We've organized a comprehensive list of Washington nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Washington city.
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
For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
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 the University of Washington, Seattle University, Pacific Lutheran University, and Seattle Pacific University.
For our 2024 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate’s degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
Bellingham, Washington, is the county seat of and largest city in Whatcom County. Medical services and higher education are the leading employers in Whatcom, with hundreds of job openings for registered nurses (RNs), nurse educators, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
Vancouver is a bustling city with a growing community that faces many healthcare needs. Nurses are crucial to the well-being of the city: they care for patients in hospitals and clinics, and they provide public health education and research. To perform these vital roles in the community, aspiring nurses must first complete an education and training program at an accredited college or university.
Registered nurses (RNs)
Washington’s Tri-Cities metropolitan area refers to the combined region of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. The area is home to Columbia Basin College in Pasco and Washington State University’s Tri-Cities campus in Richland. Collectively, these nursing schools offer the full array of programs for aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
Overview of the three key nursing roles
Nursing is an excellent career for individuals who are compassionate and care deeply about their community’s well-being. Aspiring nurses must also possess the knowledge and skills to perform a range of specific healthcare duties. To gain this valuable education, students in Tacoma, Washington, can attend one of the half-dozen accredited nursing schools in the local area.
Overview of nursing roles and programs
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
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs) all play a vital role in shaping and supporting the booming healthcare industry of Olympia, Washington. These nursing professionals handle direct patient care, administer medications, and educate the public about critical health issues. To fill their roles effectively, nurses must be compassionate and highly skilled. Fortunately, the state of Washington is home to a large number of top-tier nursing schools and programs.
Certified nursing assistant
The Bremerton / Silverdale area is primed to benefit from growth in the nursing industry. Bremerton is home to Olympic College, a public institution that offers a certificate program for aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Just 38 miles away in nearby Tacoma, aspiring nurses will find several other top-tier nursing schools including Bates Technical College, University of Washington Tacoma, and Pacific Lutheran University.
Overview of nursing roles and programs