Best Online MSN Programs in Washington
Whether you're a working nurse aiming to advance your career with higher-paying positions or aspiring to take on roles beyond that of a registered nurse, a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs is a valuable step forward. Washington offers a range of excellent MSN programs designed to help you achieve your professional goals. With a growing demand for advanced nursing roles like nurse practitioners and nurse administrators, particularly in urban centers like Seattle and Spokane and rural communities across the state, there are ample opportunities for career advancement. To learn more about specific programs or to find the most affordable and accelerated MSN options in Washington, explore the details below.
2026 Best Online MSN Programs in Washington
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - gonzaga.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced mental healthcare roles. This 47-credit online program requires no entrance exam and emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric care across all age groups. Students complete 660 clinical hours and five on-campus immersions while developing expertise in psychopharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based interventions. The flexible online coursework allows completion in nine semesters, with training in prescriptive authority and advanced psychiatric nursing skills for diverse clinical settings.
- 47 Total Program Credits
- 660 Clinical Practice Hours
- 9 Semester Completion Time
- Flexible Online Coursework
- 5 On-campus Immersions
- Focuses on All Age Groups
- Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Skills
- Prescriptive Authority Training
- Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA - Public 4-Year - uwb.edu
BSN to MSN - Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers an online MSN Nurse Educator program through a hybrid format combining in-person and digital learning. This master's program requires no entrance exam and prepares nurses for advanced educator roles with a 51-credit curriculum. Students can choose flexible 2- or 4-year pathways, completing 100 hours of fieldwork and a capstone project. The program focuses on curriculum development, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching, meeting NLN credentialing requirements for certification as an advanced nurse educator.
- Hybrid 2 or 4-year program
- 51 total credit hours
- 100 hours fieldwork included
- In-person and online learning
- Advanced nurse educator certification
- Cohort-based learning model
- Capstone project required
- Meets NLN credentialing requirements
- Diverse healthcare education focus
- Technology-enhanced pedagogy
BSN to MSN - Master of Nursing (Administrative Leadership)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington-Bothell Campus provides an online MSN with a concentration in Administrative Leadership through a hybrid delivery model. This master's program does not require an entrance exam and equips nurses with leadership skills for complex healthcare organizations. The 55-credit curriculum includes 100 hours of fieldwork and prepares graduates for Nurse Executive credentialing. Students develop expertise in strategic management, budget oversight, and quality initiatives through an interdisciplinary approach, with flexible 2- or 4-year completion options available.
- Hybrid 2-4 year graduate program
- 55 total credit program
- 100 hours fieldwork required
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Nurse Executive credentialing preparation
- Interdisciplinary course collaboration
- Complex organizational management
- Healthcare systems focus
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Washington University offers a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration through a hybrid online format, combining digital coursework with quarterly on-campus sessions. This 48-credit, two-year program prepares nurses for advanced roles as managers, directors, and healthcare administrators by focusing on strategic leadership, health equity, and systemic improvements. The curriculum emphasizes population health, collaborative approaches, and hands-on practical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required for admission. Graduates are equipped to drive transformative change and meet advanced credentialing requirements in complex healthcare environments.
- Two-year full-time program
- 48-credit non-thesis degree
- Hybrid online/face-to-face learning
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Focus on health equity
- Hands-on practical experiences
- Meets advanced credentialing requirements
- Quarterly on-campus sessions
- Community-based learning
RN to MSN Programs in Washington
Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:
- Washington RN license
- ADN or nursing diploma
- GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
- Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
- Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume
While these programs are not currently available in Washington, you can enroll in online RN to MSN programs or RN programs located in nearby states, such as the RN to MSN program offered by Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Washington
What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?
Most MSN programs in Washington generally take two to four years to complete. However, with careful planning, you can find programs that fall on the shorter end of this range—or even faster. Self-paced online options or taking advantage of summer courses can significantly reduce your completion time. For example, Pacific Lutheran University (PSU) offers a 2-year MSN program.
What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?
Graduate school can be costly, but there are several strategies to help lower tuition expenses. One effective approach is establishing residency in Washington, which can qualify you for in-state tuition rates, often significantly more affordable than out-of-state fees. Additionally, some institutions in Washington naturally offer more budget-friendly tuition rates. Both Seattle University and the University of Washington (UW) are both great examples of affordable schools that offer MSN programs.
Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
- GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
- Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
- Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
- Admissions interview
As of now, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is the only school in Washington that offers a MENP program.
Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties
What is MSN Accreditation?
2026 List of MSN Programs in Washington
Still looking for more options? Find more Washington MSN programs listed below:
MSN Programs By City:
Bellingham, WA
Western Washington University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time program
- 48-credit non-thesis degree
- Hybrid online/face-to-face learning
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Focus on health equity
- Hands-on practical experiences
- Meets advanced credentialing requirements
- Quarterly on-campus sessions
Bothell, WA
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
- BSN to MSN - Master of Nursing
Concentration: Administrative Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 2-4 year graduate program
- 55 total credit program
- 100 hours fieldwork required
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Nurse Executive credentialing preparation
- Interdisciplinary course collaboration
- Complex organizational management
- Healthcare systems focus
- BSN to MSN - Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 2 or 4-year program
- 51 total credit hours
- 100 hours fieldwork included
- In-person and online learning
- Advanced nurse educator certification
- Cohort-based learning model
- Capstone project required
- Meets NLN credentialing requirements
Spokane, WA
Gonzaga University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 47 Total Program Credits
- 660 Clinical Practice Hours
- 9 Semester Completion Time
- Flexible Online Coursework
- 5 On-campus Immersions
- Focuses on All Age Groups
- Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Skills
- Prescriptive Authority Training