Online Nursing Programs Seattle, Washington State, Requirements, Financial Aid & Tuition
Online nursing programs Seattle, Washington State offers a variety of online nursing programs that can fit your needs and budget. In this article, we will be discussing the nursing prerequisites for online nursing programs in Washington State, as well as available financial aid and tuition information.
About Nursing In Washington State
In Washington, there are four typical types of nurses, and each one needs a license and special training. Before applying for a license, aspiring nurses must complete a state-approved nursing program. Numerous online nursing programs in Seattle or Washington State provide tracks for students to take while pursuing their licenses.
The Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission grants nursing licenses; it is governed by the Washington State Board of Nursing. 15 governor-appointed members make up this group, along with seven registered nurses (RNs), three licensed practical nurses (LPNs), three members of the public, and two advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). To maintain uniform standards of practice throughout the state, it seeks to ensure that all applicants fulfill the requirements for licensure.
LPN, RN, or ARNP licenses are available for those who want to become nurses. The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) also oversees the registration and certification of CNAs in the state of Washington. In order to become certified, all nursing students in Washington State must complete a nursing program.
In Washington State, there are online RN programs and online BSN programs among the many nursing specialties that are offered. Students can feel secure knowing that their education satisfies the requirements for nurse licensure by enrolling in a Washington nursing program that has been accredited.
Through 2028, there will be a projected over 20% increase in nursing jobs in state. That represents a gain of almost 12,000 jobs, but it also raises the possibility of a serious nursing workforce shortage in the state. There has never been a better time to begin or advance in your current nursing career because median salaries are higher than the national average.
Nursing schools in Washington offer educational opportunities to advance your career and increase your earning potential from Seattle to Spokane. With the need for nurses only going up, getting or adding on to a nursing degree in the Seattle metropolitan area is a good career choice.
The Advantages Of Online Nursing Programs
Several benefits of online nursing programs are as follows:
1. Convenience: You can study whenever and from wherever with online nursing programs. In other words, you can fit your studies into your current lifestyle and schedule. Whether you’re a full-time student, working professional, or a stay-at-home parent, you can progress towards your online degree at your own pace.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Compared to conventional on-campus programs, online nursing programs are frequently more affordable. Online nursing programs can provide a more affordable path to a nursing degree by eliminating living expenses and tuition costs from the equation.
3. Flexibility: You have more flexibility and more control over your schedule when you enroll in an online nursing program option, which let you work around other commitments. If you have a busy schedule or are a parent, you may not be able to commit to regular classes; however, this can be extremely helpful.
4. Quality Education: Online nursing programs offer the same quality education as conventional programs. Numerous online nursing programs are actually accredited, demonstrating that they uphold the same standards for curriculum and structure as conventional programs.
5. Networking Possibilities: Online nursing programs give you the chance to get in touch with nurses working in different parts of the world. To share your experiences and gain knowledge from other nurses, you can join online discussion forums.
6. Career Possibilities: A range of employment possibilities are presented by online nursing programs. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and credentials necessary to succeed in a variety of nursing positions.
Types Of Nursing Programs Available In WA State
Do you have an interest in nursing, or are you a seasoned nurse looking to take your credentials to the next level? Washington’s nursing schools have the perfect opportunity for you with their campus-based and online nursing degrees and certificates – designed to help you accomplish your educational and career objectives. Take a look at these sought-after programs!
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs
ADN Programs
The field of nursing can be entered through associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs. ADNs, which typically last two years and are offered at community colleges, cover both general education and basic nursing concepts. Following graduation, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and start working as a RN.
Bellevue College and Washington State Community College are two examples of WA State nursing schools with this program.
Traditional BSN Programs
Some students enroll directly in a four-year program due to the fact that RNs with a bachelor’s degree have higher salaries and are eligible for more advanced positions. The typical course load for these degrees is 120 credits, along with a required number of hours of practical experience. You have the option to continue on to earn your advanced degree or pursue your RN license in Washington State.
Several Washington nursing schools that offer this program include Seattle University and Pacific Lutheran University.Â
Accelerated BSN Programs
Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field unrelated to nursing are able to do so through an accelerated BSN program. Accelerated BSN programs allow you to graduate within 18 to 24 months of enrolling and dive right into nursing topics, building on prior knowledge.
University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University are two examples of Washington nursing schools with this program.
Nursing Bridge Programs For Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
You may choose to advance your credentials and potential earnings after working as a certified vocational nurse. Online and in-person programs are both available for those seeking to complete an ADN or BSN. While the LPN to RN transition takes 12 to 24 months, most LPNs who want to pursue a BSN do so in 24 to 36 months. You can practice nursing on either path.
Pacific Lutheran University and Tacoma Community College are two examples of WA nursing schools with this program.
RN to BSN Programs
Consider an online RN to BSN bridge program if you already have your ADN and feel ready to pursue a BSN. These programs cover more advanced material and train you for leadership roles by building on the knowledge you already have from your associate degree. Programs are offered in both part-time and full-time formats and last between 12 and 24 months.
WA nursing schools with this program, as examples: University of Washington State, Bellevue College
RN to MSN Programs
You might decide to skip getting a BSN and go straight into an advanced nursing position after earning your ADN and working as an RN for a while. You can do this and graduate more quickly with the RN to MSN program than if you pursued a BSN and MSN separately. Most programs offer specialized academic tracks and take between 30 and 36 months to complete.
University of Washington—Bothell and Western Washington University are two examples of WA nursing schools with this program.
Advanced Nursing Programs
MSN Programs
With these programs, you can earn your MSN in about 18 months if you already have your BSN. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can also earn an MSN without any prior nursing experience; these programs typically take three years to complete. Such specializations as family practitioner, nurse-midwife, and nurse educator are available to you.
Seattle Pacific University and Central Washington University are two examples of WA nursing schools that offer this program.
DNP And PhD Doctoral Programs
For those desiring to remain at the vanguard of nursing practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs offer the ideal professional nursing degree. Completion of a DNP program typically takes three to four years. If, however, research and/or academia is the desired area of focus, then a Ph.D. in Nursing is the perfect way to go; one should plan to spend approximately four to six years in pursuit of their Ph.D. in Nursing.
Several nursing schools in WA that offer this program include Washington State University and Seattle University.Â
Postgraduate Certificate
Post-graduate certificates enable students with general MSNs to focus their skills on a particular population or medical subject. Common post-graduate certificates include those in women’s health, health policy, nurse leadership, nurse informatics, pediatric primary care, and nursing education.
Washington State University and the University of Washington are two examples of nursing schools in WA State that can provide this program.
Online Nursing Programs Seattle WA State
Knowing what to anticipate is crucial given the prevalence of online nursing programs offered by Washington-based schools. Any program with a clinical component necessitates in-person instruction in a licensed medical setting. Although nothing can replace actual, in-person clinical experience, Washington’s online and hybrid nursing programs still offer flexibility where campus programs might not.
Many universities offer asynchronous courses, which let you watch prerecorded lectures instead of having to show up at a specific time. While having this flexibility is advantageous for students who are employed and lead busy lives, it also presents the challenge of finishing classes without the cohort environment of other students participating together.
Best online nursing programs in WA State, include:
- University of Washington-Bothell
- Bellevue College
- Washington State University
Financial Aid For Nursing Students
Scholarships and grants are offered by numerous nonprofit organizations and professional associations in Washington to help defray the cost of education. You can get funding to help you graduate without taking on too much debt from Nursing Students of Washington State, the Washington Center for Nursing, and the King County Nurses Association, among others.
In addition to these sources, look into funding options with your state and local governments. All state-approved and accredited nursing programs are eligible for federal student loans once all other non-repayable funding options have been explored. Financial aid doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with the abundance of nursing scholarships available.
Requirements To Become An RN In Washington State
Make sure you comprehend Washington’s requirements before enrolling in one of its nursing degree programs because each state has different RN licensure requirements. Failure to do so could result in difficulties fulfilling requirements when you apply for your license. You can get an overview of the necessary conditions by following the steps below.
- Submit the application and the necessary documents
Submit an online application that is full and includes all necessary supporting documentation. The Professional Vocational Relationship (PVR) course completion certificate, official transcripts from all institutions attended, a non-refundable application fee of $120, and proof that you passed the course are also requirements.
- Take the NCLEX-RN exam
Reach out to a Pearson VUE testing facility that has been approved and wait for the email that contains the Authorization to Test (ATT) details. Schedule your exam after receiving this. If you need to request ADA accommodations, you must submit a letter from your diagnosing doctor recommending accommodations, a letter from your school highlighting accommodations that were approved, and your own letter outlining the accommodations you need.
- Background Check Submission
In order to become a registered nurse in Washington, applicants must submit to and pass a background check. This entails giving the Department of Health fingerprints. The FBI will require you to fill out fingerprint cards and pay a fee if you reside outside of the state.
- Renew License
Your license automatically renews on your birthday each year after you pass the NCLEX-RN and receive state licensure. You must pay a $120 fee to have your license renewed. RNs must also demonstrate that they engaged in at least 531 hours of active nursing practice in the previous three years, as well as proof of 45 hours of continuing education.
Career Outlook And Salary For Registered Nurses
The job market for nurses in the Evergreen State appears promising when RN (registered nurses) employment projections in Washington are contrasted with national figures. RN employment in Washington is anticipated to increase by more than 20% over the following ten years. With an estimated 6,000 new jobs available each year, that represents a growth of nearly 12,000 jobs.
Nearly 60% of the nursing positions in the state are located in Seattle, which is not surprising given that Seattle is the state’s economic hub and that Seattle RNs make an average salary of more than $95,000 per year.
| Employment (2018) | New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) |
| 58,300 | 11,940 | 20.5% | 5,820 |
| 3,059,800 | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
The purpose of a nursing degree is to obtain a good job, so salary is important. A staff nurse in Seattle can expect to make between $61,000 and $73,600 annually. $50,700 to $61,000 is comparable to what a staff nurse would make in the Yakima region. This shows the notable differences in RN salaries between very metro areas and those that are a little bit more outlying. Even though wages vary by state, advanced degrees and professional certificates show hiring managers your professional value.
List Of Nursing Schools In Washington State
| School | Annual Tuition | Acceptance Rate | NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Locations |
| Gonzaga University | $49,800 | 76.2% | 95.05% | Spokane |
| Northwest University | $33,980 | 96% | 94.16% | Kirkland |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $48,226 | 86% | 88.21% | Parkland |
| Seattle University | $49,335 | 83% | 86.11% | Seattle |
| University of Washington – Seattle | In-state tuition $12,076, Out-of-state tuition $39,906 | 53.5% | 94.35% | Seattle |
| Walla Walla University | $30,672 | 68% | 92.61% | College Place |
| Washington State University | $12,701 for in-state and $28,385 for out-of-state | 80% | 87.50% | Pullman |
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