Nursing in District of Columbia
Schools, Licensure and Requirements
If you want to become a nurse in the District of Columbia, you’re in the right place. The District has seven nursing schools spread across one city, giving you several options to start your education. Whether you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or follow an Accelerated BSN program, you can find programs that fit your needs here. This page will help you see everything clearly: schools, program types, exam pass rates, and scholarships.
To become a nurse, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX exam, which tests your knowledge and skills. In the District of Columbia, the average pass rate is 84.5%. This means most students pass their first time. Some schools have scores as high as 95.6%, while a few are around 62.6%. The good news is that the pass rate is improving, so nursing education here is getting stronger. Keep in mind that DC is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means if you get your nursing license here, you won’t be able to work right away in other states that do belong to the Compact without applying for a license there.
As you think about your future in nursing, it helps to know the job scene here. Registered Nurses in the District of Columbia earn an average salary of about $87,000 per year. You’ll find many jobs in large hospitals and healthcare systems like MedStar Health, George Washington University Hospital, and Children’s National Hospital. These places often hire new nurses for many different roles.
We want you to have the information you need to make smart choices about your path in nursing. Below, you’ll see details about nursing programs and how they compare in NCLEX success. You’ll also find information about scholarships you might qualify for as a student in DC. Use this page as a starting point to plan your nursing education and career here in the District of Columbia.
Quick Stats about District of Columbia
Top 10 Nursing Schools in District of Columbia
These are the highest-performing nursing schools in District of Columbia for 2025, ranked by their students' success on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you're choosing where to study, these programs have proven track records of preparing graduates to pass on their first attempt. See how we calculate rankings.
District of Columbia's NCLEX-RN Pass Rate vs. National Average
Compare District of Columbia's NCLEX-RN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.
District of Columbia's NCLEX-PN Pass Rate vs. National Average
Compare District of Columbia's NCLEX-PN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.
Browse Programs by Type
Browse all nursing programs available in District of Columbia, organized by degree type. Click any program to see schools offering that program with detailed information for easy comparison.
Undergraduate Programs
Masters Programs
Doctoral Programs
Nursing Scholarships for District of Columbia Students
Applicant to this scholarship has to be a graduating high school senior in District of Columbia who has been accepted into an accredited National League for Nursing baccalaureate program at a College or University in the United States.
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Mailing Address
Department of Health
Health Professional Licensing Administration
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 877.672.2174
Fax: 202.727.8471