At least a dozen university campuses in Washington offer a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Most MSN programs enable existing registered nurses (RNs) to enter specialized fields like nursing administration, nursing education, or family practice nursing. A select number of “direct-entry” MSN programs enable students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to earn initial RN licensure before pursuing a specialization.

Overview of the MSN program
MSN students in the state of Washington can select from a broad range of specializations, including nursing research, geriatric nursing, public health and community nursing, psychiatric and mental health nursing, nursing administration, and family practice nursing. Many MSN programs may be completed within 15 months if pursued on a full-time basis. Working professionals and other part-time students can expect to finish the program in approximately two years. The traditional MSN program for existing RNs is offered at five Washington State University campuses, three University of Washington campuses, and several private universities. Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle University also offer the direct-entry MSN program for students new to the nursing field.

Career outlook for MSN degree-holders
As specialists in their respective fields, MSN graduates are highly valued in the workplace. MSN degree-holders work in hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, research facilities, and academic institutions. Three popular specialized roles for MSN graduates are nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist. Almost 3,000 of these advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are employed in the state. Most of Washington’s APRNs earn annual pay of $75,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on specialization. The state’s 400 nurse anesthetists earn substantially more, averaging over $165,000 per year.

A master’s degree can provide a substantial boost to a registered nurse’s career trajectory and pay. To learn more, browse our list below of the top MSN programs in Washington.

Seattle

Northwest University
5520 108th Avenue NE | Kirkland, Washington 98083
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Seattle Pacific University
3307 Third Avenue West | Seattle, Washington 98119
  • MSN: Clinical Leadership in Practice
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
University of Washington
1400 NE Campus Parkway | Seattle, Washington 98195
  • Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies
University of Washington Bothell
18115 Campus Way NE | Bothell, Washington 98011
  • Master of Nursing
  • Master of Nursing in Administrative Leadership
School Address Programs offered
Northwest University 5520 108th Avenue NE
Kirkland, Washington 98083
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Seattle Pacific University 3307 Third Avenue West
Seattle, Washington 98119
  • MSN: Clinical Leadership in Practice
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, Washington 98195
  • Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies
University of Washington Bothell 18115 Campus Way NE
Bothell, Washington 98011
  • Master of Nursing
  • Master of Nursing in Administrative Leadership

Spokane

Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue | Spokane, Washington 99258
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
  • Second Master's Degree: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Second Master's Degree: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Washington State University
103 East Spokane Falls Boulevard | Spokane, Washington 99202
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
Gonzaga University 502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99258
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
  • Second Master's Degree: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Second Master's Degree: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Washington State University 103 East Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, Washington 99202
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion

Tacoma

Pacific Lutheran University
1010 122nd Street South | Tacoma, Washington 98447
  • Direct Entry MSN
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of Washington Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street | Tacoma, Washington 98402
  • Master of Nursing: Leader in Healthcare Delivery
  • Master of Nursing: Nurse Educator
School Address Programs offered
Pacific Lutheran University 1010 122nd Street South
Tacoma, Washington 98447
  • Direct Entry MSN
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of Washington Tacoma 1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, Washington 98402
  • Master of Nursing: Leader in Healthcare Delivery
  • Master of Nursing: Nurse Educator

Tri-Cities

Washington State University - Tri-Cities
1266 Lee Boulevard | Richland, Washington 99352
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
Washington State University - Tri-Cities 1266 Lee Boulevard
Richland, Washington 99352
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion

Vancouver

Washington State University - Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue | Vancouver, Washington 98686
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
Washington State University - Vancouver 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, Washington 98686
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion

Other Washington cities

Washington State University - Walla Walla
500 Tausick Way | Walla Walla, Washington 99362
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
Washington State University - Yakima
1401 West Prasch Avenue | Yakima, Washington 98902
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
Washington State University - Walla Walla 500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
Washington State University - Yakima 1401 West Prasch Avenue
Yakima, Washington 98902
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
Category: 
Washington