2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington
Even before the pandemic, nursing and healthcare careers have continued to appeal to Washington residents. We've selected an online nursing degree to consider in your search. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees in Washington are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in Washington.
- The school offers an online nursing degree at the bachelor's level or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available NCLEX pass rate data for 2023. Pass rates are listed for the baccalaureate degree level.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Many of the best online nursing programs still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
Additionally, you can read on to learn about licensure and how to become a nurse in Washington once you've earned your degree.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington
School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|
Washington State University | 90.57% | 4,255 |
Becoming a Nurse in Washington State
There are four common types of nurses who work in Washington. Each career path requires a license and specific education and training. Aspiring nurses will need to complete a state-approved nursing program before pursuing a license. Many of the online nursing programs in Seattle or the nursing programs in Washington state offer tracks for students to study while working toward their license.
Nursing licenses are awarded by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, which is overseen by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Its goal is to ensure all applicants meet the minimum qualifications for licensure so there are consistent standards of practice across the state.
According to the , there were 64,920 registered nurses working in the state in May of 2022. During this period they earned annual median salaries of $101,108.
Those interested in becoming a nurse can work toward Washington licenses as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), or advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). Washington also offers nursing assistant registration and certification, which the Washington State Department of Health regulates.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Nursing Assistant Certification in Washington State
Candidates pursuing a career as a nursing assistant must attend a state-approved training program. The program must last . If they desire, students who are currently enrolled in an RN or LPN program may also work as a nursing assistant as long as they have met the minimum requirements.
Nursing assistant hopefuls must pass a competency exam that's based on the training program curriculum. The exam results are sent directly to the Department of Health for verification.
Applicants can earn certification by endorsement if they're already a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in another state. In this case, they must provide a history of their training and professional work experience.
All applicants must take seven hours of training in HIV/AIDS procedures. This training is included in all Washington nursing assistant educational programs. The final step is to file an application and pay associated fees.
CNA Certification Renewal
Nursing assistants must renew their certification annually. The due date for renewal is their birthday. Candidates must pay a renewal fee each year. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal
For practicing nurses who aren't interested in renewing their license, there are alternative careers for nurses looking for a career change while remaining in the healthcare field.
How To Get an LPN License in Washington State
To become an LPN in Washington, candidates need to earn a Washington . The process begins by graduating from a state-approved practical nursing training program.
The next step is submitting a fingerprint-based background check conducted by both the FBI and the Washington State Patrol. Next, applicants will have to choose either licensure by examination (for new LPNs) or licensure by endorsement (for LPNs from another state). Both applications ask about demographic information, personal data, professional education, and AIDS education and training.
Examination applicants must provide a certificate of completion along with official transcripts from their nursing program in order to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nursing (NCLEX-PN). Prospective nurses must pass it in order to earn a Washington LPN license.
Endorsement applicants must verify their original license by using NURSYS. The LPN must submit if their original licensure state does not use NURSYS.
LPN License Renewal
Washington LPN licenses are renewed annually on the LPN's birthday. LPNs must also complete 531 hours of active practice and 45 hours of continuing education every three years.
How To Get an RN License in Washington State
Candidates must earn a Washington RN license to become an RN. Before applying for licensure, students need to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
There are two main application methods: examination and endorsement. The examination pathway is the method for those who have just graduated from nursing school.
Examination applicants are required to complete a fingerprint-based background check. Next, they fill out the application, which includes questions that concern personal identifying information, professional education, and AIDS training. A fee payment is required with the application.
In addition, students must submit a certificate of completion from a Washington nursing program or an out-of-state nursing program completion form. An official transcript that lists the earned nursing degree is also required. Finally, applicants must take and pass the NCLEX-RN for RNs.
Endorsement applicants must fill out the same application and background check information as examination candidates. They must then submit an RN license verification from the state of their original licensure by using the . If the state in which they are licensed does not use NURSYS, they must have their state's board of nursing fill out a separate form.
RN License Renewal
Washington nursing licenses must be renewed every year. The renewal fee payment is due on the nurse's birthday. Nurses must complete 45 hours of continuing competency requirements on a three-year cycle to maintain their license.
How To Get an ARNP License in Washington State
The highest Washington nursing license one can earn is the . Most other states refer to these professionals as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) rather than ARNPs. All would-be ARNPs must have an active RN license when applying.
Prospective ARNPs need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in their desired nursing specialty. ARNP hopefuls must complete an application that includes a standard fingerprint-based background check. This application asks for basic demographic information, professional education, and national nursing certification information, including candidates' specialties.
If the ARNP would like to prescribe medications, they must also request prescriptive authority with a special form and provide proof of pharmacology education. Finally, an official school transcript is required.
ARNP License Renewal
Once the professional has earned their Washington ARNP license, they must renew it every two years by their birthday and pay a fee. This process also involves sending in a copy of their recertification in their area of practice — a form that certifies at least 250 hours of independent clinical practice within the last two years and proof of 30 contact hours of continuing education credit. ARNPs with prescribing authority must take 15 hours of pharmacology credits.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Washington State
How Many Nursing Schools Are in Washington?
There are 10 schools in Washington that offer nursing programs. They range from small community colleges, such as South Puget Sound Community College, to much larger such as Gonzaga University or the University of Washington - Seattle.
How Long Is a Nursing Program in Washington State?
CNA and LPN diplomas typically take less than a year to complete. ADNs can take as little as two years to finish at a full-time pace. BSNs are designed to last four years if a students doesn't already have an ADN. Finally, advanced nursing degrees can take anywhere from one to four years for students who take a full course load.
How Long Does It Take To Become an RN in Washington State?
Washington residents could become RNs in as little as two-and-a-half years after high school. This is the case for nurses who opt for an RN license after graduating with an ADN.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I absolutely love Chamberlain! The teachers have first hand knowledge and are able to relate to student priorities more than a traditional university. I attend online and I’m so thankful that is an option. The instructors understand that I have a life and priorities. They provide many ways to compromise and set the students up for success. Chamberlain has been one of the best college experiences for me.
Review Date: 3/27/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
You have to be independent to do this program. No one is going to hold your hand or look over your shoulder. That was just the way that I wanted it. The cost was the most affordable that I found. The mentor program was perfect for me. The course mentors are there to clarify any questions that you may have (I seldom did) and the student mentor had great tips to help me over the few humps that I had. There were several classes that I never even spoke with a mentor; didn't need to! I love that you could... Read More
Review Date: 6/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
If I had it to do over again, I would have picked a different college. As a single mom who works 2 jobs, time and money are both tight, so it would be nice to know the truth about how many classes are accepted from previous college.They lead you to believe your previous college credits for math will be accepted and then , after completing several nursing courses, tell you you have to take a placement test( one advisor said they did accept my credits and then when I went to sign up for stats, I wad... Read More
Review Date: 12/4/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Linfield College School of Nursing is a highly respected nursing institution. Unfortunately, when I started my nursing school journey, I was not in a place where I could attend a four-year college from day one. Luckily, Linfield has an amazing RN-BSN program. After receiving my RN from a two-year community college, I was able to attend the program online. The part-time program made of 6 credits per term not only fit into my busy schedule as a working nurse, but allowed for me to pursue a higher level... Read More
Review Date: 8/29/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently enrolled in their rn to BSN program and the university of Phoenix lied to me to get me to enroll. I was told that all classes are 5 weeks long and there are no clinical hours required, and both were a lie. Some classes are 7 weeks long and 2 classes require 50 clinical hours and one requires 25 clinical hours. All of them cannot be performed where you currently work. Half of each class is group work so you have to depend on others for your grade. No one tells you that and most classes... Read More
Review Date: 4/8/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
George Mason University created an articulation agreement with the local community college in hopes to facilitate the process of RN to earn their BSN. I really appreciated, the effort and the easy to follow steps to ensure admission into the program. Students were able to plan ahead of time, complete prerequisite and start taking BSN classes the very next semester nurses earned their Associated degree in Nursing.
Review Date: 9/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The college changed its program from an associates to a bachelors, and people who were working toward associates degrees were not allowed to attain them. They had to sign up for the bachelors program or nothing. This was not explained to newly applying students, that the program would be changing. It was a deceptive tactic. The bachelors degree adds 3 years onto the timeline of graduation and 3 additional years of tuition/books/expenses. Some instructors are very caring about whether the students... Read More
Review Date: 5/13/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I was accepted into a brand new program that had never been done before; University of Washington- Bothell's First Year Entry Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program. Applicants were only taken immediately following high school graduation, sent through nursing prerequisites in just five quarters, then on to nursing school, and finishing with the bachelor's research courses in just three years total. It was difficult at times being a part of a brand new program as there were many kinks to be ironed... Read More
Review Date: 5/10/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended the Chamberlain University's College of Nursing at the Pearland, TX campus. It was definitely an amazing experience for nursing school! I came in with my basic classes done, so I only had to go through their nursing classes and that took about 2 years to complete. The professors were a mixed bag as with any other University. Some were really good and knew how to present the material well-enough for you to really learn it, while others relied on you to do most of the work. I'll admit that... Read More
Review Date: 1/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really liked the RN to BSN program at SNHU. I had an admission advisor to help with transfer documents. Once the prgram started, there was an academic advisor to guide me through the course progression. To register for the next class, a phone call or email was all I needed to do. Aside from the instructors, the advisors and librarians are excellent resourses. I highly recommend this program. I liked it so well that I continuing with an MSN program at SNHU.
Review Date: 2/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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