Registered nurses (RNs) form the largest group of nursing professionals in the state of Washington. Over half of the state’s 53,000 RNs work in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, with smaller numbers in other major cities like Spokane and Olympia.
Overview of Washington’s RN programs
Washington has approximately 40 state-approved programs that provide RN licensure. These may be broadly grouped into three pathways: associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and direct-entry master of science in nursing (MSN). Large universities such as Washington State University, University of Washington, and Seattle University offer four-year BSN degree programs; Seattle University also has a direct-entry MSN program. Two-year ADN programs are available at a broad network of technical and community colleges throughout the state, including Bellingham Technical College, Grays Harbor College, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology. All prelicensure programs prepare their students to pass the NCLEX-RN national examination, which is a requirement to practice in Washington.
ADN, BSN, and MSN degree programs prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in the healthcare industry. They work directly with doctors and other medical professionals to plan and administer patient care. RNs are equipped to work in a broad range of fields, including neonatology, rehabilitation, nephrology, and pediatrics. Their skills are invaluable to top Washington medical institutions like University of Washington Medical Center, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Evergreen Health Medical Center. The state’s RNs earn extremely competitive salaries, typically between $63,000 and $90,000 annually. This reflects the significant value placed on these qualified healthcare professionals.
Find out more about Washington’s top registered nursing programs by reviewing our list below of prelicensure ADN, BSN, and MSN programs.