06/9/2022
Have you had to find a needle in a haystack? How long did it take?
Selecting your ideal Washington nursing school may take longer, but that’s not the bad news.
Rather, your choice may be a terrible fit for you and that’s usually something you realize after your first year.
So, what’s the solution?
This roundup review.
In this piece, we’ve trimmed the number of nursing institutions in Washington to the minimum, considering program flexibility and depth, facilities, and fees, among other essential criteria.
Ready to go?
Here’s a toast to finding what works best for your nursing career!
The US Bureau of Labor reported that registered nurses in Washington earn an average of $90,310 yearly, $10,000 more than the national figure.
What’s better?
You can earn higher working in Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle, and other populated cities! The good news doesn’t end here.
Washington currently employs 90,310 registered nurses only, an insignificant number compared to the state’s 7.6M populace. Subsequently, nurses maintain excellent employability in The Evergreen State.
Washington nursing schools may have different criteria for admission. However, the basics are:
University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 35,582 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size…....
Art Art History Biology BSN Program
Washington, US School Type : Public
Tuition: $4,026 Resident / $13,302 Non-resident (quarterly payments)
Acceptance rate: 56%
Graduation rate: 84%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
Available Programs
Do you care about prestige? UW has been around since 1861, and its nursing school recently ranked 7th in the US News and World Reports list of Best Global Nursing Universities. Impressive! But it gets better.
The University of Washington boasts the earmarks of a top-notch nursing school, and we may start with a robust learning curve. Students can access numerous research opportunities and helpful features, such as funding, training, mentorship, and advising.
In addition, the school offers 33 esteemed faculty, each with its line of outstanding scientists and clinicians. Students of all molds — ranging from BSN to PhD — can learn from the best.
Lastly, the programs are remarkably flexible. Field rookies can secure their first credential in two years with UW’s accelerated courses, while working nurses can enjoy quality education online.
Seattle University is a private institution that was founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,299 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size is…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington, US School Type : Private
Tuition: $884 per hour.
Acceptance rate: 83%
Graduation rate: 76%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93.6%
Available Programs
The stunningly aesthetic Seattle University touts itself as “the melting point of innovative and human-centered education”, and we agree.
Here’s where students earn their golden stripes!
For a start, SU boasts a 20,000 square foot clinical performance lab. Here, students can execute essential activities using state-of-the-art facilities, such as a simulation suite with high-fidelity manikins, a skills lab, a teaching space, and a research/practice room.
Additionally, 18 is the average class size at the school, so tailored learning is assured. This personal touch may explain why 96% of SU students gain employment or progress to grad school within six months.
As per programs, the school offers BSN and DNP programs. The former even accepts transferred credits from other schools so students can finish in two years.
Gonzaga University: Your Future AwaitsUnlock your true potential at Gonzaga University, ranked #80 among US universities — U.S. News & World Report (2021). Located in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga offers 49…....
Accounting Advertising Applied Engineering Sciences Applied MathematicsWashington, US School Type : University
Tuition: $49,800
Acceptance rate: 73%
Graduation rate: 87%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 100%
Available Programs
Gonzaga University presents a comprehensive selection of online programs for working adults, so handling work and school responsibilities is more convenient.
In fact, this Spokane institution caters primarily to the transition of registered nurses to masters and doctors. However, there’s a traditional bachelor’s degree program for starters.
What’s better?
Gonzaga has an 11:1 student/tutor ratio, so individualized nursing education is a guarantee. Ideally, this feature complements the school’s partnership with over 30 clinical facilities around Spokane, providing an actual clinical environment for practice.
Conclusively, the tuition here might be relatively pricey, but the school has excellent aid programs for students. So you know, 98% of Gonzaga’s students receive at least one form of financial aid occasionally.
Washington State University is a public institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,470 (fall 2020), its setting is rural, and the campus size…....
Accounting Acting (BFA) Advertising Advertising and Marketing CommunicationsWashington, US School Type : Public
Tuition: $14,830 Resident / $22,488 Non-resident (per semester)
Acceptance rate: 80%
Graduation rate: 62.2%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90%
Available Programs
Washington State University ticks the relevant boxes in our checklist.
For starters, the school is a pioneer in simulated learning, as the cutting-edge simulated labs prove. Plus, students have access to community health drives to sharpen their hard clinical skills.
That’s not all:
WSU is a boon for aspiring nurse researchers, courtesy of its status as a public research university. It currently sits among the biggest beneficiaries of the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) biomedical research funding.
In addition, the school achieves a balance in its hybrid (online and on-site) programs, such that students can optimize the benefits of both studies approaches. These courses are available part-time and full-time, too!
Seattle Pacific University is a private institution that was founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,702 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington, US School Type : Private
Tuition: $42,244
Acceptance rate: 91%
Graduation rate: 67%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 92.75%
Available Programs
As a private Christian liberal arts university, Seattle Pacific provides outstanding nursing programs and molds learners on value-based learning to generate compassionate and skilled nurses.
The clinical experts here are practicing professionals; hence you’ll get up-to-date educational guidance. Moreover, the class sizes average just 19, with the student to faculty ratio being 13:1 to assure you of personal attention.
It gets better! Students can complement the classroom lessons with practicals in the advanced labs. Not to mention the community outreach stretches for real-life application.
SPU offers a BSN program and some sublets of DNP courses only. However, the school makes up for this not-too-comprehensive portfolio with impressively flexible arrangements. For instance, DNP students go into class once weekly to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities more conveniently.
Lastly, 95% of the students at Seattle Pacific University enjoy financial help, so you may apply if the tuition is a little too steep.
Walla Walla University is a private institution that was founded in 1892. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,545 (fall 2020), its setting is rural, and the campus size…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington, US School Type : Private
Tuition: $29,487 annually.
Acceptance rate: 71%
Graduation rate: 61%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 95%
Available Programs
Walla Walla launched as a private Adventist university to introduce a faith perspective to patient care. So, students can expect unique teaching practices, especially with the small class sizes.
Learners spend between 800-100 clinical hours of nursing training in acute care and community health settings to solidify their clinical wit. Plus, there’s a well-equipped clinical skills lab for more practice!
Note that students of the traditional BSN program spend the first two years at the main campus in College Place, while the Portland campus serves as a home for the last two.
WWU also offers a bridge program for RNs or LPNs looking to acquire their BSNs. Students of this scheme can count on excellent learning using simulated facilities while enjoying the freedom to attend non-school obligations.
To conclude, WWU’s nursing programs include an NCLEX prep course to prepare students better. Little wonder the school has a first-time 95% pass rate!
Northwest University, Washington, becomes the second private Christian liberal arts university on this list, courtesy of its unique merger of evidence and faith-based nursing education. Guess what? The university's Buntain…....
Accounting Biology Business Business AdministrationWashington, US School Type : Private
Tuition: $33,980
Acceptance rate: 93%
Graduation rate: 65%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 96%
Available Programs
Northwest University, Washington, becomes the second private Christian liberal arts university on this list, courtesy of its unique merger of evidence and faith-based nursing education.
Guess what?
The university’s Buntain College of Nursing possesses the highest BSN NCLEX pass rate (96%) among Christian nursing schools in Washington.
NU provides BSN and MSN programs to cater to all nursing student classes. These courses are thorough and detailed, fostered with intermittent high and low-fidelity clinical situations simulation.
Impressed yet?
Here’s the best thing: BSN students can gain cross-cultural exposure through the school’s one-month abroad opportunities.
The RN–BSN and MSN offerings are fully remote (including clinical hours), so licensed RNs can continue practicing while studying.
WHO WE AREPacific Lutheran University purposefully integrates the liberal arts, professional studies and civic engagement in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With distinctive international programs and close student-faculty research opportunities, PLU…....
Accounting Acting (BFA) Acting & Performing Arts ArtWashington, US School Type : University
Tuition: $33,883
Acceptance rate: 86%
Graduation rate: 70%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
Available Programs
Pacific Lutheran University believes a tight-knit academic society brings the best outcomes, so it doesn’t offer online programs.
Consequently, the school maintains a small cohort size per class (13:1) to ensure no student falls through the cracks.
The Tacoma-based school offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, but its bridge MSN programs are its primary selling point. PLU even includes options for nurses and non-nurses with non-nursing degrees.
That’s not all:
Your nursing faculty at PLU is responsible for finding you a nursing practice slot. With a partnership with 100+ health institutions, you can rest assured that gaining this slot and your favorite clinical rotation area is a piece of cake.
Remember, 98% of Pacific Lutheran University students receive financial aid, so you have excellent opportunities to ease the tuition weight.
Columbia Basin College affordably prepares students to work in diverse health settings. In other words, the school is ideal for persons interested in nursing but don't have lots of time…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington, US School Type : Public
Tuition: $4,958 Local / $6,639 Domestic
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 28%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 95%
Available Programs
Columbia Basin College affordably prepares students to work in diverse health settings. In other words, the school is ideal for persons interested in nursing but don’t have lots of time or money to spend.
The school offers ADN and NA programs for future entry-level nurses. Alternatively, you may prefer the online RN-BSN bridge course for RNs looking to upgrade their credentials.
On-site learning is handled in a dedicated Health Sciences Center, including a state-of-the-art simulations lab to provide a safe clinical environment for practice.
Lastly, Columbia Basin College has 57 clinical facility partnerships that allow its students a space to practice in a natural and fast-paced setting.
Olympic College houses a diverse community of first-timers and returning students in the medical field — an understandable feature, considering it's a public college with 75 years of experience. The…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington, US School Type : Public
Tuition: $3,971 Local / $9,362 Domestic
Acceptance rate: 73%
Graduation rate: 89%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 92%
Available Programs
Olympic College houses a diverse community of first-timers and returning students in the medical field — an understandable feature, considering it’s a public college with 75 years of experience.
The college primarily caters to entry-level nursing, although there’s enough for licensed practical and registered nurses who want to parlay their degrees into an ADN or BSN degree.
The school’s considerate offering of online or hybrid alternatives to working nurses is an excellent consideration. Is your schedule exhaustive? You can always meet up with additional support services, including tutoring and advising.
Note that Olympic College has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates among Washington’s community colleges.
Bellevue is Washington's third-largest tertiary education institution. Therefore, it gains more funding than most colleges, inferring modern-day facilities for students. The school's goal is to provide students with high-quality, flexible,…....
Accounting Biology Business Business AdministrationWashington, US School Type : Public
Tuition: $7,453 Resident / $18,235 Non-resident (per session)
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 38.9%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 91%
Available Programs
Bellevue is Washington’s third-largest tertiary education institution. Therefore, it gains more funding than most colleges, inferring modern-day facilities for students.
The school’s goal is to provide students with high-quality, flexible, and accessible education, and it looks poised to achieve this mark. However, BC programs may be rigorous, so don’t mistake their flexibility for low effort.
Most transition nursing courses are available in a hybrid but heavily online format. So, physical classes are once a week. In addition, the school offers a unique Continuing Nursing Education program for internationally educated nurses, non-practicing nurses, and practicing nurses who want to spruce up their nursing skills.
Lastly, tuition is relatively affordable at Bellevue College, not to mention the various opportunities for students to finance their education.
The nursing school at Western Washington University is designed for licensed RNs who have an ADN degree or a nursing diploma. Thanks to its exclusive transfer and transition nationally accredited…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington , US School Type : Public
Tuition: $8,508 Local / $25,266 Domestic
Acceptance rate: 93%
Graduation rate: 69%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
Available Programs
The nursing school at Western Washington University is designed for licensed RNs who have an ADN degree or a nursing diploma. Thanks to its exclusive transfer and transition nationally accredited RN-BSN course.
This program comprises 45 upper-division credits and is completable in four quarters full-time or eight quarters if you opt for the part-time version.
In addition, the whole course is delivered in a hybrid package, so on-site classes hold once weekly. Such an arrangement ensures students can devote enough attention to other duties.
Western Washington University provides quality hands-on experience and internship opportunities through its high-tech lab facilities and clinical affiliations.
Everett Community College offers an RN program for students with no prior nursing education. This course takes only two years of classroom and hard skill nursing training. Practical training takes…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington , US School Type : Public
Tuition: $3,972 Local / $9,363 Tuition
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 36%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 94.89%
Available Programs
Everett Community College offers an RN program for students with no prior nursing education. This course takes only two years of classroom and hard skill nursing training.
Practical training takes place in the school’s advanced simulation lab.
What’s better?
The school partners with over 100 clinical facilities to improve the interactive learning experience and skill development.
Additionally, the school states that 98% of the program’s graduates are hired within nine months of their graduation, showing how professionally alluring Everett Community College’s RN graduates are for the health industry.
Whatcom Community College offers Nursing Assistant and ADN courses, although the latter is its primary focus. The two-year program is full-time and demanding, requiring at least 18 in-class hours and…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington , US School Type : Public
Tuition: $8,576 Local / $19,379 Domestic
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 41.3%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
Available Programs
Whatcom Community College offers Nursing Assistant and ADN courses, although the latter is its primary focus.
The two-year program is full-time and demanding, requiring at least 18 in-class hours and even more clinical hours a week, so you have to put your obligations on the shelf.
Regardless, we like that it’ll prepare you for the nursing industry’s fast pace.
You’ll spend your time in class, labs, and community health activities to carve your theoretical knowledge and applied expertise. Not to forget the tutoring side support for whoever asks.
Shoreline Community CollegeFounded in 1964, Shoreline Community College is a public accredited college, renowned for providing a high quality education and helping students achieve their dreams. Located in Seattle, Washington,…....
Accounting Acting & Performing Arts Advertising Aeronautical EngineeringWashington, US School Type : 2yr/Community College
Tuition: $147 Resident / $241 Non-resident (per credit)
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 38%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90%
Available Programs
Shoreline Community College embraces its community status excellently to provide students with massive support. Consider that 75% of the students receive tuition, technical fee, food, transport, and housing aid, for a start.
This school is a brilliant option for entry-level nursing students. The AAS program is available both full-time and part-time, with the former taking six quarters while the latter spreads over ten quarters.
In addition, Shoreline Community College has an online LPN-RN course to help practical nurses become licensed registered nurses without altering their work lives significantly.
Lastly, the whole experience here is buoyed with academic support services, including one-on-one tutoring, test preparation assistance, eLearning support, etc.
Heritage University introduces learners to hands-on learning earlier than most nursing schools by involving nursing students with direct patient care in their second year. Thanks to the school's connection with…....
Accounting American Conversational English American Sign Language/ASL ArtWashington, US School Type : Private
Tuition: $18,560
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 60%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90.57%
Available Programs
Heritage University introduces learners to hands-on learning earlier than most nursing schools by involving nursing students with direct patient care in their second year.
Thanks to the school’s connection with over 20 regional hospitals and health care centers across Washington.
Rest assured, the quality of education ensures HU students have no difficulty adapting to this arrangement. Learners can build their clinical skills using the university’s high-tech training facilities.
What’s better?
Heritage University enrolls only about 1000 undergraduates yearly to allow for small classes. Currently, the student to faculty ratio is 10:1, encouraging a close relationship between faculty and students.
Skagit Valley College majors an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree, and you can rest assured it's ideally programmed. The course serves everyone, as it has options for…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignWashington , US School Type : Public
Tuition: $112 Resident / $196 Non-resident (per credit)
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 39%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 91%
Available Programs
Skagit Valley College majors an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree, and you can rest assured it’s ideally programmed.
The course serves everyone, as it has options for Washington state licensed practical nurses and students who haven’t practiced nursing before.
In addition, the school puts a heavy focus on applied education by providing high-tech facilities, such as high fidelity manikins, in its simulation lab.
Big Bend Community College is a hub for future nursing assistants and future RNs. You can either take the courses independently, although the school adds a twist by letting you…....
Accounting Agricultural Business Agricultural Studies Agriculture and Natural ResourcesWashington , US School Type : Public
Tuition: $4,484 Local / $4,945 Domestic
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 53%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90.5%
Available Programs
Big Bend Community College is a hub for future nursing assistants and future RNs.
You can either take the courses independently, although the school adds a twist by letting you start from the ground up by taking all the classes in one progressive sweep.
This progressive streak means that you become a CNA within the first few months, an LPN during your third quarter, and finally an ADN when you complete the whole course. How does that sound?
Thanks to Pierce College's pocket-friendly tuition rates, working on a tight budget doesn't completely rule you out of a good education. Pierce College has two ADN selections, one for new…....
Accounting Art Art History Arts and DesignCalifornia , US School Type : Private
Tuition: $132 Resident / $299 Non-resident
Acceptance rate: 87%
Graduation rate: 22%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 93%
Available Programs
Thanks to Pierce College’s pocket-friendly tuition rates, working on a tight budget doesn’t completely rule you out of a good education.
Pierce College has two ADN selections, one for new students and the other, a bridge program for practicing practical nurses.
On completion, the school can also use its esteemed connections to either help you get absorbed into the health sector or a 4-year college.
Welcome to #GlobalTCCTacoma Community College (TCC) is located just south of Seattle, Washington in the city of Tacoma! Tacoma is the 2nd largest city in western Washington State and surrounded by National…....
Accounting Aeronautical Engineering Anthropology ArchitectureWashington, US School Type : 2yr/Community College
Tuition: $4,500 Resident / $10,016 Non-resident
Acceptance rate: 100%
Graduation rate: 43%
NCLEX-RN pass rate: 92%
Available Programs
Tacoma Community College offers pathways to becoming a registered nurse with an AAS degree.
However, Tacoma Community College’s main AAS course option stands out because it’s a transfer degree tailored for people who want to continue their nursing education.
You can transfer to another school for your BSN degree with Tacoma’s AAS.
Attending a nursing school in Washington has all the perks; reputed schools, diverse programs, and most importantly, a ready market for nurses upon state licensure.
From our assessment, the University of Washington is the most inclusive nursing school for everyone due to its program variety, research opportunities, and cutting-edge practical training facilities, to mention a few.
Nonetheless, Seattle University and Gonzaga University make a good run for the best, especially on innovation and flexible learning schedules.
For now, all you have to do is narrow down to the most tailored school for your desired nursing profession.
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