The city of Seattle has the largest population of nurses in the state of Washington. It is also home to several of the state’s most prestigious nursing schools, including Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and University of Washington.
Overview of Seattle nursing programs
Seattle’s 15 nursing schools may be grouped into two categories. For advanced candidates, five universities offer a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree; the three universities cited above also offer a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. These BSN and MSN programs prepare registered nurses (RNs) to assume leadership roles in the nursing profession. Indeed, many administrative and managerial roles require at least a BSN degree. Alternatively, entry-level candidates are served by the Seattle area’s network of ten public community colleges, including North Seattle College, South Seattle College, Everett Community College, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Each school offers an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) for aspiring RNs as well as brief certificate programs for aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Graduates can expect ample employment opportunities at local healthcare providers like University of Washington, Virginia Mason, Evergreen Health, and Harborview Medical Centers.
The Seattle metropolitan area is home to 9,600 nursing assistants, 2,800 practical nurses, and over 22,000 registered nurses. Seattle’s nurses are among the best-paid in the state. Local CNAs earn $30,200 per year on average, while LPNs receive $53,400 in annual pay. Seattle’s RNs earn an impressive $82,000 per year, while those with BSN (and especially MSN) degrees frequently receive well over $100,000 in annual pay.
For more information about Seattle’s nursing programs, please take a look below at our detailed profile of accredited nursing schools throughout the metropolitan area.