Washington Nursing Schools

There are over 40 different accrediting nursing schools in Washington, disbursed throughout the state but more highly concentrated in the larger cities such as Seattle. There are plenty of options at every degree level – see the all-encompassing list of programs below.

For all of the excellent nursing schools and programs that Washington state has, it’s still facing a serious nursing shortage, for a few reasons. There aren’t enough qualified nursing educators available to staff teaching positions, for one, and the state’s current population of full-fledged nurses is reaching retirement age faster than Washington is capable of graduating new nurses to replace them. This leads to waitlists for schools offering four year nursing degrees, and a lot of students turning to schools that offer associate’s degrees instead.

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To help cope with the shortage of qualified nurses, more and more schools are beginning to offer things like distance learning programs, accelerate degree programs, blended curricula, and other strategies that allow schools to educate their students with the least investment of time and resources.


Nursing Degrees by Program in Washington

Use the quick links below to view detailed information on the specific nursing degree you are considering. Includes degree info and school options in your state.

Outlook for Nursing in Washington

Washington has some very urban areas, like Seattle, and some very rural areas. All of these places need qualified nurses to care for their residents, which results in some wide variation in how nurses get paid. A staff RN in Seattle can earn a median salary of $72,303, which is well over the national average. By contrast, a nurse in Yakima can earn a median salary of $62,509, which is actually below the national average. All figures are from the BLS.

Washington Board of Nursing

Washington’s Board of Nursing is actually called the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, but the purpose it serves is effectively the same as other states’ Board of Nursing. Nurses and nursing students alike should turn to it when they need information on licensing and examinations, renewals, continuing education, approved nursing programs, industry news, and more. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission can be found care of the Department of Health, HPQA #6, 310 Israel Rd. SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501-7864.

Nursing Scholarships & Grants Info for Washington

The following are examples of nursing scholarships and grants for Washington nursing students.

Washington State Nurses Foundation
State residents and nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in Washington may be eligible for a scholarship from the Foundation.  The Foundation is the funding arm of the Washington State Nurses Association.  Students must be planning to become registered nurses to apply.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, leadership qualities, letters of recommendation, and general background information.  Awards are typically $1,000.  Award deadlines change annually.  For current applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at (206) 575-7979.

Sophie L. Anderson Educational Trust
Washington residents pursuing nursing degrees at small colleges in the state may be eligible for nursing scholarships through the Trust.  Scholarships are based on academic scores and student potential.  Award amounts vary.  For current applications and guidelines, including deadlines, contact the Trust, c/o Bank of America, N.A., P.O. Box 34345, Seattle, WA 98124.

College Success Foundation
If you are a high school student graduating from a high school in Washington and plan to pursue a four-year nursing degree, you may be eligible for the Foundation’s Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, personal essay, financial need, and letters of recommendation.  In addition to the scholarship application, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Awards are $6,250 per year for four years.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 1605 North West Sammamish Road, Suite 100, Issaquah, WA 98027 or by calling (425) 416-2000.

University of Washington

Undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled in the University’s School of Nursing have access to more than 70 scholarships and fellowships to help pay for their nursing education.  Opportunities include the Glassybaby Nursing Scholarship and the Brines Endowed Nursing Scholarship.  Each scholarship has individual eligibility and submission requirements.  Award amounts vary.  Students should contact the School of Nursing at (206) 543-8736 for more information.

BECU Foundation
Members of the Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU) may be eligible for scholarships from the Foundation.  Children of members may also be eligible for financial assistance.  Only undergraduate or graduating high school students may apply.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, community service, and letters of recommendation.  Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of March annually.  For current guidelines, contact the Foundation at 12770 Gateway Drive, Suite 1011-1, Tukwila, WA 98168 or by calling (206) 439-5907.

Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center
Nursing scholarships are available for employees who are enrolled in accredited nursing programs.  Scholarships are based on commitment to the profession and financial need.  Award amounts vary.  Employees should contact their department supervisor for scholarship information.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Nursing students who graduated from Walla Walla County high schools in Washington may be eligible for nursing scholarships and grants.  The Foundation administers multiple scholarships including the Marilyn Jensen Memorial Fund which provides scholarships to nursing students.  Each scholarship has individual eligibility and submission requirements.  Award amounts vary depending on the scholarship.  In addition to the scholarship application, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of February annually. For current applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 8 South 2nd Street, Suite 618, P.O. Box 603, Walla Walla, WA 99362 or by calling (509) 529-4371.

List of Nursing Schools & Accredited Programs in Washington

★ Featured Nursing Schools Accepting Washington Applicants

List of Washington Nursing Schools

Bates Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN) Refresher
1101 S Yakima Ave
Tacoma, Washington 98405
Phone:(253) 680-7000
Website: www.bates.ctc.edu
Bates Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Bellevue College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3000 Landerholm Cir SE
Bellevue, Washington 98007-6484
Phone:(425) 564-1000
Website: bellevuecollege.edu
Bellevue College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Bellingham Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
3028 Lindbergh Ave
Bellingham, Washington 98225-1599
Phone:(360) 752-8345
Website: www.btc.ctc.edu
Bellingham Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Big Bend Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
7662 Chanute St
Moses Lake, Washington 98837-3299
Phone:(509) 793-2222
Phone:(877) 745-1212
Website: www.bigbend.edu
Big Bend Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Centralia College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
600 Centralia College Blvd
Centralia, Washington 98531-4099
Phone:(360) 736-9391
Website: www.centralia.edu
Centralia College is a 2-year, public institution.

Clark College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, Washington 98663-3598
Phone:(360) 699-6398
Website: www.clark.edu
Clark College is a 2-year, public institution.

Clover Park Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood, Washington 98499-4004
Phone:(253) 589-5800
Website: www.cptc.edu
Clover Park Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Columbia Basin College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
2600 N 20th Ave
Pasco, Washington 99301
Phone:(509) 547-0511
Website: www.columbiabasin.edu
Columbia Basin College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Eastern Washington University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
526 5th Street
Cheney, Washington 99004-2496
Phone:(509) 359-6200
Website: www.ewu.edu
Eastern Washington University is a 4-year, public institution.

Everett Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2000 Tower Street
Everett, Washington 98201
Phone:(425) 388-9100
Website: www.everettcc.edu
Everett Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Gonzaga University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Health Systems Leadership
Nurse Educator
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
E 502 Boone Ave
Spokane, Washington 99258-0001
Phone:(509) 313-3569
Website: www.gonzaga.edu
Gonzaga University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Grays Harbor College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1620 Edward P Smith Dr
Aberdeen, Washington 98520-7599
Phone:(360) 532-4011
Phone: (800) 562-4830
Website: ghc.ctc.edu
Grays Harbor College is a 2-year, public institution.

Green River Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
12401 SE 320th St
Auburn, Washington 98092-3622
Phone:(253) 833-9111
Website: www.greenriver.edu
Green River Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Heritage University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
3240 Fort Rd
Toppenish, Washington 98948
Phone:(509) 865-8500
Phone:(8880 272-6190
Website: www.heritage.edu
Heritage University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Highline Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA))
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2400 S 240th St
Des Moines, Washington 98198-9800
Phone:(206) 878-3710
Phone:(866) 327-6856
Website: www.highline.edu
Highline Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Lake Washington Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
11605 132nd Ave Nurse Educator
Kirkland, Washington 98034-8506
Phone:(425) 739-8100
Website: www.lwtc.edu
Lake Washington Technical College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Lower Columbia College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1600 Maple Street
Longview, Washington 98632-0310
Phone:(360) 442-2311
Website: lowercolumbia.edu
Lower Columbia College is a 2-year, public institution.

Northwest University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
5520 108th Ave Nurse Educator
Kirkland, Washington 98083-0579
Phone:(425) 822-8266
Website: www.northwestu.edu
Northwest University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Olympic College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1600 Chester Ave
Bremerton, Washington 98337-1699
Phone:(360) 792-6050
Website: www.olympic.edu
Olympic College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Pacific Lutheran University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN/BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) / Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
Registered Nurse to Master’s of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
12180 Park Ave S
Tacoma, Washington 98447-0003
Phone:(253) 535-7672
Website: www.plu.edu
Pacific Lutheran University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Peninsula College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1502 E Lauridsen Blvd
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Phone:(360) 452-9277
Website: www.pencol.edu
Peninsula College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
9401 Farwest Dr SW
Lakewood, Washington 98498-1999
Phone:(253) 964-6500
Website: www.pierce.ctc.edu
Peninsula College is a 2-year, public institution.

Renton Technical College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
3000 NE Fourth St
Renton, Washington 98056-4195
Phone:(425) 235-2352
Website: www.rtc.edu
Renton Technical College is a 2-year, public institution.

Seattle Community College-Central Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1701 Broadway Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98122
Phone:(206) 934-6337
Website: www.seattlecentral.org
Seattle Community College-Central Campus is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Seattle Community College-North Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Nursing AAS-T Degree (LPN to RN Ladder)
Practical Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Degree
Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN)
9600 College Way North
Seattle, Washington 98103-3599
Phone:(206) 527-3600
Website: www.northseattle.edu
Seattle Community College-North Campus is a 2-year, public institution.

Seattle Community College-South Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, Washington 98106-1499
Phone:(206) 764-5300
Website: southseattle.edu
Seattle Community College-South Campus is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

Seattle Pacific University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
3307 3rd Ave W
Seattle, Washington 98119-1997
Phone:(206) 281-2000
Website: www.spu.edu
Seattle Pacific University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Seattle University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
901 12th Ave
Seattle, Washington 98122-4340
Phone:(206) 296-2000
Website: www.seattleu.edu
Seattle University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Shoreline Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
16101 Greenwood Ave N
Shoreline, Washington 98133-5696
Phone:(206) 546-4101
Website: www.shoreline.edu
Shoreline Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Skagit Valley College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2405 E. College Way
Mount Vernon, Washington 98273
Phone:(360) 416-7600
Website: www.skagit.edu
Skagit Valley College is a 2-year, public institution.

South Puget Sound Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2011 Mottman Rd SW
Olympia, Washington 98512-6292
Phone:(360) 754-7711
Website: www.spscc.ctc.edu
South Puget Sound Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Spokane Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Washington State Nursing Quality Assurance Commission
1810 North Greene Street
Spokane, Washington 99217-5399
Phone:(509) 533-7000
Phone: (800) 248-5644
Website: www.scc.spokane.edu
Spokane Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Tacoma Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
6501 S 19th St
Tacoma, Washington 98466-6100
Phone:(253) 566-5000
Website: www.tacomacc.edu
Tacoma Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
18115 Campus Way Nurse Educator
Bothell, Washington 98011-8246
Phone:(425) 352-5000
Website: www.bothell.washington.edu
University of Washington-Bothell Campus is a 4-year, public institution.

Walla Walla Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, Washington 99362-9267
Phone:(509) 522-2500
Website: www.wwcc.edu
Walla Walla Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Walla Walla University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
204 S College Ave
College Place, Washington 99324-1198
Phone:(509) 527-2416
Website:www.wallawalla.edu
Walla Walla University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Washington State University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
French Administration Building
Pullman, Washington 99164-1009
Phone:(509) 335-3564
Website: www.wsu.edu
Washington State University is a 4-year, public institution.

Whatcom Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
237 W Kellogg Rd
Bellingham, Washington 98226
Phone:(360) 383-3000
Website: www.whatcom.ctc.edu
Whatcom Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Whitworth University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
300 W Hawthorne Rd
Spokane, Washington 99251
Phone:(509) 777-1000
Website: www.whitworth.edu
Whitworth University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Yakima Valley Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, Washington 98907-2520
Phone:(509) 574-4600
Website: www.yvcc.edu
Yakima Valley Community College is a 2-year, public institution.