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In 2014, more than 4,200 students were enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Washington, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. During the past five years, an initiative was launched to increase those enrollment numbers. Supported by grants from organizations such as the Robert Wood Foundation, the initiative has two goals: meet the skyrocketing demand for nursing care in light of a rapidly aging population and develop an adequate level of nursing capacity in high-demand areas. Learn about the potential of the nursing profession in Washington, educational options, and nurse licensure requirements to enter the field.
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Methodology
Top Nursing Schools in Washington
4 - Year Colleges
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Gonzaga UniversityLocation
Spokane, WA
Graduation Rate83%
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Pacific Lutheran UniversityLocation
Tacoma, WA
Graduation Rate68%
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Seattle UniversityLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate78%
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Washington State UniversityLocation
Pullman, WA
Graduation Rate67%
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University of WashingtonLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate84%
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Seattle Pacific UniversityLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate75%
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Whitworth UniversityLocation
Spokane, WA
Graduation Rate75%
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Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyLocation
Kirkland, WA
Graduation Rate29%
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Green River Community CollegeLocation
Auburn, WA
Graduation Rate31%
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Peninsula CollegeLocation
Port Angeles, WA
Graduation Rate29%
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South Seattle CollegeLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate26%
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Centralia CollegeLocation
Centralia, WA
Graduation Rate34%
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Walla Walla UniversityLocation
College Place, WA
Graduation Rate56%
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Highline CollegeLocation
Des Moines, WA
Graduation Rate28%
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Olympic CollegeLocation
Bremerton, WA
Graduation Rate28%
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University of WashingtonLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate55%
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North Seattle CollegeLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate29%
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University of WashingtonLocation
Seattle, WA
Graduation Rate67%
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Saint Martin's UniversityLocation
Lacey, WA
Graduation Rate48%
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Northwest UniversityLocation
Kirkland, WA
Graduation Rate53%
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Bellevue CollegeLocation
Bellevue, WA
Graduation Rate26%
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Skagit Valley CollegeLocation
Mount Vernon, WA
Graduation Rate22%
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Heritage UniversityLocation
Toppenish, WA
Graduation Rate19%
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Eastern Washington UniversityLocation
Cheney, WA
Graduation Rate46%
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Clover Park Technical CollegeLocation
Lakewood, WA
Graduation Rate32%
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Yakima Valley Community CollegeLocation
Yakima, WA
Graduation Rate23%
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Columbia Basin CollegeLocation
Pasco, WA
Graduation Rate25%
2 - Year Colleges
The Licensure Process in Washington
The Washington Nursing Commission is the regulating body for the nursing field in the state of Washington. RNs interested in practicing in this state must meet the commission's requirements for a license, which include the following:
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program
- Complete and pass a background check through the Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Submit an online application and $88 fee
- Answer a personal profile questionnaire
- Complete seven hours of AIDS/HIV training
- Graduates of in-state nursing programs must have official transcripts sent from the school to the Nursing Commission
- Out-of-state nursing students must have a verification form completed by their program director and sent to the Nursing Commission
- Register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) with Pearson VUE and pay a $200 testing fee
- Wait to receive an Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
The License Renewal Process in Washington
Washington RNs are required to renew their license every year. Renewal applications can be submitted online and must be completed on or before the applicant's birthday. To qualify, nurses must complete at least 531 hours of nursing practice and 45 credit hours of approved continuing education every three years. The renewal application fee is $97.
ARNP Licensure in WA
The licensing process for advanced registered nurses practitioners is similar to that of registered nurses. The Washington Nursing Commission recognizes the following national certification programs for APRNs: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American College of Nurse Midwives, American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, National Certification Corporation, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In addition to the requirements for RN licensure, APRNs must do the following:
- Submit online application and pay a $92 fee
- Hold a valid and active RN license in Washington
- Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope as proof of completion of an approved graduate program
- Provide evidence of national certification, which must come directly from a national certifying organization
- Submit employment verification that demonstrates at least 250 hours of advanced nursing practice in your specialized field. However, this is not required if you graduated the same year you submitted your application
More information and details for ARNPs, including updates and license verification can be found at the Washington State Department of Health .
Career Outlook for RNs in Washington
The state of Washington is home to nearly 85,000 licensed registered nurses, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. However, a workforce study from University of Washington School of Medicine estimates that within the next 15 years there will be a service gap of 18,000 positions in the state. In turn, employment data from the Employment Security Department in Washington State projects strong occupational growth in nursing between 2013 and 2023. Explore the employment and salary numbers for registered nurses in Washington below.
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Washington
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett WA Metropolitan Division | $40.23 | $83,690 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $39.60 | $82,370 |
| Olympia | $38.83 | $80,770 |
| Tacoma Metropolitan Division | $37.78 | $78,580 |
| Longview | $35.97 | $74,820 |
| Bellingham | $35.91 | $74,690 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $35.62 | $74,090 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $35.14 | $73,080 |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $34.28 | $71,300 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $34.23 | $71,200 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Washington vs. National Numbers
| Year | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | Annual salary(25th percentile) | Annual salary(median) | Annual salary(75th percentile) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $62,730 | $77,520 | $93,880 | $0 | $54,620 | $66,640 | $81,080 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | $83,960 | $92,840 | $107,220 | $0 | $82,580 | $96,970 | $114,090 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $123,510 | $161,800 | $0 | $0 | $132,380 | $153,780 | $181,860 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $86,170 | $99,610 | $115,910 | $0 | $82,720 | $95,350 | $113,470 |
| Type | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 51,600 | 2,687,310 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 80 | 5,110 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 250 | 36,590 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 2,390 | 122,050 |
| Type | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 65,210 | 3,238,400 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 140 | 7,700 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 480 | 43,900 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 3,070 | 147,300 |
| Type | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 2,230 | 105,260 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 10 | 290 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 20 | 1,560 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 110 | 5,850 |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 and Projections Central
Washington RN Resources
ARNPs United of Washington State
The ARNPs United of Washington State is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the work of advanced registered nurse practitioners through continuing education programs, networking events, public policy advocacy, and a career center.
King County Nurses Association
The King County Nurses Association is a professional organization with more than 3,200 registered nurses from all specializations and areas of practice. Through memberships, scholarships, networking events, and nursing education programs, the KCNA supports professional development of nurses in Washington state.
Nursing Students of Washington State
Nursing Students of Washington State is the state-based chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. Membership is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing schools in the state and offers a variety of resources and support, including scholarships.
Puget Sound Nurse Practitioner Association
Founded in 1998, the Puget Sound Nurse Practitioners Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes the work and professional development of advanced practice nurse practitioners in Puget Sound. Washington Center for Nursing
The Washington Center for Nursing supports the development of a skilled nursing workforce through a variety of means, including mentoring programs, diversity efforts, and continuing education programs for nurses.
The Washington Nursing Commission is a division of the Washington State Department of Health and is responsible for regulating the practice of nursing in the state. It manages the licensing and renewal process, sets guidelines for professional practice, and handles disciplinary action for registered nurses.
Washington State Association of Occupational Health Nurses
The Washington State Association of Occupational Health Nurses is an arm of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. It is the primary organization that supports occupational health nursing in Washington and offers an array of resources, including a career center, memberships, and networking events.
Washington State Nurses Association
The Washington State Nurses Association is the largest nursing association in the state, serving more than 75,000 licensed nursing professionals in every specialty and role. It supports the nursing profession through legislative action, continuing education programs, and nursing unions.