Nurses face ethical and leadership challenges every day, and while there is no substitute for experience, there is always room for more knowledge. With this in mind, nurses have a right to know that there is no better time to upgrade their academic credentials. The state offers RNs a great opportunity through several university programs to upgrade to an undergraduate degree – the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN. Read on for more information about how to get started.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Washington

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Washington? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and support for working nurses. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that suits your needs. Check out our rankings to make an informed choice. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

Bothell, WA - Public 4-Year - uwb.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers an RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person sessions, catering to the schedules of working nurses. It stands out for its accelerated full-time option, allowing completion in one year, alongside a part-time pathway. With a remarkable 90% graduation rate, the program emphasizes project-based learning and leadership development in healthcare. Accredited by CCNE, it provides flexibility with multiple start dates and locations, ensuring accessibility for students across Washington.

  • Hybrid program with flexible schedule
  • Full-time track graduates in 1 year
  • 90% yearly graduation rate
  • Three program locations available
  • Multiple start dates: January/September
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Part-time option available
  • Classes meet every other week
#2

Washington State University

Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Washington State University's online RN-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current roles. This one-year, 30-credit curriculum is delivered entirely online, offering unparalleled flexibility. It uniquely substitutes conventional clinical hours with community and population health projects, fostering practical leadership and evidence-based practice skills. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring a quality education that prepares nurses for advanced healthcare positions. With tuition varying by residency, it's an accessible option for many. Admission criteria include an active RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite coursework completion, making it a competitive choice for aspiring BSN graduates.

  • Fully online, flexible program
  • 30 credit program
  • Complete in one year
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Replace traditional clinical hours
  • Community health project focus
  • Leadership and management preparation
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Multiple campus options
  • Supports career advancement
#3

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's RN-to-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their education through a flexible hybrid format. Combining online coursework with in-person sessions, this program is ideal for working professionals aiming to balance their careers with academic goals. It emphasizes the development of advanced nursing skills, offering 48 upper-division credits that enhance clinical reasoning and leadership abilities. Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets high standards, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare challenges and further academic pursuits. The program's adaptability, with full-time or part-time study options, supports nurses in achieving their BSN without sacrificing professional commitments.

  • Nationally accredited nursing program
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 48 upper-division credits
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Practice experiences arranged
  • Prepares for graduate studies
#4

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their education and career. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person sessions, providing flexibility for working professionals. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. With options for part-time or full-time study, students can balance their education with professional commitments. The curriculum is designed to build on the nurses' existing knowledge, offering a pathway to broader career opportunities without a specific concentration.

  • Hybrid learning schedule
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Professional skill development
  • Builds on existing nursing experience
  • Supports leadership skill enhancement
#5

Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA - Private 4-year - stmartin.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Martin's University's RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to enhance their careers with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person classes one night a week, offering flexibility for working professionals. With the ability to complete the program in just one year, students delve into advanced nursing topics such as research, leadership, and community health. The program stands out for its affordability, small class sizes, and multiple scholarship opportunities, alongside the convenience of flexible start dates. Accredited and approved by the Washington Board of Nursing, it's a practical choice for nurses in Washington seeking to advance their education and career prospects.

  • Complete BSN in one year
  • Hybrid learning model
  • One night per week class
  • Affordable tuition
  • Fully accredited program
  • Flexible program start dates
  • Full or part-time options
  • Small class sizes
  • Multiple scholarship opportunities
  • Washington Board of Nursing approval
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Fast & Affordable Program Options

One of the best ways you can level up your career as a nurse is by getting a BSN degree. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to do that is to enroll in an RN to BSN degree program. These programs are shorter than a typical BSN degree program because they build on the nurse’s existing experience and training, saving you more money and time in your busy schedule.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

As mentioned, RN to BSN degree programs are much shorter than traditional BSN degree programs, often only requiring a year or two of study. How long you actually spend in school depends on the program and how many transfer credits you have. That being said, here are the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state:

SchoolDegree NameLength
Washington State UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year
University of WashingtonOnline RN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, but they’re somewhat rare, especially in Washington You can definitely expect to find RN to BSN programs under two years in Washington (as demonstrated above) but to be eligible for 6-month RN to BSN degree program, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to locate a school that accepts them.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Apart from the timeliness of an RN to BSN program, many students are particularly happy with the price. Because you will only be required to enroll for a period of one to two years for your BSN, this means that you will likely only be paying around half the cost compared to a traditional BSN program. Keep in mind that your cost may be more or less costly depending on your state residency status and the cost of living and textbooks in the area where you are enrolling. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Washington.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Olympic CollegeRN to BSN$61.02 per credit (Resident)

$68.96 per credit per credit (Non-Resident)

Columbia CollegeOnline RN to BSN$24,806 per year

Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Across the state, nurses must be certain that when they apply to an accredited RN to BSN program they exactly meet the admissions criteria. While institutions do vary, we’ve compiled a list of the most common criteria that a nurse may encounter during the application process.

  • Have full admittance to your university
  • Be a graduate of a regionally accredited Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
  • Maintain an active and unencumbered RN license
  • Maintain a grade of ‘C’ or better in prerequisite courses
  • Submit a completed nursing application – either online or via mail
  • Have ready access to a computer and the internet
  • Submit a resume and three professional references

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Western Washington University has maintained its accreditation continuously since 1921. Nurses who enter the RN to BSN program at WWU can expect to find a hybrid program with online and on-campus courses that resemble the following:

  • NURS 432 Community-Based Care for Vulnerable Populations
  • NURS 433 Community-Based Care Practice Experience
  • NURS 401 Transitions into Professional Nursing Practice

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Washington

Take a look at these great RN to BSN programs in Washington by looking at the listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Bellevue, WA

Bellevue College

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Minimal campus time
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Requires current RN license
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
    • One year clinical experience
    • Selective admission program

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Nationally accredited nursing program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • 48 upper-division credits
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • Practice experiences arranged
    • Prepares for graduate studies

Bothell, WA

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program with flexible schedule
    • Full-time track graduates in 1 year
    • 90% yearly graduation rate
    • Three program locations available
    • Multiple start dates: January/September
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Part-time option available
    • Classes meet every other week

Bremerton, WA

Olympic College

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Enhances nursing credentials
    • Flexible learning pathway
    • Professional development opportunity

College Place, WA

Walla Walla University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. Entry

    Campus Based - Website

    • Portland campus location
    • Requires 3.0 GPA
    • 136+ transferable credits
    • Advanced standing exam
    • Current R.N. license required
    • 16 lower division nursing credits
    • 32 upper division nursing credits

Lacey, WA

Saint Martin's University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Complete BSN in one year
    • Hybrid learning model
    • One night per week class
    • Affordable tuition
    • Fully accredited program
    • Flexible program start dates
    • Full or part-time options
    • Small class sizes

Pasco, WA

Columbia Basin College

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Twice yearly cohort starts
    • 40 students admitted annually
    • 35 NCLEX credits available
    • Requires Associate Nursing Degree
    • Washington State RN license required
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Expands career opportunities

Pullman, WA

Washington State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online, flexible program
    • 30 credit program
    • Complete in one year
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Replace traditional clinical hours
    • Community health project focus
    • Leadership and management preparation
    • CCNE accredited program

Tacoma, WA

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning schedule
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Professional skill development
    • Builds on existing nursing experience
    • Supports leadership skill enhancement

Wenatchee, WA

Wenatchee Valley College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 80% online, 20% face-to-face
    • One-year full-time program
    • Requires current RN license
    • Three campus visits per quarter
    • CCNE Accredited program
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2023 release.