Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Washington

Gonzaga University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program equips nurses to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across diverse settings. Students develop advanced clinical and professional leadership skills, focusing on primary mental health care for individuals, families, and populations at risk. The program prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders through a rigorous 47-credit curriculum featuring 660 clinical hours and five on-campus immersions. With flexible online courses and comprehensive training, students gain expertise in psychopharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based interventions.

• 47 Total Program Credits
• 660 Clinical Practice Hours
• 9 Semester Completion Time
• Flexible Online Coursework
• 5 On-campus Immersions
• Focuses on All Age Groups
• Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Skills
• Prescriptive Authority Training
• Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis

Gonzaga University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares students for advanced practice in mental health care. This program blends rigorous academics with practical clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of the field. With a focus on ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making, and leadership, students gain the skills to improve patient outcomes. The program requires 47 credits, costs $1,170 per credit, and typically takes 9 semesters to complete, including 660 clinical hours. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it's designed for nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric mental health.

• Online format
• 47 credits required
• $1,170 per credit
• 9 semesters average completion
• 660 clinical hours
• Psychiatric Mental Health focus
• CCNE accredited
• Evidence-based practice
• Leadership skills development
• Ethical decision-making focus

Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Students gain extensive clinical preparation through 1,000 practicum hours, learning to provide comprehensive care across patient lifespans. The rigorous 78-credit program balances online coursework with strategic on-campus immersions, preparing graduates for national certification and advanced practice licensure. With a flexible hybrid format and competitive per-credit tuition of $1,170, this program equips nurses to excel in diverse primary care settings like clinics, urgent care centers, and community health centers.

• 78 Total Credits
• 1,000 Practicum Hours
• Online with On-Campus Immersions
• Average 5-Year Completion Time
• Prepares for National Certification
• Minimum 8 On-Campus Immersions
• Faculty Clinical Site Visits
• Comprehensive DNP Project Required

Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. This rigorous 78-credit hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, prescriptive authority, and extensive practicum experience. Graduates become highly skilled practitioners capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders in diverse healthcare settings. The program includes 1,000 clinical practicum hours and prepares students for national certification, with an average completion time of 5-6 years.

• 78 total program credits
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• 7 on-campus immersions
• Prepares for national certification
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Multiple healthcare practice settings

Gonzaga University's Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare across all life stages. The rigorous 78-credit online program equips students with advanced clinical skills, featuring 1,000 practicum hours and a flexible 5-year completion timeline. With minimal on-campus immersions and a focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are prepared to take the national certification exam and pursue advanced practice licensure in diverse healthcare settings like private practices, clinics, and community health centers.

• 78 Total Credits
• 1,000 Clinical Practicum Hours
• Average 5-Year Completion
• Online with On-Campus Immersions
• National Certification Eligible
• Multi-Setting Clinical Preparation
• Advanced Health Assessment Focus
• $1,170 Per Credit
• 8 On-Campus Immersions
• Faculty Clinical Site Visits

The University of Washington's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC) is an advanced nursing program designed for experienced healthcare professionals. Spanning 12-15 months, this specialized certificate enables nurses to expand their practice in pediatric primary care, focusing on comprehensive child health from infancy through young adulthood. Graduates develop expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions. The program offers personalized curriculum, clinical experiences in diverse settings, and prepares nurses for national certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

• 12-15 month certificate program
• Full-time, in-person training
• Personalized curriculum planning
• Urban and rural clinical settings
• Focuses on pediatric primary care
• For advanced practice registered nurses
• National certification preparation
• Culturally sensitive care approach
• Research-informed practice emphasis

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is an advanced nursing program designed for experienced registered nurses seeking specialized expertise in acute and critical care. Graduates develop skills to manage complex health conditions across the adult and older adult lifespan, with comprehensive clinical training spanning 12-15 months. The program prepares professionals to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care in diverse healthcare settings, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

• 12-15 months program length
• Full-time, in-person format
• Advanced practice registered nurse track
• Tailored curriculum via gap analysis
• Urban and rural clinical experiences
• National certification eligibility
• CCNE accredited program
• Designed for experienced nurses

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is tailored for advanced practice nurses aiming to enhance their primary care skills across the adult lifespan. This hybrid program, spanning 12 to 15 months, combines in-person learning with clinical practicum experiences in diverse settings. It's designed for those with a graduate nursing degree, focusing on safe, competent, and culturally sensitive care. Graduates are prepared for certification and licensure, with a curriculum customized through a gap analysis of prior education and experience. Tuition varies, and admission is on a space-available basis, with specific application deadlines.

• 12-15 months program length.
• Hybrid learning mode.
• Customized curriculum plan.
• Eligible for certification post-completion.
• Focus on culturally sensitive care.
• Clinical experiences in urban/rural settings.
• Requires weekly in-person attendance.
• Designed for advanced practice nurses.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Admission on space-available basis.

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care program at the University of Washington prepares advanced nursing professionals to diagnose, treat, and manage complex pediatric health conditions. Focused on acute care, this innovative Doctor of Nursing Practice track equips students to work with children from late preterm gestation through young adulthood. Students gain comprehensive skills in comprehensive health assessments, diagnostic interpretation, and patient-centered care across diverse clinical settings like emergency departments, intensive care, and pediatric subspecialty services.

• 9-quarter DNP program
• Full-time, in-person training
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Only WWAMI region PNP-AC track
• $3.8M in DNP scholarships
• Graduates eligible for PNCB certification
• One year RN experience recommended

The University of Washington's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC) track within the DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive pediatric healthcare. Focused on children from late preterm to young adulthood, the program emphasizes holistic care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students learn to perform comprehensive assessments, diagnose and manage health conditions, and prescribe therapies. With pre-arranged clinical placements and $3.8M in scholarships, graduates can practice in diverse settings from primary care clinics to international health environments.

• 9-quarter Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Full-time, in-person program
• National certification eligibility
• Comprehensive pediatric healthcare focus
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

The University of Washington's Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive, holistic healthcare across the lifespan. Students learn to perform comprehensive health assessments, diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions, and prescribe therapies. The program offers pre-arranged clinical placements, cutting-edge simulation training, and opportunities to practice in diverse settings from primary care to specialized medical services. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can work independently or within healthcare teams.

• #2 Public DNP Nursing School
• 9-quarter full-time program
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Practice across patient lifespan
• National certification eligible
• Multiple practice settings
• State-of-art simulation center
• Leadership skill development
• Veteran's health opportunities

The University of Washington's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track within the DNP program equips healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, holistic care for adults and seniors. Students learn advanced clinical skills, including comprehensive health assessments, diagnostic procedures, and patient-centered care strategies. The program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions across diverse healthcare settings. With pre-arranged clinical placements and #2 national ranking among public nursing schools, students receive exceptional training. Scholarships totaling $3.8 million support students, making this an accessible and prestigious pathway to advanced nursing practice.

• 9-quarter full-time DNP program
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• $3.8M in DNP scholarships
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings
• National certification eligibility
• Focuses on adult and senior care
• State-of-art simulation training
• Comprehensive health assessment skills
• Leadership and advanced practice foundation

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track within the DNP program at the University of Washington prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver expert care for adult and aging patients. Students gain comprehensive skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions. The program offers pre-arranged clinical placements, extensive procedural training, and national certification preparation. With #2 national ranking among public nursing schools and $3.8M in scholarships, students can expect high-quality education focused on advanced patient care across diverse healthcare settings.

• 9-quarter full-time DNP program
• Comprehensive acute care training
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• National certification preparation
• Diverse practice settings available
• One year RN experience recommended
• State-of-art simulation center
• Extensive procedural skills training
• Focus on adult and geriatric care

Pacific Lutheran University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive 28-month program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Spanning 40 credit hours, the curriculum provides in-depth training across complex health management, advanced assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and primary care procedures. Students engage in rigorous coursework and 600 total clinical hours, preparing them for national certification. The flexible schedule, featuring Thursday evenings and Friday classes, accommodates working healthcare professionals seeking specialized family healthcare training.

• 28-month post-graduate certificate
• 40 total credit hours
• 600 clinical training hours
• Thursday evening/Friday classes
• Advanced clinical specialization
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Comprehensive health management curriculum

Pacific Lutheran University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Graduate Certificate provides advanced nursing professionals an intensive 28-month specialized pathway to mental health expertise. The comprehensive 50-credit program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care across patient lifespans. Designed for experienced nurses seeking specialized mental health credentials, the curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based psychotherapies. Flexible scheduling with primarily Thursday evening and Friday classes accommodates working professionals, with strategic coursework progression tailored through personalized gap analysis.

• 28-month specialized certificate
• 50 total credit hours
• Flexible Thursday/Friday classes
• Advanced psychiatric nursing curriculum
• Personalized gap analysis assessment
• Comprehensive lifespan mental health training
• Psychopharmacology focus
• Trauma-informed care modules

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals a pathway to leadership and specialized clinical expertise. This comprehensive program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, preparing nurses to develop quality healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes. Graduates become eligible for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensure after completing the program and passing national certification exams.

• Three program pathway options
• Full-time and part-time study
• Small cohort sizes
• Clinical placements arranged
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Inter-professional team preparation

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program equips nursing professionals with advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. Specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), students can complete the program in 3-4 years, with flexible full-time and part-time options. The program prepares graduates to improve healthcare outcomes, develop quality improvements, and become advanced practice registered nurses. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and obtain state licensure, with clinical placements arranged by faculty to ensure comprehensive training.

• Flexible full-time/part-time options
• Small cohort learning environment
• Faculty-arranged clinical placements
• CCNE accredited program
• Three pathway options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead transformative healthcare solutions. This rigorous program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, enabling nurses to develop specialized skills in mental health treatment. Graduates gain expertise in developing quality healthcare systems, collaborating across interdisciplinary teams, and driving significant patient outcome improvements. With small cohort sizes and personalized clinical placements, students receive high-quality, individualized education preparing them for leadership roles in psychiatric nursing.

• Three pathways to DNP
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full and part-time options
• Specialized PMHNP concentration
• Clinical placements arranged by faculty

Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is designed for nursing professionals aiming to elevate their careers. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, offering flexibility for working nurses. It prepares graduates for advanced practice roles, focusing on family healthcare across the lifespan. The program emphasizes leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Admission requires a BSN or MSN, with specific prerequisites. Financial aid options are available to support students. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring graduates are ready to make a significant impact in healthcare settings.

• Hybrid program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• Flexible full-time/part-time options
• Clinical placements arranged by PLU
• Small cohort sizes
• Leadership and quality improvement focus
• BSN or MSN admission paths
• Financial aid available
• Prepares for national certification
• Evidence-based practice curriculum

Pacific Lutheran University's BSN-DNP PMHNP program prepares nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health. This campus-based program blends DNP core coursework with specialized PMHNP training, focusing on assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders. Students engage in scholarly projects and clinical hours, gaining hands-on experience. The curriculum covers advanced pharmacology, patho, and physical assessment, alongside leadership and quality improvement. With a total of 90 semester credit hours, the program is designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in mental health care. Admission requires a BSN, with coursework structured to accommodate working professionals.

• 90 semester credit hours.
• Campus-based program.
• Focuses on psychiatric mental health.
• Includes DNP scholarly project.
• Advanced pharmacology and patho.
• Leadership and quality improvement courses.
• Clinical hours for hands-on experience.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.
• Structured for working professionals.
• Assess, diagnose, treat psychiatric disorders.

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program equips students with the skills to provide advanced nursing care in mental health and addiction treatment. This lifespan program focuses on serving diverse populations, integrating mental illness and addictions care across community, primary care, hospital, and outpatient settings. With a commitment to reducing health disparities, the program prepares graduates for leadership in transforming health care systems. Admission requires an RN license, with program lengths varying for non-nurses (4 years) and current RNs (3 years).

• CCNE accredited program.
• Focus on mental health and addictions.
• Serves diverse populations.
• Leadership in health care transformation.
• 4 years for non-nurses, 3 years for RNs.
• In-person learning format.
• State-of-the-art clinical lab.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Focus on reducing health disparities.
• Prepares for advanced nursing practice.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Doctoral Certificate at Seattle University offers an advanced pathway for nurses holding a doctoral degree to specialize in psychiatric mental health. This program focuses on integrating mental health and addictions treatment across various healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible for the PMHNP examination by the ANCC. Tailored to individual educational backgrounds, it emphasizes evidence-based care, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. With a duration of 3 years and 60 credits, it's designed for those aiming to expand their scope in mental health nursing. Admissions are on a space-available basis, encouraging interested candidates to inquire for more details.

• 3-year program duration.
• 60 credits required.
• In-person learning format.
• Eligible for PMHNP examination.
• Focus on mental health and addictions.
• Tailored to individual educational backgrounds.
• Emphasizes evidence-based care.
• Promotes ethical decision-making.
• Encourages interprofessional collaboration.
• Space-available admissions basis.

Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate provides a transformative 18-month pathway for experienced nurses to expand their clinical expertise. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid program enables nurses to develop advanced skills in managing acute and complex adult health conditions. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams, positioning themselves for specialized roles in critical care settings like hospital medicine, ICU, cardiology, and emergency medicine. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical decision-making in complex healthcare environments.

• 18-month certificate program
• Hybrid learning format
• CCNE accredited program
• Certification exam eligibility
• Specialized acute care focus
• 41 total credit hours
• Monthly on-campus sessions
• Specialty practice opportunities

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across diverse populations. This rigorous 3-4 year program offers exceptional training with a 95% board pass rate and high employment potential. Students gain expertise in evidence-based healthcare, learning to provide quality care for patients of all ages while developing leadership skills to address complex healthcare challenges. The program provides multiple certification pathways, including Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.

• Doctorate in Nursing Practice
• 4 years non-nurses, 3 years RNs
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 85.7% Job Placement Rate
• 109-166 Total Credits
• In-Person Learning Format
• ANCC/AANPCB Certification Eligible
• State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health prepares advanced practice nurses to transform mental health care across diverse patient populations. The comprehensive program equips students with skills to provide integrated mental health and addiction treatment in various clinical settings, serving patients from childhood through older adulthood. Graduates become leaders in addressing healthcare disparities, with a focus on evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. The rigorous 3-4 year program offers in-person learning, clinical immersion, and prepares students for the ANCC certification examination.

• CCNE Accredited Doctoral Program
• Lifespan Mental Health Focus
• In-Person Clinical Training
• 108-171 Total Credits
• 85.7% Job Placement Rate
• 3-4 Year Program Duration
• State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab
• Comprehensive Mental Health Curriculum
• Advanced Clinical Preparation

Seattle University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for women across their lifespan. Students gain advanced skills in gynecological care, prenatal and postnatal services, family planning, diagnostic testing, and treatment planning. As Washington's top-ranked nursing school, the program offers a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based research and critical thinking. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue high-demand roles with average annual salaries around $145,400. The three to four-year program welcomes both BSN graduates and non-nurse professionals seeking career transformation.

• Washington's #1 Nursing School
• 3-4 year program duration
• In-person clinical training
• Eligible for NCC certification
• State-of-the-art clinical lab
• Located near major medical centers
• CCNE accredited program
• 113-176 total credits
• Multiple entry pathways

Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares advanced practice nurses for intensive care environments. Students gain hands-on clinical experience with 90 hours of quarterly training, developing critical skills in inpatient, emergency, and critical care settings. The rigorous 3-year full-time program requires two years of acute care experience and offers comprehensive preparation for professional certification exams. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions in urban and rural healthcare settings.

• 3-year full-time DNP program
• 90 clinical hours per quarter
• 2 years acute care experience preferred
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 85.7% job placement rate
• State-of-the-art Clinical Performance Lab
• Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center
• Eligible for ANCC certification exam
• 110-173 total program credits
• In-person learning format

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across all age groups. This hybrid program combines online learning with strategic in-person lab experiences, offering a flexible pathway for nurses seeking autonomous practice. Students can complete the program in 3-4 years, with tuition ranging from approximately $87,000-$145,000 depending on residency status. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and preferred one year of nursing experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and clinical expertise, positioning graduates to independently diagnose, treat, and manage patient care in diverse healthcare settings.

• Hybrid online/campus program
• Independent practice preparation
• 3-4 year completion options
• Comprehensive primary care focus
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Practicum in Washington/Idaho/Oregon
• 1,000 total practicum hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple campus location options

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs across diverse populations. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders through a hybrid learning model. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible online coursework with select in-person lab experiences. Tuition ranges from approximately $87,000-$145,000 depending on residency status, with most students completing the program in 3-4 years. Applicants must hold an active RN license and have preferably one year of nursing experience.

• Hybrid online/campus program
• Comprehensive mental health specialization
• Flexible 3-4 year completion options
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• 1,000 total practicum hours required
• Multiple campus locations available
• CCNE Accredited program
• Independent practice potential
• RN license prerequisite
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required