Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington

About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington

Washington currently employs 3,730 Nurse Practitioners, but the need for these professionals is set to significantly grow, with an estimated requirement of 6,190 new NPs by 2030. The state’s Full Practice model and unrestricted prescriptive authority highlight the independence and trust bestowed upon these healthcare professionals.

1. Educational Requirements: Aspiring Nurse Practitioners in Washington must first secure an RN license, then complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program. This advanced education prepares them for wider healthcare responsibilities.
2. Licensure and Certification: After fulfilling educational prerequisites, prospective NPs must obtain state licensure from the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and a national certification in their specialty area. These credentials affirm their competence and readiness to provide superior patient care.
3. Scope of Practice: Washington operates under a Full Practice model. This allows Nurse Practitioners to assess patients, diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications, all under the exclusive licensure authority of the state nursing board.
4. Prescriptive Authority: NPs in Washington have unrestricted prescriptive authority. They can prescribe all medications, including controlled substances, thereby allowing them to fully manage their patient’s treatment plans.
5. Employment and Salary Statistics: Housing 2% of the U.S.’s NP workforce, Washington’s Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual income of $130,840. These figures emphasize the state’s recognition of the crucial role of NPs in healthcare.
6. Job Outlook: The state’s projected need for an additional 690 NPs annually until 2030 predicts a buoyant job outlook. This showcases Washington’s commitment to investing in quality healthcare providers.
7. Regulatory Body: The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission is the regulatory body that oversees the practices of NPs in the state, ensuring high standards of practice, granting licensure, and maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Washington’s expected growth in the need for Nurse Practitioners, its full practice model, and competitive salaries present a thriving landscape for these professionals. For those driven to make a considerable impact on healthcare, Washington paves the way for promising prospects.

Best NP Programs in Washington

#1 in Washington

#2 in Washington

#3 in Washington

#4 in Washington

#5 in Washington

#6 in Washington

See our Ranking Methodology

Online NP Programs for Washington Applicants

8 Steps to Become an NP in Washington

1. Earn an RN Degree: Start by obtaining your RN degree through an ADN or BSN program from an accredited university. Accreditation by the ACEN or CCNE ensures that your course credits will be accepted by Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Prepare for and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain your RN licensure.
3. Earn Your MSN or DNP: Pursue either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to become an NP. MSN programs typically take around 2 years, while DNP programs require about 4 years. Choose a population focus area, such as gerontology, family, or neonatal, when enrolling in your program.
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Depending on your chosen population focus, you will need to complete between 500-600 clinical hours for an MSN program or 1000 hours for a DNP program.
5. Become Board Certified: Obtain board certification from the appropriate certifying body based on your population focus area:
   • National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
   • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: For family and adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: For adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Nurses Credentialing Center: For adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
   • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: For pediatric NPs.
6. Obtain Licensure: Contact the Washington State Board of Nursing to begin your path as a Nurse Practitioner in Washington. The Board provides the necessary steps to secure your NP licensure in the state. This is your foundational move, crucial for anyone completing Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington and eyeing a future in healthcare.
7. Obtain a DEA Number: First, visit the NPPES Website to snag a free NPI number. Next, turn to the Washington Board of Pharmacy and apply for your State Controlled Substances Authority using your new NPI number. Complete the process by obtaining your DEA registration via the DEA Diversion Control Division. This series of actions equips you to legally prescribe medications in Washington.
8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure: Stay updated through both your certifying body and the Washington Board of Nursing. They outline the requirements to keep your certification and licensure in good standing. This typically involves completing continuing education (CE) credits and clinical practice. Locations across Washington offer these essential CE courses. Top it all off by renewing your license with the Board every two years. This ongoing maintenance lays the groundwork for a thriving career, especially for those coming out of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington.

Time It Takes to Become an NP in Washington

How much time it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner in Washington really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.

Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:

Starting Degree	How Many Years to Become an NP
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 – 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)	2 years
Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field	2 – 3 years
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)	1 – 2 years

NP Bridge Programs for Washington Students

Are you an RN, BSN, or MSN in Washington State considering the next step? Various paths lead to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in this state, each with its own set of requirements, duration, and benefits. With an increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially Nurse Practitioners, understanding the most efficient path tailored for you becomes essential. This guide sheds light on the details of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington, including program requirements like GPA, classroom hours, and supervised clinical hours.

Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Practitioner

For those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Washington offers bridge programs to help you become a Nurse Practitioner. These programs often conclude with a Master’s degree and offer a seamless transition from RN to NP.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: Varies by program
• Pre-requisites: ADN and active RN license in Washington
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 500-700
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 2-4 years

BSN to Nurse Practitioner

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) paves the way to a Master’s program. Several Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington cater to BSN graduates.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: Generally, 40-50 credit hours
• Pre-requisites: BSN and RN license
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 500-700
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 2-3 years

MSN to Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree holders may consider post-master’s NP certification. These shorter programs focus on NP specialization.

• GPA: Minimum 3.0 often required
• Classroom Hours: 20-30 credit hours
• Pre-requisites: MSN and RN license
• Number of Supervised Hours: 300-500 approximately
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 1-2 years

Direct Entry MSN Nurse Practitioner

For individuals without a nursing background, direct entry MSN programs offer a route to become an NP. The program starts with basic nursing courses and progresses to advanced practice.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: Varies
• Pre-requisites: Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 500-700
• Current License in Washington: Required later in the program
• Typical Duration: 3-4 years

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

Those aspiring for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can enroll in BSN to DNP programs.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: 65-95 credit hours
• Pre-requisites: BSN and RN license
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 1,000
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 3-4 years

MSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP programs target individuals who already have an MSN and aim for higher responsibilities.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: 35-55 credit hours
• Pre-requisites: MSN and RN license
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 500-700
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 1-2 years

Post-Master’s Certification Nurse Practitioner

Master’s degree holders seeking another NP specialty can opt for post-master’s certification programs.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: 15-25 credit hours
• Pre-requisites: MSN and NP license in another specialty
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 300-500
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: About 1 year

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Online options offer flexibility for those juggling work, family, and education. They may require some on-campus visits.

• GPA: Often requires a minimum of 3.0
• Classroom Hours: Varies
• Pre-requisites: Usually RN or BSN licensure
• Number of Supervised Hours: Around 500-700
• Current License in Washington: Required
• Typical Duration: 2-4 years depending on entry level

Requirements for Online NP Programs

For those seeking flexibility in their educational journey, online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington offer a streamlined admission process and efficient timelines. The admission process typically involves the submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of a current nursing license.

Admission Process:

• Submit transcripts verifying completion of a BSN or MSN
• Provide letters of recommendation
• Current nursing license in Washington

In terms of duration, most online programs enable completion in two to three years, depending on whether the student is pursuing a Master’s or a Doctorate. Time to completion may vary based on the number of credits taken per semester and the total supervised clinical hours needed.

Program Length and Time to Completion:

• 2-3 years for Master’s level programs
• Supervised clinical hours vary by program
• Time can extend for part-time students

40 Top Employers for Washington NPs

Navigating a myriad of job settings is part of the allure for nurse practitioners in Washington, who find doors open across a spectrum of healthcare environments after completing Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington. From academic research to frontline care, opportunities in Washington are as diverse as they are numerous.

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Nurse practitioners diagnose and manage acute illnesses in Washington’s hospitals and medical centers. They frequently collaborate with doctors and nurses to streamline patient care.

• UW Medicine
• Swedish Medical Center
• Virginia Mason Hospital
• EvergreenHealth
• Providence St. Joseph Health

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers in Washington rely on nurse practitioners to handle a range of conditions, often requiring immediate action. They conduct exams, interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications.

• MultiCare
• ZOOM+Care
• Immediate Clinic
• CityMD
• Indigo Urgent Care

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Nurse practitioners often work in specialized fields in private practices. From cardiology to dermatology, they offer a deep level of expertise to cater to the unique healthcare needs of diverse patient populations.

• PacMed Clinics
• The Polyclinic
• Virginia Mason Medical Center
• West Seattle Natural Medicine
• Seattle Reproductive Medicine

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Community health centers and FQHCs in Washington employ nurse practitioners to offer comprehensive services to underserved communities. Their work often extends beyond medical care to include community outreach and education.

• Neighborcare Health
• Community Health Center of Snohomish County
• Sea Mar Community Health Centers
• Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
• Unity Care NW

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

Nurse practitioners manage chronic conditions and work to improve the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Their work often focuses on geriatric care and managing long-term health issues.

• Wesley Homes
• Parkshore
• Mirabella Seattle
• Bayview Retirement Community
• Skyline Retirement Community

Academic Institutions and Universities

In academic settings, nurse practitioners often wear multiple hats. They educate future healthcare professionals while also participating in research.

• University of Washington
• Washington State University
• Gonzaga University
• Seattle University
• Pacific Lutheran University

Government and Military Facilities

Nurse practitioners in government and military settings often enjoy added job security and robust benefits. Roles can range from patient care to policy advisory positions.

• VA Puget Sound Health Care
• Madigan Army Medical Center
• Naval Hospital Bremerton
• Public Health—Seattle & King County
• Washington State Department of Health

Home Health Care Agencies

Nurse practitioners in home health agencies bring healthcare directly to patients’ homes in Washington. They assess conditions, offer personalized treatment plans and adapt those plans according to the home environment.

• Kindred at Home
• BrightStar Care
• Home Instead
• Providence Home Services
• Aveanna Healthcare

Most Popular NP Certifications

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Classes NP Students Take in Washington

In Washington, aspiring Nurse Practitioners find various programs designed to propel their medical careers. Among these, the University of Washington is a prominent option for rigorous training and comprehensive coursework. Here’s a sneak peek at 10 pivotal courses in their program.

1. Advanced Pathophysiology: Get down to the cellular level to explore how diseases originate and progress. You’ll grasp the why and how behind common and rare illnesses.

2. Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning: This course transforms how you view patient encounters. Learn to gather data like a detective and reason your way to accurate diagnoses.

3. Advanced Pharmacology: Drugs aren’t just pills; they’re tools. Learn when to use which tool and how to predict its impact on the body.

4. Primary Care of Adults: Step into the daily life of adult patients. You’ll learn to diagnose, treat, and manage a broad array of health issues affecting this population.

5. Primary Care of Pediatrics: Switch gears to focus on the younger crowd. From infant to teen, you’ll learn how to handle the unique health needs of this age group.

6. Mental Health for Primary Care: Mental health is health. This course equips you to recognize, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions in a primary care setting.

7. Women’s Health: Gain specialized knowledge in the unique healthcare needs of women. From prenatal care to gynecology, this course has it covered.

8. Geriatric Care: As populations age, geriatric expertise is increasingly crucial. Learn how to manage chronic conditions and appreciate the nuances of end-of-life care.

9. Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice: Don’t just follow the guidelines; understand them. Learn how to dissect medical research to apply the latest best practices.

10. Healthcare Systems and Policy: Learn the ropes of how healthcare systems work, from policy to economics. After this course, you’ll navigate the U.S. healthcare maze with ease.

The courses offer a balanced mix of theory and hands-on practice, setting the stage for diverse roles in healthcare.

Costs of NP Programs in Washington

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

10 Scholarships for Washington NP Students

For nurses aiming to step into the role of a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, navigating the financial burden of education becomes a pivotal concern. Scholarships offer a pathway, lightening the fiscal load. Here are ten scholarships in Washington, each awarding a minimum of $2,500, specifically tailored for nurses on the journey to becoming nurse practitioners.

1. Washington State Nurses Foundation Scholarship
Deadline Month: June
Award Amount: $3,000
Committed to boosting the careers of Washington nurses, the foundation awards this scholarship to candidates who excel academically and exhibit significant financial need.

2. Promise of Nursing for Washington
Deadline Month: April
Award Amount: $3,500
This scholarship opens its doors to undergraduates with a GPA above 3.0, emphasizing financial need as a primary criterion.

3. Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization
Deadline Month: March
Award Amount: $4,000
Focused on diversifying the healthcare industry, this scholarship supports minority nursing students.

4. Washington Center for Nursing
Deadline Month: September
Award Amount: $2,500
Whether you’re an LPN, RN, or a Nurse Practitioner candidate, this scholarship offers a chance for those who have a strong record of community service.

5. Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award Program
Deadline Month: November
Award Amount: $5,000
Aimed at South King County residents, this scholarship targets students who have faced adversity and still aspire to a nursing degree.

6. American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Deadline Month: December
Award Amount: $2,500
Open to AANP members only, it looks for candidates enrolled in an NP program and who show signs of leadership.

7. Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Deadline Month: February
Award Amount: $7,500
Designed for low and middle-income students in Washington, this scholarship accommodates students across various fields, including nursing.

8. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Deadline Month: January
Award Amount: $2,500
If you’re a Sigma Theta Tau member aiming for academic excellence, this scholarship could be your match.

9. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Deadline Month: May
Award Amount: Full Tuition
A unique opportunity, this scholarship offers full tuition plus a monthly stipend, requiring service in underserved areas in return.

10. Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
Deadline Month: July
Award Amount: Up to $75,000
For practicing nurses, this loan repayment program can be a financial lifesaver if you commit to serving in designated shortage areas.

No discussion about nursing scholarships is complete without mentioning the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s the entryway to a range of public and private financial aid options, and anyone looking to secure funds for their education should consider it a must-do.

Salaries for NP Graduates in Washington

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, Nurse Practitioners in Washington are gaining recognition not just for their expertise but also for their earning potential. Drawing on extensive data, we break down what these medical professionals earn in the Evergreen State. Here are the key numbers to chew on, sourced from the 2023 Nurse Practitioner salary report, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Labor, and the US Department of Education.

Washington currently employs 7,160 Nurse Practitioners, who earn an average of $120,470 per year or $57.92 per hour. With 3% of U.S. Nurse Practitioners working in the state, Washington has growing demands; projections indicate a need for 12,090 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030—that’s 900 new nurses per year.

Salary by Type of Nurse Practitioner in Washington

• Family Nurse Practitioners: Earn around $118,000 annually.
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners: Take home about $125,000 per year.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: Average approximately $119,000 each year.
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioners: Make nearly $122,000 annually.
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners: Earn close to $120,000 per year.

Non-Salary Benefits

• Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive plans including dental and vision.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) matching programs.
• Continuing Education: Subsidies for professional development.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leaves and holidays.
• Relocation Assistance: For Nurse Practitioners moving within the state.

It’s essential to look at the full picture. Salaries are a significant factor, but they’re not the only one. Review the complete 2023 Nurse Practitioner salary report to understand the evolving trends better.

Using the combined data of tens-of-thousands of NP salary surveys, the data from the U.S. Department of Education, get the detailed Salary and Employment report below.

All Online & Campus NP Programs in Washington

Washington offers 6 Nurse Practitioner programs that provide comprehensive training and specialization options. These programs equip nurses with the skills needed for advanced practice, ensuring they meet the state’s growing healthcare demands.

University	Offered as	City/State
Gonzaga University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Spokane, WA
Pacific Lutheran University	Campus, Hybrid	Tacoma, WA
Seattle Pacific University	Campus	Seattle, WA
Seattle University	Campus, Hybrid	Seattle, WA
Washington State University	Campus, Hybrid	Pullman, WA
University of Washington	Campus	Seattle, WA

Washington Organizations for Nurse Practitioner

Navigating the educational and career pathways of a Nurse Practitioner in Washington demands resources that cut through the noise. Here’s a concentrated list of valuable resources, each designed to provide actionable insights, networking opportunities, or educational material for aspiring and current Nurse Practitioners in Washington.

Key Resources for Nurse Practitioner Students in Washington

• Washington State Nurses Association: A hub for all nurses, offering everything from career advice to legislative advocacy.
• ARNP United: Provides resources specifically for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, including a job board and continuing education courses.
• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State: Comprehensive guide covering accredited programs, salary expectations, and job outlook for Nurse Practitioners.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): The national organization offers a state-by-state guide for Nurse Practitioners, including Washington-specific information.
• Washington Center for Nursing: This resource concentrates on workforce development and research, offering numerous scholarship options for Nurse Practitioner students.
• Washington State Department of Health: The go-to place for licensure information, renewals, and state regulations affecting Nurse Practitioners.
• University of Washington School of Nursing: Offers a range of Nurse Practitioner programs and provides current research and community outreach information.
• Washington State University College of Nursing: Known for its rigorous Nurse Practitioner programs, WSU also provides research opportunities and community health programs.
• Nurse Practitioner Group of Spokane: A local organization that provides networking opportunities, continuing education, and a forum for Nurse Practitioners to share best practices.
• Washington Health Professional Services: Offers assistance programs for healthcare professionals, including Nurse Practitioners, who might be struggling with stress, substance abuse, or mental health issues.

Information is power when it comes to advancing in any field, and these resources provide a robust base for both aspiring and practicing Nurse Practitioners in Washington.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology