Nursing in Washington

Washington has 51 nursing programs spread across 47 cities, with a noticeable concentration in the Puget Sound region around Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. While urban centers have many options, rural areas and eastern Washington have fewer nursing schools, posing challenges for students outside the metro areas. Most programs range from state community colleges to private universities.

The state’s NCLEX pass rate data show a wide range, with some programs reporting pass rates near 80% while others exceed 90%. Overall, Washington’s RN pass rate has been improving and is close to the national average. However, variations stem partly from inconsistent program quality, especially among some smaller for-profit and less-resourced schools.

Regarding licensing, Washington is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses licensed here cannot automatically practice in other compact states. They must obtain individual licenses for each state where they want to work. This creates added administrative steps compared to compact states, which may affect those hoping to work near state borders like Idaho or Oregon.

Washington’s nursing job market reflects steady demand but with regional disparities. The Puget Sound area offers the most positions, led by major employers such as UW Medicine, Virginia Mason, MultiCare Health System, and PeaceHealth. Rural areas still face shortages, but competition exists in urban centers due to many nursing graduates each year. Advanced practice nurses earn strong salaries, with nurse practitioners averaging $145,400 annually. Registered nurses make about $111,030 yearly on average, but wages vary substantially by region and specialty.

Tuition costs vary by program type and institution. LPN programs typically range from $6,000 to $15,000 in public technical colleges, keeping them relatively affordable. ADN programs at community colleges usually cost between $8,000 and $18,000, which is below the national average. BSN programs at public universities average around $15,000 to $25,000 per year for state residents, while private universities charge more. These tuition costs combined with Washington’s relatively high housing and living expenses mean budgeting carefully is important.

Together, these factors create a nursing education landscape with promising opportunities alongside challenges. Students should consider geography, school quality, and costs closely when planning their nursing education in Washington.