Spokane, Washington, is home to several accredited nursing schools that collectively offer a broad mix of programs for aspiring nurses. These schools can pave the path to a successful career at top area healthcare providers like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Deaconess Hospital, and Spokane VA Medical Center.

Entry-level certificate programs
The quickest path to nursing employment is a certificate program for aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs). This brief training course lasts 10 to 12 weeks. It introduces students to the elementary skills of nursing, including bedside care, patient interaction, and working closely with more senior nurses. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) fill a more senior nursing role that requires administering medical treatments and monitoring vitals. They must complete a 12- to 18-month certificate program with extensive training in physiology, anatomy, research, and computer skills. LPNs must also pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination before they may practice in the state of Washington.

Nursing degree programs
Individuals who aspire to take on leadership roles in a hospital or clinic setting should consider a registered nursing (RN) program. Aspiring RNs in Spokane can choose one of two pathways: associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Spokane Community College offers a local accredited ADN program, while both Gonzaga University and Washington State University offer prelicensure BSN programs. Candidates in either pathway must pass the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam before practicing.

Nursing employment prospects
Nurses in Spokane enjoy a secure yet challenging career, with numerous opportunities for advancement. The city’s 2,200 CNAs usually earn between $22,000 and $32,000 annually. Spokane’s 650 LPNs are paid $40,000 to $50,000 on average. The city’s nearly 5,000 RNs enjoy even higher average salaries of $55,000 to $85,000 per year.

To learn more about Spokane’s top nursing schools, browse our detailed profile below of local nursing programs.

Spokane nursing schools by NCLEX score

Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue | Spokane, Washington 99258
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 93.6% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Baccalaureate DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Baccalaureate DNP: 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
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 87.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP: Population Health
  • DNP: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
  • Graduate Certificate: Nursing Education
  • Graduate Certificate: Nursing Leadership
  • Graduate Certificate: Public Health
  • Master of Nursing in Population Health
  • Post-Baccalaureate PhD
  • Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
  • RN-to-MN Degree Completion
Spokane Community College
1810 North Greene Street | Spokane, Washington 99217
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 85.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Certificate
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Gonzaga University Bachelor of Science in Nursing 93.6% 2011 to 2020
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Doctor of Nursing Practice
MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Baccalaureate DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Baccalaureate DNP: 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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing 87.7% 2011 to 2020
DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
DNP: Population Health
DNP: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Graduate Certificate: Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate: Nursing Leadership
Graduate Certificate: Public Health
Master of Nursing in Population Health
Post-Baccalaureate PhD
Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
RN-to-MN Degree Completion
Spokane Community College Associate Degree in Nursing 85.9% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Certificate
Category: 
Washington