The Best Washington Nurse Practitioner Programs 2024 & 2025
For nurses in Washington aspiring to advance their careers, enrolling in a nurse practitioner (NP) program is a valuable step to acquire advanced qualifications. Washington stands out as an excellent state for those seeking to become NPs, being among the top-paying states for nurse practitioners, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state provides numerous advanced degrees for nurses, and this guide presents rankings of the best Washington nurse practitioner programs to assist individuals in selecting the most suitable degree for career progression.
We employ a data-driven methodology to rank the best nurse practitioner programs in Washington, streamlining the process of finding a program that aligns with individual needs. Our methodology focuses on key metrics that are crucial for students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
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At a Glance: The Top 2 Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
1. Pacific Lutheran University
2. Seattle University
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
Nurse practitioner programs in Washington are designed to train nurses for advanced care across various specialties. NPs are equipped to provide a level of care comparable to physicians, including the ability to prescribe medications in certain states.
To qualify for certification, nurse practitioners typically need a master of science in nursing (MSN). Consequently, NP programs deliver graduate-level coursework in healthcare. Students have the opportunity to choose a specialization, such as adult-gerontology, women’s health, family care, pediatric care, or psychiatric-mental health.
The duration of nurse practitioner programs in Washington universities varies, ranging from 1 to 3 years. The duration depends on factors such as enrollment status (part-time or full-time), possession of a bachelor’s degree in nursing, or enrollment in an accelerated program. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. Regardless of the format, MSN candidates are required to complete clinical hours on-site.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Washington
Admission requirements for Washington nurse practitioner programs can vary. Typically, MSN applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse (RN) license. Some schools may offer RN-to-MSN programs, allowing candidates with an associate degree to bypass the traditional bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) and directly pursue the MSN.
Admission Materials:
– For traditional MSN programs: BSN from an accredited college or university.
– For RN-to-MSN programs:
transcripts from an associate degree in nursing; a prerequisite course in statistics, typically with a minimum “C” grade; current unrestricted RN license; background check; resume; some programs require recommendation letters and a personal statement.
GPA Requirement:
Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Some schools may accept a lower GPA in pre-nursing coursework or with a written explanation.
Other Requirement:
Some programs may require at least one year of previous nursing experience.
Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is a critical quality measure for nursing schools. During the accreditation process, external objective reviewers thoroughly assess every aspect of a program to ensure it meets the highest standards. Consequently, this guide exclusively lists accredited NP schools in Washington.
The importance of accreditation is evident in several aspects:
– State licensing agencies only license graduates of accredited schools.
– Boards do not permit graduates of unaccredited programs to apply for certification.
– Accredited programs rarely accept transfer credits from non-accredited programs.
– Many employers do not consider hiring graduates of non-accredited programs.
– Numerous financial aid options are available only to students enrolled in accredited programs.
The Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington
Refer to our methodology for a detailed understanding of how we create our rankings.
These rankings include data from NurseJournal.org, an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. We utilize publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
The Best Washington Nurse Practitioner Programs 2024 & 2025
#1 Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA
Duration: 4 years
Campus: On-site
Pacific Lutheran University offers two master of science in nursing (MSN) programs, providing flexibility for nursing applicants. The university offers a 27-month entry-level program designed for non-nursing degree holders seeking to earn their RN licenses. Alternatively, graduates of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs can opt for a 12- to 15-month track.
Tailored for working nurses, the curriculum covers essential areas such as the role of the advanced practice nurse, informatics and nursing healthcare, advanced health assessment and health promotion, and clinical experiences.
– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Tacoma, Washington
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $1,093 per credit for BSN-to-MSN; $806 per credit for entry-level MSN pre-licensure and $1,093 per credit post-licensure
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program (BSN and current RN license for RN-to-MSN); minimum 3.0 GPA; prerequisites, including college statistics
– Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,632 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition:
– In-state: $45,440
– Out-of-state: $45,440
Retention Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 86%
Students Enrolled: 2,907
Institution Type: Private
Percentage of Online Enrollment: 98%
Accreditation: Yes, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + On-site
Seattle University’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) curriculum is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses in four focal areas: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, primary care nurse practitioner in adult-gerontology or family practice, and certified nurse midwifery. The programs emphasize enhanced care delivery, translating research into practice, and collaboration.
SU offers four-year nursing immersion tracks for non-nurses, three-year study plans for bachelor-level RNs, or 30-month programs for masters-prepared RNs. Students gain hands-on experience in SU’s clinical performance lab.
– Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
– Campus: Seattle, Washington
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $928 per credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program (non-nursing bachelor’s for nursing immersion track); current RN license for BSN- and MSN-to DNP; minimum 3.0 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 82.35% first-time pass rate
Average Tuition:
– In-state: $47,565
– Out-of-state: $47,565
Retention Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 83%
Students Enrolled: 7,050
Institution Type: Private
Percentage of Online Enrollment: 88%
Accreditation: Yes, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Nurse Practitioner Programs
1. How much do nurse practitioners make in Washington?
Washington is the fourth-highest paying state for NPs, with the median NP salary reported as $130,840 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, it’s important to note that the cost of living, especially in the Seattle area, is also high.
2. Is there a demand for nurse practitioners in Washington?
The demand for nurse practitioners is on the rise nationwide, with the BLS projecting a 46% increase in job outlook for NPs from 2020 to 2030. This demand extends to Washington state, and growth in the NP profession in Washington could potentially surpass national growth, with the U.S. Department of Labor anticipating a 51% increase from 2020 to 2030.
3. How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Washington?
Typically, Washington nurse practitioner programs have a duration of 2-3 years. The timeframe varies based on a nurse’s previous education and experience. RN-to-MSN programs usually take longer for nurses with an associate degree, while accelerated degrees can be completed more quickly than the standard two years.
4. Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Washington?
Yes, nurse practitioners in Washington hold full practice authority, allowing them to meet with patients independently, diagnose illnesses, establish treatment plans, and prescribe medication and controlled substances without requiring supervision from a physician.
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