The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

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Author: James Mielke
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Freelance Writer
James Mielke is a senior writer with dozens of articles published on EduMed and other higher education outlets nationwide. He's collaborated with healthcare, college, and career professionals on features in entry-level nursing, advanced nursing, occupational therapy, and overall college success. James has also published articles on food history, cooking and golf. James holds a degree in history from Belmont University.
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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Online Nursing Schools in WA: Finding Top Programs

In this comprehensive guide to online nursing schools in Washington State, you’ll will find a list of accredited programs at every degree level, from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to doctorates. We’ve included information on program content, delivery formats, costs, lengths, and more. We’ll also show you the steps you’ll take to obtain your first RN license. Everything you need to determine the right online nursing program in Washington State for you.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A man wearing glasses and a baseball cap indoors, with a Siamese cat perched on his shoulder, both looking towards the camera.
Author: James Mielke
A man wearing glasses and a baseball cap indoors, with a Siamese cat perched on his shoulder, both looking towards the camera.
James Mielke Arrow up right
Freelance Writer
James Mielke is a senior writer with dozens of articles published on EduMed and other higher education outlets nationwide. He's collaborated with healthcare, college, and career professionals on features in entry-level nursing, advanced nursing, occupational therapy, and overall college success. James has also published articles on food history, cooking and golf. James holds a degree in history from Belmont University.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
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The Education Levels of Online Nursing Programs in Washington

Online nursing programs are available at practically every level of eductioPractically every type of nursing education Nursing programs in Washington state offer every level of nursing credential. various levels of education, including ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs. Many schools provide online learning options, allowing students to complete program requirements fully or partially online. remotely. However, due to the nature of nursing, some undergraduate programs cannot be offered completely online. This is because to earn your RN license you prove that you have completed a certain number of clinical hours in an approved healthcare facility. If you choose to continue your education with a master’s degree, these programs are usually fully online with no in-person component depending on the specialization path you choose.

When choosing a program, students should consider several factors, including accreditation (which is important for licensure), cost, and the program’s format (synchronous vs. asynchronous). It is also essential to understand your individual career and educational timeline. If you would like to enter the healthcare field quickly without having to take any pre-requisites, pursuing a CNA certificate program would allow you to do so. However, if you would ultimately like to pursue a graduate program, an associate or bachelor’s degree is a great start even though it takes longer to complete. If you are already working in the healthcare industry and want to advance your career, that is where graduate and bridge programs come into play. Learn more about which type of degree would suit your goals and needs below.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

Online undergraduate nursing programs in Washington are designed mainly for individuals beginning their nursing careers, whether they are recent high school graduates or transitioning from other fields.

Most prepare students for required national (NCLEX) exams leading to state LPN or RN licensure. As pre-licensure programs, they include in-person components, such as clinical experiences and, in some cases, campus-attended lab session.

Here’s a look at the undergrad nursing program types available in Washington State.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work collaboratively under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare team members to assist with patient care tasks such as dressing, bathing, and transporting patients.

The educational training for CNAs is affordable and relatively short in length, and have a low barrier to entry as they usually only require a high school diploma or GED.

Shoreline Community CollegeCertified Nursing Assistant

  • Cost: $3,236.46 (est. total cost)
  • Length: Three months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPN programs in Washington State are available at several community colleges and technical schools. These programs prepare students for entry-level nursing roles providing basic care to patients. Common tasks include:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Changing dressings
  • Aiding patients with basic hygiene
  • Keeping patient records and reporting on patient status
  • Administering medications

Online LPN programs combine online coursework with in-person clinical experiences and are typically completed in one and two years. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN leading to state LPN licensure.

Green River CollegePractical Nursing Program

  • Cost: Approx. $8,000 (tuition and fees)
  • Length: Nine months (full-time); 17 months (part-time)
  • Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing in Washington state prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and state RN licensure. Most require two years of full-time study.

Most ADN programs in Washington are in-person. However, some include general education and, in some cases, didactic coursework that can be completed online. All ADN programs include hands-on clinical practice hours attended at local healthcare facilities.

Bellevue CollegeAssociate Degree in Nursing

  • Cost: $13,724-$13,944 (Washington residents); $25,854-$26,124 (out-of-state residents). Tuition and fees, full-time.
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: In-person (some online general education course options)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Like ADN programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs prepare graduates for taking the NCLEX-RN and state registered nurse licensure. However, BSN programs offer greater depth and breadth of nursing knowledge and skills than ADN programs, making graduates more attractive to employers.

Online BSN curriculums typically include online didactic coursework and, sometimes, campus-attended labs, along with the in-person clinical practice hours required for NCLEX-RN and licensure eligibility.

Most BSN programs require four years of full-time study.

School of Nursing University of Washington Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Cost: $4,469/quarter (Washington residents); $14,880 (out-of-state residents)
  • Length: Six quarters, degree completion. Four years total degree, including prerequisites.
  • Mode: Primarily in-person, with some online general education course options

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN programs are designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree seeking to enter the nursing profession as registered nurses. By transferring in previously earned general education credits, ABSN students are typically able to earn their nursing bachelor’s in 12-18 months.

As with standard BSN programs, ABSN programs feature general education and didactic nursing coursework with campus-based labs and in-person clinical practice hours. And, as with standard BSN programs, ABSN program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN leading to state RN licensure.

Pacific Lutheran University – Accelerated Nursing Program

  • Cost: $74,300 (est. total tuition and fees)
  • Length: 16 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate degree and postgraduate nursing certificate programs in Washington State offer registered nurses the opportunity to advance into top-level leadership and advanced specialized practice positions in administration, clinical practice, research, and education settings.

Most of these programs have no in-person clinical requirements and therefore may be delivered entirely online. Some programs that prepare students for specialized clinical practice, however, do include in-person clinical components and are, therefore, hybrid-formatted.

Here’s a look at the types of graduate-level nursing programs available in Washington State.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in nursing leadership and management, as well as specialized clinical practice (often as Nurse Practitioners). Common areas of specialization include:

  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Administrator
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN programs typically require 18 months to two years of full-time study. Part-time options with longer completion times are sometimes available.

Western Washington UniversityMSN in Nursing Education

  • Cost: $19,500 (Washington residents); $41,900 (out-of-state residents). Est. total tuition and fees.
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: Hybrid

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

Doctorate programs in nursing prepare students for top-tier roles in the profession. Generally speaking, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are for students intending terminal careers in nursing administration and clinical practice, while PhD in Nursing programs are for those seeking top-level positions in nursing research and postsecondary teaching.

Program lengths vary substantially depending primarily on the specific credential type and its requirements (including writing and defending a dissertation for PhD programs.) Programs may be delivered entirely or partially online, again depending on the specific program type and requirements.

University of WashingtonDoctor of Nursing Practice

  • Cost: $105,192 (Washington residents); $150,111 (out-of-state residents). Est. total tuition and fees. credit
  • Length: Three years full-time
  • Mode: Hybrid

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-graduate nursing certificates provide nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree the ability to expand their professional skill set to include an additional specialized area of practice without the time or expense of completing another entire degree program.

These certificate programs are often delivered entirely online, but there are exceptions. Completion times vary depending on the certificate’s area of specialization and student’s study pace.

Pacific Lutheran UniversityPost Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificates

  • Cost: $54,648 (FNP); $57,400 (PMHNP). Total tuition.
  • Length: Approx. 28 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Bridge Degree Programs

Nursing bridge programs enable professionals with existing nursing credentials to pursue advanced degrees. By building on the knowledge and experience gained from previous studies, these programs allow you to meet educational requirements more efficiently. Designed to accommodate students who work full-time, bridge program allow students to study asynchronously and use current work experience to count toward the clinical hours requirement.

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

If you have completed a licensed practical nursing program and want to broaden your career opportunities, consider enrolling in an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN program. These programs use your clinical experience and academic training, to expedite the process of earning your RN licensure. LPN-to-RN programs can be finished in as little as 18 months, while LPN-to-BSN students typically complete their degrees in three to four years.

Saint Martin’s UniversityNursing LPN to BSN

  • Cost: $1,320 per credit
  • Length: Two to three years
  • Mode: Hybrid

RN to BSN

The RN to BSN track is an online program designed for RNs who have an associate degree in nursing and wish to pursue a BSN degree. To enroll, students must hold a current and unencumbered RN license. These programs can typically can be completed in one to two years depending on if students study full or part time.

Olympic CollegeRN to BSN Program

  • Cost: $127 – $247 per credit (residency dependent)
  • Length: One to two years
  • Mode: Hybrid

RN to MSN

If you completed an ADN program and aspire to work as an advanced practice registered nurse, an online RN to MSN program may be the best option for you. These programs typically take between 30 to 36 months to complete and include clinical hours that can be performed at your current workplace. You can choose from various specializations, such as family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, among others.

Gonzaga UniversityRN-to-MSN program

  • Cost: $975 per credit
  • Length: Two to three years
  • Mode: Hybrid

BSN to DNP

After working as a registered nurse for several years, you might choose pursue a doctorate. An online BSN to DNP program can typically be completed in about three to four years of full-time study. Upon finishing this program, you will be qualified for various roles, including nursing professor, healthcare executive, clinical researcher, and nurse practitioner leader. Similar to MSN programs, you can also choose from specializations in areas such as adult-gerontology acute or primary care, nurse midwifery, or clinical nurse specialist, among others.

Pacific Lutheran UniversityDoctor of Nursing Practice

  • Cost: $1,230 per credit hour
  • Length: Three to four years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct-Entry MSN programs in Washington state enable individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become registered nurses while simultaneously earning a Master of Science in Nursing. These accelerated programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete, combining theoretical coursework, clinical training, and specialized education for advanced nursing practice.

Pacific Lutheran UniversityEntry-Level Pathway to the MSN

  • Cost: $855 per credit hour for the pre-licensure portion and $1,160 per credit hour for the MSN portion
  • Length: 27 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

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Licensing Requirements for Registered Nurses in Washington

To become a licensed RN in Washington state, individuals must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Applicants must submit proof of education and a background check to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Other requirements include fingerprinting and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status. Every three years after initially earning license, RNs must also complete continuing education courses to maintain active status. For more details, we have included the steps for earning your RN license below.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

To earn an accredited nursing degree in Washington State, you must enroll in a nursing program that is approved by the Washington State DOH and accredited by recognized organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Completing a nursing program typically involves coursework in anatomy, physiology, nursing theory, and clinical practice. After graduation, you are required to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure and be able to practice as a registered nurse in the state.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

To pass the NCLEX-RN exam in Washington state, you first need to complete an accredited nursing program and apply for licensure through the Washington State DOH. Once you receive approval, register with Pearson VUE, the designated NCLEX testing provider. To prepare for the exam, review nursing concepts, practice with sample questions, and consider taking NCLEX prep courses. Keep in mind, you are only allowed to take retake the NCLEX-RN up to eight times a year with a 45-day waiting period between each attempt.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you must submit an application to the Washington State DOH. The application will require personal information, proof of your educational background, and fingerprinting for a background check. If all requirements are met, the DOH will issue your RN license after processing your application. Remember that licenses must be renewed every three years, which involves continuing education and verification of your practice.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

To maintain and renew your RN license in Washington state, you must complete 531 hours of active nursing practice within the past three years. Additionally, you are required to complete 45 hours of continuing education every three years, covering specific topics such as using new medical equipment, treatment of HIV/AIDS, and suicide prevention. When you submit your renewal application you will be required to pay a renewal fee of $138.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

To obtain specialty certifications in Washington state, registered nurses must first fulfill the eligibility requirements set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Typically, these requirements include having a specific amount of clinical experience in the specialty area and completing continuing education courses. Once the requirements are met, nurses can apply to take the certification exam. Successfully passing the exam grants specialty certification, which must be maintained through re-certification every few years.

Jobs & Earnings Outlook for Registered Nurses in Washington

Show entries
Search:
Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
Washington $86,490 $112,180 $149,370
Bellingham, WA $84,310 $101,580 $149,370
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $84,390 $101,180 $152,660
Kennewick-Richland, WA $82,260 $100,540 $151,360
Longview-Kelso, WA $83,570 $103,740 $150,990
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $81,800 $102,660 $133,340
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $80,560 $103,850 $150,720
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $89,700 $118,570 $157,380
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $82,770 $99,290 $136,030
Walla Walla, WA $85,970 $105,360 $135,130
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA $85,700 $108,350 $134,470
Yakima, WA $81,730 $98,240 $154,180

Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
Washington 61,030 69,180 8,150 13.40% 5,150

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Top Online Nursing Programs & Schools in Washington State

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
16% Online Enrollment
$$$$$ Tuition
98% Students w/ Aid
2
15% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
83% Students w/ Aid
3
13% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
89% Students w/ Aid
4
37% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
68% Students w/ Aid
5
22% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
99% Students w/ Aid
6
18% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
40% Students w/ Aid
7
15% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
98% Students w/ Aid
8
7% Online Enrollment
$$$$$ Tuition
99% Students w/ Aid
9
27% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
83% Students w/ Aid
10
10
25% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
52% Students w/ Aid

James Mielke AUTHOR

James Mielke is a senior writer with dozens of articles published on EduMed and other higher education outlets nationwide. He's collaborated with healthcare, college, and career professionals on features in entry-level nursing, advanced nursing, occupational therapy, and overall college success. James has also published articles on food history, cooking and golf. James holds a degree in history from Belmont University.

Read More About James Mielke

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
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