LPN Programs in Washington
It takes around one to one and a half years of training, certification and registration before you can go from healthcare wannabe to Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington, but it’s still a great way to get into an industry that’s growing, offers good salaries, and has the possibility of advancement for those who choose it.
Plenty of people think about becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in Washington and elsewhere, but there are a few critical factors in the process that you need to be aware of before you sign up for anything.
Admission Requirements for LPN Courses in Washington
The admission requirements for licensed practical nursing courses in Washington include most of the usual things: a high school diploma or GED, a clear criminal record, and a few other items. In Washington, you also need to complete a 7 hour HIV / AIDS training program, as well as a CPR course, before you can start training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington.
State Approved LPN Courses in Washington
Another critical factor in success in becoming an LPN in Washington is finding a state approved LPN course. These courses follow the curriculum set by the Washington State Board of Nursing, and they are offered by technical and community colleges and universities in various locations throughout the state.
Don’t assume that a course is approved if you’re not sure – make sure you ask!
Course content ranges from chemistry to nursing skills, and all approved courses comply with the Washington State Practical Nurse Act.
Registering As a Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington
After you have completed your training as an LPN in Washington, you will still need to pass your final exam, and then apply to the Washington State Board of Nursing for registration. If you have not been asked for particulars like your criminal record or any other required information, you will need to present it before you can become registered.
Earnings and Outlook for LPN’s in Washington
It may seem as though a lot goes into qualifying to work as an LPN in Washington, and that’s true. However, the actual course itself only takes about a year to complete, and average salaries for LPNs in the state are close to $45,000. There’s also likely to be an increase in the demand for LPN’s in Washington of more than 20% between now and 2016, so this really is a great career choice.
Accredited LPN Schools, Training Classes & Programs in Washington
Bates Technical College PN Program
1101 S Yakima
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 680-7000
Their LPN program is approximately 4 quarters long. Prerequisites include 7 hours of AIDS/HIV training, having current liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 and applicant must pass a drug screen test.
* * * *
Bellingham Technical College
3028 Lindburgh Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 752-7000
In addition to their degree and certificate programs, this college also offers GED, ABE, ESL and IBEST programs. The licensed practical nursing program is offered; (1) part-time for six quarters and (2) full-time for three quarters. There is a restaurant on campus that provides breakfast and munches. Along with that is a cafeteria. Financial aid is available.
* * * *
Big Bend Community College Nursing Department
7662 Chanute St.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 793-2222
Quite a few financial aid options are available such as grants, employment, loans, veterans benefits and scholarships. Both male and female athletic programs are available on campus too. There is a bookstore, library, clubs and organizations, a career and placement center and other student resources and services. The practical nursing program is level 1 of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program where students opt out to take the NCLEX exams.
* * * *
Centralia College Nursing Program
600 W Locust
Centralia, WA 98531
(360) 736-9391
The LPN program is completed in 4 quarters. 24 of the LPN students are selected each year to advance into the RN program. Financial aid such as VA benefits, scholarships and grants are available. Books and supplies can be purchased online or in person at the college bookstore. International students are welcome to apply and the college will help you find suitable and affordable housing.
* * * *
Clover Park Technical College Nursing Department
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Tacoma, WA 98499
(253) 589-5800
About a third of the 78 credit requirements in this PN program must be from general education courses. All applicants must be certified nursing assistants and applicants are admitted twice per year. The waiting period for admission is one year. Some clinical sessions may be scheduled for weekends to students are expected to be flexible with their time. The length of the program is 12 months.
* * * *
Columbia Basin College Nursing Program
2600 N 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-0511
A minimum of 69 credits are required for graduation from this LPN program which is designed to be completed in one year. Get assistance with paying for college by applying for financial aid. International students may be charged differently for tuition than US residents. There is a fitness center, clubs, organizations and athletics programs here.
* * * *
Everett Community College Nursing Department
2000 Tower St.
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-9100
Athletics, clubs and other activities will keep the student active and well rounded. Other services on campus include counseling, career services, a child care center and more. There are financial aid opportunities for students who qualify. Tuition is determined by residency status. The licensed practical nursing program is four quarters and is studied as a part of the RN program.
* * * *
Grays Harbor Community College Nursing Department
1620 Edward P Smith Drive
Aberdeen, WA 98520
(360) 532-9020
The first year of the RN program is considered to be the PN program as students have the option of leaving to pursue a career as a practical nurse. Entry into the program is selective as there is strong competition. There are grants, scholarships, loans, work study and veterans benefits. Athletics, clubs and organizations are available on campus.
* * * *
Green River Community College Nursing Department
12401 SE 320th St.
Auburn, WA 98092
(253) 833-9111
The practical nursing certificate requires 105-110 credits for graduation. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.3 minimum in order to progress to the next course. There are four quarters involved in completing this program. There are many resources available to students including but not limited to a bookstore, athletics, health services, counseling, child care, student employment and other career services.
* * * *
Heritage University Nursing Program
3240 Fort Rd.
Toppenish, WA 98948
(509) 865-8500
The LPN program is the first phase of the ADN program and students can opt out to sit the state licensing board exams and start working. They must complete all the courses and clinical trials in this phase to receive their certificate of completion. There are many types of financial aid made available to students. Several activities including athletics and clubs are also available on campus.
* * * *
Lake Washington Technical College Nursing Program
11605 132nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 739-8100
Admissions into the licensed practical nursing program is pretty simple with and entrance test, 2 recommendations and a background check. There are a few prerequisite courses and in order to receive your certificate you must complete 68 credits of course work. Students can participate in clubs and other activities. On campus. Advising, counseling, tutoring and other student services are available.
* * * *
Lower Columbia College School of Nursing
1600 Maple Street
Longview, WA 98632
(360) 442-2860
Students must complete the first four quarters of the RN program to be eligible to receive their certificate of proficiency and sit the state board licensing exams. The college offers a high school completion program so students without a GED or HSD can enter the LPN program. Financial aid, athletics, activities, entertainment, online learning, counseling and advising are some of the resources and services offered to students.
* * * *
North Seattle Community College Nursing Program
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 587-4100
Some of the services offered at this school are child care, career services. Counseling, tutoring, a women center and a bookstore, they could not all be listed here. Athletics programs are also available along with health and fitness programs. The schools boasts that their students have maintained a 100% NCLEX pass rate after graduating the LPN program.
* * * *
Olympic College Nursing Program
1600 Chester Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98377
(360) 792-6050
This licensed practical nursing program is completed in four quarters with prerequisite courses required before the start of the program. Campus resources include bookstore, parking, security center, computer labs, fitness center and more. Students can stay actives with athletics, clubs, organizations and other activities.
* * * *
Renton Technical College Nursing Program
3000 NE 4th Street
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 235-2352
Students must apply into the registered nursing program then complete a set of courses and training that are considered equivalent to an LPN program. After which they will be eligible to sit the licensing exams required for employment. This part of the program is completed in 4 of the 8 quarters and students get a certificate upon completion. Students have access to a bookstore, career services and much more. Financial aid is available.
* * * *
Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island
1900 SE Pioneer Way
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 679-5323
There are tow options for attending this practical nursing program; (1) full-time for 4 quarters and (2) part-time for 7 quarters. If you are a US citizen or non citizen with the appropriate status and documents you may be eligible for financial aid. Housing is available on campus and there is a transit and carpool service. Athletics and other services are also available.
* * * *
South Puget Sound Community College School of Nursing
2011 Mottman Rd. SE
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 754-7711
A child care center is available on campus with first priority given to college students. The center is operated by the YMCA. There are other resources such as a cafe, bookstore, transportation among others. There are athletic program and other activities too. If you want to complete the practical nursing program you must do so as a part of the RN program where practical nurses graduate at the end of the first year.
* * * *
South Seattle Community College Nursing Program
6000 16th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 768-6414
It takes four quarters to complete this licensed practical nursing program. Selection is based on grades, pass nursing experience and the ability follow instructions well. The admissions process is very competitive. Despite the name of the school they are actually in West Seattle so students must be cautious when looking for housing to make sure they get the correct address and directions before starting they search.
* * * *
Spokane Community College Nursing Education
1810 N Greene St. MS 2090
Spokane, WA 99217
(509) 533-7000
This is a ladder nursing program where after completing certain levels students will graduate and move up to the other level. The LPN program is completed in the 4th quarter of the RN Associates Degree program. Students can move to the Bachelor RN then up to the Doctoral level. There are several athletics programs and activities on campus. Financial aid is available.
* * * *
Walla Walla Community College Nursing Education
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 527-4240
Athletics, clubs and organizations are available for students who like to keep active. There is also a fitness center and cafe. Though campus housing is not provided, the school assist by providing housing information for the surrounding areas. A bookstore, counseling, career center and other services are offered to students. The LPN program is designed to be completed in 1 year and financial aid is available.
* * * *
Wenatchee Valley College Nursing Program
1300 5th Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
When you complete the first year (first 4 quarters) of the RN program you will have completed your practical nursing program too and are eligible to sit the NCLEX exams. Students can participate in any of the athletics programs on campus if the wish. There are quite a number of financial aid options to choose from such as Pell grants, FSEOG, state need grant, tuition waivers and more.
* * * *
Yakima Valley Community College Nursing Program
PO Box 22520
Yakima, WA 98907
(509) 422-7800
In addition to their regular college programs this school also offers high school programs, adult basic education and is open to international students. The practical nursing program entails the first four quarters (1 year) of the Associates Degree nursing program. Housing is available and students are encourages to apply early. Financial aid is also available to those who qualify.
* * * *
