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.

2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Washington

Nurses in Washington seeking to advance their careers can find excellent options through online RN to BSN programs. These programs offer flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance education with clinical duties. Hybrid and partially online programs count as online, giving students a mix of virtual coursework and in-person experiences. Distance learning makes it possible to study from anywhere in the state while maintaining job responsibilities. Registerednursing.org has ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Washington, using a rigorous methodology that evaluates academic quality, affordability, and student support. To understand the criteria behind these rankings, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

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

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a hybrid RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses. The curriculum reinforces clinical expertise while emphasizing leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy. Students learn to facilitate change, collaborate with diverse populations, and translate knowledge into practice. The program can be completed in just three quarters, with classes held only on Wednesdays, offering flexible part-time or full-time enrollment. A community health practicum applies population-focused care in real-world settings. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions such as nurse manager, community health nurse, or case manager. Nursing scholarships and advisor support are available. The program does not list ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements, focusing instead on RN licensure and prior academic performance.

  • Complete in just three quarters
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Wednesdays-only course meetings
  • Practicum in community health
  • 2027 applications open in September
  • RN-BSN handbook available
  • Nursing scholarships offered
#2

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

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

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Washington Bothell offers a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with biweekly in-person classes at three Washington locations: Bothell, Everett University Center, and Shoreline. Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree, this flexible pathway emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health through research-integrated, project-based learning. Students may choose a full-time 1-year track or a part-time 2-year track, with January and September start dates. The program highlights a 90% graduation rate and prepares graduates for roles in management, clinical leadership, and community health. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission; instead, applicants must hold an active RN license and an ADN.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • 1-Year program
  • Complete in one year
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/winter
  • Three campus locations
  • Hybrid schedule with biweekly classes
  • 90% average graduation rate
  • Designed for working nurses
#3

Western Washington University

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

RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's RN-to-BSN program is a one-year degree-completion path for registered nurses with an ADN. The curriculum focuses on population health, health equity, and leadership, preparing nurses for community health leadership. Students may choose a fully online format or a hybrid option with on-campus sessions in Bellingham four Tuesdays per quarter. Both tracks include 100 practice experience hours arranged locally. Full-time and part-time pathways accommodate working nurses. The program is CCNE accredited and does not mention requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles or advanced degrees. New cohorts start Fall 2026.

  • CCNE accredited
  • 1-Year program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 100 clinical hours
  • Hybrid and online options
  • Leadership in population health
  • Supportive learning community
  • New Fall 2026 start
  • Designed for working nurses
#4

Heritage University

Toppenish, WA - Private 4-year - heritage.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Heritage University offers an online hybrid RN to BSN completion program for Washington-registered nurses with an associate degree. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice through courses in family nursing, safety and informatics, health policy, ethics, and community-based research. Students develop professional role integration and personal knowledge to advance their clinical expertise. Flexible full-time and part-time pathways accommodate working nurses; full-time students can finish in four semesters, while part-time students typically complete the degree in two years. This program is tailored for RNs seeking broader healthcare opportunities. Heritage University does not specify whether ACT or SAT scores are required for admission to this bachelor's completion program; prospective students should verify testing requirements with the institution.

  • 4-Semester program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • For licensed RNs with associate degrees
  • BSN completion program
#5

Washington State University

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

RN to BSN - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Washington State University offers an online RN to BSN program for working nurses seeking advancement. The 30-credit curriculum can be completed in as little as one year, with only a single on-campus day each semester. Coursework spans nursing leadership, healthcare informatics, population health, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a community-focused capstone project. Students build skills in management, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing for leadership roles in diverse settings. This CCNE-accredited program, backed by over 30 years of nursing education excellence, costs $613 per credit. Flexible start terms (summer, fall, spring) and financial aid/scholarships support accessibility. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisites; ACT/SAT entrance exams are not specified.

  • CCNE accredited
  • $613 per credit
  • 1-Year program
  • Complete in as little as one year
  • 30 total credit hours
  • Starts summer/fall/spring
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Capstone required
  • $55 application fee
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2025 survey (NCES).

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.

See Related Articles

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

2026 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:

Browse Our List of Programs

Browse our list of programs to find the right fit for your educational goals. We have gathered schools from various cities and states, each with unique program highlights. The table below shows the location, key features, and a direct link to the program page. Explore the options, compare what each school offers, and take the next step toward your future.
Jump to City:

Bellevue, WA

Bellevue College

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

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one year
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University

  • RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 100 clinical hours
    • Hybrid and online options
    • Leadership in population health
    • Supportive learning community
    • New Fall 2026 start

Bothell, WA

University of Washington-Bothell Campus

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one year
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/winter
    • Three campus locations
    • Hybrid schedule with biweekly classes

Bremerton, WA

Olympic College

  • RN to BSN - Nursing (RN-BSN) Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
    • Complete in one, two, or three-year plans to complete the degree
    • Rolling admissions
    • 4 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/winter/spring/summer
    • 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required

Lacey, WA

Saint Martin's University

  • RN to BSN - Nursing RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in as little as one year
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts rolling
    • Capstone required

Pasco, WA

Columbia Basin College

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • $0 application fee
    • Designed for working nurses

Pullman, WA

Washington State University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $613 per credit
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in as little as one year
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Starts summer/fall/spring
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

Tacoma, WA

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Complete in just three quarters
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Wednesdays-only course meetings
    • Practicum in community health
    • 2027 applications open in September
    • RN-BSN handbook available

Toppenish, WA

Heritage University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Semester program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • For licensed RNs with associate degrees
    • BSN completion program

Wenatchee, WA

Wenatchee Valley College

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • $50 application fee
    • 80% online, 20% face-to-face
    • Attends campus three times per quarter
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2025 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.