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
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 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 is designed for nurses aiming to excel in primary care across diverse populations. This CCNE-accredited program, lasting 3-4 years, boasts a 95% board pass rate and an 85.7% job placement rate. It emphasizes evidence-based healthcare, leadership, and offers certification pathways in Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. The program is military-friendly and requires no entrance exam, focusing on in-person learning and state-of-the-art clinical labs.
- 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
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health at Seattle University prepares nurses to lead in mental health care, offering a lifespan approach to treatment. This CCNE-accredited program spans 3-4 years, with an 85.7% job placement rate, and does not require an entrance exam. It features in-person clinical training, a comprehensive mental health curriculum, and prepares graduates for ANCC certification, emphasizing evidence-based interventions and compassionate care.
- 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, Washington's #1 nursing school, focuses on comprehensive care for women across their lifespan. This nationally ranked, CCNE-accredited program lasts 3-4 years and offers in-person clinical training near major medical centers. With multiple entry pathways and eligibility for NCC certification, graduates can pursue high-demand roles. The program does not require an entrance exam and is known for its state-of-the-art clinical lab.
- 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
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP program at Seattle University is tailored for nurses seeking intensive care expertise. This 3-year full-time, CCNE-accredited program requires two years of acute care experience and offers 90 clinical hours per quarter. Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center, it prepares students for ANCC certification with an 85.7% job placement rate. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership, with no entrance exam required.
- 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 (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is designed for nurses aiming to elevate their clinical and leadership skills. This hybrid program, accredited by CCNE, offers both full-time and part-time pathways, catering to working professionals. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, faculty-arranged clinical placements, and a curriculum focused on inter-professional teamwork and healthcare leadership. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensure, specializing in family healthcare. The program does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility for qualified candidates.
- 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
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Pacific Lutheran University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is tailored for nurses seeking advanced practice in mental health. This hybrid program offers flexible study options, including full-time and part-time, over 3-4 years. With CCNE accreditation, the program features small cohorts, faculty-arranged clinical placements, and three pathway options (BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP). Graduates are equipped to improve healthcare outcomes and pursue national certification and state licensure. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for dedicated nursing professionals.
- 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 offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration, focusing on transforming mental healthcare. This hybrid program provides full-time and part-time options, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes leadership, quality healthcare system development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program includes personalized clinical placements and small cohort sizes for tailored education. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in psychiatric nursing, eligible for national certification and state licensure. The program does not require an entrance exam, welcoming nurses ready to advance their careers in mental health.
- 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-Tacoma Campus offers a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care program, a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice track designed for advanced nursing professionals. This program specializes in acute care, preparing students to manage complex pediatric health conditions from late preterm gestation through young adulthood. With a focus on comprehensive health assessments and diagnostic interpretation, students are trained for diverse clinical settings. The program boasts a 9-quarter DNP structure, full-time in-person training, and is recognized as a top-ranked nursing program nationwide. Graduates are eligible for PNCB certification, with one year of RN experience recommended. Scholarships totaling $3.8M are available.
- 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
At the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program is a hybrid DNP track focusing on holistic care, health promotion, and disease prevention for children from late preterm to young adulthood. This program prepares students for comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and management of health conditions, with pre-arranged clinical placements and $3.8M in scholarships. Ranked #2 among public nursing schools, it offers a full-time, in-person 9-quarter DNP program, ensuring graduates are eligible for national certification and can practice in diverse healthcare settings.
- 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 Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a hybrid DNP track designed to prepare advanced nursing professionals for delivering comprehensive, holistic healthcare across the lifespan. Students gain skills in health assessments, diagnosing and managing conditions, and prescribing therapies. The program features pre-arranged clinical placements, simulation training, and opportunities in various settings. Ranked #2 Public DNP Nursing School, it offers a 9-quarter full-time program with national certification eligibility, leadership skill development, and veteran's health opportunities.
- #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
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a hybrid DNP track focusing on comprehensive, holistic care for adults and seniors. It emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and managing conditions across diverse settings. With pre-arranged clinical placements and ranked #2 nationally among public nursing schools, the program offers a 9-quarter full-time DNP with $3.8M in scholarships. Students develop advanced clinical skills and are eligible for national certification, supported by state-of-the-art simulation training.
- 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 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a hybrid DNP track preparing advanced practice nurses for expert care of adult and aging patients. Focused on acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions, the program offers comprehensive training, pre-arranged clinical placements, and national certification preparation. Ranked #2 among public nursing schools with $3.8M in scholarships, it provides a 9-quarter full-time DNP program, extensive procedural skills training, and focuses on diverse practice settings, recommending one year of RN experience.
- 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 offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers in healthcare leadership. This program stands out for its integration of Christian values with advanced clinical training, requiring a Bachelor's or Master's in Nursing and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The 11-quarter, full-time curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for transformative roles in diverse healthcare settings. With a requirement of at least 12 months of RN experience, the program includes an advanced clinical practicum and focuses on developing skills for patient-centered care. Entrance exams are not explicitly mentioned as required.
- 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.
