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 50.13% and 98.64%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Washington is between 86.79% and 93.11%.
- 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.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Washington
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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 | 86.86% | 90.57% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 50.13% to 98.64% | 86.79% to 93.11% |
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
- Seattle Pacific University: 4
- Gonzaga University: 4
- Seattle University: 4
- Pacific Lutheran University: 3
- Washington State University: 3
- Northwest University: 3
- Clover Park Technical College: 1
- Spokane Community College: 1
- North Seattle Community College: 1
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 30 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
View More
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
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
View More
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
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
View More
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%
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
View More
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
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
View More
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
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%
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
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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
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
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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
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
View More
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%
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
View More
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
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
View More
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%
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
View More
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
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 |
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.
MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
RN Salaries in Washington
Health care facilities in Washington are pushing for nurses that are baccalaureate-prepared. A lot of nursing schools in Washington work in collaboration with health care facilities to ensure that a high level of education is provided which will ultimately result in well educated and highly skilled nursing workforce. Nurses who have obtained a BSN have the ability to provide education resources for nursing students and newly licensed nurses. Certifications can provide nurses with unique career mobility and independent practice in areas such as oncology and nursing advocacy.
Washington Registered Nursing Salaries
Overall, the Seattle area has the highest number employed registered nurses with 33,660 RNs and the highest annual wage of $95,120.
Area | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
Bellingham | 460 | 33.73 | $70,160 |
Bremerton-Silverdale | 1,410 | 34.07 | $70,870 |
Eastern Washington | 1,430 | 40.03 | $83,260 |
Kennewick-Richland | 2,080 | 38.98 | $81,080 |
Longview | 780 | 34.08 | $70,880 |
Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 1,220 | 42.48 | $88,360 |
Olympia-Tumwater | 2,120 | 44.84 | $93,270 |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 33,660 | 45.73 | $95,120 |
Spokane-Spokane Valley | 6,570 | 43.21 | $89,890 |
Walla Walla | 760 | 43.88 | $91,280 |
Wenatchee | 1,390 | 42.57 | $88,550 |
Western Washington | 2,360 | 42.98 | $89,400 |
Yakima, WA | 1,860 | 35.63 | $74,100 |
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.