Nursing Schools in Seattle: Top Online & Campus Programs
Explore accredited, top-ranked nursing schools in the Seattle area and see how they can help launch or advance your RN nursing career.
Whether you’re a high school senior in Kirkland interested in starting a nursing career or an experienced RN working at the University of Washington Medical Center considering your next career move, nursing schools in the Seattle area can help you take your next step with confidence. On this page, you’ll find information about the top campus-based and online nursing programs in Seattle alongside details on financial aid opportunities, licensing requirements, and career growth projections over the coming years.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Seattle
Whether just starting your nursing education or looking to earn a doctorate, you can find many different degrees at varied academic levels through nursing programs in Seattle. We overview the various options below and link to schools offering them.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Seattle
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Completing an ADN provides the minimum education needed to work as an RN and is the quickest route to working as a nurse. These programs, commonly provided by community colleges and vocational schools, require two years of full-time study and clinical rotations.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Designed for students who know they want to work as RNs but who also want bachelor’s degrees, these four-year programs cover the foundational topics of an ADN while also progressing into more advanced topics. Offered by both public and private universities, traditional BSNs combine general studies and nursing-specific topics.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs support students who already hold bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing disciplines. Career-changers pursuing this degree typically graduate in two years of full-time study since they already completed general education requirements in their first degree.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSN programs support students with unrelated bachelor’s degrees. These programs take three to four years to complete and allow graduates to work as advanced practice RNs (APRNs) after passing licensure examinations.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Seattle for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are for LPNs who decide they want to upgrade their credentials and salary potential after a few years on the job. These bridge programs lead to ADN or BSN credentials and are commonly offered by community colleges and four-year institutions.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
A popular option for licensed RNs with ADNs, RN to BSN programs allow nurses to update their associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees in as few as 12 months. Many four-year universities offer these programs online since they do not require any clinical components.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs are popular for practicing RNs with ADN credentials who know they want to work as APRNs. These bridge programs typically require three years of study and allow graduates to take on positions as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, midwives, or nurse leaders, among others. They are commonly offered fully online.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Seattle
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs are designed for licensed RNs with bachelor’s degrees looking to take the next educational and professional step. Most traditional programs take 12 to 18 months to complete and can be done online. Many schools offer concentrations to help learners focus in niche areas of the discipline.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD programs are designed for nurses looking to work in the highest echelons of the discipline. The DNP supports nurses looking to continue in professional practice, and the PhD allows nurses to move into research and/or academic positions.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificates help APRNs with master’s level educations focus on nursing subspecialties. Offerings vary by school but commonly include adult/gerontology, pediatrics, nurse education, nurse leadership, and mental health/psychiatric nursing.
Examples of Seattle Nursing Schools with this Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Seattle
To help cover the ever-rising cost of nursing education, King County Nurses Association provides nearly 20 awards of $3,000 each year to qualified students. In addition to financial aid opportunities specific to Seattle and the surrounding area, students should also understand the ins and outs of financial aid and look for general nursing scholarships available from sources outside the city. For those interested in working in medically underserved areas, nursing student loan forgiveness options are also worth researching.
How to Become an RN in Seattle: Licensing Requirements
Requirements for RN licensure in Seattle mirror those for nurses throughout the Evergreen State as set forth by Washington State Department of Health’s Nursing Commission. Requirements include earning an ADN or BSN with proper accreditation, sitting for and passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing at least eight hours of continuing education each year. Check out our guide to nursing schools in Washington to learn more about licensure requirements.
Earnings for RNs and APRNs in Seattle
As a Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, you can expect to earn highly competitive wages. The median annual salary for RNs in this region is $109,700, with entry-level salaries at the 10th percentile starting at $85,720, and experienced nursing salaries at the 90th percentile reaching up to $142,480. These figures reflect a lucrative opportunity, especially considering the higher cost of living in Seattle compared to other areas. For those in advanced practice roles, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), salaries typically align with the higher end of this range, with the potential to earn near or above the 90th percentile depending on experience and specialty. The Seattle area offers one of the highest-paying RN markets in the state, making it an attractive location for healthcare professionals.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $82,630 | $107,720 | $139,390 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $85,720 | $109,700 | $142,480 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Seattle Nursing Resources
King County Nurses Association
