Nursing Programs in Seattle, WA

Last Updated On Feb 21, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Seattle

Rankings help nursing students compare programs by highlighting key performance metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Seattle" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, providing objective data to guide program selection. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in Seattle have shown improvement from 2022 to 2024.

2022: 81.29% average pass rate with 866 students
2023: 87.25% average pass rate with 910 students
2024: 94.23% average pass rate with 867 students

Top Performing Schools

These Seattle nursing schools maintain the highest average pass rates with substantial student populations.

Northwest University: 91.6% average pass rate with 119 students
Olympic College: 91.25% average pass rate with 240 students
Washington State University - Everett Campus: 89.87% average pass rate with 740 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs show slightly higher pass rates than Associate Degree in Nursing programs in Seattle.

BSN programs: 95.54% average pass rate with 426 students
ADN programs: 92.38% average pass rate with 433 students

Pass Rate by Program Size

Large nursing programs in Seattle demonstrate the strongest performance on licensure exams.

Large programs (>100 students/year): 95.74% average pass rate with 469 students
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 91.8% average pass rate with 305 students
Small programs (<50 students/year): 91.76% average pass rate with 85 students

Geographic Trends

Everett nursing programs lead Seattle-area cities in NCLEX performance.

Everett: 96.83% average pass rate with 315 students
Tacoma: 94.28% average pass rate with 227 students
Kirkland: 91% average pass rate with 100 students
Bremerton: 90.52% average pass rate with 95 students
Bellevue: 91.86% average pass rate with 86 students

Green River College

Auburn, WA - Public 4-Year - greenriver.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Green River College's LPN to BSN concentration provides Licensed Practical Nurses with a hybrid pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program blends in-person instruction with online flexibility, catering to working professionals over a two-year duration. Admission requires an active LPN license, prerequisite coursework, and a competitive application process that includes background checks and drug screening. Notably, the program maintains a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, demonstrating strong graduate preparedness. Accredited by the NLN CNEA, this approximately $23,000 program does not require ACT or SAT exams for bachelor's-level admission, focusing instead on professional qualifications and prerequisites.

Hybrid program format
100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
Accredited by NLN CNEA
Approx. $23,000 cost
Active LPN license required
Competitive admissions
2 years program length
In-person learning
32 students per cohort
Fall quarter start

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA - Private 4-year - northwestu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwest University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate trend, rising from 82.5% in 2022 to 97.22% in 2024 among 36-43 students annually. This two-year campus program integrates scientific, clinical, and holistic health education with cross-cultural study abroad opportunities and high-fidelity clinical simulation. Students benefit from rotations at top Pacific Northwest hospitals and faculty with extensive teaching and clinical experience, fostering both professional and spiritual growth aligned with the Assemblies of God Church affiliation. The BSN degree prepares graduates for diverse nursing careers and advanced education, with military-friendly support.

95% NCLEX pass rate
Two-year program
Cross-cultural study abroad
High-fidelity clinical simulation
Rotations at top hospitals
BSN degree preferred by employers
Integrates spiritual growth
Prepares for diverse nursing careers
Opportunities for advanced education
Faculty with extensive experience

Olympic College

Bremerton, WA - Public 4-Year - olympic.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Olympic College's Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) program in Bremerton, WA, offers a two-year campus-based pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum fosters professional growth and ethical standards, preparing students for acute, long-term, and community-based care. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA. No entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's-level program. NCLEX pass rates for the ADN program were 94.20% in 2023 and 91.46% in 2024, demonstrating strong educational outcomes and student readiness for the nursing profession.

Two-year program duration
Campus-based learning
High NCLEX-RN pass rates
Hands-on clinical experiences
Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
Requires prerequisite courses
Focus on professional growth
Ethical standards emphasized
Community-based care training
Acute care training

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN to RN) (LPN to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Olympic College's Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN to RN) program is a campus-based concentration tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to advance to Registered Nurse roles. The program spans four quarters plus a transition course, blending general education, nursing theory, and practice. Prerequisites include courses in English, chemistry, and anatomy, with minimum GPA requirements. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program. NCLEX pass rates for the ADN program were 94.20% in 2023 and 91.46% in 2024, and the program boasts high completion rates, with financial aid and scholarships available to eligible students to support their career transition.

Campus-based program
Four quarters plus transition course
High NCLEX-RN pass rates
Prerequisites in key subjects
Financial aid available
Scholarships for eligible students
Prepares LPNs for RN roles
Balanced curriculum
Minimum GPA requirements
Successful completion rates

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Olympic College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for advanced nursing roles through two specialized pathways: one for Veterans and Licensed Practical Nurses (VL-BSN) and another for working RNs (RN-BSN). This campus-based program focuses on leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice, requiring a current RN license, one year of clinical practice, and prerequisite courses for admission. Accredited by CCNE, it offers flexible completion plans. For NCLEX pass rates, the BSN program achieved 93.33% in 2023 and 84.62% in 2024, reflecting its commitment to quality education. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program.

Two specialized pathways available.
Accredited by CCNE.
Flexible completion plans.
Focus on leadership and population health.
Requires current RN license.
One year clinical practice needed.
Prerequisite courses required.
High-quality nursing education.
Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
Evidence-based practice focus.

Bachelor's - VL to BSN (Veterans and Licensed Practical Nurses)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Veteran & Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VL-BSN) program at Olympic College is a hybrid concentration designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses and Veterans with military healthcare experience. It combines online learning with in-person interaction to accommodate busy schedules, preparing graduates for the NCLEX exam and high-demand Registered Nurse positions. Prerequisites include courses in English Composition, Psychology, Chemistry, and Biology. Accredited by CCNE and approved by WABON, this program does not require an entrance exam for admission. NCLEX pass rates for the BSN program were 93.33% in 2023 and 84.62% in 2024, supporting its effectiveness.

Hybrid program format
For LPNs and Veterans
Prepares for NCLEX exam
Includes prerequisite courses
Focus on student support
Accredited by CCNE
Approved by WABON
Clinical experiences included
Financial aid available
Military benefits applicable

Show 3 More Programs ˅

Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacomacc.edu

Associate - Associate in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tacoma Community College's Associate in Nursing program provides a comprehensive 3-year, 135-credit pathway to become a registered nurse. This campus-based program emphasizes patient-centered care and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates showing strong performance - 95.89% in 2024. As an associate-level program, it doesn't require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Washington residents benefit from affordable tuition, and the curriculum includes both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills training for diverse healthcare settings. The program offers seamless transfer options to BSN programs for further advancement.

3 Years program length
135 Credits required
Campus-based learning
Prepares for RN credential
Transfer options to BSN
Affordable tuition for residents
Financial aid available
Patient-centered care focus
Diverse healthcare settings preparation
State-approved program

Associate - Associate in Nursing (LPN to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tacoma Community College's LPN to RN concentration offers licensed practical nurses an accelerated pathway to registered nurse credentials. This 3-year, 135-credit program is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement, with no entrance exam requirements at this associate level. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN preparation, with pass rates reaching 95.89% in 2024. Washington residents pay approximately $1,590.70 per quarter, making this an affordable option for LPNs transitioning to RN roles. The curriculum builds upon existing practical nursing experience while providing transfer opportunities to bachelor's degree programs.

3-year nursing program
135 total credits
Quarterly tuition ~$1,590.70
Pathway to RN credential
Transfer to BSN possible
Designed for current LPNs
State-approved program

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Bellevue College

Bellevue, WA - Public 4-Year - bellevuecollege.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bellevue College's Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for clinical practice as Registered Nurses, with eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes diverse nursing areas including Med-Surg, Pediatrics, and OB-GYN. With recent NCLEX pass rates ranging from 85% to 94% (2022-2024), the program demonstrates strong outcomes. Offering both full-time and part-time study options, it accommodates working adults through flexible scheduling. Admission requires meeting specific deadlines and attending an information session; no ACT or SAT exam is required for this associate-level program. The curriculum is accredited by NLN CNEA and approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing, meeting educational requirements for Washington licensure.

89% NCLEX pass rate
Full-time or part-time options
Accredited by NLN CNEA
Approved by WA State Board
Emphasis on diverse nursing areas
State-of-the-art training facilities
Prioritizes working adults
Quarterly tuition billing
Meets WA licensure requirements
Additional CE for Oregon licensure

*Official data: NCES IPEDS 2024 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Seattle, WA

For those starting from scratch to become an RN, entry-level nursing programs are ideal. Prospective students can choose between the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways.

For licensed practical nurses in the Seattle area, an entry point to a career as a registered nurse is an LPN to RN bridge program that builds on LPN coursework to help students earn their ADN at a faster pace. For example, Tacoma Community College offers an LPN to RN program that is taught in a four-quarter sequence over a one-year period.

LPN to RN Programs

ADN Programs

The ADN pathway is the shortest and most basic option to become a registered nurse. Students can complete coursework and training in just two years. For example, the Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers an associate's pathway, called the Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T), which prepares students to become RNs through its 90-credit curriculum. The program boasts a 90% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Traditional BSN programs are becoming more popular, due in part to the fact that many hospitals and healthcare employers are starting to require them. Students can earn their bachelor's degree in nursing in roughly 4 years of study. Seattle University offers a classic, accredited BSN program that requires around 180 credits to complete.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Seattle, WA

Bridge programs, such as the RN to BSN and RN to MSN pathways, are designed to allow actively licensed RNs to continue their nursing education. Many nurses appreciate these programs due to their shortened length, as they are built to expand upon the nurse's prior education and knowledge.

RN to BSN Programs

For nurses who hold an ADN or nursing diploma, the RN to BSN program is an ideal way to earn a bachelor's degree. These programs tend to offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy working RNs. Bellevue College offers an RN to BSN program that consists of 180 total credits, 90 of which are transferred over from the student's prior ADN program.

Find out more about Washington RN to BSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs allow ADN-educated nurses to access an even higher order of nursing specialties through a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically require nurses to choose a concentration, such as a family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or more. Seattle Pacific University offers two bridge programs: an ADN to MSN Clinical Leadership in Practice program, and a Nurse Educator program that is available to both ADN and BSN-educated nurses.

Find out more about Washington RN to MSN programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We provide a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help nurses advance their careers. This table shows schools across the U.S., with details on city and state locations, program highlights, and links to each school's program page. Explore options to find the right fit for your educational goals and professional growth.

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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

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