Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Washington (ASN & ADN Online)

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a great way to forge a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Perhaps you're thinking of pursuing this career path and you'd like to learn more about 2-year nursing programs in your home state of Washington.

Keep reading as we discuss what it takes to become a nurse and explore some schools in Washington that offer 2-year nursing programs. We'll also explore answers to some top questions you may be asking.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Different types of college programs can fulfill the educational requirements for nurses. The program types we'll be looking at today include the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), each of which is typically completed within two years.

Associate of Science in Nursing

An ASN degree is a specific type of entry-level nursing degree. Full-time learners typically complete this type of degree in two years, though some programs may take longer.

ASN programs combine classroom-based or online coursework, skills practice in simulation labs, and clinical experiences in healthcare facilities. These programs place a strong emphasis on clinical education, as it provides the hands-on experience to help aspiring nurses prepare for real-world scenarios.

Upon graduating from this type of program, students can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate Degree in Nursing

ADN degrees are more generic than ASN programs. In fact, the term ''associate degree in nursing'' could be applied to ASN, Associate of Nursing (AN), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in nursing.

Each type of nursing program varies slightly in focus. For example, AAS degrees provide a stronger emphasis on certain nursing specializations, helping students determine which professional paths they are most interested in pursuing. ASN programs can lead to entry-level nursing careers or transfer to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs for further studies.

Regardless of the specific focus of an ADN degree, students graduating from state-approved programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Washington?

There is no such thing as a fully online ADN program; all pre-licensure nursing degrees require in-person skills practice and clinical experiences. However, some nursing students have opportunities to complete some or all of their coursework in an online or hybrid format.

In Washington, a couple of schools offer online ASN programs with hybrid coursework offerings. We'll take a closer look at these programs below.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Washington

If you're ready to begin an associate degree program in nursing, keep reading. In the following sections, we'll highlight some top ASN and ADN programs available in Washington, including the best online nursing programs.

1. Lower Columbia College

Lower Columbia College is a community college located in Longview, WA. It offers a hybrid ADN program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) hoping to become RNs.

The program features a blend of online and in-person learning experiences and has a competitive admissions process. It features a direct transfer agreement (DTA), enabling students to transfer seamlessly to a partner school to complete a BSN degree after earning their ADN.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,626 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Skagit Valley College

Skagit Valley College is a public school in Mount Vernon, WA. Learners at this community college can complete a pre-nursing DTA program for transfer purposes or an AAS degree in nursing to pursue immediate licensure.

The AAS program is designed for transfer students or LPNs looking to earn their RN licenses quickly; however, it does not always lead to immediate transfer to more advanced degrees. Still, it is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue first-time licensure and begin their careers in a timely manner.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,400 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla Community College is a public school system with campuses throughout southeastern Washington. It offers an ADN program designed for both transfer to advanced degree programs and RN licensure.

Students gain a variety of essential skills in patient care and nursing practice. Though the majority of the program is completed in-person, students have opportunities to take some prerequisites and program courses online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,279 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Olympic College

Olympic College is a public community college in Bremerton, WA. Students can complete a traditional ADN program within two years or an LPN-to-RN bridge program in four quarters.

Students take numerous courses in nursing care, pediatrics, mental health, ethics, nutrition, and more. Some coursework may be completed online, though the program is primarily available in-person.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,197 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College is a public school located in Pasco. It offers a high-quality ADN program to prepare students to make a difference in community health and various healthcare settings.

The program is known for having high NCLEX pass rates and a BSN concurrent enrollment option. Admission to the program is competitive; students must have good GPAs and TEAS scores on file to be considered for acceptance into the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,555 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

6. Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College is a public school serving Shoreline and the surrounding community. Students at the school can pursue a highly flexible ADN program designed to fit into their schedules.

The program offers both full-time and part-time options on campus, as well as transfer and LPN-to-RN pathways. Students progress through the program in cohorts, ensuring they work in small, close-knit groups and receive personalized attention to help them succeed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,115 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Bellevue College

Bellevue College is a public school in Bellevue, WA. Students can choose to enroll in its ADN program on a full-time or part-time basis.

The program prioritizes the needs of working adults, helping them pursue their dreams of becoming nurses in ways that work for them. Courses cover various nursing care topics throughout the lifespan and are available in day, afternoon, or evening sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,206 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

8. Highline College

Highline College is located in Des Moines, WA. This public community college features both an AAS in nursing and a DTA program in pre-nursing.

Those in the AAS program complete advanced courses in pathopharmacology, nursing ethics, acute care, and more to prepare them for immediate nursing professions. Full-time learners complete the program in two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,740 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

9. Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College is a public school serving the Seattle metro area. It offers an Associate of Nursing program designed for students seeking immediate licensure or advanced study opportunities.

Students typically complete the program in nine quarters, or about two years of full-time, continuous study. It is available at different campuses around Seattle, providing a flexible opportunity for students to attend at locations convenient for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,363 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

10. Pierce College

Pierce College is a multi-campus school in Pierce County. It offers a transfer-friendly ADN program with both full-time and part-time options.

Students can pursue a traditional or LPN-to-RN pathway depending on their individual circumstances. Part-time programs typically consist of evening and weekend courses for added flexibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,387 per year
• Accreditation: NWCCU

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the schools of nursing featured above:

• Accreditation: Each college is institutionally accredited, and the nursing programs are approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (or similar agencies) and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
• Program length: Each of the programs enable students to graduate and pursue RN licensure within two years.
• Program reputation: All of the schools are known for providing high-quality professional nursing programs to help students prepare for the licensure exam.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Washington

If you're still wondering about pursuing enrollment in a two-year nursing program, you're not alone. Read on as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Washington?

To become a nurse in two years in Washington, you'll need to complete an approved ADN or ASN program like the ones discussed above. Upon graduating from the program, you'll sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your nursing license through the Washington State Board of Nursing. Upon passing the exam, submitting all application materials, and passing a background check, you'll receive your license.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Washington?

ADN and ASN programs represent some of the fastest programs available for becoming a nurse in Washington. However, if you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you can complete an accelerated BSN program (ABSN) to change careers and pursue nursing licensure in as little as 12 months. Washington schools offering this type of degree program include the University of Washington and Linfield University.

What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Washington?

Generally speaking, nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates are sometimes considered the easiest nursing schools. That said, there's no such thing as an ''easy'' nursing school. All accredited, state-approved programs require students to complete rigorous nursing courses, skills training, and clinical rotations. There is no one school in Washington that can be said to be the ''easiest'' because all programs require students to meet the same challenging standards by the time they graduate.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

Two-year ASN and ADN programs typically cost less than BSN degrees, but exact tuition rates can vary from school to school. Among the programs featured in this article, average tuition rates range from around $4,200 to $6,500 per year.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Most nursing programs require prerequisite courses to help students prepare for challenging nursing courses. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, English composition, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, and psychology.

Discover Nursing Programs

If you're ready to enroll in a part-time or full-time ADN or ASN program, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any schools that interest you to learn more about their admission requirements and to choose the right option for you.