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.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA - Public 4-Year - uwb.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington-Bothell's RN to BSN program offers a dynamic online and hybrid learning experience tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement. Students can complete their degree in one year full-time or two years part-time, with multiple start dates in January and September. The program features project-based learning, diverse healthcare perspectives, and leadership skill development. Accredited by CCNE, the curriculum provides flexibility through three program locations and classes meeting every other week. With a remarkable 90% graduation rate, the program ensures comprehensive nursing education without requiring traditional entrance exams, making it accessible for registered nurses looking to elevate their professional credentials.
- Hybrid program with flexible schedule
- Full-time track graduates in 1 year
- 90% yearly graduation rate
- Three program locations available
- Multiple start dates: January/September
- Accredited by CCNE
- Part-time option available
- Classes meet every other week
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Washington University's RN-to-BSN online and hybrid program provides registered nurses an innovative pathway to advance their academic credentials. The program uniquely combines flexible online coursework with select face-to-face sessions, catering specifically to working healthcare professionals. Students complete 48 upper-division credits that significantly enhance clinical knowledge and professional competencies. Military-friendly and nationally accredited, the program prepares nurses for complex healthcare environments and potential graduate studies. Designed with working RNs in mind, the curriculum offers full-time and part-time enrollment options, ensuring accessibility for diverse professional schedules and learning preferences.
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Hybrid learning format
- 48 upper-division credits
- Designed for working RNs
- Full-time or part-time options
- Practice experiences arranged
- Prepares for graduate studies
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington Tacoma's online hybrid RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their professional credentials. This innovative program caters specifically to nurses holding associate degrees or diplomas, emphasizing flexible learning and comprehensive skill development. Students can expect a curriculum that deepens critical thinking, enhances communication techniques, and expands healthcare leadership competencies. The program uniquely supports both part-time and full-time enrollment, allowing working professionals to balance academic progression with current nursing responsibilities. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making the program accessible to practicing registered nurses seeking to elevate their academic and professional standing.
- Hybrid learning schedule
- Part-time and full-time options
- Professional skill development
- Builds on existing nursing experience
- Supports leadership skill enhancement
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Washington State University's innovative online RN-BSN program empowers registered nurses to elevate their professional trajectory through a dynamic 30-credit curriculum. Tailored for working healthcare professionals, the program enables rapid completion within one year, emphasizing critical domains like leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health. Students replace traditional clinical hours with transformative community health projects, fostering advanced skills and broader healthcare perspectives. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, the program offers flexible learning with competitive tuition ranging from $582.20 to $956.67 per credit. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite course completion, making it an accessible pathway for career advancement in nursing.
- Fully online, flexible program
- 30 credit program
- Complete in one year
- Designed for working RNs
- Replace traditional clinical hours
- Community health project focus
- Leadership and management preparation
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple campus options
- Supports career advancement
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA - Public 4-Year - bellevuecollege.edu
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Bellevue College's innovative RN to BSN program offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience tailored for working registered nurses seeking professional advancement. This CCNE-accredited program combines online flexibility with minimal campus interaction, allowing nurses to enhance their clinical expertise without disrupting current employment. Students develop advanced skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and community health through a comprehensive curriculum. The program requires a current RN license, minimum 2.0 GPA, and one year of clinical experience. Unique scholarly leadership projects enable nurses to explore cutting-edge healthcare innovations while expanding their professional capabilities. Perfect for RNs wanting to elevate their nursing practice without traditional classroom constraints.
- Hybrid learning format
- Minimal campus time
- CCNE accredited program
- Designed for working nurses
- Requires current RN license
- Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
- One year clinical experience
- Selective admission program
- Scholarly leadership project
- Expanded nursing knowledge
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:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Washington State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| University of Washington | Online RN to BSN | 1 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.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Olympic College | RN to BSN | $61.02 per credit (Resident) $68.96 per credit per credit (Non-Resident) |
| Columbia College | Online RN to BSN | $24,806 per year |
Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
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
2025 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:
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue College
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Minimal campus time
- CCNE accredited program
- Designed for working nurses
- Requires current RN license
- Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
- One year clinical experience
- Selective admission program
Bellingham, WA
Western Washington University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- Hybrid learning format
- 48 upper-division credits
- Designed for working RNs
- Full-time or part-time options
- Practice experiences arranged
- Prepares for graduate studies
Bothell, WA
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program with flexible schedule
- Full-time track graduates in 1 year
- 90% yearly graduation rate
- Three program locations available
- Multiple start dates: January/September
- Accredited by CCNE
- Part-time option available
- Classes meet every other week
Bremerton, WA
Olympic College
- Bachelor's - Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Designed for working RNs
- Enhances nursing credentials
- Flexible learning pathway
- Professional development opportunity
College Place, WA
Walla Walla University
- Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. Entry
Campus Based - Website
- Portland campus location
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- 136+ transferable credits
- Advanced standing exam
- Current R.N. license required
- 16 lower division nursing credits
- 32 upper division nursing credits
Lacey, WA
Saint Martin's University
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Complete BSN in one year
- Hybrid learning model
- One night per week class
- Affordable tuition
- Fully accredited program
- Flexible program start dates
- Full or part-time options
- Small class sizes
Pasco, WA
Columbia Basin College
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Twice yearly cohort starts
- 40 students admitted annually
- 35 NCLEX credits available
- Requires Associate Nursing Degree
- Washington State RN license required
- Accredited by CCNE
- Expands career opportunities
Pullman, WA
Washington State University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online, flexible program
- 30 credit program
- Complete in one year
- Designed for working RNs
- Replace traditional clinical hours
- Community health project focus
- Leadership and management preparation
- CCNE accredited program
Tacoma, WA
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning schedule
- Part-time and full-time options
- Professional skill development
- Builds on existing nursing experience
- Supports leadership skill enhancement
Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee Valley College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 80% online, 20% face-to-face
- One-year full-time program
- Requires current RN license
- Three campus visits per quarter
- CCNE Accredited program