Washington’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The need for more nurses continues to grow, making it the perfect time to go into nursing. While the national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031, Washington has a growth rate of 16% between 2020-2030. Washington projects the state will need an additional 5,430 RNs annually. This means there will be plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in your nursing career.
Washington offers a plethora of recreational activities and natural beauty. From the stunning landscapes of Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park to the vibrant city life of Seattle, there is something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, skiing, and water sports, while cultural enthusiasts can explore museums, theaters, and music festivals.
Washington State has a lower crime rate than the national average, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a secure environment. The state’s commitment to public safety and effective law enforcement contributes to its reputation as a safe place to reside.
The economy of Washington State is robust and diverse, with a strong emphasis on technology, aerospace, and agriculture. Major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing provide ample job opportunities and contribute to the state’s overall economic stability. No state income tax also allows your hard-earned dollars to stretch further.
The state prides itself on its healthcare system, which is known for its quality and accessibility. Washington has many healthcare providers per capita, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive medical care. Additionally, Washington has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, focusing on telemedicine and cutting-edge research.
Higher education facilities in Washington state are renowned for their academic excellence. There are multiple colleges and universities that offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals, making Washington a great place to get your nursing degree.
The Best Nursing Schools in Washington
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Washington to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Washington based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Washington State Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Big Bend Community College
Big Bend Community College is a public community college in Moses Lake, Washington. They offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students to become safe and responsible beginning practitioners. Big Bend Community College’s nursing program integrates classroom work, skills laboratory, and clinical experiences across diverse settings, providing students with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience to succeed in healthcare. Upon graduation, students are prepared for entry-level RN positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $1,946
Out-of-State: $2,126
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$1,946 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$2,126 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020-2022 |
73.9% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,892 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
74% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College is a public community college in Bellingham, Washington. They offer an ADN program that uses an integrated concept-based curriculum. This means students are not allowed to direct entry into the program’s second year as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and first-year prepared students cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. However, upon graduating from the ADN program, students can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in one academic year at any accepting college or university in Washington State. Whatcom’s ADN program provides high-quality education by using evidence-based nursing education to meet the population’s diverse and changing healthcare needs and to promote the development of qualified students prepared for the professional role of RNs. Students earn the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an entry-level graduate nurse.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,161
Out-of-State: $3,683
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,161 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$3,683 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
83% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,719 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Grays Harbor College
Grays Harbor College is a public community college in Aberdeen, Washington. They offer two associate degrees in nursing for students who wish to become licensed as registered nurses. The associate in pre-nursing is designed for students who wish to complete prerequisites and transfer to a university to earn a BSN. The Associate of Nursing DTA/MRP is an on-campus program that streamlines the academic progression for nursing students seeking a BSN after licensure. Students are given a broad variety of clinical experiences along with opportunities to practice their nursing and critical thinking skills in their state-of-the-art simulation center.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,500
Out-of-State: $5,868
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,500 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,868 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
51% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
89.5% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,938 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
66% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit university in Spokane, Washington. They offer a BSN program that uses a humanistic, Jesuit approach to nursing. Gonzaga’s nursing curriculum uses a framework of complex adaptive systems (CAS), which is a highly interdisciplinary and interconnected approach that builds skills and experiences one step at a time. Students begin by caring for patients with simpler, more predictable healthcare needs and advance to working with individuals, families, and whole populations with complex needs within intricately complex organizational settings. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work as entry-level nurses with a practice grounded in leadership, professionalism, effective communication, and safe, competent, ethical care.
Average Tuition
In-State: $52,540
Out-of-State: $52,540
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$52,540 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$52,540 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.9% |
| Admission Rate |
76.2% |
| Retention Rate |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,253 |
| Institution Type |
Private Jesuit University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
95% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Heritage University
Heritage University is a private university in Toppenish, Washington. They offer a BSN program that is designed to equip students with the skills to excel in the healthcare profession and empower students to advocate for their patients. Through the comprehensive, mission-focused program, students build the foundation for a rewarding career that allows them to help others and lead their community. Heritage University’s mission for the nursing program is to advance the health of multicultural families and communities in rural environments through excellence in nursing education, service, practice, and community-based research. The nursing department endorses the core values of caring, connectivity, autonomy, integrity, and social justice.
Average Tuition
In-State: $19,920
Out-of-State: $19,920
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$19,920 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,920 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
86.36% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
72% |
| Students Enrolled |
800 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
18% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 BSN Program
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, Washington. They offer a BSN and an RN-to-BSN program that prepares students to care for patients in various clinical settings, ranging from acute care to urban and rural health clinics, home health, nursing homes, hospice, schools, and more. Students learn clinical judgment and communication skills to provide patient-centered care on interprofessional teams. Their RN-to-BSN program builds on associate degree courses and is available in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima, Walla Walla, and online. The program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of online and classroom courses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,777
Out-of-State: $13,815
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,777 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,815 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
83.52% |
| Admission Rate |
85.1% |
| Retention Rate |
81% |
| Students Enrolled |
22,612 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
61% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Washington
When choosing a nursing program in Washington, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Washington
Nurses in Washington State benefit from a supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and ample opportunities for career advancement. The state is known for its progressive healthcare system, which prioritizes patient care, innovation, and professional development.
Washington emphasizes patient-centered care. The state has implemented policies and initiatives that prioritize patient safety, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Nurses are encouraged to actively participate in decision-making, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, and advocate for their patient’s well-being.
U.S. News ranks Washington as the second-best state overall to live in, ranking healthcare 11th overall, showing strengths in healthcare access, public health, and healthcare quality. WalletHub ranked Washington the best state to be a nurse due to its higher-than-average salary for nurses, a large share of the population living in a primary care health professional shortage area, and high-quality nursing education.
Additionally, Washington is home to many excellent medical institutions and research centers, providing nurses with access to cutting-edge technology, advanced training programs, and opportunities for professional growth.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Washington
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Washington is $101,670, and it employs 64,920 nurses. Washington also employs 4,150 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $136,590.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Washington for RNs |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA |
$105,540 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA |
$97,540 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA |
$97,510 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Washington
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Washington, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Washington:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license, you must renew it every year before your birthday to remain in active status. Before renewal, you must complete eight hours of continuing education, complete 96 practice hours, and complete the e-Notify registration and survey online at Nursys®.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Washington:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Washington.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Washington APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Before renewal, you must have an active RN license, complete 30 continuing education hours, complete 15 additional continuing education hours relating to pharmacology if you have prescriptive authority, and have an active certification in your area of advanced practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Washington
Is Washington a good place for nurses to work?
Washington is a great place to work as a nurse and has been ranked first out of 50 states for promising nursing careers. Washington excelled in areas of mandatory overtime restrictions, the quality of nursing schools, and projected job opportunities.
Is Washington a compact state for nursing?
Washington is a compact state for nursing. You can practice nursing in Washington if you hold a compact RN license for another state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Washington?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Washington, you must renew it every year. Before renewal, you must complete eight hours of continuing education, complete 96 practice hours, and complete the e-Notify registration and survey online at Nursys®.
How much does a Washington RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Washington. The initial application for a Washington RN license is $138, and it costs $138 to renew.
