2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington

Becoming a Nurse in Washington State

There are four common types of nurses who work in Washington. Each career path requires a license and specific education and training. Aspiring nurses will need to complete a state-approved nursing program before pursuing a license. Many of the online nursing programs in Seattle or the nursing programs in Washington state offer tracks for students to study while working toward their license. 

Nursing licenses are awarded by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, which is overseen by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Its goal is to ensure all applicants meet the minimum qualifications for licensure so there are consistent standards of practice across the state. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 64,920 registered nurses working in the state in May of 2022. During this period they earned annual median salaries of $101,108. 

Those interested in becoming a nurse can work toward Washington licenses as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), or advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). Washington also offers nursing assistant registration and certification, which the Washington State Department of Health regulates. 

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get Nursing Assistant Certification in Washington State

Candidates pursuing a career as a nursing assistant must attend a state-approved training program. The program must last at least 85 hours. If they desire, students who are currently enrolled in an RN or LPN program may also work as a nursing assistant as long as they have met the minimum requirements. 

Nursing assistant hopefuls must pass a competency exam that's based on the training program curriculum. The exam results are sent directly to the Department of Health for verification.

Applicants can earn certification by endorsement if they're already a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in another state. In this case, they must provide a history of their training and professional work experience. 

All applicants must take seven hours of training in HIV/AIDS procedures. This training is included in all Washington nursing assistant educational programs. The final step is to file an application and pay associated fees.

CNA Certification Renewal

Nursing assistants must renew their certification annually. The due date for renewal is their birthday. Candidates must pay a renewal fee each year. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal

How To Get an LPN License in Washington State

To become an LPN in Washington, candidates need to earn a Washington LPN license. The process begins by graduating from a state-approved practical nursing training program. 

The next step is submitting a fingerprint-based background check conducted by both the FBI and the Washington State Patrol. Next, applicants will have to choose either licensure by examination (for new LPNs) or licensure by endorsement (for LPNs from another state). Both applications ask about demographic information, personal data, professional education, and AIDS education and training. 

LPN License Renewal

Washington LPN licenses are renewed annually on the LPN's birthday. LPNs must also complete 531 hours of active practice and 45 hours of continuing education every three years.

How To Get an RN License in Washington State

Candidates must earn a Washington RN license to become an RN. Before applying for licensure, students need to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. 

There are two main application methods: examination and endorsement. The examination pathway is the method for those who have just graduated from nursing school. 

RN License Renewal

Washington nursing licenses must be renewed every year. The renewal fee payment is due on the nurse's birthday. Nurses must complete 45 hours of continuing competency requirements on a three-year cycle to maintain their license.

How To Get an ARNP License in Washington State

The highest Washington nursing license one can earn is the ARNP license. Most other states refer to these professionals as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) rather than ARNPs. All would-be ARNPs must have an active RN license when applying. 

Prospective ARNPs need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in their desired nursing specialty. ARNP hopefuls must complete an application that includes a standard fingerprint-based background check. This application asks for basic demographic information, professional education, and national nursing certification information, including candidates' specialties. 

If the ARNP would like to prescribe medications, they must also request prescriptive authority with a special form and provide proof of pharmacology education. Finally, an official school transcript is required.

ARNP License Renewal

Once the professional has earned their Washington ARNP license, they must renew it every two years by their birthday and pay a fee. This process also involves sending in a copy of their recertification in their area of practice — a form that certifies at least 250 hours of independent clinical practice within the last two years and proof of 30 contact hours of continuing education credit. ARNPs with prescribing authority must take 15 hours of pharmacology credits.

FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Washington State