
Jake Flannigan, NP
July 15, 2025
Washington’s NP programs train RNs for advanced, autonomous practice across both urban centers, like Seattle and Spokane, and the state’s many rural communities. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks at institutions such as the University of Washington, Gonzaga University, Seattle University, and Pacific Lutheran University emphasize evidence‑based care and interprofessional collaboration.
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - gonzaga.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program delivers comprehensive mental healthcare training. Designed for nurses seeking advanced psychiatric practice, the curriculum spans 47 credits with 660 clinical hours across five on-campus immersions. Students develop sophisticated skills in psychopharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based interventions, preparing to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders for individuals, families, and populations. The flexible online format allows professionals to advance their careers while maintaining work-life balance. Graduates are equipped to provide primary mental health care across diverse settings, emphasizing professional leadership and comprehensive patient-centered approaches.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's online Master of Science in Nursing, concentrating in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, offers a rigorous 47-credit program designed for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the curriculum integrates ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making, and leadership development. Students complete 660 clinical hours across nine semesters, gaining advanced skills to improve patient outcomes. The program's strategic design focuses on comprehensive psychiatric mental health training, preparing graduates to address complex mental health challenges with professional competence and compassionate care.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an innovative hybrid program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive patient care. The 78-credit curriculum includes 1,000 practicum hours, strategically balancing online coursework with on-campus immersions. Students develop extensive clinical skills targeting patient care across lifespans, positioning graduates for national certification and advanced practice licensure. The program's flexible format and competitive tuition make it ideal for nurses seeking to expand their professional capabilities in primary care settings like clinics, urgent care centers, and community health facilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a comprehensive 78-credit hybrid program targeting advanced mental health practice. With 1,000 clinical practicum hours, students gain deep expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders across patient lifespans. The curriculum emphasizes prescriptive authority, advanced clinical skills, and preparing practitioners for diverse healthcare environments. Seven on-campus immersions complement extensive online learning, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for national certification and complex mental health challenges in contemporary healthcare systems.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice for Family Nurse Practitioners delivers a comprehensive online program designed for ambitious nursing professionals. Spanning 78 credits with 1,000 practicum hours, the curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses for multifaceted healthcare delivery across patient life stages. The flexible five-year completion timeline and minimal on-campus immersions accommodate working professionals. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and national certification preparation, graduates emerge equipped to excel in diverse settings including private practices, community health centers, and clinical environments.
Tacoma, WA - Public 4-Year - tacoma.uw.edu
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care offers an intensive 12-15 month program targeting experienced nurses seeking specialized pediatric expertise. Uniquely designed for advanced practice registered nurses, this hybrid certificate focuses on comprehensive child health management from infancy through young adulthood. Trainees develop critical skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and acute/chronic condition management. The program distinguishes itself through personalized curriculum planning, diverse clinical experiences in urban and rural settings, and rigorous preparation for national certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides an accelerated 12-15 month advanced nursing pathway for registered nurses targeting acute and critical care specialization. Participants gain comprehensive clinical training to manage complex health conditions across adult and geriatric populations. This hybrid program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership skills while preparing nurses for high-intensity healthcare environments. With CCNE accreditation and national certification eligibility, the program offers tailored curriculum development through individualized gap analysis and immersive urban and rural clinical experiences.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate delivers a dynamic 12-15 month hybrid program for graduate-level nursing professionals. Designed for advanced practice nurses, the curriculum focuses on delivering safe, culturally sensitive care across the adult lifespan. Participants benefit from customized learning through comprehensive gap analysis, combining in-person instruction with diverse clinical practicum experiences. The program emphasizes comprehensive primary care skills, preparing graduates for certification and licensure while offering flexible admission based on available space and specific application deadlines.
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care program within the Doctor of Nursing Practice track offers a specialized 9-quarter pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Focused exclusively on acute pediatric care, the program prepares students to diagnose and manage complex health conditions for children from late preterm to young adulthood. Participants gain comprehensive skills through pre-arranged clinical placements in high-intensity environments like emergency departments and intensive care units. With $3.8M in scholarships and nationwide recognition, the program provides an unparalleled opportunity for nurses seeking advanced pediatric acute care expertise.
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care DNP track delivers a comprehensive 9-quarter program dedicated to pediatric healthcare excellence. Targeting advanced nursing professionals, the curriculum emphasizes holistic care for children from late preterm through young adulthood. Students develop advanced skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive assessments. With pre-arranged clinical placements, $3.8M in scholarship support, and national certification eligibility, graduates can practice in diverse settings from primary care clinics to international health environments.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track at University of Washington offers a robust 9-quarter program preparing advanced nursing professionals for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Students gain expertise in performing detailed health assessments, managing acute and chronic conditions, and prescribing therapies across patient lifespans. The program distinguishes itself through pre-arranged clinical placements, state-of-the-art simulation training, and opportunities for practice in diverse healthcare settings. With national certification eligibility and a focus on leadership development, graduates are equipped for independent practice or collaborative healthcare teams.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides an intensive 9-quarter program for healthcare professionals targeting comprehensive adult and senior care. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies. Students receive extensive training in comprehensive health assessments and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments. With $3.8M in scholarships, pre-arranged clinical placements, and a #2 national ranking among public nursing schools, the program offers an exceptional pathway to advanced nursing practice with national certification opportunities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track at University of Washington delivers a comprehensive 9-quarter program for advanced practice nurses. Focused on expert care for adult and aging patients, the curriculum provides intensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and complex chronic conditions. Participants benefit from pre-arranged clinical placements, extensive procedural training, and state-of-the-art simulation experiences. With a #2 national ranking among public nursing schools and $3.8M in scholarship support, the program prepares nurses for diverse healthcare settings and national certification.
Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate offers an immersive 28-month advanced clinical training pathway. Designed for experienced nurses, the 40-credit program integrates comprehensive health management strategies with 600 clinical training hours. Students navigate complex primary care procedures, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and rigorous assessment techniques. The flexible Thursday evening and Friday class schedule accommodates working professionals, ensuring seamless integration of advanced learning. Graduates emerge thoroughly prepared for national Family Nurse Practitioner certification, equipped with specialized skills to deliver exceptional healthcare across diverse patient populations.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate provides an intensive 28-month specialized professional development journey. Spanning 50 credit hours, the program transforms experienced nurses into comprehensive mental health experts. Coursework strategically covers advanced psychopharmacology, evidence-based psychotherapies, and trauma-informed care modules. The innovative curriculum features personalized gap analysis and flexible Thursday evening/Friday classes, enabling working professionals to advance their psychiatric nursing credentials. Graduates gain profound understanding of lifespan mental health interventions, positioning themselves as critical healthcare practitioners.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration empowers healthcare professionals through a transformative leadership-focused curriculum. Offering flexible full-time and part-time pathways, the program prepares nurses to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Students develop advanced clinical expertise, quality improvement strategies, and inter-professional collaboration skills. The CCNE-accredited program features small cohort sizes and meticulously arranged clinical placements, ensuring personalized learning experiences. Graduates become Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, ready to drive meaningful patient outcomes and implement innovative healthcare solutions.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals for transformative healthcare leadership. Completed in 3-4 years with flexible enrollment options, the program emphasizes comprehensive mental health expertise. Students explore advanced clinical interventions, quality improvement methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The CCNE-accredited curriculum offers multiple entry pathways, including BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP tracks. Faculty-arranged clinical placements and a small cohort learning environment ensure personalized, intensive training. Graduates emerge as highly skilled mental health practitioners ready to drive significant healthcare innovations.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a cutting-edge approach to advanced mental health practice. This rigorous program cultivates leadership skills while providing specialized mental health treatment expertise. Flexible full and part-time options accommodate diverse professional backgrounds, enabling nurses to develop sophisticated healthcare strategies. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, quality system development, and patient outcome improvement. With small cohort sizes and faculty-arranged clinical placements, students receive individualized education preparing them for pivotal roles in psychiatric healthcare transformation.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience for ambitious nursing professionals. Blending online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, the program provides unparalleled flexibility for working nurses. Emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, and family healthcare across the lifespan, students develop comprehensive skills to address complex healthcare challenges. With multiple admission pathways, financial aid options, and meticulously arranged clinical placements, the program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized learning and meaningful professional development.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program represents a comprehensive pathway to advanced psychiatric nursing practice. Spanning 90 semester credit hours, the campus-based program integrates rigorous DNP core coursework with specialized mental health training. Students engage in scholarly projects, advanced pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experiences, developing sophisticated skills in psychiatric disorder assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The curriculum strategically balances leadership development, quality improvement principles, and clinical expertise. Designed for working professionals, the program prepares nurses to make significant impacts in mental healthcare delivery.
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - seattleu.edu
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a transformative lifespan approach to mental health nursing. Designed for RNs and career changers, the program provides 3-4 years of intensive training in mental illness and addiction care across community, primary, hospital, and outpatient settings. With a strong commitment to reducing healthcare disparities, students develop advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities. The program prepares graduates for ANCC certification, emphasizing comprehensive mental health interventions and systemic healthcare transformation through evidence-based, compassionate practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Doctoral Certificate offers an intensive 3-year specialized training for doctoral-level nurses seeking advanced mental health expertise. Designed for professionals targeting comprehensive psychiatric and addiction treatment, the 60-credit program emphasizes evidence-based interventions across diverse healthcare environments. Graduates gain robust preparation for the ANCC PMHNP certification, with a curriculum prioritizing ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration. Admissions are competitive and space-limited, encouraging prospective candidates to demonstrate advanced clinical proficiency and commitment to mental health innovation.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Post-Master's Certificate provides a dynamic 18-month hybrid program for experienced nurses seeking specialized acute care credentials. Targeting working professionals, the curriculum develops advanced clinical competencies in managing complex adult health conditions. Students engage in monthly on-campus sessions, gaining expertise applicable in critical care settings like intensive care, emergency medicine, and cardiology. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares nurses for national certification, offering flexible learning with robust professional development opportunities.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care offers a comprehensive 3-4 year program preparing advanced practice nurses for holistic patient care. With an impressive 95% board pass rate, the curriculum develops leadership skills while providing multiple certification pathways. Students learn to deliver high-quality healthcare across age spectrums, emphasizing evidence-based interventions and complex healthcare problem-solving. The program accommodates both non-nurses and registered nurses, offering a rigorous 109-166 credit journey toward advanced nursing practice.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health transforms nurses into innovative mental health leaders. The 3-4 year program cultivates advanced clinical skills for addressing mental health challenges across patient lifespans. With comprehensive training in integrated mental health and addiction treatment, students develop expertise in evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. The curriculum prepares graduates for ANCC certification through in-person learning, clinical immersion, and a focus on healthcare disparity reduction. Graduates emerge as skilled practitioners ready to make significant impacts in diverse clinical environments.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides an exceptional pathway for nurses specializing in comprehensive women's healthcare. This nationally ranked program offers a 3-4 year curriculum focusing on advanced gynecological services, prenatal care, family planning, and diagnostic expertise. Students benefit from evidence-based research training, critical thinking development, and preparation for national certification. With multiple entry pathways and competitive annual salaries around $145,400, the program welcomes both BSN graduates and non-nurse professionals seeking transformative healthcare careers.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares nurses for high-intensity medical environments. The rigorous 3-year program demands two years of acute care experience, providing 90 quarterly clinical training hours across inpatient, emergency, and critical care settings. Students develop advanced skills in healthcare innovation, evidence-based practice, and leadership. With an 85.7% job placement rate and ANCC certification eligibility, graduates are strategically positioned to excel in urban and rural healthcare landscapes, equipped with comprehensive clinical and professional competencies.
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) offers a cutting-edge hybrid program designed for advanced nursing professionals seeking autonomous practice. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 3-4 years, students master evidence-based primary care techniques across all age demographics. The program uniquely blends online learning with strategic in-person lab experiences, preparing graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care independently. Emphasizing leadership and clinical expertise, students complete 1,000 practicum hours across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, the program requires a nursing bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license, making it an exceptional pathway for ambitious nurse practitioners.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides an innovative hybrid program targeting critical mental health needs. Designed for working professionals, this comprehensive curriculum equips students with advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex mental health disorders. Through flexible online coursework and targeted in-person lab experiences, students develop sophisticated clinical competencies. The program spans 3-4 years, requiring 1,000 practicum hours and offering multiple campus locations. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, candidates must possess an active RN license and preferably one year of nursing experience. Graduates emerge as highly skilled independent practitioners prepared to address diverse mental health challenges.
Programs commonly use a hybrid format: online lectures and live webinars deliver didactic content, while on‑campus intensives provide simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally under approved preceptors, and a few schools offer fully online didactic phases with minimal in‑person assessments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Gonzaga University |
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Seattle University
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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
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| Certifying Board | Washington State Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | National APRN credential in the NP specialty (e.g., AANP, ANCC) with primary-source verification |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by your birth date every two years, renewable up to 90 days before expiration |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours every two years, ARNPs with prescriptive authority add 15 pharmacology hours, maintain national certification |
| License Application Fee | $130 initial ARNP application fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts verifying practicum hours, first-time ARNP applicants without prior practice may need up to 1,000 supervised clinical hours under an interim permit (125 hours/year) |
| Processing Time | Complete applications processed within about seven business days, interim permit or permanent license issued within seven days of a complete application |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) a Washington RN license (single-state or multistate) and submit primary-source APRN certification verification |
Nurse practitioners in Washington earn an average of about $125,000 per year, with Seattle area salaries often exceeding $135,000 and rural regions closer to the state average. Compensation packages frequently include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance and robust benefits.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Washington | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $141,000 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $67.79 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$160,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $141,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$118,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,000 | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
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| Gonzaga University |
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Pacific Lutheran University
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Many NPs pursue a DNP to qualify for leadership, academic or executive roles, while post‑master’s certificates allow adding new specialties without another full degree. PhD pathways prepare practitioners for research or faculty careers, and advanced training also supports roles in administration, informatics, policy development and telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Washington
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website