Considering a Nursing Career in Washington State? Here’s How to Get Started

Have you noticed that it seems like everyone is training to be a nurse these days? You’re not imagining things. Nursing is not only a secure and high-paying career—it’s also deeply fulfilling and offers the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Why Nursing Is in Demand

The demand for nurses is projected to keep rising. Factors like an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer) are driving this growth. During public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are on the frontlines, proving just how vital they are to our healthcare system.

How Do You Become a Nurse?

This article focuses on the main pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Washington State, specifically through associate and bachelor’s degree programs available at community colleges and universities.

Patient Care Experience

Most nursing programs require applicants to have direct patient care experience. Even if a program doesn’t, having this experience can make you stand out. Working as a licensed nurse aide, nurse assistant, or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualifies as direct patient care experience and demonstrates your commitment to the profession.

RN Programs

Should you become an RN or an LPN? If you’re deciding between becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), we strongly recommend pursuing an RN license if possible. While RN programs are longer and have more prerequisites, there are significantly more RN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in Washington (30 RN programs and 13 BSN programs, compared to just 7 LPN programs). This means your chances of admission are higher, and most RN programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year.

Program Lengths:

• For students with no prior college credits, it typically takes about six quarters (18 months) to complete RN prerequisites.
• After prerequisites, there are entrance exams (such as the NLN PAX-RN) and then the core nursing program itself.

LPN vs. RN Time Commitment:

• LPN: 4 quarters of prerequisites + 4 quarters in the program = ~8 quarters total.
• RN: 6 quarters of prerequisites + 6 quarters in the program = ~12 quarters total.

Although the RN path is only four quarters longer, it comes with significant benefits:

• RNs earn about $15/hour ($30,000/year) more than LPNs.
• RNs qualify for broader career opportunities and better benefits.

Not all RN programs are the same length—some part-time options, like Shoreline College’s 10-quarter program, are available for those who need flexibility.

Licensure: After completing your RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in Washington State.

Job Market & Salaries:

• The median RN salary in Washington was $115,252 in 2023.
• Hospitals increasingly require at least an associate degree for nurses.
• Most RNs work in hospitals, with others in ambulatory care, nursing homes, home health, and a variety of specialties.

LPN Programs in Washington

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are offered at 8 schools in Washington. Each program has its own application requirements, including up to 2 quarters of prerequisites.

• LPN programs typically last 3–4 quarters.
• Classes may be offered in-person, hybrid, or online, and full- or part-time options are available.
• After graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to receive your LPN license.

LPN Salaries & Outlook:

• Median annual LPN salary in Washington (2020): $59,183
• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: $62,513
• King County: $72,000/year (~$36/hour)
• Most LPNs work in nursing homes, ambulatory care, or other settings. Hospitals rarely hire LPNs due to higher educational requirements, and when they do, LPNs often have roles similar to CNAs.

Next Steps: Advancing Your Nursing Career

LPN to RN & LPN to BSN

If you’re an LPN looking to become an RN, you can pursue:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 10 LPN-to-RN programs in Washington. Programs are 4 quarters (full-time) or 6 quarters (part-time).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 5 approved LPN-to-BSN programs. Full-time pathways are 8 quarters; part-time can be 12 quarters.

These programs require additional prerequisites (often science and math) and, after graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as an RN.

Note: There are fewer LPN and LPN-to-BSN program slots than RN or direct BSN pathways, making admission more competitive.

RN to BSN

There are 23 RN-to-BSN programs in Washington, offered at both colleges and universities. These programs:

• Require an unencumbered RN license and at least one year of clinical experience.
• Cost: Community college RN-BSN programs average $10,000; universities, like UW, can exceed $17,000.
• Program length: 4 quarters (full-time) or 8 quarters (part-time).
• No separate licensing exam is required; you’ll have already passed the NCLEX-RN.

Benefits:

• BSN-prepared nurses are more sought after and get hired faster.
• BSNs earn about $2/hour ($2,000/year) more than ADNs.
• The degree opens doors to leadership and management positions, and contributes to personal and professional growth.

Direct BSN Programs

Two Pathways:

1. Community College + University Transfer: Complete prerequisites at a community college (usually cheaper), then transfer to a university BSN program.
2. Direct University Enrollment: Complete all prerequisites and nursing courses at the university, which often gives you admissions preference.

University BSN programs are larger, but typically offer only one intake per year and require full-time, in-person commitment.

After graduation: Pass the NCLEX-RN to be licensed as an RN. Employers often prefer BSN graduates, who earn about $2/hour more than those with an ADN.

Accelerated BSN (aBSN)

For those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN programs are available:

• Only offered at UW and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).
• Duration: 12–16 months.
• Programs are intensive, expensive ($55,000–$70,000), and have few financial aid options.
• Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN for licensure.

Even with the cost, an aBSN is a worthwhile investment—BSNs in Washington earn more than $120,000 per year.

Final Words & Tips for Getting Started

Nursing is a stable, high-paying, and rewarding career. Washington State offers many pathways to become a nurse, whether you’re just starting out or already working in healthcare.

How to Begin:

1. Choose 2–4 nursing programs of interest.
2. Email academic counselors at those schools and request a meeting to discuss your goals.
3. If you already work in healthcare, share your ambitions with your employer—some employers support staff education.

If you have questions or want guidance on a specific program or pathway, let us know. For now, dream big—and go for it!