Top Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Seattle, WA
- 2025 Top Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Seattle, WA
- Why Pursue a Nurse Practitioner Degree in Seattle?
- Program Formats & Coursework Overview
- Entry Requirements & Prerequisites
- NP Specialties & Roles You Can Pursue
- Seattle NP Salary & Job Outlook
- Funding Your Graduate Education
- Balancing Clinicals, Study & Puget Sound Living
- Accreditation & State Approval
- Professional Connections & Learning Networks
- Selecting the Right Seattle-Area NP Program
- Take the Next Step Toward Advanced Practice
- Latest Articles & Guides
Seattle's Space Needle isn't the only structure piercing the clouds—so do the city's healthcare ambitions. From the University of Washington Medical Center's nationally ranked specialties on Montlake to Amazon's sprawling bioscience projects in South Lake Union, the Emerald City fuses tech innovation with community-focused care. Yet rural counties east of the Cascades still struggle with primary-care shortages, and King County's aging population drives relentless demand for advanced clinicians. According to projections from the Washington Center for Nursing, Washington state is expected to see nearly 1,800 nurse practitioner (NP) job openings each year between 2026 and 2031, signaling a robust and sustained demand for these advanced-practice nurses. Working RNs and recent BSN graduates who want to step into these high-impact roles often worry about juggling shift work, tuition, and Seattle's notorious traffic. Fortunately, local universities and carefully vetted online tracks offer flexible pathways that keep clinical rotations close to Puget Sound—and tuition below many coastal competitors—while preparing you for national board exams in as little as two years.
Seattle's lifestyle perks sweeten the deal. Average NP wages surpassed $139,000 in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro in 2025, and Washington remains one of only 26 states granting full practice authority on day one of licensure. That means you could open an independent clinic in Ballard or prescribe life-saving medication to hikers in the Cascades without physician oversight. Ready to explore the Nurse Practitioner programs that make those opportunities possible? Dive into the rankings below, then use the subsequent sections as your field guide to coursework, costs, and career trajectories across the Evergreen State.
2025 Top Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Seattle, WA
Seattle University
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - seattleu.edu
Doctorate - Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care delivers advanced training for nurses seeking comprehensive primary care expertise. Spanning 3-4 years, the program boasts a remarkable 95% board pass rate and exceptional employment potential. Students develop critical leadership skills while mastering evidence-based healthcare practices across diverse patient populations. Graduates can pursue multiple certification pathways, including Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes holistic patient care, preparing practitioners to address complex healthcare challenges with precision and compassion. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned in the program details.
- Doctorate in Nursing Practice
- 4 years non-nurses, 3 years RNs
- CCNE Accredited Program
- 85.7% Job Placement Rate
- 109-166 Total Credits
- In-Person Learning Format
- ANCC/AANPCB Certification Eligible
- State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program transforms mental healthcare delivery through comprehensive, lifespan-focused training. Students develop advanced skills in integrated mental health and addiction treatment, serving patients from childhood through older adulthood. The 3-4 year program emphasizes evidence-based interventions and compassionate care, preparing graduates to become healthcare leaders addressing critical mental health disparities. With in-person clinical immersion and state-of-the-art training facilities, students are comprehensively prepared for the ANCC certification examination. The program's rigorous curriculum ensures graduates are equipped to provide exceptional psychiatric care across diverse clinical settings.
- CCNE Accredited Doctoral Program
- Lifespan Mental Health Focus
- In-Person Clinical Training
- 108-171 Total Credits
- 85.7% Job Placement Rate
- 3-4 Year Program Duration
- State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab
- Comprehensive Mental Health Curriculum
- Advanced Clinical Preparation
Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers specialized training in comprehensive women's healthcare. Designed for both BSN graduates and non-nurse professionals, this three to four-year program provides advanced skills in gynecological care, prenatal services, family planning, and diagnostic testing. As Washington's top-ranked nursing school, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research and critical thinking. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue high-demand roles with potential annual salaries around $145,400. The program features in-person clinical training, a state-of-the-art clinical lab, and multiple entry pathways for aspiring women's health practitioners.
- Washington's #1 Nursing School
- 3-4 year program duration
- In-person clinical training
- Eligible for NCC certification
- State-of-the-art clinical lab
- Located near major medical centers
- CCNE accredited program
- 113-176 total credits
- Multiple entry pathways
Doctorate - Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, DNP
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for intensive healthcare environments. This rigorous 3-year full-time program requires two years of acute care experience and provides 90 clinical hours quarterly. Students develop critical skills in inpatient, emergency, and critical care settings, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation. Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center, the program offers comprehensive preparation for professional certification exams. With a strong emphasis on practical training and a high 85.7% job placement rate, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions in urban and rural healthcare settings.
- 3-year full-time DNP program
- 90 clinical hours per quarter
- 2 years acute care experience preferred
- CCNE Accredited Program
- 85.7% job placement rate
- State-of-the-art Clinical Performance Lab
- Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center
- Eligible for ANCC certification exam
- 110-173 total program credits
- In-person learning format
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative educational pathway for advanced healthcare professionals. Designed for nurses seeking specialized clinical expertise, this hybrid program provides comprehensive training in family healthcare delivery. Students benefit from flexible full-time and part-time options, ensuring accessibility for working professionals. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, quality healthcare system improvement, and advanced patient care strategies. With small cohort sizes and faculty-arranged clinical placements, students receive personalized mentorship. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and obtain Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensure, positioning them for impactful roles in family healthcare.
- Three program pathway options
- Full-time and part-time study
- Small cohort sizes
- Clinical placements arranged
- CCNE accredited program
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Inter-professional team preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers intensive training for nursing professionals seeking advanced mental health specialization. This hybrid program enables students to complete their degree in 3-4 years through flexible full-time and part-time study options. The curriculum focuses on developing comprehensive psychiatric care skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare system improvement. Students benefit from small cohort learning environments and faculty-arranged clinical placements that ensure hands-on experience. Graduates are thoroughly prepared to take national certification exams, obtain state licensure, and assume leadership roles in mental health treatment, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative healthcare solutions.
- Flexible full-time/part-time options
- Small cohort learning environment
- Faculty-arranged clinical placements
- CCNE accredited program
- Three pathway options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers an advanced educational pathway for nurses committed to mental health leadership. This rigorous hybrid program prepares students to drive transformative healthcare interventions through specialized training in psychiatric nursing. With flexible scheduling accommodating full-time and part-time students, the curriculum emphasizes developing sophisticated mental health treatment strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and systematic healthcare improvements. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized learning experiences, while faculty-arranged clinical placements provide comprehensive practical training. Graduates emerge equipped with advanced skills to address complex mental health challenges, prepared for national certification and leadership roles in psychiatric healthcare settings.
- Three pathways to DNP
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time options
- Specialized PMHNP concentration
- Clinical placements arranged by faculty
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu
Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care program offers an intensive Doctor of Nursing Practice track focused exclusively on acute pediatric healthcare. Designed for advanced nursing professionals, this hybrid program prepares students to expertly diagnose and manage complex pediatric conditions from late preterm through young adulthood. Students develop comprehensive skills in diagnostic interpretation, comprehensive health assessments, and patient-centered interventions across critical settings like emergency departments and intensive care units. The program recommends one year of RN experience and provides nationwide recognition, pre-arranged clinical placements, and opportunities for PNCB certification.
- 9-quarter DNP program
- Full-time, in-person training
- Pre-arranged clinical placements
- Only WWAMI region PNP-AC track
- $3.8M in DNP scholarships
- Graduates eligible for PNCB certification
- One year RN experience recommended
Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care track provides an advanced DNP program emphasizing comprehensive pediatric healthcare delivery. Focusing on children from late preterm to young adulthood, this hybrid program cultivates holistic care strategies centered on health promotion and disease prevention. Students learn sophisticated assessment techniques, diagnostic skills, and therapeutic interventions applicable across diverse primary care environments. With pre-arranged clinical placements, substantial scholarship opportunities, and national certification eligibility, graduates are equipped to provide exceptional pediatric healthcare in clinics, community settings, and international health contexts.
- 9-quarter Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Pre-arranged clinical placements
- Full-time, in-person program
- National certification eligibility
- Comprehensive pediatric healthcare focus
- Practice in diverse healthcare settings
Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington's Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner track delivers comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals seeking lifespan-oriented healthcare expertise. This hybrid program emphasizes sophisticated clinical skills including comprehensive health assessments, complex diagnostic procedures, and advanced therapeutic interventions. Students benefit from pre-arranged clinical placements, cutting-edge simulation training, and opportunities to practice across diverse medical settings. The program's curriculum develops leadership capabilities while preparing graduates for national certification, enabling independent practice or collaborative healthcare team participation.
- #2 Public DNP Nursing School
- 9-quarter full-time program
- Pre-arranged clinical placements
- Practice across patient lifespan
- National certification eligible
- Multiple practice settings
- State-of-art simulation center
- Leadership skill development
- Veteran's health opportunities
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides specialized training for healthcare professionals focused on comprehensive adult and senior care. This hybrid program cultivates advanced clinical competencies in health assessment, diagnostic procedures, and patient-centered care strategies. Emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, students learn to manage acute and chronic conditions across diverse healthcare environments. With substantial scholarship support, pre-arranged clinical placements, and a prestigious national ranking, the program offers an exceptional pathway to advanced nursing practice specializing in adult and geriatric healthcare.
- 9-quarter full-time DNP program
- Pre-arranged clinical placements
- $3.8M in DNP scholarships
- Practice in diverse healthcare settings
- National certification eligibility
- Focuses on adult and senior care
- State-of-art simulation training
- Comprehensive health assessment skills
- Leadership and advanced practice foundation
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track within the DNP program offers specialized training for advanced practice nurses focusing on complex adult and aging patient care. Students develop comprehensive skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and critical health conditions. The hybrid program provides extensive procedural training, pre-arranged clinical placements, and national certification preparation. With recommended prior RN experience, state-of-the-art simulation training, and opportunities across diverse healthcare settings, graduates are prepared for high-intensity medical environments requiring sophisticated clinical interventions.
- 9-quarter full-time DNP program
- Comprehensive acute care training
- Pre-arranged clinical placements
- National certification preparation
- Diverse practice settings available
- One year RN experience recommended
- State-of-art simulation center
- Extensive procedural skills training
- Focus on adult and geriatric care
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu
Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle Pacific University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative healthcare education rooted in Christian values. Designed for experienced registered nurses, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and 12 months of professional experience. Students engage in an intensive 11-quarter, full-time curriculum that emphasizes advanced clinical training, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. The comprehensive program prepares nurses to lead healthcare systems through rigorous academic preparation, focusing on developing sophisticated clinical expertise and leadership skills across diverse healthcare environments. Advanced clinical practicum experiences ensure graduates are well-equipped to provide exceptional patient-centered care with a holistic approach.
- 100 total credit program
- Full-time 11-quarter schedule
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 12+ months RN experience needed
- Advanced clinical practicum included
- Christian values integrated
- Interprofessional collaboration focus
- Leadership and transformation emphasis
Why Pursue a Nurse Practitioner Degree in Seattle?
- Full practice authority: Washington grants NPs the right to diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently—ideal for entrepreneurial nurses eyeing telehealth or boutique primary-care clinics.
- Robust employer ecosystem: Major players such as UW Medicine, MultiCare, and Swedish collectively employ more than 2,500 NPs, all reporting double-digit vacancy rates.
- Research-rich environment: Proximity to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Gates Foundation Global Health campus creates fellowship and grant opportunities seldom found elsewhere.
- Competitive earnings: The metro's mean NP wage is $139,560, about $7 K above the U.S. average (BLS OEWS 2025).
- Outdoor-life balance: Many programs cluster clinical hours into four-day blocks, leaving long weekends for skiing at Snoqualmie or kayaking Lake Union.
For broader context on graduate pathways, see Nurse Practitioner Programs and the state-specific overview in Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington.
Program Formats & Coursework Overview
Seattle-area universities offer three primary delivery models:
| Format | Typical Duration | Campus Intensives | Clinical Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid (UW, Seattle U) | 7–9 quarters | 1–2 days every 4–6 weeks | 650–720 | Nurses within driving distance who value in-person labs |
| Fully Online with Local Practica (WSU) | 8 semesters | 1 on-campus orientation | 700 | RNs across Washington needing maximum schedule flexibility |
| Accelerated Post-MSN Certificates | 4–5 quarters | Variable | 500–600 | APRNs adding a second specialty (e.g., FNP-to-PMHNP) |
Core graduate courses—Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Health Assessment—precede specialty modules such as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Management or Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning. Capstone clinicals often pair students with UW Medicine neighborhood clinics, Providence St. Joseph's telehealth hubs, or community health centers in Yakima for rural immersion.
Entry Requirements & Prerequisites
Most Seattle NP programs expect:
- Active Washington RN license in good standing
- Regionally accredited BSN (minimum 3.0 GPA)—non-BSN RNs can explore bridge routes outlined in RN to MSN Programs
- Undergraduate statistics course (grade B- or higher)
- One year of recent clinical experience (acute care strongly preferred for AGACNP tracks)
- Two to three references, including one MSN-prepared supervisor
- Current ACLS/BLS certification, immunizations, and background check
GRE scores are generally waived if GPA ≥ 3.3. International applicants must submit TOEFL iBT 92+.
NP Specialties & Roles You Can Pursue
Seattle programs cover a broad spectrum:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – independent primary care in neighborhoods from Capitol Hill to Snohomish
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – tele-psychiatry contracts with startups like Lyra Health
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) – Harborview trauma ICU and Swedish Cherry Hill cardiovascular units
- Pediatric Acute Care NP – Seattle Children's specialty wards and Level I PICU
- Population Health / DNP Leadership – policy roles at the Washington State Department of Health
For details on state certification procedures, visit Nursing School Accreditation and cross-check each track's CCNE or ACEN status.
Seattle NP Salary & Job Outlook
| Setting | Mean NP Salary (2025) | Employment Growth 2023-2033 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue Metro | $139,560 | 42 % | Highest wages cluster at UW Medical Center and VA Puget Sound |
| Washington State Overall | $131,470 | 45 % | Rural East Cascade counties offer loan-forgiveness incentives |
| United States | $132,840 | 40 % | National benchmark |
The Washington Student Achievement Council lists up to $75,000 in loan repayment for NPs serving federally designated shortage areas—an attractive perk for grads willing to commute east of the mountains.
Funding Your Graduate Education
- UW Medicine Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 annually for employees accepted into partner programs.
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment: Covers 60-85 % of remaining federal loans for NPs practicing in underserved clinics statewide.
- Rural Outreach Grants: The University of Washington's Area Health Education Center offers $8,000 stipends to NP students completing rural preceptorships.
- See Scholarships & Grants Available to Nursing Students for national awards that do not require full-time enrollment.
Balancing Clinicals, Study & Puget Sound Living
- Ferry-Friendly Schedules: Hybrid tracks cluster lab days so Whidbey Island or Bremerton commuters only cross Puget Sound twice a month.
- Micro-Internships: Seattle U pairs PMHNP students with Providence telehealth sessions that count toward clinical hours while reducing downtown travel.
- Tech Tools: Canvas mobile + OneBusAway app let you quiz on differential diagnoses while waiting for the RapidRide E-Line.
- Wellness Culture: Programs weave mindfulness electives—think forest bathing in Discovery Park—into curricula to combat burnout.
Accreditation & State Approval
Always confirm that your prospective school holds active CCNE or ACEN accreditation and Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) approval. Accreditation safeguards federal financial-aid eligibility and board-exam readiness.
Professional Connections & Learning Networks
- Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) Advanced Practice Council hosts quarterly CE dinners in South Lake Union.
- Puget Sound Nurse Practitioner Association (PSNPA) offers mentorship matching for students and new grads.
- Seattle Children's Research Institute Journal Club welcomes NP students to present pediatric case studies.
- Fred Hutch Innovation Lab awards micro-grants for nurse-led clinical trials—perfect for DNP capstones.
Selecting the Right Seattle-Area NP Program
- Specialty Alignment: Ensure your desired track (e.g., PMHNP) admits your cohort year—some cycle every other fall.
- Clinical Placement Guarantees: Ask whether the school secures preceptors or expects you to find them.
- Cost & Aid: Compare per-credit tuition; public universities often charge < $600/credit for residents.
- Delivery Mode: Decide if monthly campus labs fit your lifestyle or if asynchronous online fits better.
- Board Pass Rates: Target ≥ 95 % first-time ANCC/AANP success over the past three years.
Take the Next Step Toward Advanced Practice
Seattle's mix of cutting-edge research and community-centered care calls for nurse practitioners who can adapt quickly, lead boldly, and innovate compassionately. By enrolling in one of the top NP programs highlighted above, you'll gain the clinical acumen, policy savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit to thrive—whether in a Pike Place family clinic or a telehealth startup serving patients across the Cascades. Review the rankings, attend an upcoming info session, and map your prerequisite timeline today. With Washington's full practice authority and generous loan-repayment options, your journey from bedside RN to independent provider could be closer than you think.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA, May 2025.
- Washington Center for Nursing. 2024 Workforce Supply Report.
- Washington Student Achievement Council. Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, 2025 update.
- University of Washington School of Nursing. DNP and MSN Program Fact Sheets, accessed June 2025.
- Puget Sound Nurse Practitioner Association. Membership & Mentorship Opportunities, 2025.
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