Best Nursing Schools in Washington

Big Bend Community College's Associate in Nursing DTA MRP program offers an exceptional pathway to becoming a registered nurse with a stellar NCLEX pass rate of 100% consistently from 2022-2024. Located in Moses Lake, this campus-based program integrates comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Students must complete prerequisite courses in English Composition and Anatomy & Physiology. The program requires the TEAS entrance exam and maintains competitive admission standards. With a focus on professional nursing principles and compassionate patient care, graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare environments. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities enhance accessibility, making this program an attractive option for aspiring nurses seeking a solid educational foundation.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Combines classroom and clinical learning
• Prerequisites include English, Biology
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships offered
• Located in Moses Lake, WA
• Emphasizes compassionate care
• Professional nursing standards
• Competitive application process

Green River College's LPN to BSN program provides a strategic educational pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking career advancement. The hybrid program uniquely blends online and in-person learning, accommodating working healthcare professionals. With an impressive 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, students gain comprehensive nursing education validated by rigorous standards. Requiring an active LPN license and prerequisite coursework, the program maintains selective admission criteria. Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), the program ensures high-quality nursing preparation. At approximately $23,000, the two-year program offers an affordable route to bachelor's level nursing certification. Additional requirements include mandatory background checks, drug screenings, and up-to-date immunizations, preparing students for professional healthcare environments.

• 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

Whatcom Community College's Associate in Nursing program is an exceptional pathway to becoming a registered nurse, consistently demonstrating remarkable NCLEX pass rates around 97% in recent years. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experiences during the final quarter. The full-time program prepares students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN exam, offering online prerequisite completion and opportunities for seamless BSN bridge programs. Accredited by ACEN, the program emphasizes dedicated study, practical skills development, and professional readiness. Financial aid options and strong job placement support make this an attractive choice for aspiring nurses seeking a solid foundation in nursing education.

• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Strong job placement.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Full-time, rigorous program.
• Clinical experiences required.
• Financial aid available.
• Prerequisites online option.
• Bridge to BSN programs.
• Dedicated study time needed.
• Uniforms and supplies required.

Bellingham Technical College's Associate Degree in Registered Nursing provides a comprehensive two-year program accredited by ACEN, preparing students for dynamic healthcare careers. With a robust 135-credit curriculum, students gain extensive patient-centered care skills and evidence-based clinical knowledge. The program consistently demonstrates excellence through impressive NCLEX performance, with recent years showing remarkable pass rates ranging from 91% to 100%. Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional nursing roles. Students must complete specific prerequisite courses and maintain required grade minimums. The program emphasizes ethical practices, hands-on learning, and offers a strong pathway to advanced nursing education like BSN programs.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• 135 total program credits.
• Full-time, two-year program.
• High graduate employment rate.
• Focus on patient-centered care.
• Includes practical clinical labs.
• Requires prerequisite courses.
• Pathway to BSN programs.
• Emphasis on ethical practices.
• Evidence-based curriculum.

Bellingham Technical College's LPN to RN pathway is strategically designed for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking career advancement in Washington State. This nationally accredited program offers a concept-based Associate Degree curriculum that transforms practical nursing experience into comprehensive registered nursing expertise. With an impressive 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate, the program ensures high-quality professional preparation. The curriculum facilitates smooth transitions to RN-BSN programs, providing strategic career development opportunities. Students benefit from a comprehensive arts and sciences foundation, focusing on advanced nursing skills and knowledge that meet contemporary healthcare demands. The program specifically targets LPNs wanting to expand their professional scope and potential.

• Nationally accredited program.
• 93% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
• Seamless transfer to RN-BSN programs.
• High employment rates for graduates.
• Comprehensive arts and sciences curriculum.
• Designed for WA State LPNs.
• Concept-based Associate Degree.
• Focus on essential nursing skills.
• Prepares for further career advancement.
• Strong foundation in nursing knowledge.

Gonzaga University's BSN program boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate, achieving 98.9% in 2024, demonstrating exceptional nursing education quality. Located in Spokane, this campus-based program integrates Jesuit values with rigorous nursing training. Students undergo comprehensive preparation using the Complex Adaptive Systems framework, emphasizing leadership, ethical care, and community service. The curriculum supports students in developing advanced clinical skills, promoting health, and caring for patients with acute and chronic conditions. ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required for admission. With a strong focus on servant leadership and professional development, graduates are well-equipped to enter the nursing profession with comprehensive knowledge and compassionate care skills. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized learning experiences.

• Jesuit and nursing traditions.
• Focus on community and social justice.
• Complex Adaptive Systems framework.
• Prepares for registered nurse licensure.
• Campus-based program.
• Leadership and professionalism focus.
• Comprehensive curriculum.
• Practical experience included.
• Ethical care emphasis.
• Effective communication training.

Spokane Community College's Associate in Nursing program offers exceptional training for aspiring registered nurses, boasting impressive NCLEX pass rates consistently above 97% in recent years. Their campus-based curriculum provides comprehensive nursing education with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. Students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences, preparing them for real-world healthcare challenges. The program requires a competitive minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, ensuring high-quality student selection. Graduates receive a Direct Transfer Agreement that facilitates seamless academic progression. Clinical training integrates interdisciplinary collaboration, giving students robust skills in healthcare delivery. With a focus on comprehensive nursing education, the program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for successful RN licensure and professional practice.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Minimum GPA 3.0 required
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum
• Focus on patient-centered care
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Competitive admission process
• Direct transfer agreement

Northwest University's BSN program offers an exceptional nursing education with a consistently impressive NCLEX pass rate, climbing from 82.5% in 2022 to 97.22% in 2024. Located in Kirkland, this two-year program uniquely blends scientific rigor with holistic healthcare perspectives. Students benefit from high-fidelity clinical simulations and hospital rotations across the Pacific Northwest. The curriculum integrates cross-cultural study opportunities and emphasizes both professional skills and spiritual growth. While SAT/ACT entrance exams are typically required, the program stands out for its comprehensive approach to nursing education. With strong faculty expertise and a commitment to preparing versatile healthcare professionals, graduates are well-positioned for diverse nursing careers and potential advanced educational pathways.

• 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

Clark College's Associate Degree Nursing program in Vancouver provides a robust pathway to becoming a registered nurse. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate consistently above 94% in recent years, the program demonstrates strong student success. Students benefit from comprehensive training through accredited ACEN curriculum, featuring advanced simulation labs that develop critical clinical skills. The program prepares nurses for diverse healthcare environments, emphasizing evidence-based practice and holistic patient care. Multiple annual start dates offer flexibility, and financial aid options help manage educational expenses. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN and launch rewarding nursing careers across various healthcare settings.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Holistic, evidence-based curriculum.
• Multiple start dates annually.
• Financial aid available.
• Campus-based program.
• Focus on diverse communities.
• Critical thinking emphasis.
• Lifelong learning commitment.

Columbia Basin College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides a robust pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse through a comprehensive six-quarter program. Located in Richland's Health Science Center, the curriculum blends rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical training at local healthcare facilities. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and prepare comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program requires TEAS test admission, background checks, and specific immunization records. With impressive NCLEX-RN pass rates and strong employment outcomes, graduates receive over $200,000 in annual scholarship opportunities. The ADN program offers seamless transition options to BSN programs, making it an excellent starting point for nursing careers.

• Six quarters program length.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Classroom and clinical instruction in Richland.
• Eligible for RN licensure exam.
• Concurrent BSN enrollment option.
• Over $200,000 in annual scholarships.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by Washington Board of Nursing.
• Strong employment outcomes for graduates.

Columbia Basin College's RN-BSN program offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience tailored for working registered nurses. The comprehensive curriculum integrates online and in-person instruction, providing maximum flexibility while maintaining educational rigor. Designed for nurses with an Associate Degree, the program requires 40 general education credits and emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and evidence-based practice. Students explore patient-centered care, community health strategies, and healthcare policy. With CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high-quality nursing education. The program's holistic approach prepares nurses for diverse healthcare roles, focusing on advanced clinical skills and professional growth. Notably, the curriculum accommodates working professionals, enabling seamless career advancement.

• Hybrid program format.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Focus on holistic care.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
• Requires Associate Degree in Nursing.
• 40 general education credits needed.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
• Skills in patient-centered care.
• Community health focus.

Washington State University's BSN program stands out with impressive NCLEX pass rates climbing from 83.52% in 2022 to an exceptional 97.12% in 2024. Located across multiple campuses in Pullman, Spokane, Yakima, and Tri-Cities, this comprehensive four-year nursing program emphasizes holistic patient care. Students must complete the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 70 and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum integrates community health, psychiatric nursing, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments. With a strong focus on cultural sensitivity, interprofessional communication, and professional development, WSU produces competent nurses ready to address complex healthcare challenges. The program offers competitive tuition rates for Washington residents and robust scholarship opportunities, making quality nursing education accessible.

• Four-year BSN degree
• 85% Washington resident acceptance
• Holistic admissions process
• $12,000/yr resident tuition
• $27,000/yr non-resident tuition
• Over $200,000 in scholarships
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• C grade minimum in prerequisites
• NCLEX licensure test preparation
• Two years of nursing classes