The state of Washington is home to about 40 nursing schools that have been approved by the state’s Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. These schools offer prelicensure programs for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
Certified nursing assistant
CNA certificate programs are offered at most of the state’s technical and community colleges. The program only takes several weeks to complete. In that short time, aspiring CNAs are educated about current healthcare and social issues, informed about state regulations, and trained to provide a basic level of medical care. The program also has an element of clinical experience to ensure that nursing assistants can provide patient care as efficiently and effectively as possible. In the state of Washington, there are over 24,000 CNAs who earn a median annual income of roughly $28,000.
LPN certificate programs are also offered at many vocational schools and community colleges. LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete for full-time students, but courses can also be taken online or on a part-time basis. LPNs work in a wide array of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, doctor’s offices, and private homes. LPNs in the state of Washington typically earn about $47,000 per year.
Registered nurse
Washington’s registered nurses can follow one of three prelicensure pathways: two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or direct-entry master of science in nursing (MSN). ADN programs are found at many community colleges, but BSN and MSN programs are only offered at traditional colleges and universities. There are well over 50,000 RNs in the state of Washington, earning a median annual salary of $75,000. Nurses with an MSN degree frequently earn more than $100,000 per year.
To help Washington’s aspiring nurses find the best nursing programs, we’ve provided below a comprehensive list of the state’s accredited nursing schools.