.
5 Reasons To Choose A Career In Nursing
There are several advantages and choices for nurses. These include seeking employment as an RN in diverse settings and working in numerous medical specialties.
1. Nursing Professionals Can Join the Workforce Quickly
You can immediately enter the workforce by earning one of several nursing degrees. You can continue your education while working if you want to finish your bachelor’s degree.
2. Nursing Students Can Study Online
You might also decide to enroll in accredited online nursing programs, which allows you to study from anywhere in the United States.
You will be required to take both online classes and in-person nursing clinicals at a healthcare facility because nursing is a hands-on profession.
3. Nurses Really Do Change Lives
Providing medical care is just one aspect of what nurses do. You have the power to significantly impact someone’s life as a nurse. People need hope, sometimes in the worst moments of their lives.
4. Nurses Can Pick A Specialty
Nurses play a crucial role in providing healthcare in a variety of situations. You won’t likely ever become bored because there are over 100 distinct nursing specializations to choose from.
You can narrow your concentration to a particular area of healthcare, like gerontological nursing, or broaden it to include work as a flight nurse or transplant nurse. Careers in health policy are another option.
5. Nurses Have Exciting Work to Do
When you work with patients, every day is unique. Nursing is not a boring profession, regardless of whether you work in a hospital, office, clinic, or other settings.
Also, See How to Become a Nurse in USA:4 Best Steps
Salary And Job Outlook
In May 2021, the median annual pay for registered nurses was $77,600. The bottom 10% earned less than $59,450, while the top 10% made more than $120,250.
Between 2020 and 2030, it is anticipated that employment for registered nurses will increase by 9%, which is approximately average for all occupations.
During the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 194,500 opportunities for registered nurses.
Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement. Now, let us look at the nursing schools in Washington.
The List of Best Nursing Schools In Washington
Nurses are critical to the proper operation of healthcare systems. They assist in the administration of drugs and therapies, provide support to patients experiencing physical and mental anguish, and can provide solace to worried families and loved ones.
So if you are really interested in studying in Washington, and also becoming a nurse, then these are the best nursing schools in Washington for you to consider. Please note that the list is not arranged in order of the best.
1 Seattle University
Seattle University College of Nursing is one of the top nursing schools in Washington that is committed to educating values-based, caring professionals who will serve the community’s health care needs, particularly those of the frail, vulnerable, and marginalized.
They adhere to the Jesuit tradition of developing the full person and place emphasis on the linkages between people’s practical, academic, spiritual, and humanistic requirements. Since its inception in 1935, the institution has produced health care executives who are highly regarded by their communities, employers, and professional peers.
Non-nurses can complete their clinical doctorate program in four years. RNs with a bachelor’s degree can complete the DNP program in three years. RNs with a master’s degree can complete the DNP program in two and a half years.
Click here for more information
2 Bellevue College
The Nursing programs at Bellevue College support the college’s objective of educating students for lifelong learning by providing a high-quality, flexible, and accessible education.
Their programs are relevant to the changing demands of the community and reflect the college’s broad demographics. The nursing program provides complete and equitable access to educational growth possibilities.
Click here for more information.
3 Washington State University
WSU’s College of Nursing is one of the nursing schools in Washington that offers two undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
You can get a Master of Nursing in Population Health or a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a PhD. There are three graduate certificate programs available: leadership, education, and public health.
Click here for more information.
4 Gonzaga University
There has never been a better moment to seek a career in nursing, and if you’re looking for an education that focuses on humanity, intention, and heart, Gonzaga’s School of Nursing & Human Physiology is the place to start.
They provide a humanistic, Jesuit approach to nursing through three degrees — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — as well as a variety of programs.
Click here for more information.
5 Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University’s Institution of Nursing is a professional school that blends nursing science with a strong foundation in basic sciences and the liberal arts.
Since 1951, PLU has offered the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, the master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, and the doctor of nursing practice degree.
Click here for more information
6 Everett Community College
This institution offers a program completion record of 99.3%, and you can train in a hospital-like atmosphere with a high-tech simulation lab.
They have collaborations with over 100 clinical training sites, and 98% of EvCC nursing program graduates are recruited within nine months after graduation.
Click here for more information.
7 Columbia Basin College
Nursing programs at CBC admit students once a year during the fall quarter, and the program lasts six quarters.
Students who finish the second year of the nursing program obtain an Associate in Applied Science-Transfer in Nursing degree (often known as a “AND”) and are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Classroom and clinical education are provided at the Richland Health Science Center and area healthcare facilities. They also provide cutting-edge simulation labs where students can practice their clinical skills in a safe environment.
Click here for more information.
8 Seattle Pacific University
Nursing at SPU is a challenging program of study that will challenge you to strive for success in the classroom and clinical settings.
Most undergraduate students at Seattle Pacific University finish their degrees by following the traditional general education program. Foreign Language Competency, Common, and Exploratory criteria must all be met.
Click here for more information.
9 Olympic College
Olympic College has a number of programs that prepare eligible applicants to provide exceptional nursing care. Nursing graduates can find work in a variety of healthcare settings, including home health care, hospitals, and community-based organizations.
They are dedicated to creating an engaging environment that stimulates growth and optimizes the potential of each individual student in order for them to reach high academic and ethical standards.
Click here for more information.
10 Clark College
In order to attain excellence in nursing education, the Clark College Nursing Program fosters high-quality learning through a comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive curriculum.
Nursing students are taught in state-of-the-art facilities, including a simulation lab where real-world clinical scenarios are created for student evaluation and reaction.
Click here for more information.
11 Seattle Central College
Students who want to become registered nurses can pursue an associate’s degree in nursing at Seattle Central College.
With the option to continue on to a bachelor’s degree in nursing using the DTA/MRP, the Associate of Nursing DTA/MRP program on their on-campuses simplifies the academic progression for nursing students pursuing entry-level licensing as registered nurses.
Before beginning the two-year program, the majority of students complete a year of prerequisite coursework.
Click here for more information.
12 Clover Park Technical College (CPTC)
Nursing students at CPTC gain practical experience. Modern simulation technology is available in their training facilities to support intensive clinical training.
Select among programs leading to an associate’s degree in pre-nursing, a certificate in nursing assisting that will prepare you to work as a certified nursing assistant (CAN), or a certificate in licensed practical nursing.
Numerous opportunities for intriguing jobs are presented to students while they are still enrolled in their programs.
Click here for more information.
13 Big Bend Community College
Training students to become safe and responsible beginning practitioners is the main goal of the nursing program at Big Bend Community College.
The nursing program at Big Bend Community College combines classroom instruction with practical training in a skills lab and clinical experiences in a range of settings to give students a strong foundation in knowledge and abilities that will help them succeed in the healthcare industry.
Click here for more information.
14 Tacoma Community College
A rewarding profession in nursing has a promising financial future. The majority of health care professionals in the US are nurses. They perform their duties in a range of locations, including community centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and clinics. Registered nurses have been successfully trained at TCC for many years.
TCC provides top-notch instruction and turns out capable, skilled nurses who thrive in all areas of healthcare.
Click here for more information.
15 Northwest University
Northwest University is a Christian private university located in Kirkland, Washington. The university’s College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Management, School of Education, Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing, College of Ministry, and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences all offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. It has a branch campus in Salem, Oregon.
Click here for more information.
16 Walla Walla University
One bachelor’s degree is available through the WWU Nursing program.
The freshman and sophomore years of the nursing program are typically done on the College Place campus and contain a blend of general studies, pre-requisite courses, cognate courses, and sophomore-level nursing courses. The junior and senior years are done on the campus in Portland, Oregon.
Transfer students who have completed pre-requisite courses at another university may apply to begin nursing at either the College Place or Portland campuses.
In any case, the program’s final two years are held on the Portland, Oregon campus.
Click here for more information.
17 Grays Harbor College
Grays Harbor College’s Nursing Program provides high-quality nursing education, a diverse range of clinical experiences, and cutting-edge simulation technologies. They are on the second level of the Schermer Instructional Building on the upper campus.
Their graduates have found employment in local and regional hospitals. They’ve been accepted into bachelor’s programs at four-year institutions like Saint Martin’s University and the University of Washington – Tacoma.
Click here for more information.
18 North Seattle College.
They provide pre-nursing education. These Program Pathways are a carefully curated set of courses and experiences designed to help you acquire your certificate and prepare for a career or university transfer.
Program Pathway Maps walk you through quarter-by-quarter education, show when essential steps must be completed, and describe common occupations in this pathway.
Click here for more information.
19 Eastern Washington University
The EWU BSN program is a two-year, four-semester program with a 40-person cohort in both the fall and spring semesters. The EWU nursing program is located in Spokane’s lovely University District.
Students will receive experience in a wide range of settings, including health care institutions, summer camps, and CAN (Certified Nursing Assistant) training, to name a few.
Click here for more information.
20 Bellingham Technical College
Nursing and Allied Health programs at BTC are designed for students who are interested in health, wellness, and the medical industry.
You’ll gain in-demand skills for a rewarding career in the demanding, highly technological realm of healthcare and wellness. Your education can be put to use in hospitals, clinics, insurance firms, fire departments, and wellness centers.
Click here for more information.
21 Centralia College
In order to prepare graduates for the licensing exam to become a licensed registered nurse, Centralia College provides a highly competitive two-year RN program.
Students who finish the nursing program satisfactorily in all six quarters are awarded an Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree and are qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN).
Click here for more information.
22 Green River College
With their nursing assistant and phlebotomy programs, you can be prepared for employment after three months, or you can combine both to become an emergency room technician.
They also provide a Practical Nursing Associates of Applied Science that qualifies graduates to work as LPNs and is open to both regular students and Licensed Medical Assistants.
There are two versions for the Practical Nursing Program: full-time and part-time/hybrid. They provide a two-year LPN to BSN curriculum for certified LPNs.
Click here for more information
23 Lake Washington Institute of Technology
The Nursing AAS-T degree equips students to practice professional nursing in a range of settings and to engage in lifelong learning. Furthermore, it may prepare individuals who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Completion of an application for admission to the nursing school, a minimum GPA of 3.0, Entrance Test scores, and two professional recommendations are the minimum entrance requirements.
Click here for more information.
24 Bates Technical College
The Bates Technical College Practical Nursing Program is dedicated to providing high-quality, up-to-date nursing education in a rich, welcoming learning environment.
Students train to work as licensed practical nurses in a number of situations. The Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission has authorized this curriculum, which includes clinical activities.
During the clinical phase, students exhibit nursing competence under supervision in clinical sites and build skills by working in a preceptorship role with a healthcare practitioner.
Click here for more information
25 University of Washington Bothell
The Master of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies are all available through the School of Nursing and Health Studies.
Through creative instruction, research, and community engagement, they are devoted to enhancing social justice, health, and Nursing practice.
Click here for more information.
26 Renton Technical College
Their two-year Registered Nurse Program will prepare you for a lucrative and demanding career in healthcare. Admission is extremely competitive, and a selective admission method is used.
A prospective student must meet specific requirements in order to be admitted to the Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing program.
Click here for more information
27 Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College’s Nursing program is designed to prepare you for a lifelong career in nursing practice.
Nursing is one of the most varied and fascinating occupations available in today’s healthcare industry.
Nurses work in a number of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care organizations, physicians’ offices, mental health facilities, and correctional facilities.
Click here for more information.
28 Walla Walla Community College
The Nursing Education program’s objective is to alter the lives of nursing students so that they can fulfill the increasingly complicated role of entry-level professional nurses in providing safe, compassionate, culturally sensitive, evidence-based, ethically grounded, and client-centered care.
The most recent yearly pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for all first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period will be at least 80%.
Click here for more information.
29 Spokane Community College
Their ACEN-accredited nursing program prepares you for registered nurse licensing in a range of health care settings.
Nursing classes, hands-on practice in the nursing simulation laboratory, computer-assisted instruction, and supervised clinical experiences will all be part of your education.
As a program graduate, you could enroll in a four-year university’s bachelor of science in nursing degree as a junior or senior (depending on the pathway you pick).
Click here for more information.
30 Lower Columbia College
The Nursing Program at Lower Columbia College has a strong history of preparing graduates to be compassionate and effective nurses.
Graduates are entitled to take the examination for licensure as registered nurses upon completion of the program.
Click here for more information
31 Wenatchee Valley College
Nursing is an ever-changing health profession practiced in a changing world. Within a community-based health care delivery system, the nurse of the twenty-first century will care for a culturally varied population.
Professional nurses must stay up with technical changes while also exhibiting the importance of human care. Nurses also play a vital role in encouraging and training people to choose healthy behaviors.
Please click on the link below to learn more about the nursing programs available at Wenatchee Valley College.
Click here for more information.
32 Highline College
Highline College Nursing Program’s Mission/Purpose is to create competent novice practitioners who blend good communication and critical thinking into providing holistic care for various populations.
In their nursing profession, all graduates will display tolerance, compassion, and cultural sensitivity, as well as adhere to ethical and legal norms.
Click here for more information.
33 Whitworth University
The College of Nursing is a one-of-a-kind collaboration program founded in 1968 that serves Whitworth, WSU, and Eastern.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has accredited and authorized the bachelor of science in nursing program.
The undergraduate nursing major that leads to a bachelor of science in nursing prepares generalists for professional nursing practice.
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree are entitled to take the registered nurse licensing examination after successfully completing the program.
Click here for more information.
34 Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College nursing students acquire an Associate in Nursing (DTA/MRP) degree and are subsequently eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RNs).
Following RN licensure, this degree allows the student to earn a BSN in one academic year at any Washington state university.
WCC Nursing students have a very high retention rate, and WCC nursing graduates pass the NCLEX at a rate considerably above the national norm.
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35 University of Washington Tacoma
The objective of the University of Washington Tacoma, which is to provide undergraduate and graduate education for the region’s varied population, is shared by the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership.
Through teaching and academic research, the School helps the campus achieve its transdisciplinary mission.
It focuses on the development and distribution of knowledge that promotes health within a social justice ethic as part of the campus’s larger goal.
Through a community of learners, the curriculum places an emphasis on and encourages the blending of teaching, inquiry, and service.
Click here for more information.
36 South Puget Sound Community College
When you finish three out of four years at SPSCC as opposed to all four years at a university program, you will save over $12,000.
The Associate of Nursing Transfer (DTA) degree was initially offered by SPSCC’s nursing school and was completely authorized by the Washington State Nursing Commission.
Many prerequisites are available online or in the evenings for lab sessions, allowing you to learn as best suits your schedule.
Click here for more information.
37 Shoreline Community College
Convert from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse to advance your education and career.
Students are prepared for employment in the public and private healthcare sectors through lectures, skill-building labs, and clinical practice.
After earning their AAS-T degrees, graduates who want to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing can apply for an RN to BSN program.
Graduates perform better than average on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Click here for more information.
38 Peninsula College
Students who enroll in Peninsula College’s nursing program graduate with a keen scientific mind, a strong background in the social sciences, and a laser-like focus on the small print of an exciting and demanding vocation.
For those who are extremely proficient in the sciences and enjoy working with people, nursing is a fascinating job.
Nursing is a versatile and safe career choice because nurses operate in a range of settings and are able to work practically anywhere in the country and overseas.
Click here for more information.
39 Western Washington University
The RN-to-BSN program at Western is a degree-completion program for nurses to finish their BSN.
The plan of study, which comprises 45 upper division credits and is only available as a transfer degree, builds on previously completed general university requirements (GUR) and nursing credits from an Associate Degree pre-licensure program.
The RN-to-BSN program is intended primarily for nurses who have finished an Associate’s or Diploma-level nursing degree, already hold a Registered Nurse license, or who will do so by the end of their second quarter of study after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Click here for more information.
40 Edmonds College
Edmonds College’s nursing program trains students to become Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission has given it their approval. A certificate of practical nursing proficiency is awarded to graduates.
Students who are employed in the healthcare industry can enroll in the program.
Throughout the nursing degree, the students will combine theory and practice. Online and hybrid training (online and in-person) will be used to teach theory courses.
Click here for more information.
41 Yakima Valley College
The Associate in Nursing Direct Transfer Degree (AND-DTA/MRP) program at Yakima Valley College (YVC) lasts for six quarters (two academic years).
Before submitting an application for the nursing program, students must finish four quarters of prerequisite and supporting courses.
Prior to moving on to the next course, students must complete the objectives for each nursing course in order.
Click here for more information
42 Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Students at Pierce College have three ways to earn an associate’s degree in nursing:
- Students who enroll in the traditional AND (T-AND) program finish it in six terms;
- Students that enroll in the full-time LPN-RN Transition program start in term 4 and finish it in three terms. Candidates who hold an active, unrestricted Washington State Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license are eligible for this option.
- The summer term through the following summer term part-time LPN-RN program (five terms).
Click here for more information.
43 Central Washington University
Students who pursue nursing degrees will have more work alternatives. It is advised that 80% of all nurses possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing by 2022. For this reason, all pre-nursing students are urged to give getting a bachelor’s degree substantial consideration while completing the requirements for admission to a nursing program.
Click here for more information.
44 Heritage University
The nursing program at Heritage is created to provide you the knowledge and abilities to succeed in the healthcare industry and to enable you to fight for the rights of your patients.
Through their extensive, mission-driven curriculum, you’ll lay the groundwork for a fulfilling profession that will enable you to assist others and take on leadership roles in your community.
Click here for more information.
45 Saint Martin’s University
In Washington, there will be a shortage of 7,000 nurses by 2025, which indicates that nursing is a rising profession.
With a BSN in Nursing, you’ll have the chance to care for patients along the entire care continuum, from community-based health promotion to hospital-based care for patients who are severely ill, from childbirth in the obstetrics unit to a peaceful death.
You can influence legislation, be a leader in your community, and bring about change if you have a BSN.
There are three ways to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from this school.
Click here for more information.
46 Sumner College
For more than 48 years, Sumner College has been giving students who are dedicated to genuinely changing the world a solid educational foundation.
They are a private college with campuses in Portland, Oregon, and are unwaveringly committed to offering high-quality, career-focused education to students who are committed to reaching their professional career goals.
Their healthcare plans are made to promote a healthy balance between work and life. The vast majority of their enrollees are working adults who are all committed to pursuing careers in healthcare.
Click here for more information.
47 Mt. Hood Community College
The nursing program offers graduates the chance to work in a variety of settings and for a lifetime career that is personally and professionally fulfilling. It is both exciting and challenging.
For consideration for advanced placement into the Nursing degree, the Nursing program accepts applications from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Military Medic/Corpsmen every other Fall.
Click here for more information.
Thanks for your time.
Keep on reading to learn what it takes to become a Nurse in UK, USA, Ireland, and Alberta.
How long does it take to become an RN in Washington State?
You can obtain a diploma from a nursing program that is accredited, an Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) from a two-year or technical college nursing program that has been approved, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a four-year or university nursing program that has been approved.
How many nursing schools are in Washington?
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission of Washington State has authorized roughly 40 nursing schools in the state.
These institutions provide pre-licensure courses for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) (RNs).
What is the quickest RN program?
The most expedient choice is still an AND. An AND takes two years to complete, just like other associate degrees.
If students attended an LVN/LPN program or received dual credit in high school, they may even graduate more rapidly. 60 credits of classroom and supervised clinical hours make up most AND programs.
How long is a nursing program in Washington state?
A two-year professional degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, will prepare you for a future as a registered nurse.
How do I become a nurse in WA?
In order to become a registered nurse in Washington, you must complete an accredited program at the AND level or higher, take the NCLEX-RN exam, and pass it.
Filling out a background check and supplying documentation that you have finished at least seven hours of AIDS training are additional processes.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
The quickest and frequently least expensive route to becoming a registered nurse is to earn a nursing associate degree.
The average length of an AND program is two years, and it trains you to pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. Typically, a BSN curriculum lasts four years.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into?
The university has one of the lowest acceptance rates among nursing schools, at 96%. Pre-Nursing should be listed as the main preference on the online application for admission to the university.
Who is higher RN or LPN?
RNs Can Offer Higher Levels of Patient Care & Have More Responsibilities. RNs must complete a great deal more coursework to become licensed and have a wider range of practice. In most situations, registered nurses can work alone. LPNs, however, are required to work under the direction of a doctor or an RN.
What is BSN vs RN?
Any licensed registered nurse who has completed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) has earned their nursing license, regardless of whether they have a BSN or not. A BSN nurse is distinguished from an RN by having a bachelor’s degree in nursing, whereas an RN just has an associate’s.
How long are most RN programs?
The length of time it takes to become a registered nurse might range from 16 months to four years, depending on the nursing program you choose to enroll in.
How much is a Washington nursing license?
For registered nurses, the non-refundable application fee is $120.00, while licensed practical nurses must pay $85.00.
How long does it take to become an RN from LPN?
It can take two to four years to complete an LPN to RN program.
What is pre-nursing?
Before fully committing to a four-year degree, students can gain experience in the nursing sector with a pre-nursing major.
Microbiology, statistics, developmental psychology, and anatomy and physiology are among the common classes pre-nurse students take.
How difficult is nursing school?
Nursing schools have a rigorous credit requirement, and many nursing students stack difficult courses during the same term to hasten their degree completion.
The result could be that several important exams are scheduled for the same day or week. But if you take the time to learn and get ready, everything should work out.
Is becoming an RN hard?
You’re on the right track to a successful career that will be challenging, exciting, and gratifying. But nursing school is renowned for being challenging.
The majority of nursing programs demand strong GPAs and exceptional marks in difficult courses like arithmetic, chemistry, biology, and psychology. Additionally, it is quite gratifying.