List of the Best Nursing Schools in Washington

Washington's best nursing schoolsNursing is a fabulous career and the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries right now. It is estimated that by 2020 it will grow over 20% to meet the demands of communities around the country. If you are exploring the profession of nursing you couldn’t be looking at a better time. Washington has a variety of jobs in the field across the state. Professional opportunities range from working in a hospital to home hospice care, whether you want to live in a large city like Seattle or a rural area you can map out your pathway right now to achieve your dreams.

How to Become a Nurse in Washington

First you need to decide where it is you want to be employed as a nurse, hospital, home hospice, clinic, E.R., or school setting. From there you can better decide what type of nurse you wan tto become and then path out your educational career path to achieve those ends. The education required for a LPN is considerable different than that of a Nurse Practitioner. Knowing where you want to end will help you begin in the right program designed for your specific career of choice. You need to attend a school that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This will ensure that you to get the best education possible.

Here are some of the most common nursing degrees in Washington, including the amount of time you need to complete them:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

To be employed as a nurse you not only need the necessary education but you need to be licensed and certified.
Contact the Washington Board of Nursing to find out what you need to do to get certified.

Tuition for Washington Nursing Schools

The tuition rates in Washington are higher than they are in other states, but you can always get financial aid to help you pay for your education. The College Board estimates the following tuition rates for public and private colleges in Washington:

  • Public Two Year College: $4,304 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $10,811 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $34,517 per year

Job Prospects for Washington Nurses

Employment and income opportunities in Washington are increasing, especially in the upper tiers of Nursing. Nurses are in high demand across the country, nurses with masters and doctoral degrees are in even greater demand. Qualified professionals are few and far between. You can compare average salaries for nurses in the state of Washington courtesy of the BLS:

  • Nursing Assistant: $29,4300 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $49,980 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $78,130 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $103,910 per year
  • Nurse Anesthetist: $171, 140 per year

Find the right place to start your career by receiving the best education and training for your future.


Top Nursing Schools in Washington

Grays Harbor College

The Nursing program at GHC is a competitive acceptance program that does require some pre-requisites. It is our mission to prepare participants to give competent acute, long-term and ambulatory care in the community and elsewhere.

The LPN-to-RN Program is an admission program offering seats on a space available basis only. Please check with college to see availability.

  • Location: Aberdeen, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 2,160
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Tuition: $7,524
  • Grays Harbor College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN

University of Washington – Tacoma

Vital partnerships with the community provide learning environments that allow students to learn practical application. They will build upon their skills and knowledge to strengthen their understanding of local, national, and global health issues. Our faculty and staff have one goal, to help students reach their personal goals and desires in their educational pursuits while at University of Washington-Tacoma.

Graduates of the program will learn effective communication, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, enhanced patient care, research and scholarship, health promotion and education, and adapting to changes in the healthcare setting.

  • Location: Tacoma, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 4,309
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Tuition: $10,768
  • University of Washington Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BSN, Nurse Educator

Washington State University

The BSN program prepares students to care for patients in a variety of clinical settings ranging anywhere from acute care (hospitals) to urban and rural health clinics. Our participants are also well prepared to be employed as professional nurses working in home health, nursing homes, hospice, schools and more.

We also programs with different tracks for students wanting to continue their education to a MSN or DNP. We currently boast an alumni base of over 8,000 licensed nurses in the state of Washington.

  • Location: Spokane, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 28,686
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Tuition: $25,945
  • Washington State University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner

Northwest University

Here at Northwest University we know that it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. You need to have compassion, courage, and patience. In this profession you will be working with people form diverse backgrounds who are ill and can be struggling physically as well as emotionally. We offer a unique perspective to education, our classes are small and enable one on one interaction with professionals who have been in the industry and work as mentors to our students.

We off er a blend of scientific, clinical, and holistic education to enhance cross-cultural need of our communities and extend globally.

  • Location: Kirkland, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 1,733
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Northwest University Nursing Programs: Associate, RN, BSN
  • Tuition: $26,968

Seattle University

Come be part of a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. We embrace the Jesuit tradition of treating the whole person and find the connections between the practical, academic, spiritual, and humane needs of people. Our goal is to prepare participants to serve the ill, frail and under served with kindness and compassion.

You can continue your education and career opportunities if you choose to move into a career of MSN or as a Nurse Practitioner. Our graduates move forward creating a more just and more humane world.

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 7,405
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Seattle University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, DNP
  • Tuition: $38,205

Eastern Washington University

Currently we offer a pre-nursing program that prepared students to apply for the Nursing program available. All students accepted in to the competitive program will complete upper-level nursing coursework at WSU College of Nursing. The purpose of the consortium encourages a diverse environment supportive of individual differences and institutional emphases.

Participants will have the opportunity to have diverse clinical experiences and work directly with nursing professionals in the surrounding areas.

  • Location: Cheney, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 12,130
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Eastern Washington University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $7,972

Pacific Lutheran University

The school of nursing is a professional program that views nursing as a process of care-giving based in scientific knowledge, humanistic theory and evolving technology. We believe that the practice of nursing goes far beyond just short term care but that an excellent nurse will value patients’ values, needs and lifestyles.

Our graduates complete over 800 clinical hours that prepare them to be some of the best nurses in facilities like Seattle Children’s Hospital, Madigan Army Medical Center, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and so many more.

  • Location: Tacoma, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 3,660
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Pacific Lutheran University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $36,530

University of Washington

The profession of nursing is an fast paced expanding profession that allows for a lot of room for growth. We offer programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees in the evolving healthcare industry. We also offer accelerated programs. It is a competitive program we offer student counseling services for all of our graduate programs, they can best direct you to have a competitive application to ensure your admittance to the program

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 44,786
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • University of Washington Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral)
  • Tuition: $12,394

Lower Columbia College

Many are attracted by the field of nursing because they are caring people who want to help others. Professionals can offer direct patient care and work as team members of the healthcare organization. Over the next decade the healthcare industry is expected to grow by 22 % and there will be an ever increasing demand for healthcare professionals.

  • Location: Longview, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 5,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Lower Columbia College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $4,281

Olympic College

The Nursing Assistant Program at Olympic College will prepare students to assist registered nurses or licensed practical nurses in providing basic nursing care for patients in acute and long-term settings. The classes are small and geared toward developing basic academic skills in an applied work setting. The training participants will receive include learning and refining client-care skills, clinical observation, and performing skills in a supervised clinical setting.

  • Location: Bremerton, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 14,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Olympic College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $3,720

Renton Technical College – Division of Health Occupations

Becoming a nursing assistant is the first rung of the career ladder for students to become Licensed Practical or Registered Nurses. As a Nursing Assistant you can work in a variety of settings from hospitals, clinics, Longer-term care facilities, assistant living facilities, adult family homes, and in home health and hospice. You can earn your certification to be able to provide quality healthcare to the community.

  • Location: Renton, WA
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: No
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Renton Technical College Nursing Programs: Nursing Assistant
  • Tuition: $1,444.90
  • https://rtc.edu/

Gonzaga University

As a private Roman Catholic University our Nursing Program is grounded in Jesuit traditions. Our programs are focused on values of leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice. Participants learn to promote health and give compassionate care to patients with acute and chronic illness and to support patients and their families at the end of life. Our strong Jesuit background builds servant leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice.

  • Location: Spokane, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 7,421
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Gonzaga University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $37,480
  • www.gonzaga.edu

Walla Walla College-School of Nursing

If you are ready to make a difference Nursing is a great profession to do just that.
A career in nursing offers daily satisfaction for those who have a genuine desire to help others. A very rewarding career with daily satisfaction can be found in Nursing. There are so many benefits of choosing a career in nursing with a variety of job opportunities in most locations, above average incomes, flexible work hours, child care, and educational benefits.
Students receive a strong academic base in scientific theory then complete with two year of hands-on clinical practice.

  • Location: Walla Walla, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 1,600
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Walla Walla College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $
  • www.wallawalla.edu

Walla Walla Community College

It is our mission to change the lives of nursing students to fulfill the increasingly complex role of entry level professional nurses into professional, safe, compassionate, culturally sensitive, evidence-based, ethically-grounded, and client-centered caregivers.
WE teach to promote the well-being of a diverse patient population in the evolving healthcare environments of the communities in which graduates will serve. It is our mission to facilitate academic success of our students to receive their associate and work ahead to the baccalaureate level and beyond to meet the healthcare needs of our communities, state, and nation.

  • Location: Walla Walla, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 12,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Walla Walla Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $4,376
  • www.wwcc.edu/

Wenatchee Valley College

The nursing program at WVC has limited enrollment and must be applied for, applicants must apply for each year they attend. Nursing is an increasingly evolving profession with a diverse population to care for. We prepared graduates to care for a culturally diverse population within the changing healthcare system. Participants in receive hands-on clinical work in a variety of health care settings in the community. This provides invaluable experience, offering opportunities for critical thinking and effective decision-making by the student nurse under the direction os mentors and Nurse professionals.

  • Location: Wenacthee, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 3,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Wenatchee Valley College Nursing Programs: Associate, RN
  • Tuition: $3,711
  • https://www.wvc.edu/

Yakima Valley College

As one of the oldest community colleges in the state of Washington it has a long tradition of quality in teaching and in its commitment to students. Students can choose one of two tracks to begin their nursing career. The programs are to receive an associate in nursing or to train to become an LPN. Participants will be prepared to take the licensure exams and become certified to work in the healthcare industry as Nurses.

  • Location: Yakima, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 4,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Yakima Valley College Nursing Programs: Associate , LPN
  • Tuition: $4,278
  • www.yvcc.edu/

Spokane Community College

We offer two pathways to jump start your career to be employed in the healthcare industry. Students can either receive an associate degree in nursing or take the DTA/MRP path to prepare them to progress in to a baccalaureate education.

  • Location: Spokane, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 6,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Spokane Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $3,512
  • www.scc.spokane.edu/

Highline Community College

Graduates will be able to employ critical thinking and decision making that is appropriate and specific to patient needs. They will be able to give accurate communications via technology while adapting to cultural and educational needs of patients. Working as a team member of the healthcare system they will practice collaborative leadership with goal-oriented care.

  • Location: Des Moines, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 6,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Highline Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN, LPN to RN, RN
  • Tuition: $4,000
  • www.highline.edu/

Peninsula College

Our nursing program trains students to have keen scientific minds, accompanied with social science and focus to attention. This combination set individuals up for a rewarding and successful career. Nursing is an exciting and every expanding career to be a part of today. Nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings with flexible schedules. With these credentials you can work anywhere in the country.

  • Location: Port Angeles, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 3,155
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Peninsula College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $5,157
  • www.pencol.edu/

Whitworth College

As a nationally ranked Christian Liberal Arts College our motto is to provide “an education of mind and heart” through rigorous intellectual inquiry guided by dedicated Christian scholars. We are part of a consortium agreement between Whitworth University, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University allows each student to complete her or his undergraduate and nursing prerequisites at consortium institutions and then to go on and complete the BSN degree at WSU College of Nursing.

  • Location: Spokane, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 2,000
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Whitworth College Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $37,630
  • http://www.whitworth.edu/

Bellevue Community College

Within the framework of our mission we focus on life-long learning by offering high quality, flexible, accessible education. As the needs of the community change with a diverse population and evolving healthcare system we proved responsive graduates to meet those needs. The college itself is a representative of a diverse demographics and population. We provide full and equal opportunities to all applicants.

  • Location: Bellevue, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 14,675
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Bellevue Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, RN to BSN, CNE
  • Tuition: $3,754
  • www.bellevuecollege.edu/

Clark College

For your nursing degree as a LPN, Clark College has many options to help you meet your educational and professional goals. Our transfer courses and university partnerships provide the pathway to your associate and bachelor’s degree.

  • Location: Vancouver, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 8,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Online Programs: No
  • Clark College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $3,653
  • www.clark.edu/

Skagit Valley College

If you are looking for a rewarding and demanding profession where no two days are alike, nursing is an excellent career. It requires excellent communication skills, problem solving capabilities, excellent concentration, detail oriented, able to work in a team and a working knowledge of the sciences.

We provide unlimited opportunities and intangible benefits for those who enter Nursing. Nurses are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, extended care centers, home health care agencies, physicians’ offices, mental health facilities, and corrections. New technologies are continually developing in the health care field, offering exciting and challenging career opportunities.

  • Location: Mt. Vernon, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 6,600
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Skagit Valley College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN, RN
  • Tuition: $4,200
  • www.skagit.edu/

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University is a premier Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. The BSN degree with a an upper-division major that builds on our liberal arts foundation, and prepares you to assume entry-level practice and leadership roles in a variety of acute care and community settings. As the healthcare system evolves and the growing demand for professional, caring nurses increases SPU will prepare you to meet those challenges as the next generation of nurses.

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 2,700
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Seattle Pacific University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
  • tuition: $35,472
  • spu.edu/

Shoreline Community College

We offer two tracks that lead to individuals becoming professional nurses and meet the healthcare needs in a diverse community; a six-quarter program and a 10-quarter option. Our nursing program reflects the core values of professionalism, excellence, caring, and clinical reasoning; each of which is critical in achieving success in a career as a nurse.

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 7,000
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Shoreline Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
  • Tuition: $3,963
  • www.shoreline.edu/

University of Washington – Bothell

We value each students’ nursing education so we offer a professional experience with applicable curriculum to ensure graduates will leave with confidence to enter their career. Our community partnerships allow students to get experience working in the healthcare community under the direction of faculty and staff as they are mentored through their clinical segment of their education.

What sets aside? One day class weeks. Choose from multiple locations and sites for clinics. You can be a full or part time student in the program. We boast over 95% graduation rate.

  • Location: Bothell, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 3,759
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • University of Washington Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, MSN
  • Tuition: $11,911
  • www.uwb.edu/

Columbia Basin College

At Columbian Basin College we are proud of our reputation for the quality education aspiring nursing professionals receive. Graduates are consistently employed after graduation and are regarded highly in the healthcare community.

Students can choose to either work towards a LPN or RN. The curriculum towards becoming a RN is designed to utilize individual and group teaching strategies. We utilize state of the art practical laboratories on campus that provide an environment to safely learn and practice clinical skills necessary for future confidence and success in the healthcare community.

  • Location: Pasco, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 5,670
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Columbia Basin College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,450
  • www.columbiabasin.edu/

Green River Community College

Green River Community College is your first step to building a career in an evolving and diverse profession as a nurse. Wether you are looking to build a solid foundation to transfer to a four-year college or university, develop skills you can take with you to the step in your career.

  • Location: Auburn, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 10,991
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Green River Community College Nursing Programs: LPN
  • Tuition: $4,495
  • www.greenriver.edu/

Seattle Central Community College

If you are looking into a career in nursing, ask yourself if you enjoy science, helping people, problem solving, and working a fast paced evolving atmosphere. If you so then this might be the career for you. We can help you get started by getting you on the right track whether you choose to enter the workforce with a LPN or continue your education, we will prepare you. Registered Nurses can work in a variety of settings and can often find flexible employment.

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 7,300
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Seattle Central Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN
  • Tuition: $3,893
  • seattlecentral.edu/

Everett Community College

Our nursing program offers a few different paths for students to gain the necessary education and certification to work in the filed of nursing.
Following the national movement for nurses to seek more education, most graduates continue their studies and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Through our partnership with University of Washington Bothell, students can pursue their BSN right here on the EvCC campus making a convenient transition for those seeking to further their education and hence their career opportunities.

  • Location: Everett, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 20,454
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Everett Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN, RN
  • Tuition: $3,778
  • www.everettcc.edu/

Whatcom Community College

Here at Whatcom we believe in helping students succeed as they learn to build their community and create opportunities.
Whatcom’s nursing graduates eclipse national licensing pass rate, we have a 100% pass rate on students first attempt.
WCC’s nursing program is dedicated to fostering and nurturing the caring, compassion, that is essential to the nurse professional. Students will learn clinical reasoning and problem solving.

  • Location: Bellingham, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 4,790
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: No
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Whatcom Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, RN
  • Tuition: $4,465
  • whatcom.edu/

South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives. Our Nursing program encircles these values by ensuring that graduates Communicate effectively,think logically and critically,evaluate and process data, understand ethical and community responsibilities.

  • Location: Olympia, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 6,371
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • South Puget Sound Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, Nurse Assistant,
  • Tuition: $ 4,321
  • spscc.edu/

Tacoma Community College

We have recently made changes to our nursing curriculum to meet the demands of the changing industry of health care. To ensure that students are receiving the best education to confidently prepare them for the profession of nursing we elected to change to a concept-based curriculum. The conceptual approach guides students to identify patterns or connections between patients and other possible issues in complex situations.
Nursing is an exciting career with a strong and stable economic future. Nurses make up the largest percentage of health care employees in the United States. They work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, and community centers.

  • Location: Tacoma, WA
  • Student Enrollment: 7,501
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Tacoma Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, RN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $4,194
  • www.tacomacc.edu/