[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boost your earnings and increase your job options by enrolling in a top nursing school in Washington. Demand for nurses in Washington is double that of the U.S. as a whole. The average salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the state also exceeds $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to live in the tech-and-arts hub of Seattle or a remote rural area, nurses can find great satisfaction working in Washington. Learn more about the best nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Washington[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With more than 40 nursing programs in Washington for associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees, you can find a school to match your career goals, budget, background, and learning preferences. [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list explores the best nursing schools in Washington.[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
One of the most established nursing schools in Washington, the University of Washington provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in the field.
The bachelor's program offers traditional and accelerated tracks. The online master's program focuses on clinical informatics and patient-centered technologies. Doctoral specializations include adult-gerontology and women's health.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); master of science (MSN); doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing science; doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $4,026 per quarter; MSN: $709 per credit; Ph.D.: $6,725 per quarter; DNP: $925 per credit ($9,934 per quarter in-state, $14,150 out-of-state for some tracks)
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: 100 hours of healthcare experience; prerequisite courses with minimum 2.8 GPA; proctored online essay (bachelor's degree for accelerated track)
- MSN: bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of healthcare experience; minimum C grade in statistics prerequisite
- Ph.D.: bachelor's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; Zoom interview; statement of goals and research interests
- DNP: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; statistics course; timed online essay
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,152 for bachelor's graduates, $95,549 for master's graduates, and $105,678 for doctoral graduates, according to College Scorecard
11%
Online Enrollment
$16,278
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
93%
Retention Rate
$29,178
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 56%
- Students Enrolled
- 48,149
- Institution Type
- Public
#2
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
- Bothell, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Registered nurses can earn their bachelor's through the University of Washington Bothell's RN-to-BSN program. The university delivers the program in on-campus and hybrid formats. UW Bothell also offers a hybrid master's degree in nursing with available concentrations in nurse education and nurse leadership.
The bachelor's and master's programs are cohort-based and include fieldwork. Learners can study full time or part time.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN); master of science in nursing (MSN)
- Campus: Bothell, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: RN-to-BSN: $16,221 per year (in-state), $53,328 (out-of-state); MSN: $17,817 per year (in-state), $30,999 (out-of-state)
- Admission Requirements:
- RN-to-BSN: associate degree in nursing; RN license; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; minimum 3.2 nursing GPA; nursing goals statement
- MSN: BSN; RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; prerequisite statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,152 for bachelor's graduates and $95,549 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
4%
Online Enrollment
$16,278
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
89%
Retention Rate
$29,178
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,304
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The School of Nursing and Physiology at Gonzaga University offers several of the best nursing programs in Washington. Learners pursuing the bachelor's in nursing study on campus, but Gonzaga offers the graduate nursing programs online.
Registered nurses and nursing degree-holders can pursue a master's or doctorate in nursing. Most graduate nursing programs offer specializations in nurse leadership, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); master of science in nursing (MSN and RN-to-MSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Spokane, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $49,800 per year; RN-to-MSN: $845-$965 per credit; MSN/DNP: $1,100 per credit
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: high school diploma
- MSN/DNP: RN license; minimum 3.0-3.3 GPA; statistics course (some tracks require a nursing degree)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,930 for bachelor's graduates, $105,418 for master's graduates, and $105,678 for doctoral graduates, according to College Scorecard
95%
Online Enrollment
$17,296
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
92%
Retention Rate
$17,296
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,295
- Institution Type
- Private
#4
Western Washington University
- Bellingham, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Western Washington University offers a degree-completion program for registered nurses pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing. The 45-credit RN-to-BSN program features weekly on-campus classes to accommodate working nurses. Degree-seekers complete hands-on internships and projects.
Courses cover community-based care for vulnerable populations; social justice and healthcare; and policy, leadership, and U.S. healthcare.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Campus: Bellingham, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $327 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing; RN license; prerequisite coursework; minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $76,460 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
6%
Online Enrollment
$11,061
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
79%
Retention Rate
$22,974
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,197
- Institution Type
- Public
#5
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
- Tacoma, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Washington Tacoma offers a hybrid bachelor's program for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The university also offers a master's program with two concentration options: leader in healthcare delivery and nurse educator.
Bachelor's degree-seekers complete a practicum. Master's programs require fieldwork and offer coursework, scholarly inquiry project, and thesis tracks.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN); master of science in nursing (MSN)
- Campus: Tacoma, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Full-time undergraduate: $4,066 per quarter (in-state), $13,342 (out-of-state); graduate: $6,099 (in-state), $10,556 (out-of-state)
- Admission Requirements:
- RN-to-BSN: associate degree or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.0 GPA; RN license; one year of clinical practice; statistics prerequisite
- MSN: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; statistics prerequisite; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 9-12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,152 for bachelor's graduates and $95,549 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
19%
Online Enrollment
$16,278
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
80%
Retention Rate
$29,178
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,364
- Institution Type
- Public
#6
Whitworth University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A Christian school, Whitworth University partners with Washington State University to offer a bachelor of science in nursing. Students attend Whitworth for 2-3 years and then apply to WSU's nursing school.
At Whitworth, learners complete liberal arts coursework and nursing prerequisites. Graduates receive a dual BSN from Whitworth and WSU.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Campus: Spokane, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through WSU
- Tuition: $630 per credit hour (full time); $500 (part time)
- Admission Requirements: High school transcripts; SAT, ACT, or CLT scores (optional for attendees of an accredited high school or college)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $70,456 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
13%
Online Enrollment
$12,312
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
81%
Retention Rate
$12,312
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,756
- Institution Type
- Private
#7
Seattle University
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A Jesuit Catholic institution, Seattle University offers a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in nursing.
The bachelor's program accepts recent high school graduates and transfer students. SU's doctoral program offers three paths. Degree-seekers can study to become acute and primary adult-gerontology nurse practitioners, primary care family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, or certified nurse-midwives.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $50,328 per year (full time), $1,118 per credit (part time); DNP: $884 per credit
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: college prep prerequisites in math, laboratory biology, and laboratory chemistry with minimum B grades
- DNP: bachelor's or master's degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; two years of work experience; letter of intent
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,505 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
88%
Online Enrollment
$13,500
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
82%
Retention Rate
$13,500
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,050
- Institution Type
- Private
#8
Walla Walla University
- College Place, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Walla Walla University offers nursing programs in College Place, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Learners can study entirely in Portland. Others spend two years completing prerequisites and sophomore nursing courses at College Place before transferring to the Portland campus.
WWU offers entry for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses as space is available.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN; LPN-to-BSN
- Campus: College Place, Washington; Portland, Oregon
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $29,487 per year
- Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.9 college GPA (College Place start), minimum 3.25 college GPA (Portland start); prerequisites with minimum C grades; pre-admission testing
- Minimum Time Commitment: 9-21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $77,297 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
93%
Online Enrollment
$23,580
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
78%
Retention Rate
$23,580
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,737
- Institution Type
- Private
#9
Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Seattle Pacific University uses a Christian approach for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Doctoral students can specialize in clinical nurse specialist, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, or family nurse practitioner.
Nursing students complete clinical practice internships and can practice skills in the on-campus clinical learning lab.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: BSN: $36,504 per year (full time), $1,014 per credit (part time); DNP: $899 per credit
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: prerequisite coursework with a minimum 2.85 GPA; documentation of work or volunteer hours, awards, and honors; professional reference
- DNP: BSN or master's in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; 12 months of RN experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,463 for bachelor's graduates and $94,408 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
94%
Online Enrollment
$31,896
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
77%
Retention Rate
$31,896
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,601
- Institution Type
- Private
#10
Pacific Lutheran University
- Tacoma, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Undergraduate students at Pacific Lutheran University can pursue a traditional bachelor's in nursing program. PLU also offers a bridge program for licensed practical nurses.
The master's in nursing program includes tracks for non-nurses, nursing bachelor's degree-holders, and registered nurses. Master's degree-seekers can pursue an advanced generalist or clinical nurse leader specialization.
Doctoral students can select the family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health specialty.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); LPN-to-BSN; master of science in nursing (MSN); BSN-to-MSN; RN-to-BSN; BSN-to-doctor of nursing practice (DNP); MSN-to-DNP; advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)-to-DNP
- Campus: Tacoma, Washington
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Undergraduate: $49,472 per year; MSN: $783-$1,093 per credit hour; DNP: $1,159 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: high school diploma or practical nurse license; prerequisite coursework
- MSN: non-nursing bachelor's, BSN, or RN license and experience; 3.0 GPA; prerequisites
- DNP: RN license and experience; BSN or MSN with 3.0 GPA or MSN and APRN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,875 for bachelor's graduates and $92,632 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
98%
Online Enrollment
$29,841
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
80%
Retention Rate
$29,841
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,907
- Institution Type
- Private
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]licensed RN[/hen-ui-link] in Washington, you must [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]complete an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]a BSN[/hen-ui-link] program, pass the NCLEX, and submit an application to the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. The application includes a criminal background check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attended nursing school in Washington, the school will automatically send a certificate of completion. The application fee is $120, and you must also pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN examination. Washington has a Transition to Practice program for new graduates.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you must have a current and unencumbered RN license (you may apply for both simultaneously), graduate from a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] program, and pass the relevant board certification for your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-specialties-guide/”]nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs should apply to the state board of nursing separately for prescribing authority and meet the pharmacology education requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRN candidates who graduated more than one year before applying and do not have an APRN license from another state must show evidence of at least 250 clinical advanced practice hours. The fee is $125.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em;”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Washington[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Washington Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements” href=”/state/washington/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em;”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Washington[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Washington?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Washington offer several options for aspiring nurses. Students who wish to enter the field quickly can earn an associate degree, which requires two years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses looking to qualify for nursing leadership opportunities or pursue advanced degrees can earn a BSN, which requires four years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an RN in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who wish to enter the nursing field can prepare by applying to the best nursing schools in Washington. After earning a degree, each graduate qualifies to take the NCLEX exam to receive a license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the ADN is the minimum educational requirement to become an RN, most students earn a BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best nursing college in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should identify their educational and professional goals to determine the best nursing school in Washington. The best school for a student aligns with a learner’s individual needs, including cost, flexibility, and location.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]View some of the top-ranked [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/washington/”]nursing programs in Washington[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much is nursing school in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Washington vary in price. Prospective enrollees should take time to explore a program’s structure and learning formats.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private schools typically cost more than public universities. Students can also access online programs, which typically feature lower tuition costs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]