Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington stands as a beacon of education and innovation.

Within its esteemed universities lies a realm of opportunity for those seeking a comprehensive education to become a certified registered nurse.

An online nursing degree programs can unlock a transformative journey towards becoming a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional.

Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington

These select online nursing programs offer a portal to the world of healthcare from the digital realm, including online RN to BSN programs.

Encompassing a variety of specialized fields, a Washington online nursing degree paves the way for aspiring nurses to master their craft and make a meaningful impact on patient well-being.

1. Northwest University

Northwest University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers career advancement in diverse areas, focusing on leadership, policy development, research, and cross-cultural practice.

With a 36-credit curriculum, you can complete the program online in six semesters, specializing through a scholarly project aligned with your interests.

Interact with educators both online and in-person on the Kirkland, Washington, campus, and even participate in a unique global health experience. Coursework includes a three-credit statistics course and one three-credit course per eight-week term.

2. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University's MSN in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (MSN-NLH) is a forward-looking program that equips aspiring and current nursing leaders with the skills to address the complexities of the modern healthcare system.

This MSN program hones leadership abilities, fostering effective change agents who enhance care quality and career advancement.

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in various healthcare settings, with an opportunity to engage in collaboration through leadership courses from Gonzaga's Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program.

The program spans 30 credits, 180 clinical hours, and six semesters, featuring online courses and an on-campus immersion experience.

Other Popular Online Nursing Programs Available to Washington Residents

Washington residents can pursue degrees outside of the state. These include some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online. Students can choose between traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs to find the best program for their needs.

Capella University

Capella University's RN to BSN program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, offers working nurses an efficient path to an accredited nursing degree.

The program focuses on patient care technology, information management, and generalist nursing practices, enhancing patient care quality and community health.

With options for 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath, students complete core and additional courses to advance their practice in diverse healthcare settings.

Walden University

Walden University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program empowers students to lead nursing practice advancements, enhance healthcare delivery, and elevate organizational leadership.

The curriculum encompasses healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and more. Note that the DNP Traditional and DNP Executive Leadership programs don't lead to licensure.

DNP nurse practitioner specializations prepare graduates for U.S. nurse practitioner practice, subject to individual state requirements. The program includes 45 quarter credits covering core courses, field experience, and completion of a DNP project.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN program tailored for BSN-holding nurses aspiring to become mental health practitioners.

Accredited by the ANCC, the program requires a BSN from an accredited university and relevant clinical experience.

The evidence-based curriculum covers assessment, mental health care plans, and safe prescription of psychiatric medications.

Graduates are prepared for PMHNP roles, organizational leadership, and advisory positions. The program combines online core and specialty courses, concluding with clinical internships totaling 650 hours.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program produces clinical scholars skilled in merging nursing science and art, capable of excelling in various advanced nursing roles.

The program equips students for positions like clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, educators, and administrators.

The Nurse-Midwifery concentration focuses on training safe and competent nurse-midwives eligible for certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Graduates earn an MSN or a Post-Masters Certificate, becoming eligible for the title 'Certified Nurse-Midwife' upon passing the certification exam.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree designed to enhance nursing skills and prepare for future healthcare challenges.

The RN to BSN program is ideal for registered nurses with an associate degree, providing a flexible online pathway to expand nursing competencies. The program is accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring quality education.

The online format offers flexibility, allowing nurses to balance personal and professional commitments while advancing their knowledge and expertise in various nursing roles and adapting to evolving healthcare changes.

Maryville University

Maryville University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, catering to experienced nurses seeking advanced career opportunities.

Nurses can pursue the DNP on its own in as little as 20 months, or add specialized nurse practitioner concentrations to become a DNP-NP in around 36 months.

The program focuses on evidence-based practice, patient care, healthcare policy, and legislative advocacy, equipping students to excel as leaders in clinical practice, policy-making, and systems leadership.

Maryville's DNP curriculum enhances skills in evidence-based practice, patient care, healthcare policy, and legislative advocacy, providing a pathway for nurses to become influential healthcare leaders.

Northeastern University

Northeastern University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, with a focus on neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), equips experienced nurses with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise.

The program targets neonatal critical care, addressing growing demands in the field.

With a requirement of at least two years of NICU experience, the NNP program empowers nurses to manage high-risk neonates and their families independently, preparing them for level 2 and level 3 NICUs.

Graduates are poised to excel with specialized skills, having the opportunity to become certified neonatal nurse practitioners.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Northeastern University's NNP program offers a comprehensive curriculum that enhances diagnostic reasoning, management, and patient care in neonatal settings.

Liberty University

Liberty University's RN to BSN degree program offers practicing registered nurses the convenience of pursuing their education online.

With a curriculum that enhances critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills, this program acknowledges the experience RNs already possess.

The courses, led by experienced nursing professionals, cover diverse areas including leadership, research, and health strategies, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for positions of greater responsibility within the healthcare field.

Moreover, Liberty University's commitment to academic quality and affordability ensures that students can elevate their nursing careers without financial burden.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Washington

The field of nursing provides a variety of educational routes, accommodating a wide range of preferences, from associate degrees to PhDs.

This list showcases online nursing degree options in Washington, encompassing different academic tiers and specialized fields such as leadership/administration, informatics, occupational/environmental, and beyond.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated BSN Programs
• LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
• RN to BSN Programs
• RN to MSN Programs
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

Nursing remains a perennially sought-after profession with constant demand, and there are multiple educational requirements for nurses.

To become a registered nurse (RN) in Washington, you need to finish an approved ADN-level program or higher and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

The process also involves undergoing a background screening and demonstrating completion of at least seven hours of AIDS training.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Washington

Listed below are the eligibility criteria set forth by the Washington's State Board of Nursing to acquire an RN license:

1 Submit Application and Required Materials

2 Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

3 Submit to Background Check

4 Renew License

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

Explore the world of nursing education through online programs, whether you're looking for flexibility in Washington or aiming to specialize in unique fields.

Washington online nursing degrees offer a gateway to a fulfilling healthcare career in the Evergreen State.