Washington Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in Washington can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term Washington education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Washington Registered Nurse?
Washington Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in Washington before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Washington nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Washington.
To help students search for the best nursing school in Washington, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in Washington?
- Is Washington a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in Washington?
- How much does nursing school in Washington cost?
- Is it hard to get into a Washington nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in Washington.
How do I become a nurse in Washington?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Washington, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Washington practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Washington Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Washington, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Washington registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Washington Board of Nursing.
Is Washington a nursing compact state?
No, Washington is not part of the nursing license compact. States which joined the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) allow the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) to practice in other participating states using one multi-state nursing license. This means that a Washington Licensed Practical Nurse or a Washington Registered Nurse must apply for a license by endorsement when moving to another state.
How long is nursing school in Washington?
The amount of time you spend in a Washington nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Washington Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Washington. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Washington, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of Washington, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Washington nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in Washington cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in Washington will cost between $3,500 to $5,500 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Washington cost more between $10,000 to $12,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Washington, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a Washington nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Washington nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Washington provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Washington nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In Washington
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Washington. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Washington Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any Washington nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Bellevue Community College
3000 Landerholm Circle SE,
Bellevue,
WA
98007
425-564-2222
Bellevue Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Bellevue, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Bellevue, Washington campus for Bellevue Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 10,617. In-state tuition and fees were $4,159 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,159
- Room and Board $17,952
- Acceptance Rate Open
Big Bend Community College
7662 Chanute Street,
Moses Lake,
WA
98837
509-793-2061
Big Bend Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Moses Lake, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Moses Lake, Washington campus for Big Bend Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,736. In-state tuition and fees were $4,744 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $4,744
- Room and Board $17,952
- Acceptance Rate Open
Clark College
1800 E McLoughlin Boulevard,
Vancouver,
WA
98663
360-699-6398
Clark College is a Public institution with a campus in Vancouver, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Vancouver, Washington campus for Clark College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,593. In-state tuition and fees were $4,529 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,529
- Acceptance Rate Open
Columbia Basin College
2600 N 20th Ave,
Pasco,
WA
99301
509-547-0511
Columbia Basin College is a Public institution with a campus in Pasco, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Pasco, Washington campus for Columbia Basin College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,192. In-state tuition and fees were $5,959 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $5,959
- Room and Board $9,980
- Acceptance Rate Open
Everett Community College
2000 Tower Street,
Everett,
WA
98201
425-388-9100
Everett Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Everett, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Everett, Washington campus for Everett Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,054. In-state tuition and fees were $4,152 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,152
- Room and Board $16,512
- Acceptance Rate Open
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue,
Spokane,
WA
99258
800-322-2584
Gonzaga University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Spokane, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Spokane, Washington campus for Gonzaga University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,253. In-state tuition and fees were $50,735 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, DNAP
- Tuition Cost $50,735
- Room and Board $13,794
- Acceptance Rate 70%
- ACT Score 26-31
Grays Harbor College
1620 Edward P Smith Drive,
Aberdeen,
WA
98520
360-532-9020
Grays Harbor College is a Public institution with a campus in Aberdeen, Washington. The institution was established in 1930 and is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Aberdeen, Washington campus for Grays Harbor College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,475. In-state tuition and fees were $4,605 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,605
- Acceptance Rate Open
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple Street,
Longview,
WA
98632
360-442-2311
Lower Columbia College is a Public institution with a campus in Longview, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Longview, Washington campus for Lower Columbia College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,435. In-state tuition and fees were $4,261 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,261
- Acceptance Rate Open
Northwest University
5520 108th Ave. N.E,
Kirkland,
WA
98033
425-889-5231
Northwest University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Kirkland, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Kirkland, Washington campus for Northwest University is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,014. In-state tuition and fees were $35,000 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $35,000
- Room and Board $10,140
- Acceptance Rate 94%
- ACT Score 22-30
Olympic College
1600 Chester Avenue,
Bremerton,
WA
98337
360-792-6050
Olympic College is a Public institution with a campus in Bremerton, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Bremerton, Washington campus for Olympic College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,905. In-state tuition and fees were $4,202 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $4,202
- Room and Board $10,500
- Acceptance Rate Open
Peninsula College
1502 E Lauridsen Blvd,
Port Angeles,
WA
98362
360-417-6340
Peninsula College is a Public institution with a campus in Port Angeles, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Port Angeles, Washington campus for Peninsula College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,583. In-state tuition and fees were $4,439 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,439
- Acceptance Rate Open
Pierce College Puyallup
1601 39th Avenue SE,
Puyallup,
WA
98374
253-840-8400
Pierce College Puyallup is a Public institution with a campus in Puyallup, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Puyallup, Washington campus for Pierce College Puyallup is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,453. In-state tuition and fees were $3,952 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $3,952
- Acceptance Rate Open
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway,
Seattle,
WA
98122
206-934-4100
Seattle Central Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Seattle, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Seattle, Washington campus for Seattle Central Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,476. In-state tuition and fees were $4,865 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,865
- Acceptance Rate Open
Seattle Pacific University
3307 Third Avenue West,
Seattle,
WA
98119
206-281-2000
Seattle Pacific University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Seattle, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Seattle, Washington campus for Seattle Pacific University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,118. In-state tuition and fees were $37,158 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Post-MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $37,158
- Room and Board $14,409
- Acceptance Rate 91%
- ACT Score 20-27
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue,
Seattle,
WA
98122
206-296-6000
Seattle University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Seattle, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Seattle, Washington campus for Seattle University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,121. In-state tuition and fees were $51,324 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $51,324
- Room and Board $13,524
- Acceptance Rate 85%
- ACT Score 24-30
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Avenue North,
Seattle,
WA
98133
206-546-4101
Shoreline Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Seattle, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Seattle, Washington campus for Shoreline Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,418. In-state tuition and fees were $4,256 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,256
- Room and Board $18,162
- Acceptance Rate Open
Skagit Valley College, Bellingham
237 West Kellogg Road,
Bellingham,
WA
98226
360-416-7600
Skagit Valley College, Bellingham is a institution with a campus in Bellingham, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon
2405 East College Way,
Mount Vernon,
WA
98273
360-416-7600
Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon is a Public institution with a campus in Mount Vernon, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Mount Vernon, Washington campus for Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,860. In-state tuition and fees were $4,747 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,747
- Room and Board $9,650
- Acceptance Rate Open
South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Road SW,
Olympia,
WA
98512
360-596-5200
South Puget Sound Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Olympia, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Olympia, Washington campus for South Puget Sound Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,788. In-state tuition and fees were $4,938 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,938
- Acceptance Rate Open
Tacoma Community College
6501 South 19th Street Building 9,
Tacoma,
WA
98466
253-566-5000
Tacoma Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Tacoma, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Tacoma, Washington campus for Tacoma Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,502. In-state tuition and fees were $4,901 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $4,901
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of Washington
1959 NE Pacific Street,
Seattle,
WA
98195
206-543-2100
University of Washington is a Public institution with a campus in Seattle, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Seattle, Washington campus for University of Washington is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 52,319. In-state tuition and fees were $12,242 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, Certified Nurse Midwife
- Tuition Cost $12,242
- Room and Board $16,068
- Acceptance Rate 48%
Walla Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way,
Walla Walla,
WA
99362
509-522-2500
Walla Walla Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Walla Walla, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Walla Walla, Washington campus for Walla Walla Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,662. In-state tuition and fees were $4,965 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,965
- Acceptance Rate Open
Washington State University
103 E Spokane Falls Blvd,
Spokane,
WA
99202
509-335-5586
Washington State University is a Public institution with a campus in Spokane, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Spokane, Washington campus for Washington State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 27,539. In-state tuition and fees were $12,701 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $12,701
- Room and Board $12,396
- Acceptance Rate 83%
Washington State University, Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave,
Vancouver,
WA
98686
509-335-5586
Washington State University, Vancouver is a institution with a campus in Vancouver, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. …
Washington State University, Yakima
1401 W. Prasch Avenue,
Yakima,
WA
98902
509-335-5586
Washington State University, Yakima is a institution with a campus in Yakima, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. …
Wenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth Street,
Wenatchee,
WA
98801
509-682-6800
Wenatchee Valley College is a Public institution with a campus in Wenatchee, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Wenatchee, Washington campus for Wenatchee Valley College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,529. In-state tuition and fees were $4,968 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,968
- Room and Board $7,900
- Acceptance Rate Open
Whitworth College
300 W. Hawthorne Road,
Spokane,
WA
99251
509-777-1000
Whitworth College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Spokane, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Spokane, Washington campus for Whitworth College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,415. In-state tuition and fees were $48,990 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $48,990
- Room and Board $13,100
- Acceptance Rate 91%
- ACT Score 19-27
Yakima Valley Community College
PO Box 22520,
Yakima,
WA
98907
509-574-4600
Yakima Valley Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Yakima, Washington. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Washington Board of Nursing. The Yakima, Washington campus for Yakima Valley Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,279. In-state tuition and fees were $4,998 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $4,998
- Room and Board $8,903
- Acceptance Rate Open
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of Washington nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in Washington and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: August 1, 2024
References:
- Washington Nursing License Requirements. State of Washington, Board of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Washington State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of Washington Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Washington Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.