[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boost your earnings and increase your job options by enrolling in a top nursing school in Washington. Demand for nurses in Washington is double that of the U.S. as a whole. The average salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the state also exceeds $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to live in the tech-and-arts hub of Seattle or a remote rural area, nurses can find great satisfaction working in Washington. Learn more about the best nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With more than 40 nursing programs in Washington for associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees, you can find a school to match your career goals, budget, background, and learning preferences. [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list explores the best nursing schools in Washington.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want an ADN or a BSN, consider costs (tuition and financial aid), the NCLEX-RN pass rate (one of the most important quality measures), and the program’s acceptance rate and admission requirements. Clinical placement options and program logistics should also be factors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide only lists [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing programs[/hen-ui-link], since unaccredited programs can be riskier for your time and money.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Washington[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in high demand in Washington, with salaries among the highest in the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Washington is one of the few states that requires hospitals to have a staffing committee to establish [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nursing-care-plans-explained//”]nurse-patient plans[/hen-ui-link] and policies. The Washington Center for Nursing lists some of the many [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nursing[/hen-ui-link] school in Washington.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The projected job growth for RNs in Washington is 13% between 2022 and 2032, compared to 6% for the nation overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse practitioner (NP) jobs in Washington show the highest growth at 28.5% in that time period, compared to 28.2% nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/state/washington/rn-salary/”]average annual salary[/hen-ui-link] for Washington RNs is $111,030 as of 2023, considerably higher than the national average of $94,480, according to the BLS.For NPs, the average salary is $126,480, with the national average at $114,510.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the cost-of-living index in Washington [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]is 115.8%[/hen-ui-link] (100 nationally), with the cost of living in Seattle standing as one of the highest in the nation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Seattle nurse salaries are among the highest in the country, due to increased demand and cost of living. RN salaries are also considerably above the national average in other major Washington cities and metropolitan areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Washington[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Seattle — Tacoma — Bellevue[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$95,120[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Olympia — Tumwater[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$93,270[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Wenatchee[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$88,550[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Spokane — Spokane Valley[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$89,890[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Walla Walla[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$91,280[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whichever state you live in, you must earn a nursing degree, pass the applicable examination, and complete a criminal background check to become a nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Washington requires all nurses to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em;”]Other Top Nursing Programs in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Washington Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements” href=”/state/washington/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em;”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Washington[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Washington?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Washington offer several options for aspiring nurses. Students who wish to enter the field quickly can earn an associate degree, which requires two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses looking to qualify for nursing leadership opportunities or pursue advanced degrees can earn a BSN, which requires four years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an RN in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who wish to enter the nursing field can prepare by applying to the best nursing schools in Washington. After earning a degree, each graduate qualifies to take the NCLEX exam to receive a license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the ADN is the minimum educational requirement to become an RN, most students earn a BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best nursing college in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should identify their educational and professional goals to determine the best nursing school in Washington. The best school for a student aligns with a learner’s individual needs, including cost, flexibility, and location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]View some of the top-ranked [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/washington/”]nursing programs in Washington[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much is nursing school in Washington?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Washington vary in price. Prospective enrollees should take time to explore a program’s structure and learning formats.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private schools typically cost more than public universities. Students can also access online programs, which typically feature lower tuition costs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]