Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Washington

For many nurses, the most important part of their career is getting the job they want in the area they love. While becoming an RN is required for nurses, many facilities prefer to hire graduates with a bachelor’s degree in nursing  (BSN). 

However, those same nurses also know that the most important step in getting their dream job is getting the right education. In a career as demanding as nursing, education is important to show that you’re qualified.

To get the right education, nurses need to attend the right schools. For nursing jobs in Washington, one of the highest paying nursing states according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that may also mean studying in Washington state.

Washington is home to some of the top nursing programs in the nation, and each one has its own specialties. Depending on what you’re looking to get out of your nursing career, one of these schools could be the perfect fit for you!

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Washington

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

• Reputation
• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Tuition
• Acceptance rate, when available
• Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition

Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors including,

• Transfer credits
• Completed competency exams
• Amount of credits taken per year
• Financial aid awards

Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.

Washington Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 

• Washington nurses earn an annual mean wage of $95,350, which is significantly higher than the national average. 
• Washington has a location quotient of 0.90, meaning it employs fewer nurses per 1,000 workers than the national average. 
• Washington is also a large employer of nurses with over 62,470 nurses currently employed and working. 

Next Steps:

Once you've looked over some colleges and nursing programs you're interested in, the next steps are to get in touch with each school, check admission requirements, and submit your applications. It's in your best interest to apply to more than one college in case one school decides to give you an unbeatable financial aid package. 

Here are the next steps in detail:

• Contact each school’s admissions offices. The admissions office helps applicants learn more about requirements and application details. Before you start your applications, contact each school's admissions office to learn more.
• Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. In addition to college admission requirements, you must meet the requirements for the nursing program. Make sure you're on track for nursing school eligibility. 
• Submit your application(s). After you've completed your research and prepared your application materials, the final step is to submit your applications! Pay special attention to application deadlines as they vary from school to school. 

Materials you'll likely need for your application include:

• High school transcript (GPA)
• ACT and/or SAT scores
• College entrance essay(s)
• Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools: 

After applying to schools, you'll begin to receive acceptance letters in the mail! Your final task is to select a college. If the right choice isn't clear, consider comparing each school you've been accepted to. When in doubt, pick the school and program that best fits your personal wants and needs.

Factors to consider when comparing schools include:

• Tuition cost and cost of the nursing program
• Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
• Cost of living on-campus or in the area
• School and nursing program acceptance rate
• Direct entry vs. separate application for the nursing program
• Daily commute to school/hospitals
• Length of program
• Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
• School’s accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Accrediting bodies are in charge of verifying the quality of academic programs. When looking at colleges, the two types of accreditation to look for are regional and programmatic. In Washington, the regional accrediting body is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program. 

Getting a License in Washington

Unfortunately, Washington is not part of the eNLC. This means that nurses must obtain a state-specific nursing license and the license will only be good for Washington. Keep in mind that obtaining a state-specific nursing license may take some time so it is important to consider that when accepting a job offer. 

To get a license in Washington, you'll need to:

• Study at an accredited institution
• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
• Pass a criminal and mental health background check
• Apply through Washington’s Board of Nursing website

Applicants have 14 days after submitting their application to upload all required documentation online through a self-service portal. Without the proper information, applications will be denied. 

Conclusion 

Working in Washington is ideal for many nurses. Individuals that are already RNs are able to apply to bridge programs to further their education. Students interested in earning their BSN have plenty of options at some of the top nursing programs in the country.