Review our 2024 list of the best online nursing programs in Washington D.C. We've highlighted schools with high NCLEX pass rates and important steps to becoming a nurse in the nation's capital. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees in Washington D.C. are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in Washington D.C.
- The school offers an online bachelor's program in nursing or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available NCLEX pass rate data for the baccalaureate degree level from the previous year.
- 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.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington D.C.
School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|
Howard University | 93.9% | 339 |
The George Washington University | 85.42% | 9,958 |
Becoming a Nurse in Washington, D.C.
You have several options for becoming a nurse in the District of Columbia. The D.C. Board of Nursing regulates licensure for each type of nurse in the district, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The board also licenses certified nurse aides (CNAs).
As with most areas, Washington, D.C. lacks qualified nurses. The district's nurses have advocated for improved working conditions because the has led to overwork, with too many patients for each worker. There may be plenty of opportunities in the area once you graduate with a nursing degree, but keep the potential conditions in mind.
Each type of nurse and assistant has specific educational and testing requirements. These requirements always involve earning an approved or accredited diploma or degree in nursing. Candidates may also need to pass the relevant version of the National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX) or prove that they're already licensed in another area (licensure by endorsement).
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
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Certified Nurse Aide Certification in Washington, D.C.
CNAs working under the supervision of RNs and LPNs to provide essential hands-on care to patients. Their duties include bathing, feeding, dressing wounds, and repositioning patients. CNAs also observe and report the conditions and changes relating to their patients' physical and mental well-being.
CNA hopefuls can once they complete an approved 120-hour CNA training program. The training includes 45 hours of classroom instruction, 30 hours of clinical laboratory practicums, and 45 hours of nursing home practicums.
Taking and passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam is the next step to receiving Washington, D.C., certification. The test must be taken within 24 months of completing a training program. This test consists of two parts: a written or oral portion and a skills demonstration portion.
Finally, applicants must pass a criminal background check.
CNA certification is renewed between September and October in every odd-numbered year. To qualify, individuals must work eight hours or more as a paid CNA during the two-year period before renewal.
How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in Washington, D.C.
LPNs collect patients' health information and assist with tests and procedures. Passing the NCLEX-PN is the first step toward LPN licensure in the District of Columbia. This exam evaluates an individual's knowledge and skills in health promotion and maintenance, safe and effective care environments, and psychosocial physiological integrity.
Other requirements for becoming a Washington, D.C. LPN include the following:
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Undergoing a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting
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Requesting official transcripts (with seal) to be sent to the nursing board
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Paying applicable fees
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Submit proof of an LPN license in good standing from one of the U.S. states (endorsement candidates only)
LPN licenses expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years. Individuals must complete 18 contact hours of continuing education every two years to renew.
How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Washington, D.C.
RNs perform a huge variety of tasks to help physicians care for patients. They must hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college to receive a license in Washington, D.C.
After graduating, licensure-by-examination candidates need to pass the NCLEX-RN. Licensure-by-endorsement candidates must show proof that they already hold an RN license elsewhere. Both type of applicants also have to complete a criminal background check, submit official transcripts from their college, and pay any applicable fees.
District of Columbia RN licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal notices are mailed three months prior to the expiration date. Individuals must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education prior to renewing their license.
Aspiring RNs may be wondering how to become a neonatal nurse, how to become a pediatric nurse, or how to become a travel nurse if these specialities intrigue them.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Washington, D.C.
APRNs hold accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees and have years of experience in the field. APRNs in the District of Columbia can be licensed in one of four roles: certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Each type of APRN can prescribe medication in the District of Columbia.
Applicants must take the following steps to receive initial certification as an APRN:
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Submit an and fee payment
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Provide evidence of holding a current license to practice as an RN
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Give evidence of current nursing certification by a national certifying body
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Submit official transcripts direct from their graduate institution
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Complete a criminal background check (individuals who have completed a state or FBI criminal background check for licensure in another jurisdiction within the last four years don't require an additional background check)
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Register for a prescriber number with the Drug Enforcement Administration
Non-CRNA APRNs may be able to apply for the authority to prescribe medications
Washington, D.C. APRN licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal applicants must demonstrate that they've completed at least 24 continuing education hours, with at least 15 of those hours featuring a pharmacology component.
Experienced RNs may want to read our OnlineU's APRN resources, including How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I have been a nurse 30+ years. I have wanted to go back to school for my BSN in nursing for many years. Life always got in the way. I woke up a few weeks ago and decided at that time I was going back to school. Chamberlain University online feels like you are actually in a classroom. You have opportunities to have discussions with other students. The resources are great. I will learn APA format also. I have recommended Chamberlain University to a lot of my peers. So far it is a great experience.
Review Date: 3/30/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
While working full time, and due to my employer's tuition reimbursement limits, it took several years of 1-2 courses at a time, while working on my RN to BSN. With only 3 courses left until completion, I am told that Chamberlain no longer will accept students from my state (Oregon), and that there is no recourse for me. Both myself and my employer are out THOUSANDS of dollars, and I am forced to continue elsewhere and take my chances on any completed course work, transferring. Very very disgusted!... Read More
Review Date: 2/26/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
APU is a great school to attend. Campus isn't too big or small allowing students to get from one side of the campus to the other in a short amount of time. Faculty is available anytime for any questions or guidance needed for students. Classroom sizes are small which allows for better interaction with teachers.
Review Date: 6/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Chamberlain at Tysons Corner campus (previously Arlington campus) is disorganized and the president of the campus doesn’t listen to what the students are asking for. She takes the time to listen, but then she tells you why her way is better and thats what will be done. The teachers however have been amazing. Shout out to Professor King, Brewer, Mbendaka, Noordyk, Martinez, Hammer, Sears, Smith, and Combs. These professors made such a difference in my learning. I will say, Chamberlain handled the... Read More
Review Date: 12/2/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I graduate this month with my BSN from the Orlando campus. This school is indeed challenging. Learning on your own is a must. It’s not like high school where memorization is going to get you through. I have had a positive experience and the professors were amazing. I am now going to attend the masters program which is all online.
Review Date: 9/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Very recommended college to attend, you can earn bachelor degree of nursing in 3 years and they have very supported resources to help you ba a successful student. I would recommended this college to all my friends and family because it is a great choice.
Review Date: 3/7/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UWM's nursing program is already competitive and on top of that the program is not the greatest. It's kind of sad to know that other schools already start NCLEX prep day 1 of nursing school while we get it on our last semester of the nursing program before graduating. The classes are not the best. I've learned more from the Saunders book while studying for the nclex in 4 months than 2 years in nursing school. If you want to go into UWM's nursing program, i suggest you start nclex prep the same day... Read More
Review Date: 9/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Amazing program! The professors were very helpful and knew their info. The program is hard, but what nursing school is not. A lot of people did drop out, but that happens in every nursing program. The program prepared me for the NCLEX and real life. The tuition is expensive, but I think it was worth it.
Review Date: 4/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The nursing program offered at UVM is phenomenal! State of the art Simulation Labs are helpful and allow students to practice the nursing skills they are learning in a safe non-judgmental environment. The instructors are very attentive to their students and give helpful feedback.
Review Date: 2/24/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great nursing program with well-educated instructors.! There are a lot of great opportunities in the Baltimore County area for the nursing field. You get great exposure to all different types of nursing facilities too since there are so many long-term care, community and teaching facilities in the area! Once you graduate and are lookIng for jobs, you don't feel like you're competing with your classmates for work since there are so many hospitals with many specialties.
Review Date: 6/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
There were many positive aspects of he program I experienced. The curriculum is set up so you can take specific courses together. However, you are not able to advance further into the courses until the previous courses were completed. The initial large class size did not allow for a more individualized type of instruction.
Review Date: 8/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall the University of Texas at Tyler nursing school is a good school. There are a few problems as far as organization and busy work. There were times it seemed that professors were scrambling to find places to send you to clinicals and there would be last minute changes. Having a work life balance can be challenging while in nursing school. However, UT Tyler prepares you for the NCLEX. They try their hardest to put you in different clinical situations so you are prepared when you graduate. My... Read More
Review Date: 12/20/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Saint Mary's pushes its students to explore different and at times nontraditional facets of learning. It encourages girls to become independent, focused, intelligent women who make a difference in the community, classroom, and work place both during college years and after graduation.
Review Date: 5/29/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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