How To Become a Nurse in Washington 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) are in demand throughout the country. Some states, like Washington, have a particularly high demand. RNs are responsible for taking care of patients in healthcare settings.

In all states, RNs are required to have a license, but the steps for how to become a nurse vary between states. Keep reading to learn how to become a nurse in Washington State.

What Does an RN Do?

RNs are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care. As part of their jobs, they may:

• assess patients and record observations
• update the patient's medical chart with new information
• administer medication and assist with treatments
• support patients and their families during their time at the healthcare facility
• coordinate with the medical care team to create a patient care plan
• educate patients and families on the care plan

Certified registered nurse primarily work in hospitals but can also work in places like clinics, nursing homes, and other types of healthcare facilities. Their specific job duties will depend on where they work, as well as the departments or types of patients they work with.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Washington?

The amount of time it takes to become an RN in Washington depends on the type of degree you pursue and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate degrees usually take two to three years to complete, and some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online for those with previous education. If you pass your NCLEX on your first try, as many students do, you could become a nurse in just a couple of years.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Washington

To become an RN in Washington, you need to earn an RN license. For RN licensure, you must meet the educational requirements for nurses and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. We've highlighted the key steps below.

Step 1: Complete a Nursing Program

The first step to becoming a nurse in Washington is to complete a degree program through a nursing school approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing and accredited by a nursing program accreditation organization.

There are several options for nursing programs depending on how much education you have. If you don't already have a degree, you can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degrees take less time, but a bachelor's degree will prepare you for graduate study or leadership nursing roles.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can consider second bachelor's programs in nursing, which are often accelerated. You can also look at entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) options. These often take about two years.

The program you choose, if accredited, will provide you with a foundational nursing education in patient care, medical ethics, and public health. You'll also participate in hands-on clinical experiences.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). All states require applicants to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their nursing license.

The exam will test you on three key areas: client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and clinical judgment. It takes about six weeks to receive your official results. If you don't pass the first time, you can retake the exam.

Step 3: Obtain and Maintain Your RN License

After you've registered to take the NCLEX-RN, you can submit your application for licensure. This requires sending in your official transcripts, paying the application fee, and passing a criminal background check.

Note that in Washington, there are two options for licensure: one is a license that only allows you to practice in Washington State, while the other is a multistate license.

To maintain your license in Washington, you must renew it annually. Renewal requires eight continuing education hours and 96 practice hours each year.

Step 4: Consider Furthering Your Education and Career

After you've earned your RN license, you may decide to further your education so you can further your career. For example, if you earned an ADN, you can complete your bachelor's through an RN to BSN program.

If you're interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), like a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, you'll need to complete a graduate program. Both master's degree and doctoral options are available.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Washington

Multiple colleges and universities in Washington offer approved and accredited nursing programs as well as online nursing programs for career advancement. We've featured some of the top programs for RN licensure below.

1. Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham Technical College is a public community college in Bellingham, WA. It offers a two-year ADN program that prepares students for successful nursing careers.

The nursing program at BTC is the largest in the region and has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for the most recent test year. It also offers an accelerated pathway for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,431 per year (in-state); $5,809 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Big Bend Community College

At Big Bend Community College, students can earn an ADN degree that leads to state licensure. The program combines classroom work with laboratory and clinical experiences in various settings to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience.

BBCC, a public community college, is located in Moses Lake, WA. Its ADN program had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,059 per year (in-state); $5,619 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU and ACEN

3. Green River College

Green River College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for current LPNs. Green River is a public college in Auburn, WA.

The program requires 90 credit hours and most recently had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. The school also offers a practical nursing program that leads to the LPN credential.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,711 per year (in-state); $5,263 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

4. Gonzaga University

The BSN at Gonzaga University uses a highly interdisciplinary and interconnected approach that builds skills and experience one step at a time. The program boasts a 99% NCLEX-RN pass rate and prepares students to work with populations that have complex needs and within intricately complex organizational settings.

Gonzaga, located in Spokane, WA, is a private Catholic University. It also offers MSN and DNP degrees for students who want to advance their nursing careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $55,480 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5. Washington State University

Washington State University is a public research institution in Pullman, WA. It offers the largest BSN program in the state.

This degree is offered through the Spokane and Tri-Cities campuses and has a 97.12% NCLEX-RN pass rate. WSU's College of Nursing also offers an RN to BSN, master's degree, and doctoral degree options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,391 per year (in-state); $29,950 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NWCCU and CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Washington

The job outlook for nurses in Washington is looking positive. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects nursing jobs to increase nationwide by 6% by 2033; in Washington, jobs for RNs are expected to increase 13%.

RNs in Washington earn a median annual salary of $112,180, higher than the national median of $93,600. Those in the Portland, OR, and Seattle metros can earn even more.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Washington

Becoming a nurse can be exciting but scary. Below, we've addressed some commonly asked questions about how to become an RN in Washington State to help you out.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Washington?

Multiple factors can affect the cost of a nursing degree in Washington. This includes the school you choose, what degree you're earning, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and your eligibility for financial aid.

Many of the public community colleges in Washington allow you to earn an ADN for under $15,000, possibly less if you qualify for financial aid. To find out what you're eligible for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are several online colleges that accept FAFSA in Washington.

In addition to tuition, you'll have other costs to cover, like textbooks and supplies. You'll likely also need a laptop, so consider some of the best laptops for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisite courses for nursing degrees can vary slightly by program. Most schools require biology, anatomy, and chemistry courses. Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You also need to meet a minimum GPA from either high school or your prerequisite courses. Many schools also require entrance exams like the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS).

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you don't have a degree yet, the fastest way to become a nurse in Washington is through an ADN program.

If you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, many schools offer RN to BSN programs for individuals who hold an ADN and a current license. These programs are usually flexible and allow you to complete your BSN while still working as an RN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

In general, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These degrees are usually designed with flexibility in mind.

As a result, many schools offer these programs online and allow you to complete your clinicals at the healthcare facility where you work. These programs usually take one to two years to finish.

Find a Nursing Degree

Start your journey toward your RN career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual programs to learn more about their nursing programs.