Nicknamed the “Capital City”, the District of Columbia currently has 11,540 registered nurses employed within its boundaries. With high average salaries of $98,540 per year or $47.38 per hour, it’s no wonder that nursing is such a popular profession here in the nation’s capital. In fact, projections show that an additional 11,150 new registered nurses, or 620 per year, will be needed by 2030 in order to meet growing healthcare demands.

Ranking 4th nationally in registered nurse salaries and 2nd when accounting for cost-of-living, the District provides its nurses with exceptionally competitive wages. It will need to continue offering these kinds of benefits in order to attract enough nurses to fill the increasing number of healthcare jobs that are becoming available. With so much potential for high earnings and career advancement, we curated a list of the best nursing schools in the District of Columbia.

  • There are 7 nursing schools in the District of Columbia.
  • The CCNE accredits 5 nursing school(s)
  • The ACEN accredits 4 nursing school(s).
  • The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in the District of Columbia is between 31.37% and 99.01%.
  • The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in the District of Columbia is between 85.63% and 99.29%.
  • RNs currently employed in the District of Columbia are 11,540.
  • RNs in the District of Columbia earn an average of $98,540  per year or $47.38 per hour.
  • The District of Columbia needs 11,150  new RNs by 2030 or 620 new nurses per year.
Nursing Schools In The District Of Columbia

Nursing Schools in the District of Columbia

Overview of Nursing Degree Programs in the District of Columbia

There are several types of nursing degree programs available to those interested in starting or advancing an exciting and meaningful nursing career in the district of Columbia.

The main program types include:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) â€“ Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) â€“ Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
  • RN to BSN programs â€“ For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
  • Accelerated BSN (ABSN) â€“ Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) â€“ Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
  • DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) â€“ Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
  • PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When researching nursing schools in Washington DC, it’s important to consider factors like:

  • Accreditation status
  • Program formats and delivery (online, hybrid, campus-based)
  • Time commitments to complete the program
  • Clinical rotation requirements
  • Faculty qualifications and student-to-faculty ratio
  • Student support services offered
  • Licensing exam (NCLEX) passing rates

This guide covers key details on nursing programs in Washington D.C. to help prospective nursing students understand their options.

Overview of District of Columbia Board of Nursing

The District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DCBON) regulates the practice of nursing in the district. They are responsible for approving nursing education programs and issuing nursing licenses to qualified candidates.

To obtain a D.C. nursing license and work as an RN, candidates must graduate from a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX national nursing exam. Periodic license renewals and continuing education are also required.

Online Nursing Programs for District of Columbia Students

Many accredited nursing schools offer online nursing programs that allow Washington D.C. residents to complete their degrees remotely. While online classes offer flexibility, students should ensure sufficient clinical rotation opportunities are available to gain mandatory hands-on experience.

Popular online programs open to district students include:

  • Online RN to BSN degrees
  • Online MSN degrees and certificates
  • Online DNP programs
  • Certain online BSN programs with campus immersions

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in the District of Columbia?

#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Georgetown University

Department of Nursing

86.54% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    37th and O St NW, Washington, DC - 20057-0001
  • Tel1
    (202) 687-0100
Person
Nurse Admin: Roberta Waite, EdD, PMHCNS, ANER FAAN
Title: Nursing Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.54%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 1639
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 54%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $44,328
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: 17%
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 45%
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 94%

Founded in 1903, the School of Nursing & Health Studies at Georgetown University offers a traditional four-year BSN program along with APRN programs in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Depending on the degree offered (bachelor’s master’s or doctorate), nursing degrees can be studied in a variety of formats including campus, online and hybrid. Georgetown nursing programs are accredited both the ACEN and CCNE. The school is a private not-for-profit institution.

Students have access to diverse health systems and community-based organizations around the Washington DC area and the program maintains thousands of clinical affiliations agreement to support your nursing career.

Georgetown’s nursing programs are recognized by the National League for Nursing as a center for Excellence in Nursing education and its MSN and DNP programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Catholic University of America

Conway School of Nursing

84.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    620 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC - 20064
  • Tel1
    (202) 319-5000
Person
Nurse Admin: Marie T Nolan, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Title: Interim Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 84.20%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 455
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 98%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $27,451
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: 82%
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 74%

Catholic University of America is a private university located in Washington, D.C. The Conway School of Nursing offers a CCNE accredited BSN program which may be taken in the traditional 4-year format or as a second degree program. The second degree program is designed for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree seeking a BSN. Instead of 4 years of full-time schooling, this program is only 5 semesters long.

Alongside the school's impressive facilities and curriculum, they offer study abroad opportunities tailored to nursing students in Australia, Ireland, and Nicaragua. They further offer a Spanish in Health Care certificate program that nurses can take concurrently with their BSN curriculum. This certificate program equips students with the ability to communicate with Spanish speaking patients, which is certainly a career boasting edge in the nursing field. When it comes to clinical rotations, nursing students at CUA are in a geographical Mecca. With numerous nearby healthcare facilities that play important roles on the national scale, CUA students have an amazing opportunity to discover their niche and passion within the nursing field.

#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

George Washington University

School of Nursing

77.68% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    1918 F Street, NW, Washington, DC - 20052
  • Tel1
    (202) 994-1000
Person
Nurse Admin: Susan Kelly-Weeder, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Title: Dean and Professor
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 77.68%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 1340
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,400
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 72%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $30,529
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: 43%
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 85%

George Washington University offers three Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs and a number of APRN programs including degrees for aspiring Family Nurse Practitioners and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.

GW is a Private Not-For-Profit University. Its nursing school is accredited by both the ACEN and CCNE. Programs are offered in both online and campus formats.

Both their Accelerated BSN and Veterans BSN programs are offered as 15-month programs to be completed in 60 credits hours and 500 clinical hours. GW offers starts for both these programs in the Spring, Summer or Fall. Both these programs are offered as on-campus.

GW's Accelerated BSN program is designed for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in other fields and now want a career in nursing.

The Veterans BSN programs is designed for military veterans. Their military experience and training can receive academic credit for serving our county.

GW’s online RN to BSN bridge program is design for nurses who have earned an ADN degree. George Washington University offers both an RN to BSN and an RN to MSN completion programs with starts in the Fall and Spring. The Online RN-BSN program comprises of 21 credit hours of course work along with the completion of an additional 15 credits for advanced standing in nursing. Designed for all RNs to quickly progress through the program of study and to continue working as a professional nurse.

Accelerated BSN Programs

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs provide a fast-track option to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in 12-18 months. They are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject and want to transition into nursing.

Key Features of Accelerated BSN Programs

  • Intensive, full-time nursing curriculum
  • Around 55-75 credits in total
  • Heavy course loads compressing 3-4 years of content
  • Demanding programs require strong commitment
  • Combination of classwork and 500+ hours of clinical rotations

Prerequisites and Admissions Requirements

To qualify for an Washington D.C. ABSN program, applicants typically need:

  • Existing non-nursing bachelor’s degree
  • Competitive GPA (often 3.0+)
  • Prerequisite courses if needed
  • GRE/ACT scores
  • Essays and interviews
  • CPR certification
  • Criminal background checks
  • Evidence of shadowing nurses

Note that admissions are selective for these accelerated programs due to their intensive design. Motivated applicants who demonstrate the capability to handle challenging coursework have the best chance of admission.

Tips for Managing an Accelerated Curriculum

Once enrolled in an accelerated BSN program, students should:

  • Carefully plan schedules to balance coursework loads and clinical rotations
  • Leverage instructors, academic advisors and peer supports
  • Maintain work/life balance through proper rest, nutrition and stress relief
  • Stay organized and proactive to keep pace with the intensive curriculum

Strong time management skills and support networks help ABSN students succeed in these rigorous programs.

Outcomes of ABSN Programs

Many accelerated BSN graduates see excellent outcomes:

  • Above 95% pass rates on nursing licensure exams
  • Increased earning potential
  • Preparedness for nursing leadership roles
  • Launching pad for advanced nursing degrees

For eligible students seeking a fast track to an RN career, ABSN programs provide concentrated preparation and rewarding opportunities long-term.

RN to BSN Programs

Registered nurses (RNs) looking to enhance their career prospects often pursue an RN to BSN program online or at a campus.

Why Earn an RN to BSN?

Compared to nurses with just an associate degree or diploma, BSN nurses enjoy advantages like:

  • Better job prospects and earning potential
  • Preparation for leadership and management roles
  • Eligibility for more advanced nursing degrees
  • Deeper knowledge to provide holistic patient care

Transitioning from RN to BSN through an accredited degree completion program sets nurses up for long-term success.

RN to BSN Program Formats

RN to BSN programs are available in convenient formats for working nurses:

  • 100% online: Complete coursework remotely part or full time
  • Hybrid online/in-person: Blend of online and campus sessions
  • Part-time programs: Dragging out over 3+ years

Online RN to BSN programs offer maximum flexibility, while local hybrid options allow for in-person nursing network development and hands-on learning.

Efficient Pathways for Nurses

Many RN to BSN programs provide generous transfer credit and course exemptions for prior nursing education in areas like:

  • Anatomy, physiology and nutrition
  • Microbiology and chemistry
  • Psychology and communication
  • Nursing fundamentals and skills

This allows RNs to focus coursework on new topics like research, leadership, community health and evidence-based practice to bridge to an advanced nursing role with a BSN.

What to Look for in RN to BSN Programs

Ideal RN to BSN programs provide nurses specialized support like:

  • Dedicated nursing advisors to streamline degree planning
  • Flexible schedules compatible with shift work
  • Credit for clinical hours completed
  • Scholarships and tuition assistance

With the right school, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing can be affordable, fast and rewarding for licensed RNs.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those wanting to become advanced practice nurses (APRNs), clinical specialists or nursing leaders pursue a Master’s in Nursing (MSN degree). Common specializations include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Nursing Administration.

MSN Program Formats

MSN programs are available as:

  • 100% online
  • Hybrid online/on campus
  • Full time (2 years)
  • Part time curriculum over 3+ years

Online and part-time options allow working RNs to progress to advanced roles without career disruption.

Getting into MSN Programs

Admissions to MSN nursing programs are highly competitive, with requirements like:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • 3.0+ GPA preferred
  • GRE/MAT scores
  • Professional RN experience
  • Essays and interviews
  • Background check and immunizations
  • CPR certification

Clinical specialties like nurse anesthesia have additional obligations like shadowing CRNA preceptors.

Applicants who select programs matching their passions and career aspirations tend to shine. Highly motivated candidates committed to advanced nursing practice succeed in rigorous MSN programs.

MSN Specializations in Washington D.C.

While coursework has core topics like statistics, research and assessment, students customize their degree by selecting a concentration, like:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Prepare to perform comprehensive health assessments and prescribe medications. Sub-specialties include adult-gerontology, family, pediatric and women’s health NPs tailored to patient populations.

Certified Nurse Midwife/Certified Midwife (CNM/CM)

Gain expertise in gynecologic and obstetric care to manage women’s reproductive health. Can deliver babies independently.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Master clinical leadership in areas like oncology, geriatrics, critical care and mental health nursing. Obtain specialist certification.

Nursing Administration/Leadership

Learn business principles like quality improvement, budgeting and staff management to oversee nursing teams.

MSN graduates step into roles like clinical directors, policy liaisons, clinic owners and expert bedside nurses.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurse practitioner (NP) programs lead to an exciting career delivering advanced medical care in various specialties. NPs perform services similar to doctors, like:

  • Diagnosing conditions
  • Managing chronic illnesses
  • Prescribing medications
  • Ordering and analyzing tests

NP Specialization Areas

Major types of nurse practitioners include:

  • Family NPs: Provide primary care to patients of all ages
  • Adult-Gerontology NPs: Care for teens to older adults
  • Pediatric NPs: Serve newborns to young adult patients
  • Women’s Health NPs: Treat reproductive concerns
  • Psychiatric Mental Health NPs: Address behavioral health

Nurse Practitioner Program Formats

NP programs are available via:

  • Master’s Degree Programs
  • RN to NP
  • Direct Entry Master’s for Non-Nurses
  • Post-graduate Certificates for Licensed RNs
  • BSN to DNP Pathways

Typical program length spans 2-3 years depending on prior preparation.

Difference from a Nursing Master’s

While MSN programs focus more on theoretical knowledge, NP degrees blend both academic and extensive clinical rotations with seasoned healthcare providers to build decision-making and technical skills.

Upon completing an accredited NP program and passing certification exams, candidates apply for advanced practice nursing licensure to begin practicing.

Doctoral Nursing Programs

At the highest level, nurses can pursue terminal academic degrees like the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or nursing PhDs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Overview

The DNP degree is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical competency in specialty areas like nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery or advanced nursing practice. The curriculum covers topics like:

  • Evidence-based practice
  • Quality improvement
  • Budgeting/economics
  • Leadership
  • Clinical excellence

A scholarly DNP capstone project allows students to investigate solutions for real healthcare problems. Programs blend online coursework with over 1,000 supervised clinical hours.

Nursing PhD Overview

Alternatively, a PhD in nursing focuses intensely on academic research in areas like chronic disease management, community health, clinical outcomes and more. The goal is making data-driven improvements to healthcare policy and delivery models.

Hallmarks of nursing PhD programs include:

  • Original research with faculty
  • Teaching opportunities
  • Academic paper writing
  • PhD dissertation

Graduates become nurse scientists often working in academia or research.

Which Nursing Doctorate is Right?

While both pathways lead to advanced nursing roles, motivations and career goals help dictate the best doctoral option:

DNPNursing PhD
Practice-oriented leadershipResearch-intensive training
Delivering patient carePublishing studies
Applying data on-siteAnalyzing statistics
Managing clinics/staffAcademic teaching

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in the District of Columbia

There are many professional and personal rewards to becoming an RN or advanced practice nurse in the district.

High Nursing Job Demand

Federal labor statistics project a strong job outlook for nurses in Washington D.C., with expected market growth due to factors like aging populations and chronic healthcare needs. This translates to excellent nursing job security and career prospects.

Competitive Nursing Wages

Salaries keep rising for nurses in response to high demand and shortages in Washington D.C. The average RN here earns over $92,000 annually. Specialists like nurse anesthetists and practitioners can expect six-figure salaries at the top of nursing pay scales.

Variety of Work Environments

Nurses in Washington D.C. enjoy diverse work options, from large research hospitals to community clinics to policy organizations improving healthcare access. RNs can tailor their career path through experience in settings matching their vision and priorities.

How to Become an RN in the District of Columbia

To obtain a District of Columbia nursing license, candidates must:

1. Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

  • Receive an RN license after passing this national test

3. Renew License Every 2 Years

  • Complete continuing education credits

Earning an RN opens the door to rewarding patient care roles with room for growth.

Nursing Program Search

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Finding the Right Nursing Program in Washington D.C.

Prospective students have several campus and online nursing programs to choose from in Washington D.C. Use these factors to select the best-fit option:

Check Accreditation Status

Accreditation from either ACEN or CCNE indicates that rigorous educational standards are met by a nursing program. Graduating from an accredited degree is required to obtain licensure and ensures competitive, holistic training.

Compare NCLEX Pass Rates

The culminating NCLEX-RN exam tests nursing competencies. Research programs’ most recent annual pass rates. Programs with rates over 90% prepare students well for licensure.

Evaluate Affordability

Consider both tuition rates and financial assistance opportunities like scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement programs and loan repayment programs.

Discover Student Resources

Look for favourable teacher-to-student ratios and availability of helpful academic supports like tutoring, advising and mentoring. This facilitates networking needed for personalized guidance.

Selecting the most fitting available nursing program takes some research – but pays dividends through expanded opportunities.

Getting Licensed as an RN in the District of Columbia

Below are key steps to earn an RN license in the capital:

1. Graduate from an Approved Program

Earn either an:

  • Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN)
  • Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
  • Nursing diploma

From a Washington D.C. Board of Nursing-approved nursing program.

2. Apply for RN Licensure and Register for the NCLEX-RN Exam

Submit fingerprints, transcripts and application fees to the DC Board of Nursing, then register for an NCLEX exam date.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

This computerized test with between 75 and 265 questions covers nursing knowledge and measures competencies required to deliver safe care independently as a newly licensed nurse.

4. Consider Specialty Certifications

While working, obtain added credentials like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) recognized by employers.

Then, certification in specialty areas like ambulatory care nursing, hospice/palliative care, critical care and more validate advanced expertise for career advancement.

High-Demand Nursing Specialties

The highest annual job growth in Washington D.C. is anticipated in settings like:

  • Emergency rooms
  • Operating rooms
  • Oncology clinics
  • OB/GYN offices

Gaining experience in these high-demand areas expands prospects. Nurses can also specialize further through targeted BSN or MSN degree concentrations.

The nursing field provides immense career fulfillment. By selecting an accredited Washington D.C. area nursing program matched to professional aspirations, students access rewarding and meaningful healthcare roles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs in the District of Columbia

1. Should I choose an online or campus nursing program in Washington D.C.?

Both online and in-person campus nursing programs have pros and cons:

Online Nursing Degrees

  • Pros: Flexibility around responsibilities, lower costs, expanded school options
  • Cons: Lack of in-person interaction and networking, need to source clinical placements

Campus-Based Programs

  • Pros: Immersive hands-on training, face-to-face faculty access, on-site support services
  • Cons: Commuting and less flexibility, higher overall costs

Evaluate program factors like clinical hour requirements, licensure exam pass rates, and accreditation status rather than just delivery format when deciding on the best nursing school option.

2. What financial help is available for nursing students in D.C.?

There are many financial aid options, including:

  • Federal Student Aid grants and low-interest loans
  • Employer education reimbursement programs
  • School payment plans and scholarships
  • Hospital sponsorships and tuition repayment programs
  • Free LPN and LVN training through workforce development boards

Start by filing a FAFSA form to determine overall eligibility for assistance. Many programs and competitive scholarships for nursing students in Washington D.C. help lower costs.

3. Can I work while completing nursing school in Washington D.C.?

Many nursing students work part-time as nurse technicians or assistants while enrolled, gaining valuable experience. However, due to intensive course and clinical rotations, working over 15 hours weekly while completing an RN diploma or BSN nursing degree can negatively impact academic performance for some. Assess your bandwidth and create a balanced schedule.

4. Should I pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science in Nursing (BSN or MSN)?

Many nurses first earn their BSN degree, then work for 1-2 years before deciding if they should advance to an MSN graduate nursing program.

Benefits of progressing to an MSN include specializing as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or nursing leader, higher salaries, and greater impact through evidence-based care policies. Direct-entry MSN programs also exist for non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees.

Evaluate your career aims. An MSN opens doors to nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or top administrative roles. Those content to practice as RNs long-term can thrive with just BSN preparation.

5. What types of nursing PhD and DNP programs are available in Washington D.C.?

Several universities offer doctoral nursing degrees, leading to careers in advanced clinical practice or research/teaching.

DNP programs prepare nurses for the highest level of specialized patient care delivery as nurse practitioners and clinical executives.

Alternatively, a PhD in nursing focuses more on academia and research. PhD-prepared nurses often become faculty developing evidence-based interventions through rigorous data analysis and publishing.

Review each doctoral pathway and determine if you are more drawn to dynamic advanced clinical practice or empirical research when weighing nursing doctoral options.

6. What is the quickest nursing program option in Washington D.C.?

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs allow you to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree within 12-18 months. These intensive, full-time nursing programs rapidly build medical/clinical competencies through rigorous coursework and concentrated clinical training rotations.

ABSN grads can take the NCLEX exam immediately after graduating to obtain RN licensure and enter the workforce. Accelerated programs enable fast entry into demanding yet rewarding registered nursing roles.

7. Where can I complete affordable LPN or LVN training programs in Washington D.C.?

To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) fast at low cost in the capital region, several community college partnerships and workforce development programs offer accredited diploma pathways, including:

  • Community College of D.C.
  • Montgomery College
  • Northern Virginia Community College

Financial assistance like the D.C. Infrastructure Academy grant often cover full LPN program tuition and fees to fill demand. Accelerated courses launch graduates into the rewarding nursing profession within a year or less.

8. Should I earn my ADN or BSN initially to work as an RN in Washington D.C.?

While many nurses begin with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), which enables working more quickly, earning a 4-year BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) is preferred for maximum career advancement, leadership roles and higher salaries.

Several RN to BSN bridge programs in Washington D.C support licensed ADN nurses transitioning to Bachelor’s preparation affordably while working. Evaluate both time and tuition considerations when picking your initial nursing degree.

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