12-Month ABSN Programs in Washington: Accelerated Nursing Online
Accelerated nursing degrees are available at a few schools in Washington, as well as at out-of-state schools. Some programs can be completed in just one year.
If you're a working professional in Washington looking to switch to a career in nursing, you may be considering your options. You're wondering if there are any fast track nursing programs online that can help you earn an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) within a year.
Keep reading as we discuss 12-month accelerated nursing programs and provide a list of schools in Washington that offer fast track programs. We'll also look at some good out-of-state options and answer various questions you may have.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
A 12-month ABSN program is one of the fastest ways to become a nurse. Students in these programs are typically working adults with a bachelor's degree or significant college experience in a non-nursing field.
These programs are designed for students hoping to get started in a new healthcare career as quickly as possible. Students who enroll in fast-track nursing programs online may need to complete prerequisite courses before they can begin their accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees — once they start the actual program, however, they can finish earning a bachelor's degree in as little as one to two years.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInWashington">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Washington?</h2><p>All ABSN programs require some in-person components, as students must complete hands-on training in labs and supervised clinical experiences in healthcare facilities. That said, some schools offer hybrid programs, which provide online coursework so students can enjoy more flexibility.
</p><p>In Washington, one school offers a hybrid ABSN program: Pacific Lutheran University. While this is not a 12-month program, it serves as one of the most flexible options in the state for aspiring nurses, helping prepare them for licensure within 16 months.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInWashington">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Washington</h2><p>If you're ready to start your path to becoming a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a>, you're going to need a high-quality nursing degree program. Let's look at some top schools of nursing in Washington that offer ABSN programs.
</p><h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfWashington">1. University of Washington</h3><p>The University of Washington is a large public research institution in Seattle. It provides the only 12-month ABSN program in Washington state.
</p><p>This in-person program offers two start dates and is designed for completion in four quarters of study. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree are prepared for a career in nursing practice as they work through coursework, clinicals, and labs.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,913 per quarter
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can pursue grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs to pay for their degrees.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.PacificLutheranUniversity">2. Pacific Lutheran University</h3><p>Pacific Lutheran University is a private, nonprofit university located in Parkland. This school offers the only ABSN program in Washington with online coursework options.
</p><p>Students complete courses in nursing care online while gaining hands-on practice in simulation labs and working supervised clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared to become RNs or to pursue advanced degrees like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $69,700 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The school accepts scholarships, grants, student loans, employer assistance, and other forms of aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.SeattleUniversity">3. Seattle University</h3><p>Seattle University is a private Jesuit school with a flexible Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Post-baccalaureate and transfer students can complete this degree within two years or less, depending on the college credits they have to transfer.
</p><p>Students choosing the transfer option typically graduate within seven quarters. They complete a range of essential courses in topics such as pathophysiology, pediatrics, and nursing research methods.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $19,275 per quarter
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> two years
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use grants, loans, scholarships, and more to cover their education costs.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU, CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAccreditedOnlineASNToBSNPrograms">Other Accredited Online ASN to BSN Programs</h2><p>Various out-of-state schools provide highly flexible 1-year accelerated nursing programs online, in which coursework is completed remotely — and most in-person components can be completed within each student's local community. Let's explore a few of these programs.
</p><h3 id="section---IdahoStateUniversity">Idaho State University</h3><p>Idaho State University is a public school headquartered in Pocatello, ID. It offers a hybrid ABSN program available through several of its campus locations.
</p><p>Some of the coursework for the program is completed online, though the school stipulates that students must be within driving distance of the campus where they are enrolled. Students can complete clinical experiences at approved locations throughout Idaho, making it a convenient option for learners commuting from southern or eastern portions of Washington.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $8,610 per year average
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> one year
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as outside scholarships and other sources.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ConcordiaUniversitySt.Paul">Concordia University, St. Paul</h3><p>Concordia University, St. Paul is one of a network of private universities located throughout the U.S. Though headquartered in Minnesota, the school offers a hybrid ABSN program that students can complete at its Oregon location.
</p><p>Students complete all nursing courses online while gaining hands-on experience in Portland, OR. Coursework encompasses the entire spectrum of patient care, ranging from pediatric to geriatric patients, as well as mental health, nursing informatics, and leadership.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $64,050 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> State and federal aid, scholarships, grants, loans, payment plans, and more can help students afford their education.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC), CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ElmhurstUniversity">Elmhurst University</h3><p>Elmhurst University is a private Christian school located in Elmhurst, IL. Its 16-month ABSN program is available primarily online.
</p><p>Students complete clinical placements at sites convenient to them, and all coursework is completed online. The only in-person components are short-term residencies, allowing students to practice hands-on skills in the school's simulation lab.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $50,000 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> All incoming students receive financial aid in the form of FAFSA funds, scholarships, grants, and more.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---EmoryUniversity">Emory University</h3><p>Emory University is a private research university located in the Atlanta, GA, metropolitan area. It is well known for its ABSN program designed to meet the needs of distance education students.
</p><p>Students complete two in-person clinical rotations in the Atlanta area; otherwise, all coursework and clinical components are completed online and in your local community. The intensive program is designed for completion within one year.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $82,000
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> one year
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Student loans, scholarships, federal aid, and other forms of payment are accepted.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We strive to choose only top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the nursing programs above:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are institutionally accredited, and all nursing programs maintain accreditation from the CCNE.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Each school is known for providing top-notch on-campus and online learning opportunities for nursing students.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> The programs above feature either affordable tuition rates or generous financial aid options to help students get their second degree affordably.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>If you still have questions about launching your nursing career with an accelerated degree, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInWashington">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Washington?</h3><p>There is only one ABSN program in Washington that provides online coursework, as noted above. Tuition for the program at Pacific Lutheran University costs $69,700 for the whole program. Students looking for more affordable programs are encouraged to explore <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_washington.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> to help them get their degree on a budget.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest ABSN Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---HowManyHoursAWeekDoesAnABSNProgramRequire">How Many Hours a Week Does an ABSN Program Require?</h3><p>An ABSN program is a full-time investment. To meet all <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> in a short timeframe, most students spend between 40 and 70 hours weekly in class, studying, and completing clinical rotations and lab sessions.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoesAnAcceleratedBSNProgramWork">How Does an Accelerated BSN Program Work?</h3><p>ABSN programs are designed to build on previous academic experiences to help students earn a second degree in nursing. Most students entering these programs already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
</p><p>Students complete intensive weekly coursework and lab work assignments and spend many hours working supervised clinical rotations to learn how to provide excellent nursing care. These programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and typically take anywhere from one to two years to complete.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a>
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to begin a professional nursing career, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges directly to learn more about their admissions process, application deadlines, admission requirements, and more.</p>