Overview of Nursing Schools in Washington
- There are 47 nursing schools in Washington. The CCNE accredits 10 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 28 schools in Washington.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Washington is between 72.60% and 95.60%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Washington is between 76.49% and 95.05%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Washington can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
2023 8th Annual Best Ranked RN Programs in Washington

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Washington and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 22 ADN degree programs and 8 BSN degree programs in Washington. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Washington to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Pierce College
Pass Rate

- 1601 39th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA - 98374-2222
- 2538408400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.53%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
At Pierce College, students interact with the faculty and staff in the teaching and learning process so that they are empowered to build upon the assimilation of nursing knowledge, scholarships, and skills that lead to the provision of competent and compassionate nursing care.Â
The college aims to promote excellence in registered nursing practice that focuses on diversity, intercultural, and holistic aspects of care. By the end of the courses, nursing students are made competent on patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety, and informatics. With theory classes taught by excellent faculty, clinical simulations in state-of-the-art laboratories, and clinical rotations in multiple health facilities across the region, nursing students garner all the skills that are required to become successful general care providers.Â
Along with highly affordable classes, Pierce college also provides multiple financial aids to assist students to achieve quality education. Students can also seamlessly transfer to multiple other universities in the state if they wish to complete their BSN degree.
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and the LPN-RN program both allow students to obtain their RN license and practice as skilled healthcare delivery personnel. The courses expertly integrate general nursing courses with other key skills such as statistics, psychology, and languages so that students are well versed with all the well-versed including research and diversity.
Bellingham Technical College
Associate Degree Nursing Program
Pass Rate

- 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA - 98225-1599
- (360) 752-7000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 63
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,004
Book and Supplies: $942
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,540
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
At Bellingham Technical College, nursing students learn high-demand skills needed for a successful and rewarding career in the challenging, highly technical, and rapidly advancing world of healthcare and wellness.Â
Nursing graduates from Bellingham Technical College have found employment in a number of areas such as hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, and more. By the time they graduate, the students are apt in nursing care, self-care promotion, professionalism, collaborative leadership, and clinical judgment, all of which are the core values of the nursing profession. The college also has excellent NCLEX pass rates and job placement rates, in addition to a long list of satisfied employers.Â
Undergraduate Programs:Â Bellingham Technical College has a highly sought-after Associate Degree DTA/MRP. This two-year full-time course is designed for students who are completely new to the nursing field and want to earn their RN license and practice as entry-level generalist nurses. There is also an LPN-RN option which is a part-time option for working LPNs who want to earn their RN degree.
Similarly, the Practical Nursing Certificate is a part-time pathway designed for students who want to become Licensed Practical Nurses.
Gonzaga University
School of Nursing and Human Physiology
Pass Rate

- E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, WA - 99258-0001
- (800) 986-9585

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.05%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 445
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,212
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,329
Percent Admitted: 73%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
Graduation Rate: 88%
Nursing education at Gonzaga University School of Nursing and Human Physiology focuses on humanity, intention, and heart. The University offers a humanistic, Jesuit approach across all degrees and multiple programs.
The education delivery occurs through faculty members with more than 30 years of experience in teaching face-to-face as well as online education. In addition, all the nurse practitioner faculty still actively work in healthcare. They are also responsible for providing students with access to current healthcare policy issues, evolving trends, and real-world challenges facing the industry.Â
Education at Gonzaga University School of Nursing and Human Physiology occurs around the framework of Complex Adaptive System, which is a highly interdisciplinary and interconnected approach that allows students to build their skills and experience one step at a time.Â
Undergraduate Programs:Â Upon graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, students will be able to work as professional nurses grounded in leadership, professionalism, effective communication, and safe, competent, ethical care. The degree focuses on the practice in community, reflection, servant leadership, and social justice.
Graduate Programs: The online RN to MSN degree is designed for registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing. The course provides students an accelerated path to earn a masters’ degree. In addition to this, for students who already have a BSN degree, there is also an online MSN track that provides students with three tracks to advance their careers; Nursing Leadership in Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
There is an additional online Second Master’s Degree option for students who already have a master’s degree in nursing along with an RN license and are seeking a secondary area of specialization. Furthermore, there are two DNP tracks available; one for nurses who have completed their bachelor’s degree and one for masters’ prepared nurses.
Tacoma Community College
Division of Health, Justice & Human Services
Pass Rate

- 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA - 98466-6100
- (253) 566-5000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 138
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,929
Book and Supplies: $942
Percent Received Aid: 54%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,821
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Tacoma Community College proudly introduces its graduates who are competent, skilled nurses that excel in all areas of healthcare services. Students are prepared to pass their NCLEX and get employed as generalists RNs in a variety of healthcare facilities. The college boasts the highest numbers in the state in terms of NCLEX pass rates, program completion rates, employment rates, and employer satisfaction rates.Â
Nursing students at Tacoma Community College benefit from the state-of-the-art simulation labs that create real-life scenarios in a hospital-like environment where students can practice their nursing skills as well as communication skills and teamwork. Graduates function ethically and legally within the standards and competencies of local, state, and national regulatory agencies and professional organizations. Owing to clinical practice at multiple healthcare facilities and instruction by skilled faculty, the students are able to apply strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, using evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions.Â
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Associate Degree in Nursing and LPN to RN Bridge program both prepare students to become highly skilled registered nurses. The ADN degree is ideal for those who work less than 20 hours per week as it is a full-time course that takes three years to complete. In addition, students can complete one more full-time year at a four-year college to earn a BSN degree after completing their ADN degree.
Skagit Valley College
Pass Rate

- 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA - 98273
- (360) 416-7600

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 90
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,431
Book and Supplies: $960
Percent Received Aid: 63%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,870
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Through its rigorous and detailed curriculum, Skagit Valley College prepares students for a lifelong career in nursing practice. Skagit Valley College has one of the best nursing programs in the entire state, and its high NCLEX pass rates and the graduate employment rates are testimonials to the quality education provided here.Â
Skagit Valley College teaches its students valuable nursing skills such as strong communication skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, focused concentration, attention to detail, teamwork, and expertise in life sciences. The college campus houses a high-fidelity simulation lab that provides the students with a hospital-like environment where they can practice their nursing skills and teamwork. Students also learn via clinical rotations in various long-term, acute, and community healthcare facilities in the region. Graduates of the program are employed in a variety of settings like hospitals, extended care centers, home healthcare agencies, physician’s offices, mental health facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Associate in Nursing DTA/MRP program prepares students for their NCLEX-RN examination and a career as a registered nurse, as well as an entry into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion degree.
Similarly, the AAS (Registered Nursing) course prepares students for a lifelong career in nursing practice. Graduates of this program have been working as Registered Nurses, Critical Care Nurses, Acute Care Nurses, and more.
Northwest University
Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing
Pass Rate

- 5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA - 98083-0579
- (425) 822-8266

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.16%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 56
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $930
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,857
Percent Admitted: 93%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 34%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Northwest University is located in Kirkland, Washington. Â They are a Christian university, so they require bible and theology classes for their curriculum. Â Their BSN program is unique because they offer their students the opportunity to study abroad in Kazakhstan, Kenya, Taiwan, Vietnam, India and Mexico.
Whatcom Community College
Pass Rate

- 237 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA - 98226
- (360) 383-3000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 85
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,868
Book and Supplies: $942
Percent Received Aid: 65%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,787
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Located in Bellingham, WA, Whatcom Community College has one of the best nursing programs in the entire state. Owing to the rigorous full-time classes and other skill-building activities, it is no surprise that the NCLEX pass rates of Whatcom Community College are higher than the national average.
The students here learn in daytime lecture and lab classes as well as both daytime and evening clinical rotations. By the end of the coursework, students canare able to perform competent nursing care, employ professionalism, use sound clinical judgment, collaborate with the healthcare team and practice safety. Whatcom Community College prepares its students to become competent leaders who can bring about a positive change in the nursing profession and enhance the health of the community.Â
The classes here are very demanding, including and students are advised to limit their other obligations as they’ll need to put in a minimum of 20 hours per week for assignments, on top of the full-time classes.Â
In addition to that, the college is famously affordable and also offers multiple financial aid opportunities, including FAFSA, Veterans Services, The WashBoard scholarships, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, and so on.Â
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Associate in Nursing program allows students to take their NCLEX-RN examination upon completion. The RNs are then able to complete their BSN in one academic year at any accepting university in Washington state.
Olympic College
Pass Rate

- 1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA - 98337-1699
- (360) 792-6050

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 130
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,095
Book and Supplies: $1,295
Percent Received Aid: 54%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,904
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Nursing students at Olympic College undergo rigorous training and instruction to become qualified professionals who can deliver quality nursing care. The college fosters an interactive environment that encourages growth and maximizes the potential of each individual student so that they can achieve high academic and ethical standards.Â
The highly skilled instructors help students develop a reflective and caring personality along with professional behavior and commitment to lifelong learning. The students are challenged to become responsible decision-makers and be accountable for the consequences of their actions via multiple simulations in the simulation labs as well as in clinical rotations. Nursing graduates of Olympic College have been employed in a number of healthcare settings such as home health care, hospitals, community-based healthcare facilities, long-term care, and more. Graduates have also claimed that the college prepared them to become better speakers and advocate for their patients’ rights.Â
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Olympic college prepares graduates to provide safe, evidence-based care to a diverse population. The program is available via two pathways; the Veterans and Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN (VL-BSN) pathway and the Nursing (RN-BSN) pathway. These programs offer flexibility for the working nurses with one, two, or three-year plans to complete the degree.
In addition to this, the college also provides a 13 credits Nursing Assistant program and 75.5 - 84.5 credits Practical Nursing programs.
Walla Walla University
Pass Rate

- 204 S College Ave, College Place, WA - 99324-1198
- (509) 527-2615

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.61%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 88
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $942
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,723
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 59%
At Walla Walla University, students are taught a faith-based perspective on patient care by an engaging and clinically experienced faculty. The students focus on holistic care as they prepare for NCLEX from the preparation course included in the curriculum.
The graduates have praised the research aspect of the curriculum and the patient-focused care modality taught here. Owing to the focus on evidence-based practice, the students learn to interpret studies and assess evidence to determine the best nursing practice. The students learn in small class sizes that allow for more faculty and peer-to-peer interactions. Along with quality theory classes, the students gain 800 to 1000 hours of clinical experience outside the classroom in a variety of acute care and community health settings. Similarly, global and cross-cultural nursing experience opportunities account for a strong foundation and preparation for graduate education.Â
In addition to excellent NCLEX pass rates and amazing placement rates, graduates of Walla Walla University have been well received by employers who have claimed that they made valuable contributions to the healthcare facility in terms of providing care, research, leadership, and more.Â
Undergraduate Programs: Walla Walla University offers a traditional bachelors’ degree. The University also offers individualized options to complete a bachelors’ degree via two tracks; RN to BSN and LPN to BSN.Â
In addition to this, transfer students who have completed their pre-requisite courses at another institution can also easily apply to start their bachelor’s degree at Walla Walla University.
Bellevue College
Pass Rate

- 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA - 98007-6484
- (425) 564-1000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 199
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,057
Book and Supplies: $942
Percent Received Aid: 41%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,181
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Bellevue College is located in Bellevue, Washington. Â Their program consists of a Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) Training Program, an ADN program and an RN to BSN program. Â They also offer an RN refresher program, which is available for students who have been out of the workforce and need to brush up on their nursing skills.
Nursing students at Bellevue College are prepared for life-long learning via a high-quality, flexible, and accessible education. The nursing program aims to be responsive to the changing needs of the community and is representative of the diverse demographics of the college.Â
One of the most remarkable programs that the nursing students at Bellevue College are a part of is the international partnership with a hospital in Ghana. As a part of this program, students get the opportunity to apply the nursing process that they have learned in the context of diversity, global health, sustainability, and global citizenship and service in Ghana. Similarly, second-year ADN students also have the opportunity to integrate this service-learning project as a part of their clinical learning outcomes related to leadership, community health, and pediatric assessment for the course transition to Nursing Practice and Pediatric Nursing.Â
Other opportunities provided by Bellevue College include a state-of-the-art, eight-bed, mock-up hospital space simulation center that is well equipped to mimic a real hospital floor. In addition to this, the college also provides opportunities for internationally educated nurses to take the courses needed to become licensed in the state of Washington.
Undergraduate Programs:Â The college offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program that prepares them to begin a career as Registered Nurses. Similarly, for students already working as RNs, the RN to BSN program helps them enhance their skills and leadership to become managers of care, researchers, and nurse leaders.Â
In addition to these programs, the college also provides regular CNE classes and workshops on a variety of topics such as CPR, IV skills, Venipuncture, etc. For RNs who are not actively practicing, the college offers an RN refresher program. Similarly, internationally educated nurses in the college can also take the courses they need to become licensed.
There is also a Nursing Assistant Certified course that provides necessary knowledge and skills to students in order for them to provide daily care to adult residents, patients, and clients unable to care for themselves.
University of Washington
Pass Rate

- 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA - 98195-4550
- (206) 543-2100

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.64%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
Total Faculty: 7812
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,076
Book and Supplies: $900
Percent Received Aid: 56%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,519
Percent Admitted: 56%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 82%
University of Washington is located in Seattle, Washington. Their nursing department has been in existence since 1918, with their BSN program beginning in 1923. Ranked as one of the top public nursing institutions in the nation, the University of Washington School of Nursing aims to address the healthcare needs of communities in Washington and around the world through education, research, and service. The students, along with the staff and faculty, work tirelessly to turn ideas into impact and improve the health of people and communities locally and globally.
The University of Washington is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such, they are committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming community to provide quality and equitable education for all. Similarly, their Centre of Global Health Nursing plays an important part in the network of the university’s academics working in global health research and training to improve health and address questions of health disparities locally and worldwide. Another prominent program of this university is the Population Health program which ensures that population health is embedded in every part of the nursing experience, from DNP tracks to innovative research projects.
Undergraduate Programs: The BSN degree at the University of Washington is a two-year program that includes over 1,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience so that the students are well prepared for a successful career as a Registered Nurse. Similarly, there is also a program for students who already have a bachelors’ degree and are looking to complete another degree in nursing. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASBN) program allows them to gain a BSN degree in four rigorous back-to-back quarters.
Graduate Programs:Â Additionally, there is an online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies program for healthcare professionals who want to enhance their expertise in clinical informatics and healthcare technology.
Ranked as one of the best in the state, the DNP program offers multiple specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, FNP, Population Health Nursing, and more. There is also a Ph.D. program for those who seek it.
Seattle Pacific University
Pass Rate

- 3307 3rd Ave W, Seattle, WA - 98119-1997
- (206) 281-2000

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.59%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
Total Faculty: 211
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $942
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,757
Percent Admitted: 91%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Wenatchee Valley College
Pass Rate

- 1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA - 98801-1799
- (509) 682-6800

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 85
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,290
Book and Supplies: $4,734
Percent Received Aid: 72%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,545
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Nursing graduates of Wenatchee Valley College are apt in technological advances while demonstrating the value of human caring. They provide teachings related to health promotion and encourage people to do the same.Â
Nursing students at Wenatchee Valley College get a chance to practice in hands-on clinical environments in a variety of healthcare settings. Similarly, practical sessions in the community provide the students with healthcare experience, which allows them to practice critical thinking, effective decision making, and holistic healthcare delivery skills. Students enjoy the benefits of individualized mentoring and instruction in small class sizes led by highly skilled faculty members and instructors. Patient-centered care, Nursing process, Collaboration, Communication, and Professionalism are the core values upon which the nursing graduates of Wenatchee Valley College act upon and base their nursing careers in.
The tuition rates at Wenatchee Valley College are about half the cost per quarter of four-year state universities. The college is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students and employees. Similarly, students get to build their teamwork and leadership skills in the multiple extracurricular activities available in the college.
Undergraduate Programs:Â The Associate Degree Nursing program at Wenatchee Valley College prepares highly educated, technically advanced, competent, and caring graduates who can lead a successful nursing career upon passing their NCLEX-RN examination.
Similarly, the RN to BSN program allows RNs with an ADN degree to complete their bachelors’ degree within a year. This program comprises 80% online and 20% face-to-face instruction.
Grade
|
University
|
Washington Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.70 | Columbia Basin College | 14 | ADN |
88.40 | Centralia College | 14 | ADN |
85.40 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | 15 | ADN |
85.20 | Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom | 16 | ADN |
84.20 | Highline Community College | 17 | ADN |
81.00 | Grays Harbor College | 18 | ADN |
72.60 | Renton Technical College | 19 | ADN |
88.21 | Pacific Lutheran University | 6 | BSN |
87.50 | Washington State University | 7 | BSN |
86.11 | Seattle University | 8 | BSN |
2023 Salary Reports for Washington
Our Nursing Salary Report presents a thorough examination of income prospects and the financial environment for nursing professionals across diverse roles, locations, and experience levels.
This all-inclusive resource highlights factors that impact nursing wages, including education, specialization, geographical location, and years of experience.
By offering in-depth data on salary trends, industry outlook, and regional differences, the report functions as an essential guide for aspiring nurses, current practitioners, and employers to make well-informed decisions regarding career progression and compensation within the nursing profession. Find projected demand for nurses in 2030 in Washington.
Salary Compared to Related Professions in Washington
With an average annual salary of $95,350, Washington Registered Nurses tend to earn less than Nurse Anesthetists ($244,730), Nurse Practitioners ($130,840), and Nurse Midwives ($111,780).
However, Registered Nurses tend to earn more than Nursing Assistants ($38,270), LPNs ($63,250), and Nursing Instructors ($80,080).
Title | Annual Salary |
---|---|
Nurse Anesthetists | $244,730 |
Nurse Practitioners | $130,840 |
Nurse Midwives | $111,780 |
Registered Nurses | $95,350 |
Nursing Instructors | $80,080 |
LPNs | $63,250 |
Nursing Assistants | $38,270 |
Salaries Ranked by Washington Cities
The following section delves into a comprehensive analysis of registered nurse salaries across various metropolitan areas in Washington. We present the average salary figures, cost of living (COL) adjustments, and differences between the two metrics.
This information enables nursing professionals to make informed decisions about their career paths while considering the impact of the cost of living in each region.
By examining the disparities between salaries and living expenses, nurses can gain valuable insights into the financial landscape of their profession across the state of Washington.
Area | Average Salary | COL Adjusted | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $99,310 | $88,709 | $-10,601 |
Spokane-Spokane Valley | $92,620 | $94,212 | $1,592 |
Western Washington Nonmetropolitan Area | $91,500 | $94,330 | $2,830 |
Wenatchee | $91,470 | $91,333 | $-137 |
Olympia-Tumwater | $90,290 | $86,776 | $-3,514 |
Bremerton-Silverdale | $89,210 | $84,559 | $-4,651 |
Longview | $88,810 | $91,312 | $2,502 |
Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $88,570 | $86,528 | $-2,042 |
Eastern Washington Nonmetropolitan Area | $85,090 | $87,722 | $2,632 |
Yakima | $84,690 | $88,228 | $3,538 |
Bellingham | $84,410 | $82,520 | $-1,890 |
Kennewick-Richland | $83,320 | $81,799 | $-1,521 |
About Nursing Schools in Washington
Washington state is looking at a steady rise in the need for the nursing workforce to uplift the health status of its citizens. The nurses find employment across various areas including home health, school health, long-term care facilities, acute care, residential homes, community health facilities, and more. Among these, the fresh graduates are earning $65,400 annually, while the ones with more than 20 years of experience make a whopping $125,970 on average. There are some 59,300 registered nurses working in the state, and the number is expected to rise to 70,240 by 2028. As such, the state is going to need to employ 5,820 nurses annually to meet this demand and fulfill this prediction.
Similarly, this diverse state is also a great destination for both experienced and freshly graduated Nurse Practitioners. The annual average salary of the 3,720 NPs working here is a comfortable sum of $90,980, with the more experienced ones earning up to $162,080. You could see these figures on your paycheck, too, as Washington will surely need 5,180 NP by 2028, which means that the state will employ 480 NPs annually to meet this number.
To put the cherry on the cake, the Nurse Practitioners working in Washington state are granted Full Practice authority, as per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. A full practice authority means that the NPs are permitted to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests. They can initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.
As of 2020, Washington is yet to implement the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows nurses to work across states without having to obtain a license of each state. However, since the eNLC isn’t implemented here, nurses wanting to come to Washington to practice from another state must pass the NCLEX examination here and obtain their license again.
There are multiple highly ranked nursing colleges in Washington state that can help you reach your goals and set new standards in healthcare practice. The graduates of these colleges are highly compassionate, research-focused, and uphold the values of holistic healthcare practices. The NCLEX pass rates are exceedingly high, and the employer satisfaction also speaks for the quality of care these nurses provide across all health sectors.
In our Washington RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Washington RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Washington, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Washington RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 34 | 13 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.15% | 89.26% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 72.60% to 95.60% | 76.49% to 95.05% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Washington Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 46
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 6
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
- CNL: 3
- Nursing Administration: 2
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
Washington Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Washington: 10
- Gonzaga University: 4
- Seattle Pacific University: 4
- Seattle University: 4
- Washington State University: 3
- Northwest University: 3
- Pacific Lutheran University: 3
- University of Washington-Bothell Campus: 1
- Edmonds Community College: 1
- Seattle Central Community College: 1
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Washington
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Washington
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Washington offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Washington RN Licensing Requirements
Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Department of Health
PO Box 47890
Olympia, WA 98504-7864
(360) 236-4703
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $92
License renewal (annual), RN: $101
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: Seven contact hours in HIV-AIDS education
RN Licensure by Exams
Upon the completion of an approved nursing program, candidates will be required to verify program completion. This must be done before he/she can be granted authorization to take the NCLEX exam. The applicant will be responsible for an $88 nonrefundable application fee. There is a $200 registration fee that will be paid to Pearson VUE to register for the exam. When the candidate has received authorization to test (ATT), he/she will schedule the exam. After this, the candidate will verify the licensure online before receiving a paper copy.
RN License by Endorsement
Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure in Washington by endorsement. They will be required to submit a criminal background check through fingerprinting. If the registered nurse as an active license, he/she must submit verification of licensure and transcripts from an accredited nursing program. Candidates may work under a temporary permit that will allow them to work while the background check is being processed. Nurses who do not have an active license will be required to take part in a refresher course.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Registered nurses who obtained licensure outside of the United States will need to have an educational evaluation performed by an approved organization. The applicant will also be required to attest to having had AIDS training.